Australia

An Australian Odyssey: From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef

Program No. 22754RJ
Marvel as you explore Australia’s unique heritage — astounding Outback, natural wonders, iconic architecture, Aboriginal art and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Home to the largest reef system in the world, Australia’s natural wonders and unique species make it a land unlike any other. From cosmopolitan cities to impossibly expansive landscapes, explore the highlights of Australia on this educational adventure. Examine fragile ecosystems from desert to rainforest to coral reef, compare the personalities of Sydney and Melbourne and learn the often rough-and-tumble story of Australia.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles at a time at a normal public walking pace over varied terrain. Standing at least three hours daily; climbing stairs (at times without handrails), getting on/off buses and boats, carrying own luggage. If you believe you require wheelchair assistance to get through an airport you are not fit enough to participate in this program.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Snorkel along the wondrous Great Barrier Reef or explore it via semi-submersible vessel.
  • Discover the giant red rock formation known as Uluru and learn about its sacred meaning to the Aboriginal people.
  • Go behind-the-scenes at the Sydney Opera House and take in a performance.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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David O'Brien
Originally from the island state of Tasmania, Dave O’Brien has lived in North Queensland for more than 30 years. Working as a biologist almost his entire career, Dave has been involved in reptile research, aquaculture, government organizations, private enterprise and owning his own business. Outside of work, Dave’s interests include birding, photography and long-distance running. He has been married since 1986 and has two adult children, presently living in Melbourne, Australia and Alberta, Canada.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of David O'Brien
David O'Brien View biography
Originally from the island state of Tasmania, Dave O’Brien has lived in North Queensland for more than 30 years. Working as a biologist almost his entire career, Dave has been involved in reptile research, aquaculture, government organizations, private enterprise and owning his own business. Outside of work, Dave’s interests include birding, photography and long-distance running. He has been married since 1986 and has two adult children, presently living in Melbourne, Australia and Alberta, Canada.
Profile Image of Ruth Pullin
Ruth Pullin View biography
Dr. Ruth Pullin wrote her Ph.D. thesis on the Australian colonial artist Eugene von Guérard and was guest curator of a major exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2011, “Eugene von Guérard: Nature Revealed.” She is the principal author and commissioning editor of the book of the same title. She derives great joy in discussing with Road Scholars the relationship of Australians to the land as a key way in which Australian artists have established a sense of our cultural identity.
Profile Image of Sue Grebenschikoff
Sue Grebenschikoff View biography
Sue Grebenschikoff is an instructor and site coordinator in Cairns. Originally from Sydney, Sue moved to Cairns 20 years ago after she fell in love with the tropical region. Sue has a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in marketing, is a keen gardener, and loves to travel and meet people. She has worked in various capacities for many years on award-winning wilderness adventure programs around tropical North Queensland.
Profile Image of Andrew Fitzgerald
Andrew Fitzgerald View biography
Andrew Fitzgerald is a keen astronomer with considerable experience presenting information on stars, planets, our solar system, and the galaxy to large groups. He regularly presents a session on the local radio station informing locals and visitors of current astronomical features and events. Andrew’s wealth of knowledge enhances sessions exploring the features of Southern Hemisphere skies.
Profile Image of Rayleen Brown
Rayleen Brown View biography
Rayleen Brown is an Aboriginal who worked as a project officer to help Aboriginals secure their traditional land. She now owns and operates a successful catering business that’s been specializing in traditional bush products and foods for the past 10 years. In addition, Rayleen is a member of the national Bush Foods Council, an educator for schools across Central Australia and a mentor with the local Desert Leadership Program. She continues to be a strong advocate for the Aboriginal people to this day.
Profile Image of Michael Kidd
Michael Kidd View biography
Michael Kidd is a retired secondary school principal and teacher. After teaching mathematics at four Sydney high schools, he was appointed the principal of Hurlstone Agricultural High School, a school on 200 acres of farmland with 300 boarders, mostly from the country in New South Wales. He and his wife Robyn (also a retired secondary school principal and Road Scholar group leader) have traveled extensively with their two daughters. As group leader, Michael loves to share his passion for his homeland with Road Scholars.
Profile Image of Richard De Gille
Richard De Gille View biography
Richard De Gille has recently retired after practising as a lawyer for the past 30 years. For the last 20 years, he was a partner of a large suburban legal practice in outer Melbourne. He holds degrees from Monash University in economics and politics, education and law. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, bushwalking, gardening and reading.
Profile Image of Martin Ludgate
Martin Ludgate View biography
Martin Ludgate was a lecturer at Charles Darwin University in Alice Springs, where he lectured and managed the educational travel program. Now semi-retired (although still doing some lecturing and leading educational excursions), Martin has a keen interest in local history and culture as well as the landscapes, flora and fauna of the Northern Territory. “The great pleasure of enabling Road Scholar participants to bring alive their desire to experience a sense of Outback Australia, which they have heard so much about, makes my involvement so rewarding,” Martin says.
Profile Image of John Watkins
John Watkins View biography
John Watkins has a passion for fostering cross-cultural understandings and the building of trusted relationships between individuals and organizations. His passion emanates from his involvement in and love of sport, outdoor recreation and experiential education. John considers travel to be the ultimate teacher. He worked in an extensive career in sports management and corporate business development. John is a recognized change agent and business development manager. In his free time, John enjoys skiing, swimming and bush walking and follows rugby, American football, cricket and tennis.
Profile Image of Russell Boswell
Russell Boswell View biography
Russell Boswell is the manager of savannah guides and savannah way limited. A long-term Cairns resident, Russell’s background is in education and marketing. His tourism career has included group and safari operation, magazine publishing and training local experts. Russell sits on several industry committees and has been the proud recipient of a Cassowary Award for services to Wet Tropics nature-based tourism.
Profile Image of Hilary Basile
Hilary Basile View biography
Hilary Basile was born in Eugene, Oregon but has called Australia home since 1986. She retired from a Melbourne-based corporate career in 2019 and moved permanently to Mount Beauty in Northeast Victoria. She has enjoyed learning about Australian history through her travels, in particular the explorers. These days, Hilary picks up the odd job around her home. Most recently, she was managing operations from pruning through to harvest and wine production at a local vineyard. She is a birdwatcher, bushwalker, amateur photographer, and scuba diver.
Profile Image of Ken Rimmer
Ken Rimmer View biography
Ken Rimmer is a site coordinator for Melbourne and a group leader. Ken graduated from Victoria University in Wellington and worked for many years in administration and sales for companies such as IBM, Polaroid, and Xerox. He has lived in Melbourne since 1982, as does his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Ken is an enthusiastic cook and follower of sports, especially rugby and cricket.
Profile Image of Gleny Rae
Gleny Rae View biography
Gleny Rae, a country girl with an international heart, believes music can inspire and change lives. A passionate educator, she left the east coast in January 2021 to teach music in Alice Springs and fulfill a calling to work in remote communities with indigenous children. Less than three years later, Gleny has directed several student mass choirs, worked extensively with First Nations children in remote communities, established and mentored a community folk song and string band, and performed with a wide range of musical acts.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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