How to plan a gap year in Australia

The year after completing high school is a perfect time to reward yourself by travelling around the world. These days, more and more students are spending their gap years abroad and there are a few more popular destinations other than Australia. Here is a guide to materialise your plans of spending a year Down Under.

Why choose Australia?

Beautiful beaches, fantastic skiing, outback adventures and vibrant cities are just a few of the facilities on offer in Australia. With something to offer everyone, working in Australia is a great way to spend a gap year. Working visas are easy to obtain. Employment is readily available and the country offers travellers an endless array of adventures and sightseeing.

Visas

All international visitors, with the exception of New Zealand citizens, require a visa if they plan to stay in the country for more than three months. The best visa for gap year travellers is a working holiday visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be between 18-30 years of age, have no one depending on you and you should be able to show evidence that you can financially support yourself during the initial stage of your trip at least. Working visa holders are permitted to stay in the country for up to twelve months.
For more information, visit Visasforaustralia.co.uk.

Where to stay

Australia has one of the most vibrant backpacker cultures in the world. Hostels are an affordable and safe accommodation option, with the added bonus of being a great way to meet fellow travellers. As well as offering cheap beds, the Australian Backpackers organisation (Australianbackpackers.net) offers starter packs for those who are new to the country. These packs help international visitors to arrange necessities such as tax file numbers, mobile phones and bank accounts as well as offering help to find work and writing resumes.

Things to do

A travel adventure to Down Under has no shortage of things to do. Here are just a few ideas to get you started: - Scuba diving or snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef - Hike around the base of Uluru - Climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for sensational views of the Opera House and Blue Mountains - Climb the slopes during the cold Victorian winter - Swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia, Western Australia Whatever you want your gap year to be, you are sure to find it in Australia!