Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet - the Great Barrier Reef and World Tropics Rainforest.

It also has spectacular waterfalls, crater lakes, farmlands, wildlife parks as well as a host of adventure activities.

Great Barrier Reef www.gbrmpa.gov.au

Explore the world’s largest natural wonder, with 3,400 coral reefs, 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.

Educational programs are written and organised by qualified marine biologists.

  • View the corals and marine life from a glass bottom boat or semi submersible and learn more about them from a marine biologist.
  • Gain a better understanding of this ecosystem and how to protect and preserve it.
  • Visit Reef Teach www.reefteach.com.au, a reef education centre in Cairns city that offers entertaining and informative programs by a marine biologist.

Skyrail www.skyrail.com.au

Get a bird’s eye view of the lush rainforest on Skyrail, one of the world’s longest gondola cableways.

  • Skyrail is the world’s most environmentally sensitive cableway project and is ideal for eco tourism studies.
  • Take a guided walk through the rainforest with a specialist Ranger.
  • Get involved in a rainforest regeneration project including ‘hands-on’ tree planting.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park www.tjapukai.com.au

Learn more about this fascinating 40,000-year-old culture at this award-winning park.

All operations staff are Aboriginals and are available to answer any questions that students may have.

Tjapukai is suitable for students of all ages.

  • Learn about bush food and traditional natural medicine.
  • Try boomerang and spear throwing or learn how to play a didgeridoo.
  • Visit the History Theatre, Creation Theatre and Dance Theatre.
  • Cultural sharing lectures are available for those seeking a more in-depth experience. Topics include tribal law, initiation and more.

Rainforestation Nature Park www.rainforest.com.au

This 40-hectare park promotes awareness and appreciation for Australian culture, wildlife and rainforests.

  • Explore the park by land and water on the Army Duck, an amphibious World War II vehicle.
  • Catch Aboriginal dance performances or try painting a boomerang.
  • Get up close to Australian wildlife including kangaroos and koalas.

Whitewater Rafting

Brave the 44 rapids on Tully River, the world’s most exciting whitewater rafting day trip.

Or go for the half-day rafting trip on Barron River, which is also plenty of fun.

Mungalli Falls Student Village and Wilderness Retreat www.mungallifalls.com

Mungalli Falls is set on 500 acres of World Heritage rainforest and farmland, just 1.5 hours from Cairns.

It is a leading provider of quality school camps and excursions. School exchange visits can also be organised.

  • Take part in nature-based interactive learning activities.
  • Learn about flora and fauna while bush walking or swimming under a waterfall.
  • Develop leadership skills and teamwork through obstacle courses, orienteering or wilderness challenges.