Popular Destinations
Educational Tours in Australia

Catherine Murphy, Year 9 Team Leader
Genazzano FCJ College
We worked with Ian to set up our first school trip to Central Australia and have not looked back since. Ian was a wealth of knowledge and did an amazing job working with us to create a wonderful experience that is tailored to suit our students.
Ian is always available either on the phone, via email or in person and has been a great support before, during and after our trips. He is highly organised and has a good attention to detail. We have travelled with Bayside coaches, organised by Ian, and couldn’t talk more highly about the staff that have supported us each year.
Julie Hoskins, Co-ord of SS Community Service & Student Exchanges
Ruyton Girls' School
The trip went very well. David Bruce was an absolutely wonderful tour guide and driver – as always. He is always calm, hard-working, thorough, generous, articulate, thoughtful, capable and impeccably dressed! The staff and students loved him. Josie, our cook, was terrific. She was always cheerful, diligent, made great meals and accommodated a range of dietary requests with unflappable style. She had a great sense of humour, and was unfailingly kind, too.
The caravan park at Alice Springs has introduced more rules about supervision of students, which are a bit annoying considering that our girls are always well-behaved, but we managed them ok. We had a few thunderstorms at Yulara which made for some interesting nights with teachers, David and Josie running around in torrential rain, at 11 pm, pegging tents down.
Otherwise, the trip was as good as it always is. Thank you for making excellent arrangements for us.
Kym Maclean, Head of Year 9
Loreto Mandeville Hall
We engaged Across Australia Travel to coordinate our Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak – Year 9 Central Australia trip for 150 students. From the outset, Ian Wheeler, the Managing Director, was thoroughly organised. He managed all our needs and requirements ranging from visits to the sites, accommodation and meals and assisted with access permit requirements. Ian’s knowledge of the industry and what is suitable and available was clearly evident. Whenever we had a query or issue during planning and whilst on our trip, he responded quickly.
Across Australia Travel ensure they only engage with reliable companies who deliver excellent quality services. The bus driver for our group was extremely knowledgeable about the region and very supportive when we required assistance with local agencies.
I highly recommend Across Australia Travel when organising travel for school groups. Ian will ensure he tailors the trip to suit the needs of the school and the students.
Lynn Broadway, Deputy Principal
Melbourne Girls Grammer School
All the students and staff returned to school on Monday full of enthusiasm from the trip. They reported that the whole journey had run very smoothly and was wonderful from start to finish. We were impressed by the care with which the itinerary had been checked and cross-checked, the level of professionalism of the tour providers and the ease of communications with Across Australia Travel.
From day one, the quality of food, camping equipment provided and the approachability of the travel crew were all impressive. Our staff commented on the high level of organisation demonstrated in all aspects of the camping arrangements and the fair and positive way in which the crew dealt with the students in outlining and then reinforcing their expectations. Our thanks go to all those involved in making the Yr 9 Dream Time Journey such a success.
Shaun Burke, Middle School Head of Operations, English, History
Camberwell Grammar School
We were privileged to have Ian come on board to help set up a Central Australia trip for our Middle School students, which tied into our indigenous studies in Year 8. Ian’s friendly and flexible nature, ensured that we had an opportunity to work in an Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory.
Reflections on the trip:
Dreams of endless red desert, timeless mountains and thriving communities flooded my mind before we departed on our eight-day camping adventure to Central Australia. The trip did not disappoint. During the first week of the September School Holidays, twenty-eight students from Year 8 and 9 and three staff, headed off to Alice Springs to begin our adventure.
We were soon accustomed to the striking heat and every stop around Alice Springs was a new experience for the staff and students. One could not help thinking how isolated the explorers and workers on the Telegraph Station must have felt when they looked at the vast endless desert, arid bushland and MacDonnell Ranges. After we explored Simpson’s Gap and heard about the importance of this site for local indigenous people, we returned to the MacDonnell Ranges Holiday Park, where we were thoroughly entertained by Rex’s display of native reptiles. At one point we managed to form a circle and Rex passed a Rainbow Serpent python around, quite an experience.
The following day in Alice, we learnt about the important role of the ‘Royal Flying Service’ and the ‘Alice Springs School of the Air’; purchased souvenirs and then we returned to the caravan park for another three-course meal. The food throughout the trip was freshly prepared at our campsite by Cheryl, who could not believe how much food we managed to eat over the eight days.
