Australia & Hawaii Adventure: Teens' Ultimate Journey

Course Description: Australia & Hawaii Adventure: Teens' Ultimate Journey

Australia & Hawaii Trip for Teens

Two legendary destinations. One extraordinary summer. 🌏🌺

This small-group adventure lets teens experience the best of both Australia and Hawaii — from surfing world-class beaches to exploring iconic cities, swimming with marine life, hiking volcanic craters, and discovering unique wildlife. With caring leaders and a close-knit group, this is a trip filled with excitement, culture, and unforgettable moments.

Some participants depart on Day 15 while the full program continues to Hawaii.

Program Highlights 🌟

• SCUBA or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

• Surf the waves at Surfers Paradise & Waikiki Beach

• Visit koalas and kangaroos at Australia Zoo

• Cable wakeboarding or kneeboarding on a private lake

• Walk the Coogee to Bondi coastal trail

• Whitewater raft the Tully River

• Chase rainforest waterfalls

• Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau

• High-speed jet boat on Sydney Harbour

• Hike Diamond Head for panoramic views

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Flight to Brisbane, Australia

Fly overnight across the International Date Line.

Arrive in Brisbane and travel to Surfers Paradise to begin orientation and group bonding.

Days 3–4: Surfers Paradise, Australia

Start life on the Gold Coast:

• Professional surf lessons

• Explore Coolangatta’s relaxed beach town

• Guided kayaking on calm waterways

• Enjoy time to settle into the classic Aussie beach lifestyle

Days 5–6: Brisbane, Australia

A mix of wildlife and culture:

• Visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo

• See koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and more

• Learn about conservation efforts

• Explore Brisbane’s South Bank riverfront

Days 7–10: Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef

A highlight of the entire trip:

• Cable wakeboarding and kneeboarding

• Snorkel or SCUBA* the Great Barrier Reef

• Learn about reef ecology from local marine experts

• Chase waterfalls in the surrounding rainforest

• Whitewater raft the Tully River

*Medical restrictions may apply for SCUBA.

Days 11–15: Sydney, Australia

A perfect blend of adventure and iconic landmarks:

• Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

• A treetop ropes course overlooking the harbour

• The Coogee to Bondi coastal walk

• Explore the Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street & harbourfront

• Guided tour inside the Sydney Opera House

Days 16–20: O‘ahu, Hawaii

Arrive in Hawaii — and because of the International Date Line, relive part of your day twice!

• Hike Diamond Head for sweeping ocean views

• Surf with instructors on Waikiki Beach

• Snorkel on a sailing excursion

• Enjoy an authentic Hawaiian luau

• Relax on tropical beaches and reflect on your journey

Day 21: Return Flight Home

Say your goodbyes and fly home with friendships and memories that last long after summer ends. ✈️

Accommodations 🏨

Surfers Paradise

Mantra on View – one block from the beach, shops and cafés nearby, pool, gym.

Brisbane

YHA Brisbane City – rooftop pool, café, social spaces, great location.

Cairns

Cairns Plaza Hotel – near the waterfront, Esplanade Lagoon, and local sights.

Sydney

YHA Sydney Harbour – unbeatable harbour and Opera House views from the rooftop.

O‘ahu, Hawaii

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki – close to the beach, breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, outdoor pool and gym.

What It’s Like 🌎

A tight-knit teen travel experience combining culture, adventure, and meaningful shared memories.

Accommodations

Hotels and hostels.

Meals 🍽️

Breakfast and dinner daily, plus three lunches.

Activities

All excursions and adventure activities included.

Flights

All airfare arranged by the program.

Group Size 👥

Up to 26 participants.

Transportation

Private motor coach between cities and occasional public transport.

Dietary Options

Most dietary needs are accommodated.

Program Specifics

Flights

• All international flights arranged by the program

• Chaperoned flights available from Los Angeles and New York

• Participants from elsewhere meet leaders at LAX

Internal Flights

Additional fee: $1,195 USD

(Brisbane → Cairns → Sydney → Honolulu)

Return Flight Home

Chaperoned flight options available; leaders remain until all departures are complete.

Australia Entry Requirements

Participants must complete an Australian entry e-visa prior to departure.

Instructions are provided approximately six weeks before the trip.

Meals & New Cuisines

Buffet breakfasts, flexible lunch choices, and varied sit-down dinners.

Try Aussie classics like Vegemite (if you dare!) and enjoy group favourites like Tim Tams.

Dietary needs — vegetarian, allergies, lactose-free, gluten-free, kosher-style — are all accommodated.

Laundry

Weekly laundry via wash-and-fold or group laundromat visits.

Detergent provided and leaders assist first-timers.

What’s Included ✔️

• All lodging

• Breakfast & dinner daily + 3 lunches

• All listed activities

• Airport transfers

• Taxes & gratuities

Not included: transportation to/from the program start, Australia entry visa, extra lunches, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, and optional travel insurance.