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Great Barrier Reef/Queensland

Underwater shot of Great Barrier Reef
What lifeforms will you encounter at The Great Barrier Reef?


Queensland is a tropical paradise. When we head south for the warmth in the United States, the Aussies head north. Here you will find the world's largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Most students travel to Cairns for the post program travels, the adventure capital of Australia. If you prefer something a bit more laid back, head to Port Douglass or many of the offshore Islands such as Kepple Beach or Whitsundays. But there's much more to Queensland than the Great Barrier Reef. Travel an ancient rainforst, the Daintree National Rainforest. Travel by Jeep to where the road and most of civilization ends at Cape Tripulation, so named when Captain Cook ran aground here in the original voyage of discovery. You might want to partake in some Whitewater rafting, or just cozy up to the nearest beach or pool.

Tree at Daintree
This unusual tree can be found at Daintree Forest.

 

 

Snorkeling at Great Barrier Reef
The crystal clear waters at the Great Barrier Reef provide a snorkeling and scuba diving experience you will never forget. (Photo Source: Australian Travel Bureau)

 

 

Great Barrier Reef
This ferry is similar to the one students will take out to the Reef.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students with Steve Irwin
IN MEMORIAM: Steve Irwin - The "Crocodile Hunter" - takes a moment to pose with some GVSU women.

Ayers Rock "Uluru"/Northern Territory
Students on Camels
Sunlit Ayers Rock
Ayers Rock is beautiful anytime of day, but especially when the sun's rays give it a red glow . (Photo Source: Australian Travel Bureau)

For many GVSU students, no trip to Australia is complete without an adventure in the Outback. Most head to Ulluru the aboriginal word for Ayers Rock. To Aboriginals, Ulluru is a sacred place and while visiters are free to walk the perimenter, walking on the rock is discouraged. Nearby Alice Springs is a true Outback outpost.

Tasmanian DevilBay Overlook
Top: Watch out for this little devil during your trip to Tasmania. Bottom: A hiker enjoys a bird's-eye view of the crystal clear waters of Tasmania. (Photo source: Australian Travel Bureau)

Tasmania

Seals
Tasmania is known for its unique wildlife, such as the seals pictured above. (Photo source: Australian Travel Bureau)

Tazmania is a hauntingly beautiful and surprizingly affordable trip that has been the highlight of many previous students' travel plans. Its a remote Island State of Australia, teaming with wildlife, fur seals, penguins, and of course the world famous Cadbury's Chocolate Factury. Hobart, the capital city exudes an "old world" charm and the nearby ruins of Port Arthur and its midnight Ghost Tour, is a reminder of how cruel transportation and the recidivist prison outpost used to be.

Students Standing at Port Arthur Port Arthur Ruins
Students standing on the ruins of Port Aurthur. The Ruins of Port Aurthur used to harbor some of Australia's worst criminal offenders.

Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles are limestone sculptures situated along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. (Photo source: Australian Travel Bureau)

Melbourne & Victoria

Victoria is a beautiful state, with Melbourne as its capital city. The Great Ocean Road is spectacular and Melbourne rivals Sydney as one of the most livable cities in the world, with a much more "British" feel.

skyline Victoria Public Transit
A view of the Victorian Skyline Even traveling inside Victoria is fun and unique, testified by this electric rail car. (Photo source: Australian Travel Bureau)