'EdVentures' in Australia
According to TripAdvisor's 2019 Experiences Trends Report, educational adventures are the go-to experiences for Aussie travellers heading abroad this year. Australia itself is the perfect playground for immersive holidays; whether you’re keen to escape the chilly winter months with a trip to North Queensland or head west to explore some beautiful wine country in Perth and its surrounds, our unique and stunning landscape provides a diverse range of opportunities for learning a new skill during your travels.
Start planning your next ‘EdVenture’ with these great ideas.
Become a certified diver
If you’ve always wanted to complete a diving certification but never found the time, why not combine your next holiday with a PADI open water course? You’ll find course providers offering certification in many of the stunning diving locations off our shores. Head to Cairns and learn to dive on the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. If you’re interested in wreck dives, complete a course in Townsville then head out to the Yongala, Australia’s most spectacular wreck dive. Adelaide and its surrounds also provide great opportunities for learning to dive; nearby, you’ll find Port Noarlunga Reef and a little further south, the ex-HMAS Hobart dive site. If you’re travelling on the western side of the country, head to the central coast town of Exmouth and learn to dive in the beautiful Nigaloo Marine Park..
Learn how to survive in the bush
Australia is blessed to have lush national parks and forest located near major cities and regional centres, providing the perfect opportunity to acquire some bush survival skills. While the concept may seem a tad novel, bush survival courses teach a range of very practical and useful skills, as well as being a great way to get closer to nature and meet like-minded peeps. Courses cover bush navigation, identifying food and medical sources, fire lighting, shelter construction, water procurement and emergency signalling. You’ll find operators offerings these courses in stunning locations like Conondale National Park in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterlands and the beautiful bushland of New South Wale’s Central Coast region.
Become a sailor
With miles of spectacular coastline dotted by tourist towns and cities, there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn how to sail in Australia. Particularly great locations include our east coast with plenty of calm clear water to smooth your way; head to the Whitsunday Islands or Moreton Bay for lessons and a spot of island hopping. If you're looking for an iconic Aussie experience, learn to sail in Sydney Harbour and take in the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour bridge from a new perspective. If you find yourself in Perth, take a course on the magnificent Swan River before putting your newfound skills to work by sailing around stunning Rotness Island, just off the capital’s coast. Or if you happen to be visiting the Apple Isle, why not learn to sail on Derwent River and explore one of Australia’s most popular sailing spots, the D’entrecateaux Channel while you’re there.
Up your wine game
There are a multitude of classes, courses and tours throughout Australia, all designed to enhance your love for, and knowledge of wine. We are blessed with some of the best wineries in the world, most of which are operated by passionate owners keens Winery and vineyard tours, and short, intensive wine education courses can be found in wine regions like Margaret River, the Barossa and the Hunter Valley. If you’re looking for something a little more detailed, wine schools can be found in most capital cities. Learn the art of sommelier with introductory and professional restaurant qualifications, or simply up your wine game and impress your mates with a day seminar or an online course.
Ready to upskill with an educational adventure? Virgin Australia has a range of great value domestic fares to get you started.
