QUEENSLAND: PLACE & LANDSCAPES

Queensland, Australia

Join us as we travel to the Land Down Under for 3 weeks in the field, gaining an understanding of the environmental, economic, political, and sociocultural characteristics and issues that shape space, place, and society in one of Australia’s most populated and environmentally threatened coastal regions. Focusing on the dynamics of coupled natural and human systems, students will explore and apply a wide range of field techniques to observe, document, and interpret different landscapes - while engaging with UW faculty, local experts, and community members.

Instructors: Maggie Bourque | Jeff Hamerlinck

Spring Semester Experience of Place

• ENR 4965 / 5965 Experience of Place* (3 cr.)

         Spring 2026: 2nd Block Online (A) (Mar. 23 - May 15)

• ENR 4965 / 5965 Field Exp: QLD Place Studies (1 cr.)

         Spring 2026: 2nd Block Online (A) (Mar. 23 - May 15)

• Required pre-trip sessions, dates / times TBD 

May / June travel to Queensland, Australia

Upcoming Programs 2026: May 20 - Jun. 12

*Experience of Place will fulfill requirements for ESS, ENR, ORTM, MS ENRS, Sustainability & Outdoor Leadership, Honors Program Global Perspectives, and  requirements for English BA, MA, MFA, and PhD programs (contact Maggie with questions)   

PROGRAM FEE 

Includes lodging, in-country transportation, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and some meals

Does Not Include roundtrip airfare, some meals, visa fees, UW Education Abroad fee (includes travel insurance), or UW tuition and fees for spring semester credits

Program Fee est. $4500/student; depends on number of participants

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

<< map place identity in the neighborhoods of Brisbane; learn from Traditional Owner guides on an indigenous-led tour of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

<< cruise the Brisbane River and learn about the impacts of floods, historical land use, and population booms on urban planning; explore parks and museums; taste international flavors at a global food market

<< learn about the intersections of recreation, land conservation, and local economic development with locals, NGOs, and land managers in ecologically crucial coastal areas with population and tourism pressures

<< experience local agriculture and observe land use change in the Sunshine Coast hinterlands; browse the Eumundi market and experience local food, crafts, art, antiques, music, and culture

<< consider complex cultural histories and relationships of people and place in the Glasshouse Mountains; practice nature journaling in botanic gardens; hike through subtropical rainforests and along coastal headlands

<< explore diverse ecoregions from rainforests to coastal dunes, coral cays and everglades; learn about species conservation and see unique fauna at the Australia Zoo; spend time wildlife-watching, hoping for luck in spotting kangaroos, pademelons, rainbow lorikeets, manta rays, humpback whales, and more elusive koala and platypus 

<< snorkel the Great Barrier Reef; witness, reflect on, and process climate change impacts, loss, and resilience

APPLY NOW

We are currently accpeting application for Summer 2026 travel.

Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions