Australia 10 Days

CROSS INTL. TIME LINE

Morning:
Arrive in Melbourne. Transfer to accommodation and check-in.

Afternoon:
Orientation session and welcome activities, including an introduction to the trip’s themes on ecology and marine conservation.

Evening:
Group dinner and evening walk along the Yarra River to explore Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape.

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Full Day:

Today we will travel to Melliodora, one of the best-known permaculture demonstration sites in Australia, located in Hepburn Springs. We will  participate in a guided full day permaculture tour led by experts who will introduce us to sustainable living practices and regenerative agriculture. Together we will explore food forests, water management systems, and sustainable building techniques, while learning how permaculture principles can be applied to everyday life and larger ecological systems.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring local produce, offering a chance to discuss the importance of local food systems and reducing food miles. We will continue the permaculture experience with hands-on activities such as gardening, composting, or learning about sustainable food production. We will engage in discussions about how permaculture can address global environmental challenges and inspire solutions for sustainability in students’ own communities.

Evening:

Return to Melbourne. Group reflection on the day’s learnings and how permaculture principles can be integrated into everyday life.

Morning:
Early flight from Melbourne to Cairns.

Afternoon:
Arrive in Cairns and transfer to accommodation. Brief orientation to the tropical environment and overview of upcoming marine activities.

Evening:
Group dinner and a talk on the Great Barrier Reef’s significance and the importance of marine conservation.

Full Day:
Snorkeling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about coral ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on the reef. Hands-on activities with marine biologists, such as identifying species and discussing conservation efforts.

Evening:
Reflection session on the day’s experiences and the importance of preserving marine environments.

Morning:
Guided tour of the Daintree Rainforest with a focus on the interconnectedness of rainforest and marine ecosystems.

Afternoon:
After lunch we will engage in an Indigenous cultural experience with local Aboriginal guides, including traditional plant uses, bush food tasting, and storytelling about the rainforest’s significance to indigenous culture.

Evening:
Group activity at accommodation—team-building games and reflection on indigenous learnings.

Full Day:
Second snorkeling trip to a different part of the Great Barrier Reef. Focus on deeper ecological studies, reef monitoring, and understanding conservation strategies. Possible reef restoration activity if available.

Evening:
Marine ecology workshop or interactive talk with a marine scientist, delving deeper into reef conservation efforts and research.

Morning:
After breakfast we will visit Kuranda, exploring the rainforest village and taking the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Learn about the relationship between rainforest and reef ecosystems.

Afternoon:
We will visit a wildlife park to see native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and crocodiles. Focus on species conservation and the role of wildlife parks in protecting endangered species.

Evening:
Free time or optional group activity exploring Cairns Esplanade.

Morning:
We will travel to Fitzroy Island. Explore coastal ecology and coral reefs, with a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to learn about the rescue and care of injured sea turtles.

Afternoon:
Snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour around the island, emphasizing the importance of marine protected areas.

Evening:
Farewell group dinner and reflection session on the trip’s key learnings.

Departure travel day