Get ready to embark on an exciting journey Down Under right from the comfort of your aged care facility! Our comprehensive guide to Armchair Travel to Australia is here to make it happen! Tailored specifically for activity coordinators in aged care settings, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to host an immersive and memorable Armchair Travel experience for seniors.
As a Premium Member, you’ll gain exclusive access to downloadable resources, including themed visual aids, conversation starters, and activity sheets. These tools enhance Armchair Travel sessions, creating unforgettable experiences for residents.
Australia is such a large country—so spread out and so diverse. It has deserts, beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, small country towns, and big cities. Today’s travel in Australia will take you to two destinations: Uluru (Ayers Rock) in central Australia, Northern Territory, and to the beautiful and interesting city of Sydney in New South Wales. Hold onto your hats and enjoy the ride in your armchair travel experience today.
Planning the Experience:
Let’s kick off our Armchair Travel to Australia with some strategic planning!
Pick a Date & Promote the Session: Choose a date that suits everyone and create excitement by spreading the word with eye-catching posters or casual announcements. Get everyone in the mood with a friendly, “Are you ready to explore the wonders of Australia?” Invitation cards are available below!
Set Up a Cozy Space: Imagine yourself relaxing in a cozy Australian retreat, surrounded by plush seating arranged around a big-screen TV. Breathe in the inviting atmosphere, like a true Aussie getaway. Outside, picture traditional Australian gardens bursting with life, ready to be explored alongside the country’s stunning landscapes.
Print Passports and Boarding Passes: Add an element of fun by printing custom passports and boarding passes. Seniors will love receiving their printed passports and collecting stamps as they embark on their virtual journey.
Get Creative with Decorations: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Australia! Picture colorful decorations swaying in the warm breeze, like kookaburra feathers against a clear blue sky. Imagine iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House sparkling in the sunshine, while koalas peek out from eucalyptus trees. Get ready for a taste of adventure Down Under!
Prepare Australian dishes: Dive into the delicious flavors of Australia! Imagine fluffy white pavlovas piled high with fresh fruit and whipped cream, alongside the irresistible crunch of Tim Tams. Picture golden brown meat pies wafting enticing aromas – a true Aussie classic. Get ready for a culinary adventure Down Under!
Armchair Travel to Australia Session Program
A printable A4 version of this step-by-step program for Armchair Travel to Australia is found in our premium membership download at the bottom of this page.
Follow our Step-by-Step Sample program for a successful Armchair Travel event:
1. Welcome
Set the atmosphere with Australian Music as guests arrive. As they walk through the door, let’s give them a warm welcome and have staff hand them the passport with their names already on it.
Seat residents comfortably. Have a staff member go around to each table and glue the stamps into the passports. (Stamps provided in our printable kit) To spice things up, dress the volunteers and the staff as airplane/ship crew for a more realistic experience! You can also wear an Australian attire.
Duration: 5 – 15 minutes
2. Introduction
Engage residents by asking what they know about Australia. Start by asking simple questions like the colors of Australia’s flag, its national anthem, and famous personalities. Then, dive into Australia’s fascinating culture, geography, and must-visit places. A printable Australia Country Profile can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Duration: 20 – 30 minutes
3. Refreshments
Raise a glass to unforgettable adventures in Australia! Swap fancy cocktails for refreshing ginger beers, celebrate with mates over classic beers & shandies (half lemonade half beer), and sip on smooth Australian White or Red wine, this is the taste of Australia!
Duration: 5 – 10 minutes
4. Quiz & Trivia
Keep the excitement going with an Australian-themed quiz and trivia session. Test residents’ knowledge of Australia’s history, geography, and cultural traditions, providing opportunities for friendly competition and laughter.
Looking for other quizzes? We got you! Here are more Australian Quizzes that will put your residents’ minds to the test.
Duration: 30 – 40 minutes
5. Show some captivating videos of Australia
This can be shown on the big TV or projector screen during the travel experience. Explore the 10 Best Places to Visit in Australia. Ready your minds and travel with your imagination! Transport residents to the beauty of Australia with captivating videos showcasing its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Duration: 15 minutes
6. Dancing Demonstration
Give residents an insight into traditional Aboriginal cultural dance by showing them this video.
Duration: 30 minutes
7. Share Experiences
Invite residents who’ve visited Australia to share their memories. Form a big circle and let every one of them speak and share their core experiences with Australia. You can formulate your own or use the provided template for a more organized sharing.
- My most memorable experience in Australia is/are _____
- What I like about Australia is/are _____
- What makes Australia unique is ______
- The people from Australia are _______
- If I get the chance to travel back to Australia again, I would ______
Duration: 20 – 30 minutes
8. The Beauty of Australia
Continue the virtual journey with more videos highlighting Australia’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Showcase breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks, allowing residents to appreciate the unique charm of the islands.
Duration: 30 minutes
9. Culinary Delights
Dive into a taste of Australia! We’re serving up a smorgasbord of Aussie delights. Sink your teeth into a piping hot meat pie, fresh off the barbie. For a lighter option, try some flaky barramundi, a delicious fish from our tropical north. Feeling adventurous? Sample some kangaroo meat, a healthy and unique Australian protein. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! We’ll have classic Aussie treats like Lamington cakes and Tim Tam biscuits. Get ready for a true blue Aussie feast!
Duration: 20 – 30 minutes
10. Closing
Conclude the event with a heartfelt thank you to participants and a discussion of future travel destinations. Encourage residents to share their feedback and suggestions for future Armchair Travel events, ensuring ongoing engagement and enjoyment for all.
Duration: 10 minutes or less
Extending the Experience:
- Wind down the event with a relaxing coloring activity featuring Australian-themed designs. (Coloring pages are available in the printable resources file) Provide coloring sheets and pencils, allowing residents to express their creativity and unwind after their virtual journey.
- Keep the Australian spirit alive with additional activities like Thong Throwing. Click the button below to read the full guide on this fun activity! Extend the Armchair Travel experience into an all-day Australian theme day, filled with music, food, and fun!
Step into the world of Australia with Memory Lane Therapy‘s Armchair Travel experience, where every moment is brimming with beauty, warmth, and the essence of hospitality. Let’s embark on a journey together and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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