Biosphere adventurers | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

There are only three neighbouring UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the world – Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Fraser Coast – and the University of the Sunshine Coast has campuses spanning across all of them.

Biospheres are globally recognised places where new knowledge about the relationship between people and nature is generated.

So, when UniSC offered five Year 11 or 12 students the chance to join world-class scientists in a biosphere adventure stretching from Brisbane to Fraser Coast and UNESCO world heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island) – it turned into an unforgettable journey of discovery.

Watch some of the highlights from their trip 

The lucky winners of our 2023 Best Field Trip in the World share their thoughts, in their own words: 

Sharing knowledge

“I thought it would be like a bit of fun and learning but it was ten times more fun than what I expected. There were so many new experiences and so many amazing people. This trip just gave the words 'field trip' a whole new and better meaning.”
– Jessica Warren, Year 12 student, District State High School, Childers

“I met many researchers from all different backgrounds. They were so knowledgeable and passionate about their fields of study and it was truly remarkable what they were doing. Getting to learn so much from these people was amazing.”
– Thomas Keating, Year 11 student, St Patrick's College, Gympie

“At Australia Zoo I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour of the Animal Hospital where we were met with many vets and leading researchers in their fields. We learned about so many things, from the loss of seagrass affecting sea turtles, to koalas with chlamydia.”
– Thomas Keating, Year 11 student, St Patrick's College, Gympie

“Each expert spoke of how networking was key to help them to get to where they are. Before this, I thought that going to university only meant walking out with a qualification, not that they could help you into your chosen career path. I thought that you had to chase that yourself after university. I was really surprised hearing how the university's partners helped the people that we spoke to get into their careers. These partnerships also worked for the organisations to receive quality staff.”
– Bella Rossow, Year 11 student, Bray Park High School

Amongst the action

The Dolphins game was exciting being such a big NRL fan, but the netball game was so awesome to watch, it was fast-paced and energetic, and the atmosphere was so great!
– Jessica Warren, Year 12 student, District State High School, Childers

“The connections and experiences I made were so amazing and life-changing. From the electric nailbitting Dolphins NRL game at Suncorp stadium to the Lighting netball game at UniSC Arena.”
– Baxter Burke, Year 12 student, Caloundra State High School

“I found it really cool that Dr Leon gets to study while surfing and being at the beach, it really opened my eyes to the reality that breaking out of the "traditional classroom" is the way of the future.”
– Natania Low-Kilamelona, Year 11 student, Australian Christian College Moreton

Learning tradition 

"K'gari truly is a place like no other, putting your feet in the sand, you can't help but feel the magic this place holds.”I was so grateful to be able to have the honour of experiencing a smoking ceremony. It was a clear night and the sea was crashing behind us as Aunty Joyce and Jamara sang and told stories. It was a really special experience for me.”
– Natania Low-Kilamelona, Year 11 student, Australian Christian College Moreton

“A highlight of the trip for me was definitely the short stay at K’gari. I found it super special to soak in K’gari’s beauty from a more cultural and traditional perspective.”
– Baxter Burke, Year 12 student, Caloundra State High School

“It was like a whole world of its own and while I can try and put in words the experience, it never quite explains how magical it was. I am very grateful for the very real experiences with the traditional owners.”
– Bella Rossow, Year 11 student, Bray Park High School

Contemporary campuses 

“The technology, spaces and career opportunities at UniSC is really up-to-date with my generation's innovators and creators, so I was really excited to just "get in and amongst it" and give everything a go. The virtual reality headsets and the student art gallery were really inspiring for me, and I was really impressed with the campus.
– Natania Low-Kilamelona, Year 11 student, Australian Christian College Moreton

From the parents 

“Baxter has walked away from this trip with an amazing preview of what UniSC life can look like. Baxter is an amazing person and I can’t wait to see where UniSC life will take him.”
Tony Burke (Baxter's dad)

“I always love watching Bella push her comfort zone and trying new things. Throughout the trip she was constantly challenging her comfort zone and growing as a person. Everyone we spoke to was really knowledgeable about so many different areas, and if Bella was to be accepted into UniSC I would feel confident she would be in good hands.”
Beck Rossow (Bella’s mum)