Sydney Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all semester and year programs. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we have collected typical experiences from some of the tours and trips we have offered to our students in the past.

Blue Mountains

Much of Australia’s folklore centers around the “bush”, from the tales of Waltzing Matilda and the Man from Snowy River to the legendary bush characters like “Clancy of the Overflow” and bushranger, Ned Kelly. To the Aborigines, the bush was home not only home but also a source of food, shelter and religion. A visit to the Blue Mountains will give students a first hand experience of the bush’s vast, rugged nature and unique flora and fauna was well as an insight into both Aboriginal mythology and European-Australian folklore. Students will take in sights such as the Three Sisters, enjoy a bushwalk and experience small town bush hospitality in Katoomba. It’s only a couple of hours from Sydney but feels like a world away.

Byron Bay

There is nothing better than spending the day in an art district shopping for pottery, sculptures, and Aboriginal art, unless of course it’s relaxing by the seaside. Byron Bay is a great place to indulge in both passions, where hours can be spent shopping for souvenirs, getting acquainted with local culture, or simply enjoying some rest and relaxation.

Canberra

Students can see the Australian government in action at the Parliamentary Triangle, take in the scenery at lookout points on Black Mountain and visit the Australian Institute of Sport. Australia’s capital city of Canberra has much to offer.

Hunter Valley

Just a short drive north of Sydney is the picturesque Hunter Valley, one of the jewels in the crown of Australia’s thriving wine industry. From humble beginnings, Australia’s wine industry has grown into one of the country’s fastest growing exports and is now challenging the established markets of France and Italy. On this excursion students will learn about the different varieties of wine produced in the region as well as taste some world class wines. While visiting each vineyard they will learn about the production of wine, from growing and pressing grapes, to cellaring and bottling the finished product. Resident wine experts will take them through the tasting experience at each vineyard. By the end of the day they will be talking about “length”, “nose” and “palette” with the best sommelier.

Melbourne

The rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for the title of Australia’s premier city is as old as the two cities themselves. Melbournians are fanatical about sports, art and coffee and no visit to this city is complete without a sampling of all three. Melbourne is home to Aussie Rules Football, the Australian Open, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix as well as some of Australia’s finest artwork. It may be a strange combination, but it sits comfortably in the friendly atmosphere of a city that prides itself on its diversity. Melbourne is not without its natural beauty; just a short drive south is the Great Ocean Road and some of the most spectacular ocean scenery in Australia. Melbourne is well worth a visit, if only to see how the other half lives.

Surfari's Surf Trip

With 85% of the population living within an hour of the coast, it’s no wonder Australians are obsessed with water sports. The influence of surfing on Australian culture spreads far and wide, from art and fashion to politics and social disorder. During this excursion students will experience the essence of surfing whilst taking in some of Australia’s native flora and fauna in a remote national park on Australia’s east coast. They will benefit from expert surf instruction, camp on the beach, enjoy a few stories around the bonfire and gaze up at the Milky Way and Southern Cross well away from the bright lights of the city. The trip is as much about the travel as it is about learning to surf; but students should be warned-- they might get hooked!