Recently, I had the opportunity to attend our Teacher Training Trip in Cairns, alongside a fantastic group of seven educators from across Australia and two other WorldStrides staff members, Alana and Nicole. This trip is designed for teachers travelling with us for the first time. It provides an opportunity to get to know our team, discuss the support we offer during the pre-departure phase, and feel reassured that they are in good hands.
This group was a mix of returning teachers and those new to WorldStrides. The group arrived full of energy, ready to connect, learn, and experience what a trip with us truly looks like.
Day 1
Our group began arriving into Cairns around midday, travelling from all corners of Australia. We were welcomed by our Tour Director, Claudine, and our driver, Tony, who made the arrival process seamless and set the tone for the days ahead.
We kicked things off with lunch at the Cock & Bull Restaurant – a Cairns institution. It was the perfect setting to start getting to know one another before heading to the Cairns Aquarium for a guided educational tour.
The aquarium experience was a real highlight. Our guide provided a detailed and engaging tour, and we were fortunate to go behind the scenes at the Turtle Hospital. Learning about the conservation efforts supporting Australia’s six species of sea turtles and the challenges they face.
After checking into our hotel and taking some time to freshen up, we came together again for our presentation dinner at Dundee’s on the Waterfront. The evening included an insightful session from our team, covering everything from pre-departure planning to the benefits of partnering with WorldStrides.
What stood out most, though, were the conversations that followed. Teachers shared ideas, discussed approval processes, and exchanged practical tips from their own experiences. It was a great reminder of the value of bringing educators together in person.
Day 2
Due to stormy weather in the lead-up to the trip, our planned Great Barrier Reef experience had to be cancelled. While disappointing, it was also a great example of how quickly plans can adapt when needed.
Our operations team organised a fantastic alternative: the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The journey offered incredible views of the rainforest and gave us more time to connect, share stories, and ask questions.
One of the highlights was stopping at Barron Falls, where we took in the impressive waterfall surrounded by rainforest, and a great photo opportunity.
Once we arrived in Kuranda, we visited the Butterfly Sanctuary before spending time exploring the markets and grabbing lunch. The relaxed pace of the afternoon allowed everyone to unwind before heading back to Cairns.
That evening, we visited the Cairns Night Markets – an easy and enjoyable way to wrap up the day with some shopping, dinner, and more conversation.
Day 3
After breakfast, we packed up and checked out of the hotel before heading to Crystal Cascades. While a minor landslide meant our walk was cut short, we still had time to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh rainforest air.
We finished the trip with a coffee stop at a local café – a simple but perfect way to end our time together before everyone headed off for their flights home.
For me, this trip was a great reminder of what makes these experiences so valuable – not just the destinations we visit, but the connections we build along the way.
It was incredibly rewarding for our team to see teachers sharing ideas, asking questions, and gaining confidence in what their own student trips could look like. Even with unexpected changes, the experience highlighted the importance of flexibility, support, and strong on-the-ground coordination.
What teachers had to say about the experience
Gaetano Castiglione, NSW
I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the Teacher Training Trip to Cairns. Although I’m a seasoned school group traveller, it still provided me with extra insight into what WorldStrides provides schools and how they have the best interest of staff and students as organising school experiences is their primary focus. Although I have been involved in organising school trips overseas for over 25 years, it is the first time I have used WorldStrides which came highly recommended by a former colleague.
It was great to meet some of the WorldStrides team and understand what WorldStrides does in supporting schools and how wide their network is, giving me the reassurance that no matter what challenges we can face in organising or taking part in the trip, we will be safe and well looked after. I also felt that there was a genuine understanding about what schools require in order to get approval for trips and that they are prepared to help and support in whatever way possible. Thanks so much for the experience!
Jessica Breen, QLD
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a WorldStrides Teacher Training Trip in Cairns in March 2026. I had no expectations except for meeting WorldStrides staff and other school staff in the process of preparing for student trips around the world, and what I walked away with was so much more.
It was really beneficial for me to see how WorldStrides would run a trip (whether for staff or students) at a location other than sitting through a zoom meeting, or discussing over emails. Meeting Alana, Nicole and Steph in person and seeing how personable, approachable and knowledgeable they were just confirmed that I had chosen the right people to look after my school’s Ski Trip this year.
We visited some well known attractions in Cairns like the Aquarium, the Night Markets and Kuranda Railway, but networking with other teachers and discussing how schools ran EOI processes, organisational ideas and different trip ideas that I could take onboard myself, or present to my school as a whole was the most beneficial part for me.
Thanks again for inviting me to come along – I’d love to do it all again!
Interested in attending our next Teacher Training Trip? Visit this page to learn more and register your interest.
