Join us for a stress-free travel experience! Our trip leaders will be with you every step of the way, from meeting you at the airport on arrival day to ensuring a safe transfer on departure day, and everything in between. We’ve got you covered!

*Reserve your spot with a nonrefundable deposit today!

 🐨 G'day, adventurous educators! Get ready to dive into the ultimate learning expedition Down Under – introducing the Educators' Aussie Adventure! 🦘 From the sun-kissed beaches to the awe-inspiring Outback, this journey is all about igniting your passion for teaching while basking in the beauty of Australia. Immerse yourself in vibrant cities where history meets innovation, meet cuddly koalas and curious kangaroos, and unlock the mysteries of ancient Aboriginal cultures. Whether you're snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or sharing tales by a bonfire in the wilderness, every moment promises to enrich your teaching toolkit with experiences that can't be found in any textbook. Pack your sense of wonder and join us as we explore the land of unique ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, and endless inspiration. Your classroom is about to get a whole lot bigger – Australia is waiting to teach you! 🌿Note** Itinerary subject to Change**

Because of the time change, you MUST book your flight so that it leaves the US on July 5.

Professional Development: You will have the opportunity to visit elementary and secondary schools and meet local educators. Please note, when we offer school visits, we are not guaranteeing you will be in your exact grade level.  Learning about a new culture and making connections with educators provides an authentic learning experience for you to reflect on and bring back to your classroom. You will be given a professional development certificate for 25 hours of professional development.

Terrain: Mostly flat, slightly hilly city walking

Questions? Visit our FAQ page at Bookbag Tours FAQ page.

Leaders:

Jessica Martin

Samantha McCormack

You will leave the States on July 5 and arrive on July 7.  

Welcome Reception in the afternoon upon arrival!

Group Activity: 

Afternoon: Tour of The Rocks

Explore one of Sydney’s most historic areas with a guided tour

Educator Takeaway: Gain insights into the history and culture of Sydney, which can be incorporated into classroom lessons on history and geography.

Overnight at the Rydges Australia Square, Formerly Tank Stream Hotel

Arriving early? Let us help you plan your early adventure! Fill in this form on the website.

OR  Choose your own activity.  Click Here!

Today the group will visit local Sydney attractions together. 

Group Activities: 

*Taronga Zoo 

Educator Takeaways

Environmental Education and Biodiversity

Understanding diverse wildlife and conservation efforts can inspire lessons on biodiversity, sustainability, and global conservation practices.

*Sydney Opera House

Educator Takeaways

Arts, Architecture, and Cultural Heritage
Exploring this iconic structure and its history can enhance lessons on arts, architecture, and cultural heritage, fostering appreciation for cultural landmarks and the arts.

Optional Activities: (Additional Cost)

Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb-
Optional side trips at an additional cost: Latching on at the Climb Base below the Bradfield Highway, you will walk below the road deck until you reach the South-East Pylon. There you will go up four ladders to the start of the upper arch. With the Summit in your sight, your journey continues along the Bridge’s upper arch on the Opera House side until you hit the top. After a Summit celebration with your group, you will cross to the Darling Harbor side to make your descent to Climb Base. 

Educator Takeaways:

Geography, Urban Development, and STEM

This unique perspective on Sydney’s urban landscape and history can be used to teach geography, urban development, and the importance of landmarks. Additionally, discussions on the engineering behind the bridge can be incorporated into STEM lessons.

 Check out this LINK for evening sightseeing options on your own

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at the Rydges Australia Square, Formerly Tank Stream Hotel

Free Day in Sydney

Included for all participants is a  5 event Sydney sightseeing pass! Use this pass to explore Sydney on your own today, or book optional excursions. 

Optional Activity

Blue Mountains  (more info TBA)
Educator Takeaways: Educators can learn about the unique biodiversity of the Blue Mountains, including the various species of flora and fauna, many of which are rare or threatened. This knowledge can be used to develop lessons on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting natural habitats. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at the Rydges Australia Square, Formerly Tank Stream Hotel

Free Day in Sydney

Included for all participants is a  5 event Sydney sightseeing pass! Use this pass to explore Sydney on your own today, or book optional excursions.

Some Suggestions for attractions to visit on your own: 

Environmental Education and Conservation

Royal Botanic Garden-  Understand plant conservation and biodiversity, providing insights for lessons on botany, ecology, and environmental stewardship.

Arts, Culture, and History

Australian Museum- Gain knowledge about Australia's natural history and indigenous cultures, aiding cross-curricular lessons on history, science, and social studies

National Maritime Museum-  Learn about Australia's maritime history and its impact, creating lessons on history, geography, and social studies.

Check out the link below for great sightseeing options on your own- 

https://www.viator.com/Sydney/d357-ttd?pid=P00008694&uid=U00009140&mcid=58086&currency=USD

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at the Rydges Australia Square, Formerly Tank Stream Hotel

In the morning, we will fly from Sydney to Arlie Beach.  Free day in Arlie Beach!

Free Day in Arlie Beach!

