Weekend/Day Trips
Three Day Orientation in Cairns
Talk about an amazing orientation! Spend three days learning about the environmental and cultural beauty that Australia has to offer in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you spend your time snorkeling or exploring the rainforest, you won’t leave Cairns without some unbelievable photos and memories!
Springbrook National Park
Australians love the outdoors and the beautiful bushwalks and waterfalls on offer in “Springbrook” are a very popular day trip for locals looking to escape the heat or the city for the day. You will have the opportunity to travel into the hinterland of the Gold Coast to explore the Springbrook National Park. Beautiful waterfalls and cool ancient forests await in the beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
You can read more about some of the places you will visit here.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a coastal town located on the far-north coast of NSW, Australia. This iconic little town, 1.5 hours south of the Gold Coast, is the most Easterly point of the Australian mainland. The region is known for its spectacular beaches, unique shopping and dining experiences, world-class festivals, and vibrant community spirit.
You will be able to take a wander around this vibrant and unique town and visit the famous Byron lighthouse.
You can read more about “Byron” here.
Burleigh Beach Headland
Meet at Burleigh Beach Headland, enjoy the view and get a coffee and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of our coastline with the city skyline on the horizon. Take a walk around Burleigh headland through the National park to the beautiful Tallebudgera creek. Afterwards you can choose to stay at the beach or creek for swimming or check out the many cafes and boutique stores in James Street, Burleigh Heads.
Local Life Activities
Surf Lesson and BBQ!
You will have the opportunity to take a Learn-to-surf lesson! You will travel to a safe and protected beach with waves perfect for beginners. Here you will learn to paddle, "pop up" and stand catching a wave into shore. There will be someone taking photos to make you look like a pro! Learn to live like many of the locals who love the ocean and love to ride the waves. Afterwards, enjoy a beach BBQ with your CIS Abroad peers.
AFL Gold Coast Suns Football Match
The Gold Coast Suns are a professional “Aussie Rules” football club, based on the Gold Coast. We hope to be able to watch a home game at the Heritage Bank Stadium, Carrara, on the Gold Coast, towards the end of the season! Similar to previous years, the AFL has kept all fixtures from Round 16 as “floating”, not confirming dates or times to allow for optimal fixturing in the back half of the season.
Miami Marketta
An optional mid week catch up at the Miami Marketta - the original street food market. Miami Marketta comes alive with street food from around the world, complete with live music!