A camel ride, the physical sight of the King’s Canyon rim, the sunset with dips over-looking Uluru and the mystic gorge in Kata Tjuta with its 36 domes, were all obvious highlights, but from all reports, the students especially enjoyed constructing horticulture at the Wanmarra Community. After an Aboriginal leader warmly invited us into the community with a traditional “welcome”, we set about laying pipes, building gardens and rock wall features on a thirty-acre site. We felt that we were making a difference to the community and could see their vision for the future. Once back at School, the Year 8 students felt empowered to raise funds for the community through the Year 8 Social; so, our connection with the community will continue to grow.
It was sad to depart the bus captain and assistant, for the flight home, but we hoped that our paths might cross again in the future. A fabulous trip, organised to perfection and a unique experience for many students. This short note does not do justice to the great trip we had.
I would personally like to thank Ian Wheeler and Bayside Coaches, who provided a splendid and unique experience for our students.
Without hesitance, I warmly recommend Across Australia Travel.
Mary Fitz-Gerald, Principal
Mater Christi College
Ian has had a long standing connection with Mater Christi College in arranging travel details for our Year 11 students undertaking educational and cultural tours in Central Australia.
Over the last four years, he has extended his services to planning our student tours of Borneo. Through 2012 and 2013, Ian worked with staff to design and organise a tour of France. This was a complex exercise in that it involved travel, touring and accommodation arrangements for two groups of 24 students, eight teachers and two other accompanying adults. Based on the success of this event, we will commence planning the 2015 France tour with Ian in the next couple of months.
Ian works closely with staff in planning suitable itineraries, educational and cultural experiences, appropriate accommodation and in meeting a range of health and dietary requirements. He is also flexible with any last minute changes that may occur with student groups. Ian is thorough in his attention to detail which goes a long way towards ensuring positive experiences for all.
Elizabeth Nevins, Head of Year Ten & Head of Middle School
Lilydale High School
We had such a wonderful time with Joe, Josie, Rod and Peter. They were all such lovely people, they took a real interest in the kids and really made a huge huge effort to help make this the trip of a lifetime for the students.
Joe and Rod had so much knowledge about the culture and they were so passionate when passing this information onto the students. It was really fabulous.
Joe is possibly the kindest person I have ever met – he went above and beyond for the kids and especially the staff and no task was too much for him. He really did make the camp for Bus 1. I cannot thank him enough!!
This was my second trip with Rod, and he is always great to chat with, he has so much knowledge about the area and he manages the kids so well and with ease – must be the ex-school teacher in him hehe!
Josie and Peter were fabulous cooks! The food was delicious and they always did everything they could (and more) to make sure everyone had something they liked or that they could eat. They were so kind and caring always and the kids absolutely adored them!
It is so important on a trip like this to have a good team, who are excited and passionate about what they do. This team worked so well together, Joe and Rod gave us endless laughs, and the dynamic between Joe and Josie is second to none – they had us laughing every day! Peter said he was on his first trip – I would never have guessed that, because he was so well organised and professional and seemed to just fit right in!
I honestly cannot speak more highly of this team and neither can my staff or students who were on Bus 1 and 2. Thank you so much to all of them, although thank you doesn’t seem enough!! I hope they are available for our camp next year 🙂
As the two camps didn’t meet up this year, I did not get the chance to meet the drivers or cooks on the second camp, however, in speaking with my staff, they have also been very positive about the drivers and cooks and expressed their thanks towards them as well. They got along well with the kids and staff on bus 3 and 4 and were always there to assist in any way. Please let them know we are very thankful and grateful to them for everything they did for the students and staff on the camp 🙂
I really am very thankful and it’s not only a real credit to those staff, but also to your company and look forward to the 2020 tour 🙂
Central Australia
Uluru, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs
Camping adventures including all meals, camping equipment, tents and mattresses. Travel with our very experienced crew, professional coach captain and hostess/cook, fully trained to meet the high standards. The latest 5-star coaches will ensure that your adventure is fully enjoyed. Air travel can also be provided one way if required. All inclusive, compare our inclusions, not just the costs. You will not be disappointed. Combine this with Project Karrke – an exclusive offer to work with an Indigenous community as part of your excursion.
