Taking a Gap Year in Australia: The Ultimate Guide
A gap year in Australia is a dream for many Brits, but being prepared will ensure that you get through the year with minimal setbacks. Taking a gap year in another country involves plenty of planning, from understanding what documentation to take to saving enough money to travel safely. If Australia is your dream destination, keep reading to find out what to do next.
Documentation and Visas
Before travelling to Australia, you need to have all the correct documentation and visas. To travel to Australia for a year, you will need to get a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). You can check the requirements for an Australia visa online, so you have a better idea of what you need before you go.
As well as a visa, you may need to have other documents to support your stay in Australia. This includes bank statements or proof of savings, as you need a certain amount of money to be allowed into Australia. This can change at any time, so it’s best to check the government website for up-to-date information regarding this. If you plan to drive, you should look into what documents you need to bring to drive a car in Australia.
Finding Work
If you ask someone who’s lived or worked in Australia about finding work, they’ll all tell you something different. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding jobs in Australia, and you are likely to find your own way once you get there. If you’re an anxious traveller and want things set up before you go, it may be worth finding a company that helps you get a job.
Otherwise, you will be able to find a job once you get there, as long as you have the correct skills. For instance, if you want to work as a bartender in Australia, you need to get a special licence first. You should do this before you get there, so you don’t need to wait around.
Finding a Place to Stay
Hostels are your cheapest option when doing a gap year in Australia. Once you get there and start making friends, it becomes easier to find different ways to live and travel, as this is often cheaper when done with others. Some jobs will also offer you board for your services, especially if you go into farm work.
If you are doing a gap year with friends, look at whether it would be beneficial to find a place to rent. You can also find spare rooms to share with other travellers who have already bagged themselves a place. Travelling Australia in a van is another viable option if you have the spare cash to purchase or rent a van.
Gap years are lots of fun and provide a year full of new experiences, friends, and cultures. Whilst you don’t need to have the whole year planned before going, it’s a good idea to sort out any documentation, have an idea of the job roles you’d like to do, and start looking at places to stay when you get there.
