Funding Extended for Great Barrier Reef Program

Pam Walsh • October 16, 2023

GBR Education Experience Program Funding Extended to December 2024

After many many emails, phone calls and a nervous wait EducaTours of Australia is very pleased to hear the announcement by the Queensland Dept of Tourism, Innovation & Sport that this incredible program has been extended for another year!


"The Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program provides a subsidy to primary and secondary school students in Queensland undertaking school excursions along the length of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), from Bundaberg to Cooktown. The program supports opportunities for students to undertake place-based learning activities in the GBR, and provides opportunities for tourism operators in the region to enhance and develop educational products and experiences to stimulate new market travel and subsequent tourism visitation to the region.

Commencing in June 2021, the 3 year program provides up to $150 per student paid directly to schools to go towards the cost of a school excursion which includes a reef experience.

To be eligible for the subsidy the school excursion itinerary must include at least 1 curriculum-related reef activity, facilitated by a commercial reef tourism operator registered with the program, operating within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage boundaries.

Applications for the education subsidy are now open to schools for excursions planned to be undertaken up until December 2024."

 information from QLD Government - Department of Tourism, Innovation & Sport website (https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/experience-programs-education/great-barrier-reef)


Working closely with our partners, Experience Co (GBR Biology), Great Barrier Reef adventures are certainly a highlight for school groups travelling to Cairns and we cannot wait to see what 2024 has in store! Pack your swimsuit and don't forget the sunscreen!

📣 Limited Availability for 2026 School Tours – Book Now!

By Pamela Walsh • May 28, 2025
EducaTours of Australia is your go-to partner for unforgettable, curriculum-linked travel experiences tailored to your school’s needs. With the school travel calendar filling quickly — particularly for Canberra — we’re urging schools who haven’t yet booked to secure your place today. Whether you’re looking to explore the civic heart of Canberra, the reef and rainforest wonders of Cairns, the urban energy of Sydney, or the cultural treasures of Melbourne, we’ve got you covered. Why travel with EducaTours? ✅ Customised itineraries to suit your school’s curriculum, interests, and budget ✅ Travel by plane or private coach ✅ Travel with or without a dedicated tour coordinator ✅ Expertly planned tours designed to maximise learning, fun, and value We work with schools of all sizes and offer flexibility to match your unique needs — from 3-day city tours to week-long learning adventures. But with 2026 demand already high — especially for Canberra, where accommodation venues are quickly reaching capacity — we strongly recommend getting in touch now to avoid missing out. 📍 Contact Us Today: 📞 NSW Office – Danielle: 0427 902 772 📞 QLD Office – Pam: 0418 872 074 Let us take the stress out of planning your next school adventure. EducaTours of Australia – where learning and travel meet.

Funding Extended AGAIN for Great Barrier Reef Program

By Pamela Walsh • May 13, 2025
GBR Education Experience Program Funding Extended to December 2025

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By Pam Walsh • March 12, 2025
At EducaTours of Australia , we believe that every educational tour should be fun, engaging, and most importantly—safe. Whether it's a civics-packed trip to Canberra, a biology adventure at the Great Barrier Reef, or an art and culture tour in Melbourne, we take our duty of care seriously.
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