North west outback trip

Overview

"We bond over the embers of the campfire, chat over dinner, laugh in the bus, sleep on the ground, and snorkel in our dreams while having 10 days of relaxation from our normally brutal routine of tests, emails and parties.”

-William Sabia (Bill), University of Delaware, USA

Who it's for

The North West Trip is only available for students who are on a study abroad or exchange semester at Murdoch University.  Details about trip itinerary, packing, and general preparation will be advised to students at a pre-departure trip briefing.

Dates

The NorthWest trip runs every semester during the first and second study break.  The trip is ten days departing the Friday before the study break week and returning the Sunday of the study break week.  For exact dates, please see the our semester dates.

Cost & Sign Up

In 2014 the cost is $855 AUD.  Full explanation of what is covered in the cost is explained to all Study Abroad & Exchange students during Orientation.  Sign up for the trip can only be done at this time.

Trip Highlights:

World Heritage listed Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia, Shark Bay is World Heritage listed and is one of only 12 places in the world to have satisfied all that is required for the honour.

The main attraction here is the dolphins which swim close to the shore to greet you, hoping to be fed. Along with the dolphins live other marine life such as the Dugongs, called the ‘Mermaids of the Sea’, turtles and giant rays.

Ningaloo Reef Marine Park

You will also have the opportunity to snorkel in our most well known marine park, the Ningaloo Reef, which is also a World Heritage site.

Home to as many as 500 species of tropical fish and 200 species of coral, it is 260km in length and runs alongside white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

The reef is also home to the migratory ‘gentle giants’ of the sea, the Whale Sharks, as well as the Humpback Whales which cruise just beyond the reef during the months of July, October and November.

Karijini National Park

The highlight of the excursion is Karijini National Park. Hidden amongst Western Australia’s mining towns, this area is untouched and pristine in beauty.

Very remote in location, you will get a sense of being in the middle of nowhere and at the same time, feel like staying forever.

While taking your breath away with the splendour of gorges, flora and fauna, it will also give you the opportunity to swim in sparkling freshwater pools that have to be seen to be believed.

The hikes and trails through the gorges are challenging as well as breathtaking, with magnificent scenery, Aboriginal drawings and various species of wildlife. These rocky gorges are billions of years old and you will marvel as you stare at the formation of these gorges.