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Location
  • Australia
    • Sydney
    • Great Barrier Reef
    • Gold Coast
    • Fraser Island
    • Cairns
    • Byron Bay
    • Brisbane
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Program Tags
Adventure Travel Hands-On Learning Study Abroad
Payment plans
Health & Safety
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Program Details

Activities
Animal Viewing Swimming
Housing
Hostel
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18

Pricing

Starting Price
3850
Price Details
What is included: Pre-departure briefing and support, Airport pick-up, Gapforce Leader, Local guides and support staff, Welcome and orientation briefing, All accommodation, All tours on itinerary, Project donation, Meals listed in itinerary, Social activities, 24/7 UK emergency back-up, T-shirt
What's Included
Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare
Jan 11, 2023
Feb 27, 2023
Wish List
77 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join one of our groups for an action-packed 6 week tour combining travel & adventure with volunteering on Australia’s famed East Coast. Whether you're taking a gap year, looking to volunteer, or just take a trip of a lifetime, your journey will begin in the awesome city of Sydney before heading north to Brisbane via the legendary Byron Bay. You’ll spend 2 weeks volunteering on an environmental conservation project, a great way to give back to this amazing country, before continuing north into Queensland.

Sailing on the Whitsunday islands, 4 x 4 jeep rides on Fraser Island and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef are just some of the highlights. Your epic adventure ends with a week in Cape Tribulation, a stunning paradise where the reef meets the rainforest!

For those looking to stay on and work in Australia, why not add on our optional visa & work assistance package to set you on your way!

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Impact

Sustainability

We are committed to exert a positive impact on the regions, countries and communities which we visit. For us it is paramount that the local organisations and communities benefit from our cooperation by working with trusted local businesses and project partners who align with our sustainability objectives.
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Ethical Impact

We are passionate about travel and the positive impact it has on young people’s outlook and future prospects. Our mission is to help people become global citizens through authentic, socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences which aid self-discovery and personal development.

As a small team, we are committed to providing a highly personalised service from your initial contact right through to your chosen adventure. We achieve this through our dedicated team of program leaders and support staff, all of whom are passionate travellers united by a common purpose to help young people explore the world.
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Program Highlights

  • Overnight sailing around the Whitsunday islands
  • 4 x 4 driving on Fraser island
  • Try surfing at Byron Bay
  • Assist on a vital environmental conservation effort
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Program Reviews

4.73 Rating
based on 33 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 72.73%
  • 4 rating 27.27%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.3
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 5
Good for Groups, Solo Travelers, Students
Showing 33 - 33 of 33 reviews
Default avatar
Patrick
31
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ozforce was amazing!! So much fun!!

Aug 28, 2014

Travelling Australia was amazing and definitely worth it!!! Going up the East Coast was the best part and the people I met were incredible!! The sites were amazing and so much to do!! Never a dull moment and the 6 weeks in Australia were incredible and you can stay on for longer as well making it worthwhile!!

What would you improve about this program?
Improve the coordination with the Gapforce employees as the ozforxe company were amazing and so helpful!!
43 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Chloe Eayrs

Program
Australia Adventure with Gapforce

Why did you choose this program?

I wanted to push myself to build my self-confidence and experiences. I wanted to see what traveling in a group was like but also independently to see how I could cope with leaning on my parents. Australia had so much to offer and I wanted to meet new friends and meet new people which I definitely formed friendships for life. I also wanted to tick Australia off of my bucket list!

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My college didn't assist in any shape or form; this was all of my own hard work to pay for the trip to ensure I could participate.

I had to organise all of my flights, which was enjoyable and buying all of the necessities and new clothes. My college didn't know I was traveling, but it made it even more exciting knowing it was off my own back.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One thing I wish I knew beforehand was to be prepared for the additional activity costs as not all activities are stated which is very misleading and more expensive. I would recommend to always over budget so you can make sure you can make the most of the adventure of a lifetime, such as activities like the harbour bridge climb, white water rafting, etc.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

No day is the same as there are relaxing days to go and explore and ensure you have your food shop all sorted whilst the other days are filled with activities, so be prepared for early starts to make the most of the day.

Be prepared for daily food shops, as not many meals are included. An average week consists of much socialising and fun and games - making friends for life.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was homesickness, which I did suffer from, but my leaders Andy and Humphrey really settled me, as they relayed their homesick experiences to me, which made me feel much more comfortable.

I cannot pinpoint the day when the homesickness disappeared but it was very early on so I could enjoy the trip which I am glad it subsided!

Is there any other advice for prospective travelers?

Definitely participate in the white water rafting, Kuranda Cable Car, Hot Air Balloon with champagne breakfast, skydiving, kayaking at Byron Bay, koala sanctuary at Magnetic Island, Harbour Bridge Climb, Whitsundays, jet skiing in Cairns.

I wish I had participated in the Skydiving and pushed myself to do it, as I saw the videos of others doing it and it looked amazing!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

James Catterall

Program
Australia Adventure with Gapforce

Did you participate in a program abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

James Catterall

James: I have participated in several programs abroad, and have been lucky enough to visit nearly 50 countries so far. The first program I went on was in my Gap Year after High School when I spent 6 months in Australia on my Work & Holiday visa.

I had not done as well as expected at High School and ended up on an unexpected Gap Year which turned out to be the best thing that could ever have happened to me. This was quite literally a life changing experience for me, I had the most unforgettable 6 months which essentially shaped my career and passion for travel from that point.

What aspect of working at Gapforce inspires you the most?

James: I have spent 13 years working in the travel industry and the past 5 years with Gapforce, where I am currently General Manager, have been by far the best and most exciting. I have a passion for travel. And being able to share my passion.and knowledge with a wide variety of people every day gives me huge inspiration

What separates Gapforce from other volunteer and adventure travel providers?

James: Without a shadow of a doubt it is our field staff who set us apart from other providers. We have been operating for 24 years and have some of the best staff in the business running our programs overseas.

We have an extensive 4-month training course for our Leaders so they are highly trained in every aspect of Expedition Planning and Management – peace of mind for our participants and parents!

If you had to choose one, what destination would you recommend to gap year travelers?

James: We have 40 programs in 15 countries. So it really depends on what you are interested in, as they all cater to different interests. I would advise any young Gapper to contact one of our Advisors who will find out what they are interested in and make some suggestions

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering going abroad?

James: My advice for anyone considering going abroad is to just do it! There will always be reasons to delay but you never know what will happen in the future and you don’t want to look back and think of it as a missed opportunity. You will love it so just go for it!

About Gapforce

At Gapforce, we are passionate about travel and the positive impact it has on young people’s outlook and future prospects. Our mission is to help people become global citizens through authentic, socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences which aid self-discovery and personal development. Through our range of school group trips, gap...
  • Go Overseas Award
  • Go Overseas Award

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