We are an NT Learning Adventure partner:

Lynn Broadway, Deputy Principal: Staffing and Operations
Melbourne Girls Grammar
Melbourne Girls Grammar has been working with Across Australia Travel since August 2010 when we began to discuss the concept of a 3 week journey from Darwin to Uluru in the NT for all our Year 9 students to take place in July 2011. We had asked a number of other single sex girls schools for recommendations and staff at Strathcona warmly endorsed the services of Across Australia Travel who had been running annual trips to the NT for several years.
After an initial phone call of inquiry, Ian Wheeler arranged to visit our staff at the School in Melbourne and we discussed our expectations and requirements. We had some very specific educational experiences in mind for our Year 9 students and were keen to improve on the experiences we had in 2010 with another tour provider who had failed to meet our expectations.
Ian was very attentive to our requirements and willing to embrace our vision. Our journey was to “Search for the Rainbow Serpent” between Darwin to Uluru and to try to give our 100 students authentic interactions with indigenous cultures, acknowledging that these cultures vary considerably as you travel south from Darwin through the different language groups.
We also threw in the challenge of organising for 100 students to stay overnight in the classrooms at the Elliott School and experience an amazing cultural immersion program. This proved to be an invaluable experience for our students as well as the indigenous students at the School who organised cultural tours of the local environment and wonderful of bush tucker and painting activities. Ian worked with Bayside Coaches to ensure that this was an extremely positive goodwill activity which had very positive outcomes in developing the relationship between the two schools. On two of our trips, Ian was willing to incorporate an overnight stay at Elliott School. The School hosted a number of activities and allowed our students to sleep in the classrooms overnight. Ian and the tour company (Bayside Coaches) were very open to every challenge and were happy to incorporate putting on a BBQ dinner for the Elliott students on the evenings of our visits. This demonstrated a real willingness to work closely with the client to ensure that a unique opportunity was provided for our students. This is still remembered as a true highlight of the journey by many of our girls.
In all our discussions with Ian, no request was too difficult or impossible and he was always willing to try to meet our needs. He made some initial suggestions which he felt would enhance our Journey, including the idea of canoeing in Nitmiluk Gorge and encouraging us to work with budding indigenous tourist operators and evaluate their programs. We were happy to embrace such organisations and to provide feedback from the students and the staff.
AAT organised our Year 9 Journeys from Darwin to Uluru in 2011 and 2012 and did an excellent job. We then reviewed our offerings in line with further challenging our students and allowing for greater choice, we made changes to the Yr 9 Northern Territory experience which required further planning and consultation. The trip became one of three options and we focused on the northern part of the NT instead of travelling from North to South. This involved a complete re-think of the program and experiences on offer and Ian was very eager to please as we incorporated an outdoor camping experience at the working cattle station – Mt Bundy Station.
After every trip, Ian paid a personal visit to the School to gather feedback on the trip and to offer suggestions for possible changes in future journeys. He was also keen to know how the trip could be enhanced for the students and staff. He responded to special requests for dietary requirements and menu planning and offered suggestions about new providers or other tourist experiences he had heard of. These have included bush tucker tours, a walking tour of Darwin, ranger talks at Nitmiluk Gorge, Katherine Gorge, Uluru and Kakadu, tours and a lecture about the Ranger Uranium Mine at Jabiru.
We are currently working with AAT to develop a Northern Territory experience for all our (120) Year 8 students in the Uluru and Alice Springs area in June 2016 and Ian has been very responsive to our needs and feedback in ensuring that the high standard of trips is maintained.
At MGGS our parents and staff have very high expectations and it is a real testament to this company that we have not had any negative feedback or issues about the trips or the tour providers AAT with our parents or staff accompanying them.
In my experience, AAT offers unique services in the planning, consultation, delivery and evaluation of travel experiences and I warmly endorse their services.
Martin Smith, HPE / Outdoor Education Coordinator
Wodonga Senior Secondary College
Staff and students from the College recently did a 16-day Central Australia trip organised by AAT. We flew to Darwin and then bussed our way back to Wodonga, taking in the iconic places that the Australian Outback has to offer.
