Gold Coast

Known for its glorious beaches and world-class theme parks, the Gold Coast is Australia’s most popular holiday destination.

However, it is also a fantastic learning ground for students, with many attractions offering comprehensive study programs.

Dreamworld www.dreamworld.com.au

In addition to thrilling rides and entertainment, this award-winning theme park offers an extensive education program.

  • Experience real physics in action. Discover how centripetal forces, gravity, electricity and magnetism make the exciting rides possible.
  • Examine the mathematics involved in the rides, including geometry, graphing and formula substitution.
  • Take a fascinating back-of-house tour of the park’s Australian wildlife section.

Warner Bros. Movie World www.movieworld.com.au

Build confidence skills and learn about movie making at this delightful theme park, where movie magic comes to life.

  • Go behind-the-scenes in the world of movies.
  • Find out more about the art of make-up.
  • Learn acting techniques and build confidence skills.

Sea World www.seaworld.com.au

Visit Australia’s number one marine wildlife park, which is also actively involved in marine research and rescue activities.

  • Learn about the importance of preserving the marine environment.- Learn more about fascinating marine animals such as dolphins and polar bears.
  • Visit Shark Bay, the world’s largest man-made shark lagoon.

Infinity www.infinitygc.com.au

Take an amazing journey through this futuristic maze-like attraction filled with special effects, atmospheric sound fields, groovy music and illusions.

  • Enjoy an exciting and interactive experience that is excellent for team building.
  • Discover how visual arts are put to use, including high-tech 3D art forms, imagery, lighting and sound.
  • Learn about the physics of light when used in optical illusions and special effects.
  • Find out more about the strategies of a tourism business such as marketing, planning and operations.

Glow Worm Tour www.ariestours.com

Take a night tour through the lush Springbrook national park with an eco-guide.

  • Discover Australia's largest colony of glow worms.
  • Learn more about the plants and nocturnal creatures that inhabit the rainforest.

Tropical Fruit World www.tropicalfruitworld.com.au

Visit Tropical Fruit World, Australia’s largest tropical fruit plantation with over 500 varieties of tropical and exotic fruit.

  • Learn about propagation, pruning, harvesting and other plantation activities
  • Explore the fruit plantations and touch, taste and learn about the various fruits in season.

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge www.binnaburralodge.com.au

Just 45 minutes inland from the Gold Coast, this mountain lodge is located in the scenic Lamington National Park. Its programs combine environmental learning with outdoor educational activities.

  • Explore rainforest trails with an eco ranger and learn about the flora and fauna.
  • Build confidence by abseiling down a steep cliff or zipping through the treetops on a flying fox.
  • Develop teamwork through the challenging low and high ropes courses.
  • Learn more about environmental awareness at Binna Burra’s Environmental Education Centre.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat www.oreillys.com.au

Visit this award-winning ecotourism lodge located in Lamington National Park, with spectacular mountain views, walking tracks, wildlife and waterfalls.

  • Try the famous Tree Top Walk and stroll along the 9 suspension bridges located amid the forest canopy and discover its plant and animal inhabitants.
  • Go on guided walks through the lush rainforest and learn more about the trees, waterfalls, ferns, orchids and wildlife.
  • Learn more about ecotourism and environmental management at O’Reilly’s, which pioneered ecotourism in Australia.

Couran Cove Island Resort www.couran-cove.com.au

Located on South Stradbroke Island just 40 minutes off the Gold Coast, this world-class resort is also a leading example of sustainable development and nature based tourism.

  • Learn more about eco tourism, solar energy savings and waste management.
  • Train at the resort’s state-of-the-art sports facilities including an Olympic swimming pool, running track and football field.