Study Tours Excursions

Students take a stroll through some of Brisbane's most iconic attractions and cornerstones. A usual itinerary involves an appreciation of Brisbane's well-kept City Botanic Gardens, followed by spectacular views as students make their way across the Brisbane River towards South Bank. At South Bank, students can appreciate the beauty and focus on community that Brisbane City Council undoubtedly achieves whilst enjoying the manmade beach. South Bank is followed by a visit to a choice of museums and a chance to explore Brisbane’s shops in the Central Business District.

A short drive from John Paul College, the Gold Coast is a popular destination for the beach and shopping. On this excursion, students take a trip to the beach followed by some time to look around Surfers Paradise. At the beach, students have the opportunity to feel the sand between their toes and go for a paddle. Students then travel to Harbour Town outlet mall for some shopping before heading back to John Paul College.

A trip to Australia is not complete without a sausage sizzle and the chance to see a koala. John Paul College is fortunate enough to be situated close to Daisy Hill Koala Centre. There, students can see koalas being cared for until their return to the wild, and learn about the dangers humans pose to Australian wildlife. This, coupled with a traditional sausage sizzle, is an educational, relaxing and great day out.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must when visiting Brisbane. Unlike the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Lone Pine offers students a chance to see a diverse range of Australian animals, from wombats to emus. There are different shows at various times during the day involving birds of prey, traditional herding methods and much more. A favourite is the lorikeet feeding where students have the opportunity to feed wild lorikeets and get a great photo!

A combination of thrilling rides and experiences make this one of Queensland’s most famous theme parks. From rides to suit the biggest daredevils, to rides for students who would like something a little more relaxed, Dreamworld offers something for everyone. ​You can also see the animal kingdom’s largest cats, during the daily presentations on Tiger Island.

All the stars, all the faces packed into one great day out. Movie World hosts rides and experiences connected with famous movies and iconic figures, such as Batman and Scooby-Doo. With our day usually starting with a short 4D movie, students are set to have fun for the whole day ending in a parade of famous characters.

Every year, thousands of tourists admire the marine life in Australia. Sea World, the premier marine animal park in Australia, offers students a chance to experience the animals of the Great Barrier Reef in just one day. A short drive from John Paul College, Sea World offers dolphin shows and chance to get up close to animals of the depths in a giant aquarium. This outstanding educational value is complemented by a range of rides to suit every student.

Paradise Country Farm is a great destination for students to experience an authentic Aussie Farm that reflects the traditional Australian Bush Culture. It is home to a variety of unique animals, not only cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs and dogs but also Australian Wildlife as well as babies in the Animal Nursery. Students can feed the friendly kangaroos, visit Koala Village where they can have their photo taken with a cuddly koala, and watch the stockmen and dogs work together to round up a flock of sheep and see the skills of the master shearers in the Sheep Shearing Show. They can also sit around the campfire to enjoy a traditional Billy Tea and damper.

Stradbroke Island is situated a short ferry ride from Cleveland, and offers a unique opportunity for students to experience nature at its best. Students visit Brown Lake before spending some time at Quandamooka Art Gallery, where they learn more about traditional Aboriginal culture. After that, they enjoy the Gorge Walk at beautiful Point Lookout. This walk provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and students may see wild dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and whales (May to October). Students also visit Cylinder Beach, to enjoy the pristine sand and gentle waves.

Mount Tamborine is a short bus drive south of Brisbane, in the Gold Coast Hinterland. After driving through changing forest habitats to the top of the range, students can walk through the cool rainforest to Curtis Falls. On the way they see fascinating trees, ferns and mosses, before reaching the falls and a rainforest pool. A short ride from Curtis Falls is a lookout with panoramic views of the farming lands to the west. Often, you can watch hang gliders launching into the valley below. The day ends with some free time to browse the many interesting shops along Gallery Walk.