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Australia–The Outback, Sailing, and snorkeling at the Great Barrier
Reef:
This adventure begins in the Tablelands region of North Queensland,
along the Australian Pacific Coast. With Aussie guide Lou Christl,
who is a jack-of-all trades
 in
Outback living, the group spends three days at Lake Tinaroo, hiking,
swimming, abseiling at Platypus Rock, exploring the tropical
rainforest, and camping for a night in the “bush.” See kangaroos,
emus, wallabies, and other indigenous wildlife. Next, students enjoy
three days in Cairns, taking spectacular day trips canoeing through
the rainforest near Atherton and the village of Gordonvale, and
hiking past fruit farms. Visit a sugar mill, whitewater raft with
professional guides down the Tully River, and watch the burning of
the cane fields. Then students board a classic ocean yacht (it
sleeps 22) for a week’s sailing trip through Whitsunday Island
National Park along the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most
magnificent, vast areas of breathtaking natural beauty. Anchor at
the outer reef, where certified scuba divers can dive with a guide,
while others snorkel in crystal clear water over brightly colored
coral and schools of tropical fish. Observe whales, porpoises, sea
turtles, and giant sea clams. Students help our Australian crew to
sail and to cook meals. Enjoy miles of white sand beaches on remote
islands. Sail to Great Keppel on the Tropic of Capricorn, and hike
into the forest to see remarkable bird and plant life.
Sydney:
Next, the group flies to Sydney for five days of exploration. Walk
through its parks, explore the harbor, and visit the Australian
Museum, Tarranga Zoo, and the famous Sydney Opera House. Stay in a
hotel in the heart of the lively Rocks district.
New Zealand – Family Living:
From Sydney, the group flies 1,200 miles across the Tasman Sea to a
town tucked into the snow-capped mountains of New Zealand’s South
Island. Here, students become part of New Zealand life by spending a
week with local families, some on large sheep stations, where they
work with farmers herding sheep by day, and join in family
activities in the evening. Our hosts help students to see their part
of the country, inviting them to potluck dinners, sporting events,
and dances. Host students are excused from high school to join our
group on planned excursions. Both leaders stay in the town during
the homestay.
Winter Skiing:
Then students enjoy four days of outdoor exploration and skiing in
the snow of the New Zealand Alps. With New Zealand friends as
guides, our group samples several ski areas, all of which reach
above timberline and have terrain for all ability levels. Many
Olympic skiers train here during our summer. Enjoy miles of
panoramic views of the Southern Alps and of the Tasman Sea below.
Visit Lake Wakatipu, explore Arrowtown, a gold rush settlement, and
stay in the Gothic city of Christchurch.
Fiji:
The program ends with four days on a remote tropical Fijian island,
in the South Pacific. Enjoy the sunny beaches, windsurfing,
snorkeling, kayaking, and traditional Fijian ceremonies.
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