Arcadia Australia

Spring Events for Gold Coast Students

We have some excellent co-curricular activities planned for the Spring semester! Take a look at what's on offer within your program and other regions.

TIM TAM PICNIC BY THE LAKE

Local Australia, Australian cuisine

The best way to start your uni experience is with a picnic by the lake - meet Gizmo to start your semester with the best biccy's Australia can offer. Head to Robina by Bus to check out the shops and kit out your room for the semester. (Bring your GO card or buy your own bus ticket)

JELLERGAL WALKABOUT AND AUSSIE BBQ AT BURLEIGH HEADS

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA, SPIRITUAL AUSTRALIA, INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA, LOCAL AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES, MULTI-CULTURAL AUSTRALIA

Jellergal is the home to the traditional aboriginal owners of the land around Burleigh heads, this is an opportunity to learn about the Gold Coast and the land that was part of the traditional owners. Afterwards we will hike through the small national park which is in the heart of the Gold Coast and contains a diverse range of habitats including rocky foreshores, eucalyptus forest, pandanus groves, tussock grasslands and mangroves. Traveling through the park via popular walking tracks, taking you towards the small summit and around the headland, you will have the chance to see whales migrating off the coast to warmer waters and the majestic sea eagles that patrol the water’s edge. The northern side of the park is home to one of Australia’s most famous surfing point breaks and watching the procession of wave riders is another favourite pass-time.

A traditional Aussie BBQ on the Burleigh foreshore is great way to end the day and a fantastic welcome to your new home.

MIAMI MARKETTA Midweek feast

Australian Cuisine, Local Australia, Multi-cultural Australia

Miami Marketta is an amazing food festival every weekend but they run a special mid week feast on a Wednesday! Grab a group of mates and head on down to try the delicious food from around the world.

SNORKEL WAVE BREAK ISLAND

Active Australia, Australian Landscapes

Always wanted to see what lies beneath? Here's your opportunity to see the underwater life of the Gold Coast seaway with a snorkel trip to Wave Break Island on the northern end of the Spit.  The Seaway is home to so many different fish so take the opportunity to get to know your underwater neighbors.

WHAT’S SUP AT CURRUMBIN

Active Australia

Try your hand at stand up paddle boarding in Currumbin Creek, not only can you see if you can keep your balance, you can also see a huge array of sea life including stingrays, water birds and hopefully not too many wet and bedraggled classmates.

BYRON BAY LEARN TO SURF WEEKEND

LOCAL AUSTRALIA/ ACTIVE AUSTRALIA / AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

If you've always wanted to see the incredible Northern New South Wales coast and the Easternmost Point of Australia then a quick flight up to the Gold Coast is for you!

2 x Transfers to and from Bond University

2 nights accommodation at Byron Bay's premier surf hostel

All meals included.

2 x Surf Safaris (suitable for all abilities all equipment included)

Entry into the Semi Pro Cup (Fun surf contest medals and trophies for the winning teams and individual prizes for most improved surfer, longest wave, surfer of the weekend, best Wipeout and most improved surfer.

Semi Pro Cup awards ceremony

1 x guided lighthouse tour

Free beach games to use

15 % discount on all hire at our surf hire shop includes bikes, surfboards, snorkel gear

Opportunity to book additional activities such as Kayaking with Whales and Dolphins (extra costs incurred)

Free surf photos for each individual to take away and we also do a group video edit of the whole Weekend.

This is an amazing trip and well worth making it a long weekend to explore the beaches too!

MOUNT TAMBOURINE DAY TRIP

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA / AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

Join in on a fun-filled day adventure road trip to Mount Tamborine, a hidden gem snookered in the Gold Coast hinterland. Think rainforest hikes, beautiful waterfalls, swimming in freshwater pools, beer tasting and gourmet cheeses, AND you get to see glow worms.... YEAHHH!!

It really is a fabulous day out! Cost includes food, transport and all activities. Places are limited so get in quick! Some students from last year rated this as their favourite excursion while here in Oz so DON'T MISS OUT!!

STRADBROKE ISLAND WEEKEND EXCURSION

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA, SPIRITUAL AUSTRALIA, INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

North Stradbroke Island, colloquially Straddie, is an island that lies within Moreton Bay, 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of Brisbane. Straddie is the second largest sand island in the world and gives many opportunities for recreation along its coast line and on its lakes. On this excursion you will have the opportunity to learn from the Quandamooka people, the traditional owners of the land. You will learn about “bush tucker”, the food which the Quandamooka are able to gather from the country. You will learn a traditional dance, how to throw a boomerang, and something of the culture of the Aboriginal people in this part of Australia. You will spend some time in a kayak exploring the coast and keeping an eye out for stingrays, turtles and fish which are abundant here. We’ll have some fun sand-boarding and surfing as well as going to some scenic spots.

OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

Active Australia, Australian Landscapes

This is a great challenge with spectacular views of the Southern end of the Gold Coast, a morning out trying rock climbing or abseiling at Point Danger.  You could make a day trip of it and check out the most advanced surfers who ride the waves at Duranbah and Snapper Rocks.

COUNTRY QUEENSLAND DAY TRIP

Active Australia, Australian Landscapes

Join Gizmo on a trip out to the country to learn about bush tucker, try some billy tea and damper, experience the country through the ears of a horse, check out some sheep shearing and listening to the bird life on the bush walking trails. Limited numbers so get in quick!

Mt Cootha Hike

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

Mt Cootha is the highest peak in Brisbane, offering breathtaking views of Brisbane city and the coastline from its summit. This popular destination also contains the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium within its boundaries. On this afternoon hike you will spend time exploring this bushland area’s many walking tracks and breathtaking views.  You will be able to see some contemporary Aboriginal art works including tree carvings, rock paintings, etchings and rock arrangements on the Aboriginal Art Trail and discover the native flora of the Botanic Garden.

FINAL NIGHT FAREWELL DINNER

Local Australia

Celebrate with a FREE group dinner. We’ll share stories from the semester, decide who ate the most Tim Tams and who spent the most time at the beach and who had the best travel stories.