This is Survivor skills hardening program. It is meant to toughen you and increase your coping skills in an uncertain environment. You will Undergo mental and physical challenges after you are marooned on a remote island. Carrying only essential rations to survive the week, you will learn survival skills from an Australian Army survival instructor and a former participant of National Geographic’s series Naked and Afraid. In between the hard work, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this island paradise as you snorkel above the coral reef, collect marine life data, and help with environmental projects while enjoying the beautiful sunset over turquoise waters.

Highlights

  • Cruise through the Sydney harbour to seaside suburb of Manly.
  • Take an Urban Challenge and Scavanger Hunt facilitated by Team Faculty.
  • Surf Lessons at Famous Bondi Beach.
  • Take a 6 hour cargo barge trip to a deserted island 45 miles off the coast and in the Great Barrier Reef. 
  • Check out the habitat for birds and nesting turtles. 
  • Create shelters, cook your own food, snorkel, spearfish, fish with hand lines, collect and distill water.

The YOLA Promise

YOLA will tie in with the best-in-class youth travel and education providers that follow rigorous safety and health standards.

YOLA will promote only those travel and education programs that are committed to the highest environmental, fair trade and human rights standards.

YOLA will create ethical experiences designed to have maximum, long-term impact on the communities we partner with.

YOLA and its partners are committed to travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.

Learn More

Program Profile

Countries

  • Australia

Duration

16 Days

Ages

14 - 18 Years

Community service hours

20

Are you a parent or teacher?

Browse through our comprehensive parents' guide to YOLA programs

Learn More

Destination Details

Hostel Accommodation is provided during the initial preparatory part of the program. This accommodation is clean hygienic and gender segregated. Participants create their own accommodation on the Island under the direct supervision of Survival Guide.Hotel Accommodation is provided on return back from Rustic Island for the participants to shower, rest and recuperate for their return journey back home.

PLEASE REQUEST FOR THE TUITION FEE

Tuition includes all in-country expenses including: All educational materials Lodging 3 meals per day. All in-country transportation. Airport pick-up/drop-off. Professional full-time staff and experts from the USA/Europe/India. 24/7 Parent Support Hotline during the program. Secondary medical and travel insurance. All cultural activities, lectures and weekend excursions. Pre-departure materials and support.

VISA Charges, International Travel charges, Insurance and out of pocket expenses are NOT INCLUDED in the Tariff

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Below is your packing list, and for those of you looking for some extra guidance on what to bring, check out the packing guide for this program.

Carry-On 
  • A small backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips.
  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet and money (USD or AUD)
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • iPod or MP3 player
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Travel power adaptor
  • Consent to Travel form
  • Yola emergency contacts
  • Arrival instructions for Brisbane
Checked Luggage

One medium-size duffle bag or roller bag with wheels is ideal for this program. When you go out to Rustic Island, you will need to leave some belongings and clothes on the mainland. Please bring a packing cell / strong plastic bag / laundry bag that you can leave on the mainland with any items that you can’t take to the island. When you head out to Rustic Island, you will be restricted to bringing: The mandatory items listed below. Five optional personal items Survival kits and ration packs provided by Rustic Pathways in Australia.

Mandatory Packing List
  • Sleeping bag (rated to 5C/40F)
  • Water shoes / dive booties with hard sole for walking in the lagoons 3mm
  • full-length wetsuit for snorkeling/swimming
  • Underwear (10)
  • Long pants (2)
  • Warm sweater/jacket (1)
  • Bathers/swimsuit (2)
  • Shorts (2)
  • T-shirts (2)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirt (1)
  • Flip-flops (1)
  • Hat (1)
  • Sunglasses (1)
  • Prescription medications (if required)
  • Contact lenses and solution (if required)
  • Feminine hygiene products (if required)
Optional

Personal Items to Bring to Rustic Island In addition to the required items listed above, students can only bring five (5) additional items of their choice to the island. Students need to bring these with them to Australia, there will not be enough time to buy them once you arrive.

Some suggestions to consider include
  • Fishing line and hooks 
  • Waterbottle
  • Camera
  • Flashlight / headlamp
  • Notebook and pen
  • Books to read
  • Deck of cards
  • Pocket knife / Leatherman (maximum blade length 4 inches)
  • Pajamas
  • Travel pillow
  • Beach towel/sarong
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
These items will stay on the mainland while you’re on the island
  • Socks (5)
  • Additional underwear (5)
  • Jeans (2)
  • Long shorts (1)
  • Shorts (1)
  • T-shirts (4)
  • Sweater/fleece (1)
  • Warm jacket (1)
  • Lightweight rain jacket (1)
  • Sneakers/running shoes (1)
    Toiletries 

    Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags including  Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Face wash, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen, Bug spray, Feminine hygiene products, Contacts Contact solution, Foam earplugs, Personal med kit, Deodorant, Hand Sanitizer, Wet wipes, Small packs of tissues, Razor / shaving cream.

    Optional
    • Portable games (Bananagrams, cards, etc.)
    • Musical instrument (guitar, etc.)

    Dates

    From To Status

    Jul 14, 2020

    Jul 28, 2020

    Available
    Enroll

    CUSTOMIZE MY PROGRAM

    You can choose to add days and programs as well as destinations to derive greater exposure and value-for-money. We offer tailor-made programs for groups of 12 or more, with customizable dates and itineraries.

    browse faqs

    Do you have a question about YOLA or our programs? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions.

    Get in Touch

    For any questions, clarifications, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Additionally, our Program Advisors can help you identify the perfect trip and answer all your questions!

    CONTACT US