Arcadia Australia

Spring Events for Brisbane Students

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

Southbank Welcome BBQ

Local Australia

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the surrounds of the Southbank Parklands with views across the river to the Brisbane CBD. This is the perfect meal to welcome you to your new home in Australia and give you your first taste of Aussie BBQing.

Brisbane By Bike

Local Australia, Active Australia

Explore Southbank, West End and the Brisbane Central Business District via the excellent network of bike trails in and around Brisbane. This gentle cruise will take through the Botanic Gardens, the iconic River Walk and around the streets and many sights of this hustling and bustling part of Brisbane which you will call home.

Along with scenic destinations the tour will also orientate you to the supermarkets and other services of the area with a quick stop at the University of Queensland Campus.

Surfers Welcome BBQ

Local Australia

Enjoy a traditional Australian BBQ on the foreshore of Surfers Paradise. This is a fantastic way to kick off the coming semester and introduce you to the outdoorsy, beach lifestyle of your new home.

Gold Coast Beachfront Markets

LOCAL AUSTRALIA, MULTI-CULTURAL AUSTRALIA

Spend an evening exploring the Beachfront markets on the Gold Coast. Sample some street food or shop for souvenirs. The location itself makes this an excellent destination, but add the colour, lights and excitement of a busy marketplace and this is an evening not to be missed.

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 weekend trip down south is for you!

2 x Transfers to and from Bond University (take a train down from Brissy)

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 - why not make it a long weekend and explore the beaches of the Gold Coast 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 rain forest 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!!

Glasshouse Mountains Day Trip

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA / AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES / INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA

These beautiful volcanic mountains are located north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. On this day out you will hike one of the many iconic peaks of the area to take int he spectacular 360 degree views, explore the towns of Montville and Maleny and if the weather cooperates swim in one of the many natural swimming holes.

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.

AFL Game

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA

Come and experience this unique game at the Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast. Australian Rules Football (AFL) has a fascinating history, first played as a modified form of an indigenous Australian game known as ‘Marngrook’. The stuffed possum ball was replaced by the oval ‘Sherrin’ ball made of leather and was used as a way for cricketers to stay fit during the winter. Today AFL is a national competition played around Australia with teams/clubs in most capital cities, some of which have been in existence for well over 100 years.  

Watching with Arcadia staff will assist you in understanding rules and tactics and make the most of your experience.

Burleigh Heads Hike

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA

This small national park in the heart of the Gold Coast contains a diverse range of habitats including rocky foreshores, eucalyptus forest, pandanus groves, tussock grasslands and mangroves. You will explore the park via popular walking tracks, which take you towards the small summit and around the headland. you will have the chance to see Australian flora and fauna including 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 an excellent way to end the day.

Mt Cootha Hike

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA

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.

NOOSA AND SUNSHINE COAST WEEKEND GETAWAY

ACTIVE AUSTRALIA / AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPES

The town of Noosa and the surrounding Sunshine Coast region are located approximately 1 ½ hours north of Brisbane. The area has beautiful beaches complete with white sand and clear water. This short weekend getaway will provide the opportunity to explore the beach, river, hinterland and national parks of the area.

Enjoy a hike in the Noosa National Park, home to many native animals including koalas and birds of all varieties. Take a surf lesson at the picturesque main beach, hire a stand up paddle board and explore the Noosa River system or simply enjoy sand and sun while soaking in the atmosphere. You may even be lucky enough to see marine life such as whales, sea turtles and dolphins swimming up and down the coastline. A visit to the famous Eumundi markets is sure to be a highlight and an opportunity to purchase memorable souvenirs. Accommodation is dorm style, with transport, dinners and breakfast included.

Brisbane Farewell Dinner

Local Australia

Celebrate with a FREE group dinner in Brisbane.  We’ll share stories from the semester, decide who ate the most Tim Tams and who spent the most time trying to learn the “Aussie” accent.

Gold Coast Farewell Dinner

Local Australia

Celebrate with a FREE group dinner on the Gold Coast.  Figure out who spent the most time at the beach, who ate the most lamingtons and who travelled the most!