to our world. - NOLS

It’s name alone—Australia —brings to 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 our explorations from Broome to 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 your instructors and enjoying the opportunity to explore a landscape
not known to many. We are also honored to be able to collaborate with local Aboriginal groups, from whom our students
have fantastic opportunities to learn about different ways of life. NOLS Australia is an adventure and an experience.
AUSTRALIA
Leslie Palotas
Jen Klewitz
NOLS 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 to native plants and animals
endemic to 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 your 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 history, which includes the most prolific Aboriginal
petroglyph site in the world. You’ll backpack either in
the Kimberley or Pilbara, both offering ideal terrain to 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 to a variety of exotic wildlife, it can be rugged, and it is
hot here, but the natural history and unique Australian setting
will give you an unparalleled NOLS education.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 45 days
Tuition: $7,340
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
4 hours 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 history, 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 to the top of an escarpment the next. You’ll see crocodiles,
kangaroos, wallabies, geckos, and birds, including cockatoos,
kookaburras, and honeyeaters. You’ll also learn about the Aboriginal
culture by spending a couple of days with our Aboriginal
guides, discovering their traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
Through informative classes and discussions, interaction with
our guides, and travel through local cattle stations, you’ll leave
this course with a new understanding of the rich and diverse natural
and cultural history of the Kimberley and Australia.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 20 • Duration: 35 days
Tuition: $5,865
Optional College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques,
2 hours Skills Practicum
Dates: page 107
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