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Australian Eco Tour
Environmental Education: An Australian Ecological and Cultural Tour
Travel from cosmopolitan Sydney to the most remote regions of the Outback to coastal Cairns, gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the cultural and artistic traditions of the people who live there. Learn about the ecosystems of the highly diverse and historically significant southern hemisphere continent, Australia.
The Australian Eco-Tour is Ideal for students, teachers, or anyone interested in learning about the natural and cultural environment of Australia. This course will benefit those interested in biodiversity and conservation, environmental policy, or environmental education for elementary and secondary school students. The program exposes participants to the diverse plant and animal life (e.g., birds, reptiles, marsupials, insects, fish, coral) as well as the unique geological features of the continent. Emphasis is placed on the cultural significance and complex relationships Aboriginal peoples have with the land.
Academic Program
The program will cover the following:
- Use of field studies to develop concepts in research, conservation and environmental education.
- Strategies for interpreting national parks and the role of environmental education in supporting attitudes about biodiversity.
- Cultural relationships between people and environment.
Teaching Strategies
This excursion starts in Sydney where cultural, historical and scientific background is learned through lectures at the botanical garden, zoological park, aquarium, art and history museums. We then embark on a 9 day coach/camping excursion through North and Central Australia followed by some time in Northern Queensland with rainforest and Great Barrier Reef excursions. The field studies include walks through diverse ecosystems and cruises through river, wetland and coral reef areas.
Some Highlights of the Ecotour
- Behind the scenes tour of Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Visits to Kakadu, Nitmiluk, Watarrka, Litchfield, Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Parks.
- Cruise on Yellow Waters billabong, a "dry" season refuge to 2.5 million birds.
- Ubirr - An area rich in Aboriginal history and artworks reflecting 20,000 years of continuous occupation and environmental change.
- Kings Canyon (Watarrka) - A spectacular hike through a maze of weathered sandstone domes and the "Garden of Eden."
- Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) - A system of thirteen gorges of stunning sixty meter sheer red cliffs and home to Johnstone River crocodiles. Study of the geology, fauna (58 species of reptiles and amphibians, 168 species of birds and numerous fish), and flora. The Archer fish can readily be seen along stream banks "shooting" insects by firing a "bullet" of water through a tube formed by its mouth and tongue.
- The Devil's Marbles - Unusual rock formations alternately explained as remnant terraces and mesas eroded through time, or as giant eggs laid by the mythical rainbow serpent.
- Walk amongst the giant buttress roots of the strangler figs in the rainforest; look for cassowary.
- Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) - An island rock that has existed in its present form for the last 40 million years; Aboriginal interpretations of the physical feature will be studied.
- Snorkel or scuba dive with rays, wrasse, shark and clownfish on the Great Barrier Reef.
Qualifications
The course is open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Teachers and other individuals interested in Australian culture, biodiversity, conservation and environmental policy will also be considered. A minimum 2.5 GPA or higher is required.
Credits
This is a 6-credit, upper division, undergraduate course. Approximately 50% of the course involves the development and completion of an independent eco-project. The project is finished and submitted after return to the U.S.
Travel Accommodations and Meals
Land-based travel is primarily by air-conditioned coaster (minibus) or minivan. We will sleep in hostels, recognized campgrounds in tents with mattresses, and bunkhouse style accommodations. All accommodations have flushing toilets and hot showers. A cook accompanies the tour but all participants must assist with various tasks such as food preparation, collecting firewood, dishwashing, etc. A few meals, indicated in the itinerary are at the participant's expense. All tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, camp tables, seating, lighting, and eating utensils are provided.
Approximate Dates
Mid June - Mid July
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