Types of trips: Adventure, Expedition, Home Stay, Beach and Surf, Diving, Nature, Desert, Mountains, Cultural, Sport, Music and Performance.
Best known for: Sporting Excellence, Kangaroos, Barbeques and Outdoor Living, Exporting TV and Pop Stars to the UK, Ayres Rock, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House
Why Go?: Although it might be on the far side of the planet, Australia is a very popular destination for School Trips from the UK. Many are sports, cultural or music tours, while the incredible marine, mountain and desert-scapes also attract thousands of visits. While English is the main language, sensitivity to both the Aboriginal culture and the differences between British and Australian culture should also be maintained, celebrated and discussed.
Population: 23 million
Capital: Canberra
Language(s): English and Aboriginal
Ties to the UK?: Many cultural and language
Landscape: Coastal beaches, arid desert, mountains, rives and lakes
Climate/Seasons: Lack of Ozone, heat
When to Go: Its a long way to get to Australia so the longer school holidays make sense, although bear in mind our summer will equate to their winter
Reasons to Visit: Test yourselves against great sporting teams, dive amongst coral of Great Barrier Reef, often relatives there
How to Get There: There are many flights to Australia, but you will have to change so the decision to make is which route to go and whether to spend any time at your destination, which will have additional cost and organisation impacts, as well as adding time into your trip, but add value to your students, and also assist in dealing with jetlag either way
Places to Go: Sydney, Great Barrier Reef
Famous People: Kylie Minogue, Donald Bradman, The Wiggles
Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Ayers Rock, Great Barrier Reef, Blue Mountains, Kangaroos, Dingos, Wallabies
History: Deportation, Aboriginal resettling etc
Architecture: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge
Culture: Sydney Opera House, Neighbours, Home and Away
Sport: Cricket, Rugby (Union and League), Skiing
Events: Next Commonwealth Games are to be held in Gold Coast City in April 2018
Watch Out For: Visas are required for travel, make sure to leave plenty of time for the process. Sunburn can occur pretty quickly, and some of the local wildlife can be dangerous!
Medical Issues: Some vaccination boosters may be required, check with your doctor and find more information here
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.