The trip went exceptionally well and a large part of that was due to the work done by Ian. An itinerary was worked out and included activities that I had never done before and I have been taking students to Central Australia since 1985. The students particularly enjoyed the couple of days working with a remote community on the Karrke Project.
Overall, we had an excellent time and the students gained an enormous amount from it. I had one parent comment that it “was the best investment in their son’s education that they have made”.
I would not hesitate to recommend Ian & AAT to anyone looking to provide a unique and rewarding Central Australian experience for their students.
Elizabeth Nevins, Head of Year Ten & Head of Middle School
Lilydale High School
We had such a wonderful time with Joe, Josie, Rod and Peter. They were all such lovely people, they took a real interest in the kids and really made a huge huge effort to help make this the trip of a lifetime for the students.
Joe and Rod had so much knowledge about the culture and they were so passionate when passing this information onto the students. It was really fabulous.
Joe is possibly the kindest person I have ever met – he went above and beyond for the kids and especially the staff and no task was too much for him. He really did make the camp for Bus 1. I cannot thank him enough!!
This was my second trip with Rod, and he is always great to chat with, he has so much knowledge about the area and he manages the kids so well and with ease – must be the ex-school teacher in him hehe!
Josie and Peter were fabulous cooks! The food was delicious and they always did everything they could (and more) to make sure everyone had something they liked or that they could eat. They were so kind and caring always and the kids absolutely adored them!
It is so important on a trip like this to have a good team, who are excited and passionate about what they do. This team worked so well together, Joe and Rod gave us endless laughs, and the dynamic between Joe and Josie is second to none – they had us laughing every day! Peter said he was on his first trip – I would never have guessed that, because he was so well organised and professional and seemed to just fit right in!
I honestly cannot speak more highly of this team and neither can my staff or students who were on Bus 1 and 2. Thank you so much to all of them, although thank you doesn’t seem enough!! I hope they are available for our camp next year 🙂
As the two camps didn’t meet up this year, I did not get the chance to meet the drivers or cooks on the second camp, however, in speaking with my staff, they have also been very positive about the drivers and cooks and expressed their thanks towards them as well. They got along well with the kids and staff on bus 3 and 4 and were always there to assist in any way. Please let them know we are very thankful and grateful to them for everything they did for the students and staff on the camp 🙂
I really am very thankful and it’s not only a real credit to those staff, but also to your company and look forward to the 2020 tour 🙂
Northern Territory & the Top End
Darwin, Kakadu & Katherine Gorge
Camping adventures with a wide variety of inclusions to choose from. Experience Darwin, take a guided Heritage Walk and see the major points of interest. Visit the various museums and spend some relaxing time in the new wave pools. Travel to Kakadu, see the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, cruise the heritage-listed Yellow Waters Lagoon to see a myriad of waterbirds and crocodiles. Continue onto Katherine Gorge and take a 2 hour cruise along this beautiful waterway.
By choosing this destination you can also combine with a visit to Central Australia.
Let us plan your itinerary for you. Travel in the latest 5-star coaches. Air Travel can be arranged to various points of your itinerary. All inclusive, compare our inclusions, not just the costs. A great time is assured.
Combine this with Project Karrke – an exclusive offer to work with an Indigenous community as part of your excursion.
We are an NT Learning Adventures partner:

Stephen Salisbury,
Bayside Christian College
Bayside Christian College has employed the services of Ian Wheeler of Across Australia Travel, for the last 5 years, to plan and organise our Grade 6 Canberra camp. In all my dealings with Ian I have found him professional, friendly and helpful. The drivers he has hired have all been wonderful with the students and adults alike and very experienced. With Ian’s planning, it has meant that our teachers could concentrate on preparing the students and ensuring that they got the most out of the trip. The services of Ian Wheeler at Across Australia Travel have been invaluable to our Canberra experience.
Canberra
Discover & experience the nation’s capital
A great opportunity to discover Canberra. Visit Government House and learn about the role of the Governor-General. Take a guided tour of Parliament House, enjoy a role play activity at the Parliamentary Educational Office and have the opportunity to meet with your Federal Local Member. Spend time at the Australian War Memorial with a guided tour, learn about Australia’s involvement in war by exploring the many displays. Visit Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre for the ultimate in fun and hands-on science. Enjoy a guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport conducted by an elite athlete and have the opportunity on how you measure up against world champions at the Interactive sports exhibit. There is so much to see and do in Canberra, let us plan your exciting itinerary.
