Australia Gap Year (800) 321-4353

G’day Mate! Welcome to the Land Down Under
For any world traveler, Australia strikes a plethora of compelling reasons to visit! Images of unique wild life, enormous landscapes, captivating sites, endearing local personalities and an almost endless array of wild adventures can be found in this great land. With the Rustic Pathways Gap Year Program in Australia you will have the opportunity to travel over 1200 km’s through timeless regions of the outback, explore the famous East Coast of Queensland and delve into the cosmopolitan cities of Brisbane and Cairns in the tropical North. Most of the big name locations of Oz are on our radar, and our local staff know the “off-the-beaten track” highlights to truly make your Adventure Down Under a once in a lifetime experience.

Outback Explorations
The famous Top End of Australia has a tropical climate that produces rich wetlands, wild rainforests and thundering waterfalls. In Central Australia you will experience a completely different type of nature; the endless serenity of the outback, the magic of natural landmarks like Ayers Rock and unique desert characters. Learn about the views of the local aboriginals concerning the environment and how the land is treated. View the beauty of the Outback from above on an optional hot air balloon ride. Enjoy the chance to boil the billy and, yes, you can even throw a shrimp on the barbie out here. Take a camel ride through the desert, spot the Southern Cross, camp beneath a blanket of stars and visit famous Uluru and The Olgas.

The Tropical North and the Great Barrier Reef
Are you ready for action? Cairns is the gateway to the Tropical North of Queensland. A multitude of adventures await you in this vibrant hub of the north. Visit the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, raft the raging Tully River, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef and explore spectacular Cape Tribulation, just to name a few of the ways you will spend your time up here. As a traveler’s hub, Cairns offers the chance to meet an array of international travelers as they pass through this must visit region of Australia.

Sail the Whitsunday Islands
Set sail to one of Australia’s most famous vacation destinations, the Whitsunday Islands. Located on the Queensland Coast in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this group of more than 100 islands boasts some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Our three day sail on the calm, idyllic waters will be filled with relaxing stays at secluded anchorages, romps on unspoiled beaches and endless snorkeling and diving. Bring your cossie and your camera!

Coastal Road Trip
From the Whitsunday’s we continue South towards The Sunshine and Fraser Coasts. Endless stretches of beach, fantastic four wheel driving, exotic local markets, peaceful National Parks and laid-back beach towns all await you as we explore one of our favorite regions of the whole country. Many of our Aussie staff live in this area and you are guaranteed a wonderful taste of the local culture to bring your Australian adventure to a conclusion.

If you have any questions about the Australia Gap Year Program, please send an email to our Gap Year Divisional Director, Jamie Spates at jamie@rusticpathways.com.

Special Note: Scheduled Gap Year programs generally include all breakfasts, and about half of the lunches and dinners during your program. Students are responsible for getting themselves to the starting point for their gap year program. Internal transportation and all accommodation and included tours, activities, admissions, and fees are included as stipulated in the itinerary. If you have any questions about any of our Gap Year programs, please email our Gap Year Divisional Director, Jamie Spates at jamie@rusticpathways.com.

Day 1: Welcome to Australia
Arrive into Brisbane today where you will be welcomed by Rustic Pathways On-ground Australian staff. You will then transfer to our Australia base, in the beautiful Glass House Mountains. Your staff will help you settle into your new Australian lifestyle with a typical Aussie Barbie.

Day 2: Australia Zoo and an Optional Sky-Dive
Today you will visit Steve Irwin Australia Zoo, which is situated 20mins from our base house in the mountains. Australia Zoo offers the chance to see first hand many of Australia’s native animals. In the afternoon we will travel to the coastal town of Caloundra for those who would like do an exciting optional tandem skydive. Jump out of a plane from 14,000ft and enjoy a 60-second free fall overlooking The Sunshine Coast, then glide on to the sand for a perfect landing. The biggest rush you can imagine!

Day 3: Enter the Outback
This morning you will bid The Sunshine Coast farewell and hop on an early morning flight to the middle of Australia, Ayers Rock. Upon arrival we will load up our vehicle and head to our first campsite. After setting up camp we will head to a secluded viewing area to enjoy watching the desert sun set over Uluru before tucking into a hearty dinner. Then spend the night around the campfire gazing at the stars.

