The campus-based portion of Australian Experience—Great Barrier Reef takes place at Bond University on the subtropical Gold Coast, Australia's most popular tourist destination. Known for its beautiful beaches, awesome surf and scenic hinterland attractions; the Gold Coast offers mild (nonexistent) winters and warm, sunny summers. It’s a safe, friendly area for students. It is the second most populous city in the state, the sixth most popular city in the country. Transportation is readily available with the main train station located ten minutes from the campus, and various public buses are easily accessible to students. Frequent bus connections make it easy to get out and about in the city. With 21 beaches to choose from and irresistible weather, you’ll never get bored here! Because it is a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of activities, shopping, and nightlife to keep you entertained during your free moments.
During the experiential portion of the program, you get to explore the Queensland coast! This region is home to magnificent natural resources, including forest and marine parks. Queensland is often called the Sunshine State, because of its warm weather location in the tropics. A highlight of this program will be some days spent on Heron Island, a coral cay that is part of Queensland’s famous Great Barrier Reef. Here you will find amazingly beautiful flora and fauna, as well as some interesting wildlife, including Sea Turtles and various species of birds.
The coastal emphasis continues with a trip to Hervey Bay, the largest sand island in the world. A day’s boat trip on Hervey Bay will give you a close look at the migrating whales that gather here each year on their annual southerly migration, often with new calves. You will also visit World Heritage–listed Fraser Island consisting of many rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, wallum and peat swamps, sand dunes and coastal heaths.