Travel by the latest 5-star coaches or if required air travel can be provided to and from Canberra. Excellent accommodation is available with all meals. Schools can reduce the costs by applying for the education rebate that is available.
To avoid disappointment on this exciting excursion, we strongly recommend that bookings are made as early as possible.

Gold Coast
Fun for everyone
Enjoy the time on the Gold Coast with visits to Sea World, Movie World, Dream World and Wet ‘N “ Wild.
Excellent accommodation is available with meals, and you have the option of having dinner at the great clubs that are available on the Gold Coast. Travel by the latest 5-star coaches or if required air travel can be provided to and from Coolangatta.
Please book early to avoid disappointment as there are not many accommodation establishments to choose from.

Historical Tasmania
A wide variety of itineraries to choose from. All itineraries include a combination of air travel to and or from Tasmania, or if you like you can also include travel either way by boat on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Your experienced coach captain assures that your visit is full of fun. Your Tasmanian itinerary will include cabin or bunkhouse accommodation with all meals.
Let us know your travel plans and we will prepare your itinerary for you.

New South Wales
Highlights of Australia’s largest city
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is a must to explore. It is a vibrant and flourishing city built around one of the most magnificent harbours in the world.
See the Opera House, The Sydney Harbour Bridge, or take a ferry ride to Manly or the Taronga Park Zoo. Purchase a special ticket that can provide transport all round the city whether by bus or one of the many ferries.

Victoria
Melbourne, Museums, Great Ocean Road & the Goldfields
Victoria is the most densely settled Australian State, and, according to International polls, one of the most world’s most liveable places. Visit the magnificent museums, see the many sporting facilities that Melbourne is well known for. Travel the Great Ocean Road that is literally carved into cliffs that experts hail as one of the world’s great drives. Visit or combine with Sovereign Hill at Ballarat, a re-creation of gold-rush days.
Testimonials
Highlights
A message from Mary Fitz – Gerald Principal of Mater Christi College, Melbourne
We focus on the best interests of the teachers and their students needs
Catherine Murphy, Year 9 Team Leader
Genazzano FCJ College
"We worked with Ian to set up our first school trip to Central Australia and have not looked back since. Ian was a wealth of knowledge and did an amazing job working with us to create a wonderful experience that is tailored to suit our students."
Genazzano FCJ College
We worked with Ian to set up our first school trip to Central Australia and have not looked back since. Ian was a wealth of knowledge and did an amazing job working with us to create a wonderful experience that is tailored to suit our students.
Ian is always available either on the phone, via email or in person and has been a great support before, during and after our trips. He is highly organised and has a good attention to detail. We have travelled with Bayside coaches, organised by Ian, and couldn’t talk more highly about the staff that have supported us each year.
Elizabeth Nevins, Head of Year Ten & Head of Middle School
Lilydale High School
"We had such a wonderful time with Joe, Josie, Rod and Peter. They were all such lovely people, they took a real interest in the kids and really made a huge huge effort to help make this the trip of a lifetime for the students. I honestly cannot speak more highly of this team and neither can my staff or students who were on Bus 1 and 2. Thank you so much to all of them, although thank you doesn't seem enough!! I hope they are available for our camp next year!"
Lilydale High School
We had such a wonderful time with Joe, Josie, Rod and Peter. They were all such lovely people, they took a real interest in the kids and really made a huge huge effort to help make this the trip of a lifetime for the students.
Joe and Rod had so much knowledge about the culture and they were so passionate when passing this information onto the students. It was really fabulous.
Joe is possibly the kindest person I have ever met – he went above and beyond for the kids and especially the staff and no task was too much for him. He really did make the camp for Bus 1. I cannot thank him enough!!
This was my second trip with Rod, and he is always great to chat with, he has so much knowledge about the area and he manages the kids so well and with ease – must be the ex-school teacher in him hehe!
Josie and Peter were fabulous cooks! The food was delicious and they always did everything they could (and more) to make sure everyone had something they liked or that they could eat. They were so kind and caring always and the kids absolutely adored them!