Day 4: The Red Centre
An early start is required to view the magical Uluru sunrise. Absorb the early morning wonder on a 9.4km walk around the base of Uluru or if you prefer, tackle the climb. Enjoy a guided interpretive walk exploring mysterious rock formations and Aboriginal art sites followed by a visit to the Cultural Centre where you can purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts. After lunch, hike the spectacular ’Valley of the Winds’ in Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Day 5: Ancient Lands and Rugged Roads
After breakfast we depart for Kings Canyon, where we will climb and explore the canyon viewing the impressive formations of the 'Lost City'. We then take a refreshing dip in the waterhole before setting up camp for the night.

Day 6: Waterholes and Camels
We will depart Kings Canyon and take an incredible drive through ancient and mysterious Aboriginal Lands as we head north to Alice Springs. A lunch stop will give us the opportunity to pull up at a local waterhole for a swim to wash off the dust. In the afternoon you can take an optional camel ride through the Aussie Outback.

Day 7: Alice The Wonderland
Today will be spent exploring the heart of Central Australia. Between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, sits Australia's most famous outback town. Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback town. The town of Alice Springs is famous throughout Australia for the personality of its locals and the beautiful as natural wonders that surround its borders. Beyond the Ranges stretch the Simpson and Tanami deserts, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years. Their art styles and Dreamtime stories unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.

Day 8: Floating Above The Outback
Those keen to wake early to greet a magnificent desert sunrise from aboard a hot air balloon can take advantage of this optional activity. Once everyone’s back on solid ground, its time to start traveling north to the Devil's Marbles to explore these mysterious formations. We continue on to the gold mining town of Tennant Creek before setting up camp.

Day 9: True Aussie Icon
We head further north to Daly Waters, the oldest pub in the Northern Territory, where you can check out the historic memorabilia and meet some of the local characters. After lunch we travel to Mataranka for a relaxing swim in the crystal clear thermal springs before heading to Katherine Gorge for our overnight camp.

Day 10: School of Air
This morning we will take a guided canoe ride through the spectacular gorge. Paddle through the river as it winds through rocky banks, paperbark forests, exciting rapids and calm channels. Then once back on dry ground visit the Katherine School of the Air, where lessons are given over the radio to children in remote areas across the Top End. In the afternoon we’ll start heading north to Darwin via Edith Falls, were we can take a cool dip.

Day 11: Falls and Croc’s
We depart Darwin early heading for the beautiful Litchfield National Park and spend the morning exploring Florence Falls. In the afternoon, we travel to the spectacular Mary River Wetlands, home to a vast array of wildlife. This afternoon look for 'crocs' and other abundant wildlife aboard a cruise on the pristine Mary River Wetlands.

Day 12: Kakadu National Park
Our first stop is Ubirr, an area rich in Aboriginal history with vivid rock art and spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Next stop is Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), where we hike to the plunge pools for a refreshing dip in the plunge pools. We will then site up camp in the famous Kakadu National Park.

Day 13: Explore Jim Jim Falls
This morning we drive into the amazing Jim Jim Falls. We will hike to the base of the falls then continue on to Twin Falls. Once there we will board a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall and sandy bank. In the afternoon we return to Darwin, enjoying the impressive scenery along the way.

Day 14: The Top End
Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent city to explore. So today will be a free day to explore the city or just relax after your awesome Outback experience. You will also have the chance to purchase any last minute souvenirs.

Day 15: The Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
This morning you will bid Darwin farewell and hop on an early morning flight to Cairns. Here we will have time to enjoy the beaches and do some souvenir shopping and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 16: Tame the Mighty Tully River
Today the action begins with Australia’s number one rafting adventure on the famous Tully River. This spectacular region of the country offers some wonderful rainforest scenery and plenty of exciting rapids to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Day 17: The Daintree National Park
First stop today is the famous World Heritage Daintree National Park. This is one of the oldest and most diverse rainforests in the world. Trek the rugged roads, push the limits with deep-water crossings and explore some of the highlights within this ancient rainforest. Drive the coastal road stopping at any of the numerous beaches on the way back to Cairns.

