Great Barrier Reef and Beyond

Meet your Tour Director and begin exploring.

A marine biologist guides you through the amazing underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. As the world's largest living organism, the iconic Great Barrier Reef is the richest marine resource known to man. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique plants, fish, and coral representing a dazzling myriad of colors, the Reef is a dream visit for students who embrace science, art and nature. Set sail on a luxury 105 ft sailing catamaran for a smooth and comfortable journey to Michaelmas Cay, a low lying vegetated sand cay that is also a sanctuary for migratory seabirds. With qualified crew on hand to supervise and buoyancy vests provided free of charge, students can effortlessly float as they snorkel and discover the world below. Take a Semi-submersible Coral Reef Viewing Tour, as well as walk the Cay for a most unique bird watching experience. With the onset of climate change and the clearly progressing decomposition of this delicate ecosystem, no time is better than now to experience perhaps the greatest natural wonder on earth.

Lunch is included instead of dinner today.

Visit the Nature Park, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and participate in a Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience.

Enjoy a free afternoon at one of Cairns' many beautiful beaches.

LEAP Activity | Out and Back

Move to the beat of Australian life! Meet Pamagirri Aboriginal Dancers and learn how to play the didgeridoo and clapsticks. Throw a boomerang, then paint and decorate your own to take home as a souvenir!

Journey along the Marlin Coast to Cape Tribulation.

Enjoy a one hour cruise down the Daintree River where an expert guide will share secrets about Australia's flora and fauna. The Daintree River is known for its rich bird habitats, tree snakes, and saltwater crocodiles.

This evening, join a naturalist guide to peek at the nocturnal creatures that inhabit this ancient rainforest.

Transfer to the airport in Cairns and board your flight to Sydney, the Harbour City.

Today you will discover Sydney with your local guide. Visit the historical Rocks area. Tour the Sydney Opera House, described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. See St. Mary's Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour, Chinatown, and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. Continue through Kings Cross, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, and Watsons Bay, then stop at Bondi Beach.

This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Spend a day at the scenic Blue Mountain National Park. 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 hiking trails and lookout points for you to explore and take in the views.

LEAP Activity | Boomerangs and Barbie!

Cuddle koalas and handfeed kangaroos! Visit a working farm and see sheep shearing, wool classing, working sheep dogs, and boomerang throwing. Wrap up your adventure with another Australian tradition—a delicious lunch on the “barbie” (barbecue).

Board your flight home or extend your travels by visiting New Zealand.

Extend your stay | Visit New Zealand

Visit New Zealand. See the Cathedral, Canterbury Arts Centre, the Museum, botanical gardens, and the Mona Vale Estate Gardens in Christchurch. Enjoy a Maori Cultural Evening. Travel to Kaikoura. Board a whale watching boat. Take the TranzAlpine Rail Service into the Southern Alps. Stroll the Beech Forests of Arthur’s Pass National Park, speedboat down the Waimakariri River, and visit Dean’s Farm.