It is so important on a trip like this to have a good team, who are excited and passionate about what they do. This team worked so well together, Joe and Rod gave us endless laughs, and the dynamic between Joe and Josie is second to none – they had us laughing every day! Peter said he was on his first trip – I would never have guessed that, because he was so well organised and professional and seemed to just fit right in!
I honestly cannot speak more highly of this team and neither can my staff or students who were on Bus 1 and 2. Thank you so much to all of them, although thank you doesn’t seem enough!! I hope they are available for our camp next year 🙂
As the two camps didn’t meet up this year, I did not get the chance to meet the drivers or cooks on the second camp, however, in speaking with my staff, they have also been very positive about the drivers and cooks and expressed their thanks towards them as well. They got along well with the kids and staff on bus 3 and 4 and were always there to assist in any way. Please let them know we are very thankful and grateful to them for everything they did for the students and staff on the camp 🙂
I really am very thankful and it’s not only a real credit to those staff, but also to your company and look forward to the 2020 tour 🙂
Mary Fitz-Gerald, Principal
Mater Christi College
"Ian has had a long standing connection with Mater Christi College in arranging travel details for Year 11 in Central Australia, and now plans our tours of Borneo and France. Ian works closely with staff in planning itineraries, educational and cultural experiences, accommodation and meeting a range of health and dietary requirements. He is flexible with last minute changes and thorough in his attention to detail which goes a long way towards ensuring positive experiences for all."
Mater Christi College
Ian has had a long standing connection with Mater Christi College in arranging travel details for our Year 11 students undertaking educational and cultural tours in Central Australia.
Over the last four years, he has extended his services to planning our student tours of Borneo. Through 2012 and 2013, Ian worked with staff to design and organise a tour of France. This was a complex exercise in that it involved travel, touring and accommodation arrangements for two groups of 24 students, eight teachers and two other accompanying adults. Based on the success of this event, we will commence planning the 2015 France tour with Ian in the next couple of months.
Ian works closely with staff in planning suitable itineraries, educational and cultural experiences, appropriate accommodation and in meeting a range of health and dietary requirements. He is also flexible with any last minute changes that may occur with student groups. Ian is thorough in his attention to detail which goes a long way towards ensuring positive experiences for all.
COVID Testimonials
Dr Vivianne Nikou, Principal
Alphington Grammar School
"We have been fortunate enough to have been able to partner with Ian Wheeler from Across Australia Travel for the last 7 years."
Alphington Grammar School
We have been fortunate enough to have been able to partner with Ian Wheeler from Across Australia Travel for the last 7 years. During that time Ian has worked closely with our school and staff to ensure the experiential programs for our Years 9 and 10 students align with the learning outcomes we seek in the middle years of schooling.
Ian’s personal hands-on management and coordination of all aspects of our trips to Central Australia and Darwin over the years has taken enormous pressure of our accompanying staff. This attention to detail has ensured successful experiences for our students that have created lasting memories.
The most recent changing COVID border restrictions has required Ian to reschedule our trips three times, each time with compassion and understanding. Nothing has been too much for Ian to manage, customer service to a level many only aspire to. I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism and personal attention, and availability well beyond the working hours in a day.
I look forward to many more years of partnering with you and your team.
Kim Watson, Middle School Leader
Ringwood Secondary College
"When COVID-19 hit, Ian immediately immersed himself in the rescheduling process without complaint and obligingly re-booked our tour not once, but three times!
Ringwood Secondary College
Ian has been organising our Central Australia tours for almost 20 years and has always been so accommodating and enthusiastic. His extensive knowledge and attention to detail are evident throughout each stage of planning, as Ian prioritises the needs of our students and College community to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
When COVID-19 hit, Ian immediately immersed himself in the rescheduling process without complaint and obligingly re-booked our tour not once, but three times! With the unwavering support and problem-solving attitude of Ian, we are now launching our fourth attempt at our Year 10 (now Year 11!) Central Tour.
Ian has been patient and persistent, despite the changes and cancellations, which has encouraged us as staff to feel similarly positive – it certainly seems that we share the mutual goal of getting the kids to experience this trip. Our appreciation of Ian’s work extends far beyond us in the Middle School Team, emanating from every student and family who remain excited and hopeful about this upcoming opportunity.