Day 18: Our Famous Reef Wonderland
Set sail on one of the largest sailing catamarans in Australia for a fun filled day of cruising, snorkeling and scuba diving on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel above the largest living organism in the world, take the optional introductory scuba dive for first timers or the more intense dive for the experienced. If relaxing is more your style just soak up the sun on the decks or hang out on Upolu Cay, a beautiful sand atoll with brilliant white sand and amazing views.

Day 19: The Adventure Continues
The high adrenaline continues this morning with the opportunity to Bungee Jump or experience the Minjin Jungle Swing. Jump of the 150 feet high Bungy Tower amongst World Heritage- listed rainforest or swing through the jungle on the Minjin, the choice is yours. After lunch it’s off to Cairns Tropical Zoo where you can get up close and personal with Australian native wildlife. Cuddle a Koala, feed a kangaroo and experience a crocodile show like no other.

Day 20/21/22: Time to Hit The Road
Over the next 3 days you will drive down the East Coast from Cairns to Airlie Beach. Stopping along the way at many of the small towns, national parks and beaches along the way.

Day 23/24 and 25: Sailing on the Whitsundays
Your professional crew will sail you to tranquil destinations, including protected marine parks abundant with reefs and wildlife.

Day 26: Back on the Road
Today we spend the day driving south from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay.

Day 27/28: Fraser Island
Slow down, take your time, absorb the unique character of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island at your own pace. Drive through Fraser’s magical rainforest before a relaxing at Lake McKenzie. Swim, snorkel and photograph this unique lake. 4WD Fraser Island’s Eastern Surf Beach to Lake Wabby, and famous Sand Dune – Swim, Hike, Turtle watch.

Day 29/30: Rainbow Beach
The next two days will be spent relaxing and taking advantage of the surf breaks, beaches and lakes in the around.

Day 31: Time to Check-Out
Local Beaches and Markets This morning we head off to Eumundi Market which is one of Australia's leading tourist attractions and is held every Saturday of the year come rain, hail or shine. This otherwise sleepy hinterland town springs to life in the early hours of the morning, transforming into a vibrant mecca for shoppers looking for something different. After a morning of shopping it’s time to hit the beach at one of Australia’s most famous beaches, Noosa. Noosa National Park features spectacular coastal scenery and provides an important refuge for native wildlife including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, ground parrot and wallum froglet.

An Important Note about Schedule Changes: Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

FAQ

Q: Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
A: No, Australia’s tap water is very clean and safe to drink.

Q: Do we need to get visas for this program?
A: Australia requires an electronic visa waiver for all US citizens which students must obtain them before departure. Students who are not traveling on a US passport should check with our office regarding visa requirements.

Q: What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
A: This trip will stay in a variety of accommodations, please see descriptions below. Overall, the accommodations will always be clean, comfortable, and safe. ?Camping on the grass in four man tents.
?Hotel’s with twin and triple share rooms.
?Live aboard a sailing boat
? Rustic Pathways base house which is located in the beautiful Glass House Mountains.

Q: What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
A: All Rustic Pathways students are required to have an up-to-date tetanus shot. We recommend that you consult a doctor regarding immunizations for travel to the region. You can find additional information on immunizations for travel from the US Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov or the World Health Organization at www.who.org.

Q: What costs are not included on this trip?
A: Students will require some allowance money for optional expenses such as souvenirs, personal phone calls, internet, laundry and optional activities. Students also need to bring money for half of their lunches and dinners. Program costs include all breakfasts, half of the lunches and half of the dinners

Q: How long is the flight to this country?
A: The flight departs Los Angeles in the evening and takes about 14 hours to final reach Brisbane, Australia. If you are coming from Fiji the flight is only 3.5hours.

Q: What kind of food will we be eating?
A: Staff take advantage of the great local fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood available throughout Australia. We can cater for most diets, including vegetarian, low-fat and diabetic. Please advise our office of any special dietary needs at the time of application.