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 city walk
Explore Sydney on foot through The Rocks, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively shops reflect the city’s past and present. Walk across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for sweeping harbour views, then stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to experience native plants and scenic waterfront landscapes.
Sydney Opera House guided visit
Explore the Sydney Opera House and learn the story behind its iconic design. Discover architect Jørn Utzon’s vision, get a close look at the famous shell tiles, and step inside to visit performance spaces. Take in the craftsmanship and experience one of the world’s most recognized cultural landmarks.
Day 4
Bondi Beach excursion
Visit Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand, known for its surf culture, lifesaving history, and vibrant atmosphere. Learn what makes Bondi unique, then enjoy free time to relax, explore, or try surfing. Continue to The Gap for coastal views and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair for iconic harbour views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Bondi Beach surf lesson (optional)
Grab a board and learn to surf at Bondi Beach. Start on the sand, then head into the water as experienced surfers and lifeguards guide you through the basics. With about 90 minutes of instruction, plus surfboards and wetsuits included, you’ll build confidence and catch your first waves.
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
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
Visit Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon’s towering sandstone walls and desert landscapes. Take on the Rim Walk, climbing to sweeping views before passing Priscilla’s Crack, the domes of the Lost City, and descending to the Garden of Eden. This activity is weather dependent and may be adjusted for safety.
Day 8
Travel to Alice Springs
Travel to Alice Springs, known as the heart of the Outback, set between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The town is deeply connected to Aboriginal culture and is home to the Arrernte people, the traditional custodians of the region, known as Mparntwe.
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 city walk
Explore Cairns, a tropical city in Far North Queensland known for its access to the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforests. Stroll along the lively Esplanade with waterfront views, then visit the Cairns Night Market on Wharf Street, where local food, shops, and evening energy bring the city to life.
Day 10
Great Barrier Reef full-day excursion
No trip to Cairns is complete without a visit to the outer reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s top natural wonders. Travel from Cairns to Moore Reef, where the underwater world awaits. Upon arrival, take part in a guided snorkel safari and join the Eye on the Reef program with a marine biologist to help monitor reef health. Experience the vibrant marine life and color below the surface on a semi-submersible coral viewing tour.
Lunch on board the Great Barrier Reef cruise
Day 11
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
