Infuse Program Leaders will welcome you upon arrival into Gold Coast/Brisbane. Transfer to your accommodation in Kingscliff, settle in and then join an orientation session with your Program Leaders.

Begin your adventure by gathering as a group for your orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your journey in this student leadership program and an introduction to local culture.

First up, discover what makes Australian wildlife so unique with a visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn about conservation efforts underway at the Sanctuary for Koalas and Tasmanian Devils, explore the stories of the Wildlife Hospital and get up close and personal with some of Australia’s weird and wonderful wildlife. From crocodiles to dingoes to koalas and kangaroos, you will be sure to find your new favourite animal here!

This afternoon, it’s time to get salty! Join some of our local surf legends in the ocean as you learn new skills and try to catch some waves. The experienced instructors will help guide you, teach you techniques and you’ll be catching waves in no time!

This morning, enjoy a scenic bike ride on the Tweed Rail Trail and enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Northern Rivers Region.

In the afternoon, join a member of the local Bundjalung tribe on a cultural immersion program. Be welcomed to their Country and then taken on an interpretative journey through the mesmerising Byron Creek. Learn the traditional Dreamtime stories and about natural medicine while you visit this sacred site.

Head out on a boat this morning to Joong-urra-narrian (Cook Island) Nature Reserve, where you’ll begin to explore the marine environment of Northern NSW. Snorkel amongst the resident population of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. Marvel at the hard and soft corals of the reef that also provide lots of hiding places for cheeky clown fish, anemones, and wobbegongs! Learn about the conservation efforts currently underway and help spot dolphins on the way out.

After returning from the boats, take a walk up to the Fingal Head Lighthouse to learn about the geological history of the region and soak in some amazing views of where you snorkelled that morning and try to spot some dolphins!

In the afternoon in the student leadership program, support a local community group with environmental service projects in the area. Projects may include tree planting, sand dune restoration, removal of invasive species, or beach clean-ups.

This morning, spend time giving back to the community - in particular to those rough sleeping. Through our local partnership with a homelessness service, students will prepare basic toiletry and food supply packs which will be given out to those in need by social workers.

Then, it’s time to head towards the Clarence River and spend the day learning the necessary skills for your next 2 days of adventure in this student leadership program.

First, learn the necessary skills to navigate your canoe confidently through the river. No paddling experience is required and the river is suited to beginners. An open-minded, positive outlook and sense of adventure will be all you need to bring. We will teach everyone the skills, features and safety tips needed to give white-water canoeing a go. This section of the river is perfect for developing canoeing skills, as there are easier grade 1 and 2 rapids.

Embark on a 2.5-day white-water canoe journey down the Clarence River and spend the journey living and moving together as a community. Travel downstream as a tribe, carrying everything you need to survive and thrive in your canoe and contributing to cooking and camp creation.

The excitement of the rapids is well complemented by the peaceful, pristine, natural gorges that engulf the group as you venture further downstream. With expert guidance from your canoe instructors, you will begin to develop your skills and confidence in the canoe; in no time you will start to navigate the rapids with more ease and laughter. Wilderness campsites far from civilisation provide the backdrop for impressive stargazing opportunities as you commune around the campfire by night to debrief and share stories.

Finish your canoe journey today and enjoy a final lunch by the river before saying farewell to the mighty Clarence River and your canoe guides. Make your way back to the coast towards Kingscliff.

Share in a final celebratory dinner tonight as you gather as a group to debrief your adventure in this student leadership program.

Spend some final moments relaxing on the beach, soaking in the sunshine and searching for souvenirs.

At the end of the student leadership program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with and discuss how to apply this new understanding to their own world. As a final activity, we come together and participate in a closing ceremony that allows everyone to capture their memories and learning moments to process and share with their communities back home.

It’s time to say your fond farewells to your Infuse Program Leaders before making your way home. We hope you had a great adventure in the Northern Rivers!