Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this immersive journey through the outback. You’ll begin in Sydney, where your students will visit the famed Opera House, Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Then, your class can look forward to learning about Aboriginal culture and history at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Alice Springs. In Cairns, your group will spend a full day discovering the wondrous biological diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Australia (Sydney)
Day 2
Lose a day as you cross the International Date Line
Day 3
Arrive in Sydney
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Sydney Tour Director-led sightseeing
Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, The Rocks, Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney Opera House guided visit
Tour the world-famous Sydney Opera House. The unique design has made it an iconic performance space.
Day 4
Bondi Beach excursion
The Gap, Mrs Macquarie's Point, Explore Bondi Beach
Optional
Surf lesson on Bondi Beach (optional)
Good on ya, mate. It’s time to grab a board, catch a wave and hang ten. Well, after some first-class lessons and lots and lots of practice. Starting on the sand and then progressing to the sea, budding surfers will spend about an hour and a half learning the tricks of the trade from some of Bondi’s most colorful surfers and lifeguards. Surfboards and wetsuits are all part of the package, along with everything you need to get you surfing in style.
Ferry ride across the Sydney Harbour
Hop aboard the Manly Ferry, one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences. Departing regularly to and from Manly to Circular Quay, the ferry cruises past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before passing Kirribilli House the official residence of the Prime Minister.
Explore Manly
Get to know the vibrant Manly, known for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafés, and cool restaurants. The streets are lined with surf and beach-ware shops and little boutique stores. Get active with a scenic coastal walk or go for a swim, hire a bike or walk to Fairy Bower Beach, where the little penguins reside.
Day 5
Optional
Blue Mountains and wildlife sanctuary excursion (optional)
Spend a day at the scenic Blue Mountain National Park - the traditional homelands of six groups of indigenous people – Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darkinjung and Tharawal. Travel through rainforests and encounter new plants and wildlife. Observe the amazing sandstone rock formation known as the Three Sisters. The Blue Mountains offer a variety of lookout points for you to take in the views.
Day 6
Fly to Uluru
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre visit
Explore the many meanings and practices encompassed within the religion, law and moral systems of the Anangu culture, the traditional owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Explore the base of Uluru and absorb its magnificence, including Aboriginal rock paintings and caves. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, see the stunning changes of colour on the rock from red to orange to purple.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park guided visit
Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, featuring spectacular geological formations that dominate the vast red sandy plain of Central Australia. Uluru and Kata Tjuta form part of the traditional belief system of one of the oldest human societies in the world. The traditional owners of this land are the Anangu people.
Didgeridoo and Clapping Sticks Workshop
Listen to the enchanting sounds of the Yidaki, the traditional Aboriginal term for the didgeridoo and learn about the basic techniques of circular breathing and how to use the didgeridoo.
Day 7
Travel to Watarrka
Watarrka National Park visit
Rim Walk, Garden of Eden, Lost City
Day 8
Travel to Alice Springs
Begin your journey to Alice Springs. Alice Springs or 'Alice' as locals call it, is known as the heart of the Outback, nestled between the beautiful mountain ranges of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The town has a strong Aboriginal culture which is embedded into the community's way of life. The Aboriginal Arrernte (pronounced arrunda) people are the traditional custodians of Alice Springs and the surrounding region and Mparntwe (pronounced m’barn-twa) is the Arrernte name of Alice Springs.
Lunch
Camel ride
Enjoy a short camel ride in natural bushland right at the foot of the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
ANZAC Hill lookout and view sunset
Take in the panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges from the peak of Anzac Hill. The Anzac Hill Memorial is dedicated to those who have served in defence of their country during all wars Australia has participated in.
Day 9
Fly to Cairns
Cairns Tour Director-led sightseeing
Esplanade, Wharf Street, Cairns night market
Day 10
Great Barrier Reef full-day excursion
No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the world's top natural wonders. Transfer from Cairns towards Moore Reef where the underwater universe awaits. Upon arrival at the reef, take part in a guided snorkel safari and participate in the Eye on the Reef program with a marine biologist to monitor the health of the reef. See firsthand the incredible array of life and colors that exist just below the surface with a semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour.
Lunch on board the Great Barrier Reef cruise
Day 11
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Australia
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.