Link to Optional Activities (additional cost)

Educator Takeaways:

Stress Management and Well-being
Enjoy a day to relax and recharge. This break serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and managing stress, which are crucial for educators to bring their best selves into the classroom.

Community Engagement and Cultural Exploration
Take the opportunity to explore the local culture and community of Arlie Beach. Experiencing new environments can provide fresh perspectives that can be brought back to your teaching practice, enhancing cultural awareness and global understanding among your students.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Whitsunday Terraces Hotel Airlie Beach

Free Day in Arlie Beach! 

Take some time to relax on the beach, sightsee on your own or book an optional excursion. 

Link to Optional Activities (additional cost)

Group Activity:

Together, we will take an Arlie Beach Sunset Sailing Cruise.  Enjoy a refreshment & appetizers.

Educator Takeaways:

Stress Management and Well-being Enjoy a day to relax and recharge. This break serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and managing stress, which are crucial for educators to bring their best selves into the classroom.

Community Engagement and Cultural Exploration Take the opportunity to explore the local culture and community of Arlie Beach. Experiencing new environments can provide fresh perspectives that can be brought back to your teaching practice, enhancing cultural awareness and global understanding among your students.

Meals Included: Breakfast/ Snacks and a drink on cruise

Whitsunday Terraces Hotel Airlie Beach

Free Day in Arlie Beach! 

Take some time to relax on the beach, sightsee on your own or book an optional excursion. 

Optional Activity: Great Barrier Reef (Additional Cost)

Departing either Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island or Daydream Island, spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the World Heritage-listed wonder off the Queensland coast. The journey here through the lush Whitsunday Islands will have you reaching for your camera – watch for migrating Humpback Whales between July and September – but underwater is really where the magic happens. Incredible numbers of bright tropical fish and more than 1,400 species of coral await. 

I am limited in what I can put on the trip selection site so here are some things to know about the Great Barrier Reef Trip.1.  In the description "GBR" is Great Barrier Reef2.  Non Certified Dive is for people that want to scuba but ARE NOT certified.  They will get you ready and give you all the equipment you need. 3.  Certified Dive is for people who are certified.  They will give you all the equipment you need to dive.4.  If do not want to scuba, snorkeling is the basic package. 

Educator Takeaways:

Stress Management and Well-being Enjoy a day to relax and recharge. This break serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and managing stress, which are crucial for educators to bring their best selves into the classroom.

Community Engagement and Cultural Exploration Take the opportunity to explore the local culture and community of Arlie Beach. Experiencing new environments can provide fresh perspectives that can be brought back to your teaching practice, enhancing cultural awareness and global understanding among your students.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Whitsunday Terraces Hotel Airlie Beach

Today, the group will head to Bowen, Australia!

We will head together to the airport and catch a flight to Bowen.

School Visit Day #1

Upon arrival, we will head to the school and meet with educators. We will engage with educators and start an eye-opening professional development experience.

Educator Takeaways:

Cross-Cultural Collaboration- Engage in an eye-opening professional development experience by collaborating with Bowen’s educators. Gain insights into their educational practices, curriculum, and classroom management techniques, which can be integrated into your own teaching methods.

Meals Included: Breakfast

 Overnight at the Queens Beach Tourist Village (or similar)/ or possible homestay 

Today we will enjoy a school visit to learn more about the Australian Education system.

Group Activity:
School Visit/ Professional Development Day #2

Explore more in depth the strategies and pedagogy of the Australian Education system. 

Educator Takeaway: 

Educational Strategies and Pedagogy- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and educational policies employed in Australian schools. Use these insights to compare and contrast with your own teaching practices and consider ways to implement new strategies in your classroom.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at the Queens Beach Tourist Village (or similar)/ or possible homestay

Today we will head to the school and enjoy another day learning and collaborating! 

School Visit/ Professional Development Day #3

Explore more in depth the strategies and pedagogy of the Australian Education system. 

Educator Takeaway:
Educational Strategies and Pedagogy- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and educational policies employed in Australian schools. Use these insights to compare and contrast with your own teaching practices and consider ways to implement new strategies in your classroom.

Group Summit Dinner - We will enjoy a dinner with local educators together!

Meals Included: Breakfast/ Dinner 

Overnight at the Queens Beach Tourist Village (or similar)/ or possible homestay

This morning we will fly back to Sydney and enjoy a free Day,

Some Suggestions for attractions to visit on your own: 

Environmental Education and Conservation

Royal Botanic Garden-  Understand plant conservation and biodiversity, providing insights for lessons on botany, ecology, and environmental stewardship.

Arts, Culture, and History

Australian Museum- Gain knowledge about Australia's natural history and indigenous cultures, aiding cross-curricular lessons on history, science, and social studies

National Maritime Museum-  Learn about Australia's maritime history and its impact, creating lessons on history, geography, and social studies.

Check out this LINK for great sightseeing options on your own!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at the Sydney Holiday Inn Express Airport (or similar)

Departure Day

Time to head home or extend your trip.  

Meals Included: Breakfast

Extending your stay? 

Let us help you plan your next adventure. Fill in this form on the website.

OR  Choose your own activity.