Explore Sydney’s famous sights before heading down to the pristine NSW South Coast. Australia suffered its worst-ever bush fires in the summer of 2019/2020. The majority of the coastline south of Sydney was destroyed, more than 2000 properties were lost, and many farmers lost everything they had. Help these residents get back on their feet by supporting the ongoing rebuilding efforts. Outside of service, enjoy some of the world’s best white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and learn about the local Indigenous culture while stand-up paddle boarding. Your hard work will definitely be rewarded on this humble adventure.
Arrive into Sydney Airport (SYD) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hostel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. After orientation, head out to stretch your legs and have a big local dinner with your group, seeing some of the sights as you head into the city.
Overnight: Sydney
Head out to explore the sights of Sydney. Begin the day with a walking tour through Hyde Park, to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and iconic views of the Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour Bridge. In the afternoon, take a ferry across the harbour to Manly Beach, where locals enjoy visiting markets, surfing and walking along its bays. Watch the sunset from the ferry as you cruise back to the city.
Overnight: Sydney
As you head south out of Sydney your first stop will be Symbio Wildlife Park where you will get to meet some of Australia’s cute and cuddly wildlife and hand-feed the kangaroos. In the afternoon you will continue down the coast to prepare for your service days. Make sure you keep an eye out the window for some of the countless pristine beaches.
Overnight: South Coast NSW
Today will be focused on giving back to the local community. Depending on the needs and season, you will partner with one or more of these organisations for service within the local community. Some of the service projects include rebuilding burnt fences on farms, replanting trees, packaging food hampers for families who have been displaced by the fires, or helping out at a local wildlife refuge.
Service projects will allow you to get to know locals and learn about issues facing this part of the country, in a space where you can contribute based on your skills and curricular focus. After a big few days, join your group for a service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
Overnight: Cabins or Camping depending on service location, South Coast NSW
Jervis Bay’s famous white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters are amongst the most beautiful and safest beaches in the world. Offering rich Indigenous culture, resident dolphins, friendly kangaroos and the world’s whitest sand, I promise your group will never want to leave.
Wake up to a much-deserved beach day! Enjoy a swim, learn how to play beach cricket or try to spot dolphins. For lunch you will get to try a famous Husky Meat Pie, then spend the afternoon feeling grounded and connected to our great land when you join an Indigenous cultural tour on Stand-Up Paddleboard. Be guided by a local indigenous member as you explore and discover the ecosystems that hold great importance to the Indigenous people of the Jervis Bay area.
At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
Overnight: Cabins, Jervis Bay
Today will be full of fond farewells as you say goodbye to this part of Australia. After a quick trip back up the South Coast, your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.