Arcadia Australia

Fall Events for Gold Coast Students

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

Tim Tam Picnic by the lake

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.

HIKE MT COOTHA AND DINNER

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. Spend some time exploring this bushland area’s many walking tracks. You will be able to see some contemporary Aboriginal art works including tree carvings, rock paintings, etchings and rock arrangements, take in the view and discover the native flora of the Botanic Garden. Having worked up an appetite enjoy a friendly communal dinner at one of the many picnic reserves.

 Coombabah Wetlands Hike

This is an important conservation park on the north end of the Gold Coast where we will be able to see kangaroo's and koala's in the wild. There is also prolific bird life, boardwalks, trails and waterways to experience.  

Jellergal Walkabout and Aussie BBQ at Burleigh Heads

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 a fine end to the day and a fantastic welcome to your new home.

STRADBROKE ISLAND WEEKEND EXCURSION

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.

Wha'ts Sup at Currumbin

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. 

MOUNT TAMBOURINE DAY TRIP

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....Amazing!

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!!

Snorkel Wave Break Island

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.

Outdoor Rock Climbing

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. 

NOOSA AND SUNSHINE COAST WEEKEND GETAWAY

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.

Miami Marketta Tapas Night

Miami Marketta is an amazing food festival every weekend but they run a special tapas night on a Wednesday where all plates are $6 and under! Grab a group of mates and head on down to try the delicious food from around the world.

Country Queensland Day trip

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!

Australia Wide

BYRON BAY LEARN TO SURF WEEKEND

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 Campus (Gold Coast/Brisbane)
• 2 nights accommodation at Byron Bay's premier surf hostel
• All meals included
• 2 x Surf Sufaris (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 booking in advance!