As the world’s largest island, you could spend a lifetime exploring Australia and barely scratch the surface, which is why it makes for the perfect gap year destination. If you’re about to graduate from high school, complete your university degree, quit your job, or you’re recovering from a messy breakup, Australia is the getaway you need. It’s on the other side of the world, so if you’re going to visit, you might as well go all out and make it a year-long adventure. If you’re ready to start planning a gap year in Australia, here’s everything you need to know.
Do you need a visa for a gap year in Australia?
First and foremost, you need to start thinking about the dull side of travel; yes, we’re talking about visas. Before you arrive at the border, you’ll need to figure out if you’re 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.
- Tourist visa: 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.
- Working holiday visa: 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.
There is a cost for the visa, and certain conditions you must read and adhere to. For more information go here.
How much should you budget for a gap year in Australia?
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’t let that deter you. Be realistic, and double whatever you think you may need, and be prepared for a few extra expenses along the way.
Budget
Hostel dorm bed: $20–45 (depending on the location)
Cheap breakfast on the go: $7
Bottle of water: $3
Dinner: $12–15
Beer at a bar: $9-12
Short bus or tram ride: $4
Mid-range budget
Double room in a basic hotel or motel: $80–130
Cocktail at a nice bar: $15-20
Brunch: $25–40
Short taxi ride: $25-30
High-end budget
Double room in a top-end hotel: from $220
Dinner at a nice restaurant: from $100 per person
Domestic flight between two main cities: from $150-500+ depending on the season
Private day tours: from $100-500 depending on the style or location
If you’re 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’s common but by no means compulsory, unlike North America and other parts of Europe.
“Trial 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 ‘trial shift’ instead of an interview, so you basically just show up and fly with the punches to see if you’d be a good fit. I was lucky enough to score a job by the end of the week.” – Jillian, Team TourRadar
Where should you stay when you arrive in Australia?
When you’re considering where to stay for your first week or two in Australia, a hostel is a great place to start – especially if you’re travelling solo. Hotels are great if you want a night to recharge after a long flight, and you’re looking to enjoy your own space for a day or two, but it will be much harder to find new travel pals.
“Definitely stay in a hostel when you first get to Australia! There’s always so many backpackers or people starting their gap year, so you’re 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.” – Darshna Nemane, Team TourRadar
“Short-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” – Jillian Bailey, Team TourRadar
What to pack for a gap year in Australia?
First of all, remember that LESS is more. Everything you could possibly need to buy will be available in Australia, and if you’re hostel-hopping for 3-6 months you’ll regret lugging around a heavy pack or suitcase. If you’re 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.
Here are a few items you can add to your suitcase or pack:
- Tank tops
- Light, breathable tops and t-shirts
- Shorts
- Skirts and/or dresses
- Yoga pants
- A few nice pieces to wear at night
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
- A pair of sunglasses
- Jeans
- Chinos or a light pair of trousers
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Bathing suit
- Umbrella, scarf or wide-brimmed hat
- Birkenstocks
- Sneakers
Other items:
- Toiletries
- Facial and cleansing body wipes
- Travel journal
- Reusable water bottle
- Suitcase lock
- A quick-drying travel towel
- A small backpack
- Portable charger
- Travel adapter and converter
- A photocopy of your passport and ID
- A smart outfit
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Sunblock
- Insect repellant
Where should you start your gap year in Australia?
For most international travellers, Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane are the starting points for adventure seekers who are about to start a working holiday or gap year. If you’re unsure of where to start, remember that it’s easy to get around Australia, but the distance between major cities on the east coast is much further than you’d expect.
Melbourne
For years, Melbourne consistently topped the list of the ‘Most Livable Cities in the World’, which is mostly attributed to its unique culture and undeniable cool factor. This trendy city is famous for its world-class sporting events, bustling cafés, and unique nightlife – which is perfect for backpackers. St Kilda beach is a popular place for city dwellers to visit. However, there are no waves: the surf beaches are found much further down the coast.
Sydney
There’s no denying that Sydney is absolutely beautiful. Where Melbourne is all about graffiti laneways and hidden cafes, Sydney truly sparkles. With icons like Bondi Beach to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, this city has plenty to see and do. Just remember, choosing an arrival city doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever, but don’t be surprised if you never want to leave Sydney.
Brisbane
Further north than both Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is small but packed with reasons to start your gap year adventure here. Offering a similar atmosphere to Melbourne, If you’re into modern and unique art galleries or exciting rooftop bars, vibrant food markets, and nearby wineries, then Brisbane might be your best bet. If you want to immediately head to Byron Bay, it’s just a few hours south along the coast, whereas Airlie Beach (a famous backpacker area) is a considerable drive north of Brisbane.
“Start in Brisbane and go to Byron Bay, get a longboard or surfboard, a casual job and chill out. But don’t be surprised if your gap year lasts for five years.” – Roy Reif, Team TourRadar
Tours for gap year travellers in Australia
Melbourne
If you’ve decided to take the leap and book your flights to Melbourne, this 8-day tour with Welcome to Travel is a great starting point for travellers. Not only will you get a chance to meet other like-minded travellers and explore the sights of Melbourne with a local guide, this tour includes an ‘Australian starter pack’ to help you apply for a Tax File Number, set up a bank account, and register for a phone number without the stress of trying to figure it your for yourself.
Sydney
If the beaches of Bondi are more your calling, this tour with Intro Travel starts in Sydney and covers 9 days of sightseeing, along with planning sessions and a starter pack to help you tailor your resume and prepare for your gap year in Australia. Once the tour is over, the Intro Travel team will be there to help support you on your journey to find work or any further assistance you need!
Brisbane
If you’re not interested in working, and all you want to do is travel Australia, why not consider booking a short tour to help get your bearings without the stress or hassle of planning your own internal travel arrangements? Topdeck offers a 10-day tour starting in Brisbane and travelling further north to the must-visit places including Fraser Island, a sailing adventure in the Whitsundays, a visit to Airlie Beach, and Magnetic Island, travelling all the way up to Cairns.
“Just do it, and you won’t regret it! If you’re thinking about it, you’ve got nothing to lose so why not give it a go?” – Julianne MacDonald, Team TourRadar
Do you have any gap year planning tips for Australia? Let us know in the comments!
