University of Georgia, Discover Abroad: Australia Queensland Maymester Program

Sydney, Brisbane, Outback, Sunshine Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Tropical Rainforest

Queensland, Australia is known as the Sunshine State, and home to the Outback and Aboriginal communities, lush tropical rainforest, golden beaches, and the marine diversity of the magnificent and stunning Great Barrier Reef. The weather in tropical Queensland in May is typically near perfect, with sunshine and daily temperatures of 75-85°F. A diverse array of course credits are available (see below). 

The program begins with several days in Sydney, considered one of the world’s best cities to live and play, taking classes and local field trips with UGA faculty and Australian experts. In Sydney, we visit iconic places including the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and Darling Harbor, head to Bondi or Manly beach to explore heritage and tourism conservation, as well as take a free day for independent exploration. We then head north to Queensland for our field trips: We stay on an isolated island eco-resort on the Great Barrier Reef, travel to the surfing beach town of Noosa (Sunshine Coast) to explore sustainable development and ecotourism issues, visit the Outback at Carnarvon Gorge, and travel to the Gondwanaland rainforest at Lamington National Park. We finish the program in Brisbane, one of Australia’s most vibrant and modern cities. One of the unique features of the program is the activities we have along the way: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, experience Aboriginal bush life, discover koalas and kangaroos, and hike tropical rainforests, as well as guided tours of Sydney and Brisbane.