We know that it can be tough packing up and arriving in a new country. It’s your first day at school all over again. At Victoria University we want to make the transition easier for you.
On our three-day Great Escape Orientation trip you can meet and mingle with other students on the Study Abroad and Exchange program. It's also a good opportunity to hang out with VU staff in an informal setting.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is possibly one of the world’s most inspiring coastal drives. It meanders along the coast of the Southern Ocean between golden beaches with rugged rock outcrops, and the Otway Ranges.
You will spend a few days at the relaxed coastal town of Lorne where you can learn to surf, check out some native animals in their natural habitat, and meet new friends.
We'll make sure you hear all the best stories and see all the best spots along the way like 'The Twelve Apostles' - huge stone pillars looming out of the surf - and 'Loch Ard Gorge', a rocky promontory carved out by the sea.
Activities
This trip will help you meet new people, create new support networks and get ready for life at VU.
This will be the most amazing semester of university in your life!
Hike in the Great Otway National Park & along the Surf Coast Walk
Join local guides to learn about our native animals and plants, Aboriginal bush foods and the natural & human pressures that affect the landscape.
The Great Otway National Park has plenty of great walking tracks that lead through heathlands, eucalypt forests, temperate rainforest, beaches, rivers and cliff tops.
Bus ride along the Great Ocean Road
Recognised as one of the world’s most scenic drives, this stretch of over 300km of coastline is well worth the time in a bus.
Along the way you’ll see the famous Twelve Apostles, the (fallen) London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge and Bells Beach (the famous Australian surf beach).
Learn to surf!
It’s time to get wet and wild! If you thought you couldn’t surf, we'll prove you wrong!
We will be using great teaching methods and beginner equipment to ensure you enjoy your first surfing experience.
We’ll start on some small white waters and if you’re game, maybe take the drop on a big unbroken wave.
Key dates & how to register
Our Semester 1, 2017 trip was held from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February 2017.
Once you have been offered a place to study at Victoria University as a Study Abroad or Exchange student, you will receive an email from Victoria Abroad with information on how to register.
Numbers are strictly limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Duration
The trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights.
- Pick up: Friday 9am at Victoria University, Footscray Park campus. Main Bus stop, Ballarat Rd Footscray.
- Drop off: Sunday 7pm at Victoria University, Footscray Park campus.
Cost & inclusions
The trip costs AU$359, which includes:
- accommodation
- 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches
- transport
- 1 x 2 hour surf lesson
- guided coastal bush hike
- intro to Aussie Rules football
- koala viewing
- Bells Beach
- Twelve Apostles
- Great Ocean Road tour
- Extreme tour guides.
What to bring
You’ll need:
- walking/hiking shoes
- towel
- t-shirts
- shorts
- fleece
- jeans (or similar) for evenings out
- swimming costume
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- camera and a smile!
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Great Escape, please email educationabroad@vu.edu.au.
