AUSTRALIA Jen Klewitz 86 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
It’s name alone—Australia —brings <strong>to</strong> mind unusual wildlife and wide-open space, flora found nowhere else on Earth, friendly people, and different cultures. The Land Down Under is a wild continent of waterfalls and crocodiles, of adventure and exploration. Our headquarters is located in Broome, a community of less than 25,000 that was founded in the 1880s as a hub of the pearling industry. Since 1996 we’ve concentrated <strong>our</strong> explorations from Broome <strong>to</strong> northwestern Australia, in places like the Kimberley and the Pilbara that are characterized by dramatic landscapes and intense colors, vast plains, ancient mountains, huge tidal rivers, and breathtaking gorges. You’ll never tire of the unique beauty of either place but you will discover their remoteness, learning from y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs and enjoying the opportunity <strong>to</strong> explore a landscape not known <strong>to</strong> many. We are also honored <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> collaborate with local Aboriginal groups, from whom <strong>our</strong> students have fantastic opportunities <strong>to</strong> learn about different ways of life. <strong>NOLS</strong> Australia is an adventure and an experience. AUSTRALIA Leslie Palotas Jen Klewitz <strong>NOLS</strong> has been exploring the Australian outback by foot, canoe, and sea kayak for more than 14 years. Dampier Archipelago Hiking past a classic Australian billabong, a watering hole <strong>to</strong> native plants and animals endemic <strong>to</strong> the Land Down Under. The Kimberley AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING Western Australia has it all: rugged plateaus, blue waters, and white sandy beaches. You’ll begin y<strong>our</strong> sea kayaking adventure in the waters surrounding the Dampier Archipelago, where you’ll have plenty of opportunity for learning sea kayaking skills, exploring the marine ecosystem, and discovering the area’s rich human his<strong>to</strong>ry, which includes the most prolific Aboriginal petroglyph site in the <strong>world</strong>. You’ll backpack either in the Kimberley or Pilbara, both offering ideal terrain <strong>to</strong> explore the Australian outback. The Kimberley has tight canyons, secluded waterfalls, and plateaus, while the Pilbara has escarpments, deep basalt gorges, and cool oases. Western Australia is home <strong>to</strong> a variety of exotic wildlife, it can be rugged, and it is hot here, but the natural his<strong>to</strong>ry and unique Australian setting will give you an unparalleled <strong>NOLS</strong> education. DETAILS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 45 days Tuition: $7,340 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum Dates: page 107 Facing page: Learning map reading skills is crucial in the vast interior of the Australian bush. Drysdale National Park AUSTRALIA BACKPACKING The rich cultural his<strong>to</strong>ry, subtropical habitats, and ancient land formations of the Kimberley make this part of Western Australia ideal for a backpacking expedition. Among tight canyons, dry plateaus, and secluded waterfalls, you’ll be challenged by this land of extremes, where days can be hot and nights cool, and explore areas very few people have ever seen. You’ll navigate through woodlands of gum trees and cane grass one moment and hike <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>p of an escarpment the next. You’ll see crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, geckos, and birds, including cocka<strong>to</strong>os, kookaburras, and honeyeaters. You’ll also learn about the Aboriginal culture by spending a couple of days with <strong>our</strong> Aboriginal guides, discovering their traditional and contemporary lifestyles. Through informative classes and discussions, interaction with <strong>our</strong> guides, and travel through local cattle stations, you’ll leave this c<strong>our</strong>se with a new understanding of the rich and diverse natural and cultural his<strong>to</strong>ry of the Kimberley and Australia. DETAILS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 35 days Tuition: $5,865 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum Dates: page 107 87