15-Day Australia Adventure Trip for Teens

Course Description: 15-Day Australia Adventure Trip for Teens

Australia & Hawaii Trip for Teens �*

Journey across the world for an unforgettable blend of wildlife, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. This small-group teen travel experience is designed to create lifelong memories as you explore Australia’s beaches, reefs, and rainforests. From SCUBA diving the Great Barrier Reef to surfing iconic waves and rafting world-famous rivers, every day brings a new adventure. With amazing leaders, incredible activities, and friendships you’ll never forget, this is the Aussie summer of a lifetime.

Please note that teens on this program participate in the first 15 days of the longer 21-day Australia & Hawaii Adventure.

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Program Highlights ✨

• SCUBA or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

• Climb the legendary Sydney Harbour Bridge.

• Surf the world-famous waves near Surfers Paradise.

• Visit with koalas and kangaroos at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.

• Go cable wakeboarding or kneeboarding on a specially designed lake.

• Traverse the iconic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk.

• Whitewater raft the mighty Tully River.

• Chase waterfalls and walk through lush rainforests.

• Zoom across Sydney Harbour on a high-speed jet boat.

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Itinerary �*

Days 1–2 – Flight to Brisbane, Australia

Begin your adventure with an overnight flight across the International Date Line to Brisbane. You’ll “lose” a day here but gain it back at the end of the trip. On arrival, continue to Surfers Paradise for orientation, icebreakers, and getting to know your new travel group.

Days 3–4 – Surfers Paradise, Australia

Welcome to the Gold Coast—famous for its golden beaches and vibrant surf culture. Learn to ride the waves with professional instructors, paddle through beautiful waterways on a guided kayaking excursion, and explore the coastal charm of Coolangatta. With sunny beaches and a relaxed vibe, this is the perfect start to your adventure.

Days 5–6 – Brisbane, Australia

Spend your days exploring wildlife and city life. Visit the world-renowned Australia Zoo to see koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and more, while learning about important conservation work. Explore lively South Bank, riverfront paths, shops, and cafés as you discover the energetic culture of Queensland’s capital.

Days 7–10 – Cairns, Australia (Great Barrier Reef)

Cairns is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Start with an adrenaline-filled session at a cable park for wakeboarding or kneeboarding. Then, learn about reef ecology before snorkeling or SCUBA diving* among vibrant corals, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Explore the rainforest on a day of waterfall chasing and hiking, and conquer the mighty Tully River on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure.

(*SCUBA participation is subject to medical restrictions.)

Days 11–14 – Sydney, Australia

Finish your Australian adventure in Sydney, a perfect blend of culture and iconic scenery. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, take on a treetop ropes course, and explore the spectacular Coogee to Bondi coastal walk. Visit the Opera House on a guided tour, wander stylish shopping districts, and experience a high-speed jet boat ride across the harbour. Sydney’s mix of adventure and city energy makes for an unforgettable finale.

Day 15 – Return Flight Home from Sydney

Say farewell to your new friends as you board your return flight. The summer may be ending, but the memories will last a lifetime.

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Accommodations �*

Surfers Paradise, Australia

Mantra on View offers a prime Gold Coast location just a block from the beach, surrounded by cafés, shops, and attractions. Enjoy the pool and fitness center.

Brisbane, Australia

YHA Brisbane City provides a comfortable stay with a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site café in a central location.

Cairns, Australia

Cairns Plaza Hotel offers easy access to the waterfront, Esplanade Lagoon, and many of the city’s top attractions.

Sydney, Australia

YHA Sydney Harbour features stunning rooftop views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with excellent facilities and social spaces.

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What It’s Like �*

Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group that quickly becomes a second family.

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Accommodations

Hotels and hostels.

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Meals 🍽️

Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus three lunches.

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Activities

Includes all recreation & activities listed.

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Transportation �*

Deluxe private motor coach between cities and occasional public transportation within cities.

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Group Size �*

Up to 26 participants.

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Dietary Options �*

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flights

On this program, all airfare is arranged by the organizer.

Flight to Brisbane, Australia

Participants begin with a chaperoned flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane. A chaperoned New York to Los Angeles connection is available. Leaders greet participants at LAX and accompany the group for the full journey. Due to the International Date Line, you lose a day outbound and regain it on return. Participants outside North America may contact the team to discuss options.

Internal Flights

There is an additional $495 USD fee for internal flights: Brisbane → Cairns and Cairns → Sydney.

Return Flight Home from Sydney

A chaperoned flight returns to the USA via Los Angeles or San Francisco, then on to New York. Participants from other regions may join this flight and coordinate connections after clearing U.S. customs.

Australia Entry Regulations

An Australian entry visa is required. The e-visa must be purchased before departure and shown at flight check-in. Full instructions are sent about 6 weeks pre-departure.

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Food and Meals �*

Breakfasts are served buffet style at accommodations, with occasional self-prepared breakfasts during adventure days. Lunches are enjoyed in small groups at local cafés or eateries. Dinners range from whole-group meals to smaller group outings, ensuring variety and personal choice. Try Aussie favorites like Vegemite—or stick to crowd-pleasers like Tim Tams.

Special dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, lactose-free, celiac, kosher-style, etc.) are gladly accommodated.

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Laundry �*

Participants need only one week of clothing. Laundry is done through drop-off wash-and-fold services or group laundromat visits. Detergent is provided, along with a helpful laundry tutorial for first-timers.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

What’s Included

• Lodging

• Breakfast and dinner daily, plus three lunches

• All recreation & activities listed

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Gratuities & taxes

Not Included

• Transportation to and from the program

• Australia entry visa fees

• Additional lunches and snacks

• Personal spending money

• Laundry

• Optional travel insurance (recommended)