Didn't get the A-level results you wanted? Here's how to spend a 'bucket-list' year in Australia instead
Didn't get the A-level results you wanted? Or perhaps you've been saving your pennies to go travelling one day.
For many Brits, heading to Australia for a gap year or working holiday is a chance to see the world and figure out what comes next.
I did a working holiday myself in my mid twenties and, honestly, it was one of the best things I've ever done.
And if you're heading Down Under, there's no shortage of adventures to add to the bucket list - including a rainforest experience one traveller described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience'.
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Widely considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a great base for anyone keen to experience some of what Australia has to offer.
Start planning your adventure holiday on the Tourism Tropical North Queensland website here
Whether you fancy getting stuck into some voluntary work, exploring the reef or heading off on a few adventures of your own, there are plenty of incredible opportunities on your doorstep.
All you need to do is head over to Tourism Tropical North Queensland, which is designed to help travellers plan the adventure of a lifetime.
Take Back Country Bliss Adventures, for instance.
Based in North Queensland, they offer bespoke eco-adventures in the heart of the Mossman River and Daintree Rainforest.
The River Drift Experience takes you on a diverse journey through the rainforest.
The first experience of its kind, travellers will trek along a dry riverbed, navigate through gentle rapids and float beneath the lush canopy of ancient trees - and it's gone down a treat with visitors.
Start planning your adventure holiday on the Tourism Tropical North Queensland website here
"I highly recommend this tour if you're looking for fun or a once-in-a-lifetime experience," one traveller shared.
Another five-star review reads, "This tour had been on my bucket list for a few years and I am so blessed to be able to now tick it off."
"We did the full day tour with Rene at Back Country Bliss and the whole thing was so special," a third added. "The drifting itself is so much fun, you learn a lot about the river and the surrounding forest and wildlife. It’s also really very peaceful.
"We then went for a hike around the forest, which was wonderful. We even managed to see a forest dragon! Can’t recommend this trip enough."
If you're interested in learning more, you can visit the website here.
We've rounded up some of the best tours and experiences in North Queensland:
1.Skypark Cairnes
One for the adrenalin junkies, Skypark is home to Australia's one and only bungee jump, plus a giant swing that offers the highest views of the reef and rainforest in Cairns.
It's easy to get to without a car too, asa the adventure park is nestled in the rainforest just 20 minutes from the city.
Keen to give it a go? Visit the Skypark Cairnes official website to book.
2.Cairns Turtle Rehab
If you want to give back during your travels, a volunteering experience will give you the chance to meet new people and really get out of your comfort zone.
Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) is a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.
If you didn't already know, Queensland is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which is home to six of the world's seven species of marine turtles.
A number of these are seriously under threat and the CTRC's rehabilitation facilities works hard to conserve sea turtles and the habitats that they live in.
Keen to volunteer? Visit the Cairns Turtle Rehab official website to find out more.
3.Back Country Bliss
As mentioned above, one of the most popular adventure sites is Back Country Bliss, where you'll find highly-rated Daintree Rainforest tours.
For instance, you can trek and float through Mossman's leafy trails during the River Drift Experience.
Or there's Mossman Gorge Adventure Day, where you'll experience a full-day rainforest adventure which includes a river drift, a Kuku Yalanji welcome ceremony, and a hike through Mossman Gorge.
Keen to give it a go? Visit the Back Country Bliss official website to book.
Start planning your Australian adventure holiday on the Tropical North Queensland website.
Topics: Travel
Danielle Fowler