{"id":16789,"date":"2018-10-22T12:26:30","date_gmt":"2018-10-22T11:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=16789"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:57","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:57","slug":"gap-year-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/gap-year-in-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning a Gap Year Trip in Australia: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/b>As the world\u2019s largest island, you could spend a lifetime exploring Australia<\/a> and barely scratch the surface, which is why it makes for the perfect gap year destination. If you\u2019re about to graduate from high school, complete your university degree, quit your job, or you\u2019re recovering from a messy breakup, Australia is the getaway you need. It\u2019s on the other side of the world, so if you\u2019re going to visit, you might as well go all out and make it a year-long adventure. If you\u2019re ready to start planning a gap year in Australia, here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Gap
Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks | \u24d2 Bernard Spragg. NZ\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do you need a visa for a gap year in Australia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

First and foremost, you need to start thinking about the dull side of travel; yes, we\u2019re talking about visas. Before you arrive at the border, you\u2019ll need to figure out if you\u2019re planning to stay as a visitor (strictly no work allowed), or if you want to apply for a working holiday visa and make some cash during your travels.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Tourist visa:<\/b> All travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are required to hold a valid visa. Some nationalities, including Canada, the US, and the UK (just to name a few) can apply for an ETA that allows you to visit for up to 3 months per visit within a 12 month period. The visa is free, but you need to pay a service fee for the application.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Working holiday visa:<\/b> If you are aged between 18 and 30, then you may be lucky enough to be eligible for a working holiday visa if your passport has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia. Casual work is allowed as long as you follow some restrictions, and you are unable to work for more than six months with one employer. The visa itself allows for holidaymakers around the world to stay up to 12 months.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There is a cost for the visa, and certain conditions you must read and adhere to. For more information go here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    How much should you budget for a gap year in Australia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Budget planning can be as difficult as predicting the weather, but with a bit of research and preparation, you can avoid any money woes on the road. Most travellers grossly underestimate the cost of living and travelling in Australia, but don\u2019t let that deter you. Be realistic, and double whatever you <\/span>think you may need, and be prepared for a few extra expenses along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"A
    Bondi Beach, Australia | \u24d2 Alex King\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Hostel dorm bed: $20\u201345 (depending on the location)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cheap breakfast on the go: $7<\/span><\/p>\n

    Bottle of water: $3<\/span><\/p>\n

    Dinner: $12\u201315<\/span><\/p>\n

    Beer at a bar: $9-12<\/span><\/p>\n

    Short bus or tram ride: $4<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mid-range budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Double room in a basic hotel or motel: $80\u2013130<\/span><\/p>\n

    Cocktail at a nice bar: $15-20<\/span><\/p>\n

    Brunch: $25\u201340<\/span><\/p>\n

    Short taxi ride: $25-30<\/span><\/p>\n

    High-end budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Double room in a top-end hotel: from $220<\/span><\/p>\n

    Dinner at a nice restaurant: from $100 per person<\/span><\/p>\n

    Domestic flight between two main cities: from $150-500+ depending on the season<\/span><\/p>\n

    Private day tours: from $100-500 depending on the style or location<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re looking to save money during your travels, try to eat one for just one meal a day and cook at the hostel or hotel where possible. As for tipping, it\u2019s common but by no means compulsory, unlike North America and other parts of Europe. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cTrial shifts are your best friend when you first get to Australia! I got my first job in my gap year by going around to shops on day one with my resume. Lots of retail or hospitality jobs will give you a \u2018trial shift\u2019 instead of an interview, so you basically just show up and fly with the punches to see if you\u2019d be a good fit. I was lucky enough to score a job by the end of the week.\u201d <\/span><\/i>– Jillian, Team TourRadar<\/i><\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \r\n
    \r\n

    See Also: <\/em>Australia vs. New Zealand: Which Destination Is Calling Your Name?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    <\/div>\n

    Where should you stay when you arrive in Australia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    When you\u2019re considering where to stay for your first week or two in Australia, a hostel is a great place to start \u2013 especially if you\u2019re travelling solo. Hotels are great if you want a night to recharge after a long flight, and you\u2019re looking to enjoy your own space for a day or two, but it will be much harder to find new travel pals.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Two
    Waltzing wallabies in Trinity Beach, Australia | \u24d2 David Clode\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \u201cDefinitely stay in a hostel when you first get to Australia! There\u2019s always so many backpackers or people starting their gap year, so you\u2019re guaranteed to meet someone to be your friend. When I first went to Australia I stayed in a hostel and this was where I met my travel friends.\u201d – Darshna Nemane, Team TourRadar<\/strong><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    \u201cShort-term rentals are tough, as a lot of apartment rentals are six months minimum, but I found success with long-term renting of holiday flats. We rented a holiday flat for 12 weeks, which was a great middle ground for stopping and working a bit but not getting too locked in\u201d – Jillian Bailey, Team TourRadar<\/strong><\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    What to pack for a gap year in Australia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    First of all, remember that LESS is more. Everything you could possibly need to buy will be available in Australia, and if you\u2019re hostel-hopping for 3-6 months you\u2019ll regret lugging around a heavy pack or suitcase. If you\u2019re moving to Melbourne, for example, and plan to stay there for a year, then you can get away with packing a large suitcase to set yourself up, but approach this strategy with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"A
    Less is always more when it comes to packing for a gap year in Australia | \u24d2 Rui Silvestre\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Here are a few items you can add to your suitcase or pack:<\/span><\/p>\n