Known as the oldest culture in the world with 40,000 years of human activity and home to species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world; it’s no wonder that Australia is often called the original gap year destination. Great nightlife, stunning beaches, fantastic weather and a whole ‘outback’ to explore makes the land ‘down-under’ the perfect location for anyone looking to strike out for the first time - or for the seasoned traveller looking for something new. This is the largest island in the world, whose epic landscape spans three time zones. It is the only nation that governs an entire continent and within this incredible expanse of land, the population is only 2.88 people per square kilometre. Throw into the mix great people, a fantastic combination of exuberant city life and untamed natural beauty in the outback then you see why it is that people have been choosing to take their gap years in the Land of Oz for such a long time.
The world of sun, sea and surf as seen on the soap “Home and Away” is considered by many to be the archetypal Australian lifestyle. Behind Australia’s sun-kissed-surfer-boy exterior is the beating heart of a country with much more to do than just sitting by the barbeque in your bikini.
Sydney is where travellers can experience the best of two worlds: East Coast sunshine and stunning city life. Starring sun-drenched golden stretches (including Bondi Beach!), a bustling Darling Harbour in the heart of the city, and legendary sights like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, one word best describes Sydney - iconic!
Featuring swirling powder-white sands, a shimmering sapphire sea, and heart-shaped coral reefs, the Whitsundays are almost too gorgeous to be true. Sail overnight and go snorkelling inside this tropical paradise on earth as part of one of our Australia tours; trust us, itâs an experience that youâll never forget!
Thereâs something magical in the air in Byron Bay. Maybe itâs enchanting sunsets by the lighthouse, yoga on the beach, dolphins skipping through the ocean waters, or cafes that are the definition of foodie heaven. Either way, life moves to its own tempo here. Once youâve had a taste of Byron Bay, youâre never the same!
Home to graffiti laneways, exhilarating nightlife, mouthwatering food markets, and hipster cafes that pride themselves on a great cup of coffee, Melbourne is effortlessly cool. And thereâs more to Melbourne than meets the eye. Island getaways with penguins on the beach, and a wild coastline, is just a taster of what you can find!
As Australiaâs final frontier, the Red Centre in the Northern Territoryâs outback region promises epic adventures. Reconnect with nature inside this extraordinary, extraterrestrial-esque setting - whether thatâs hiking inside the rugged Kings Canyon, or gazing at the sunrise by Uluru: a world-famous rock giant in the heart of the vast desert.
In the northern stretch of tropical Queensland, youâll find Cairns: a thrilling destination filled with natural beauty. When youâre not snorkelling inside the one-and-only Great Barrier Reef or trying out more adrenaline activities, expect to find waterfalls, island getaways and rainforest trails bound to take your breath away!
Only an hour away from Sydney are the Blue Mountains, offering the most spellbinding vistas imaginable. Uncover waterfalls and native wildlife on the bushwalks, before marvelling at the misty valleys from the Three Sisters viewpoint. Named after its violet haze created by Eucalyptus oil droplets and sunlight, the Blue Mountains are dream-worthy.
Kâgari translates to paradise, and thatâs the perfect way to describe this island. Made entirely out of sand, this enchanting setting is home to stretches of blinding white dunes, bright turquoise waters, deep indigo lakes, giant shipwrecks, little woodland creeks, and lush rainforests. On a gap year in Australia, Kâgari is simply unmissable!
With over 300 days of sunshine every year, Brisbane is all about enjoying the outdoors! From night food markets and live music venues to Streets Beach in the city centre, thereâs always something exciting going on in Australiaâs third-largest city. Dive into Brisbaneâs nightlife and cultural scene, and youâre guaranteed to have a great time.
Itâs in the name! This three-kilometre strip of sun-kissed coast and glitzy city lights promises good vibes all around. Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast promises adventure from sunrise to starlight, regardless of if youâre out there riding the waves, shopping until you drop, or partying until dawn inside the neon-soaked nightclubs.
Thereâs a reason why the Great Ocean Road is one of Australiaâs most renowned road trips, and it has everything to do with the beachside villages, epic surf, atmospheric rainforest trails, and the famous rocky stacks called the Twelve Apostles. On our Australia tours, itâs an amazing day trip to take while exploring Melbourne.
When a destination is as loved by the locals as Noosa is, you know youâre in for a treat! While the bronzed beaches and chilled ambience are enough to charm any traveller, the lush Everglades - a total rarity in nature - make it a must on Australia trips. As you glide through the mirror-like waters and emerald forest, youâre entering another world.
If not for the quokkas and kangaroos, the West Coast often feels like another continent - let alone the same country as the rest of Australia. Bubblegum pink lakes, camels on the beach, and giant stretches of ancient sandstone are all ready for discovery. With how close it is to Southeast Asia, itâs an unmissable stop on a gap year in Australia.
As you will probably already know, Australia is famous for its barbecues, so an appetite for steaks and beer is a bonus! However, with such a fantastic coastline there is also plenty of fresh seafood on offer and a wealth of fresh fruit. There are many excellent dining choices in the cities, and with Australia’s proximity to Asia, there are plenty of opportunities to try some spicy Asian food too. If you are feeling adventurous you could go in for a nice Kangaroo steak or maybe get stuck into some ‘bush tucker’ in the outback. One of the best features of eating out in Australia is the popularity in many restaurants of Bring Your Own Booze where diners bring their own alcohol to restaurants, which can greatly reduce the price of your meal.
The weather is Oz’s major drawing card. Australia spans three time zones and a range of different climate zones from sub-tropical in the north to temperate in the south. If you are considering a year in Australia then you are probably already excited by the prospect of the glorious Australian sunshine. The North of Australia is almost consistently hot and Australia as a nation has the least rainfall.
The south does experience winter but not on a British scale – there are not the same extreme temperature swings that we have come to expect in the UK. And don’t forget, in Australia our winter is their summer and our summer is winter!
Gaps 360 are accredited Aussie specialists, so for many travellers, we can apply for your first Australia Working Holiday visa on your behalf! Here's everything you need to know about an Australia Working Holiday visa, including a step-by-step application guide if you'd like to do it yourself, to help you get started.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.Â
The authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If youâre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Australian High Commission in the UK.
To enter Australia, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
If youâre travelling through or transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport, even if youâre just in transit and do not pass through immigration.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
If youâre a British-Australian dual national, you must leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals.
You must have a visa to visit Australia.Â
British citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:
The Department of Home Affairs has information on all other types of visas.
To enter Australia, you must have a certificate to prove youâve had a yellow fever vaccination if youâre coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. See the Australian Department of Healthâs information on yellow fever for travellers.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthProâs Australia guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Australia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Â
Australia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.
You must fill in an Incoming Passenger Card and either:
You must also declare if you have âbeen in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas or freshwater streams/lakes etc in the past 30 daysâ.
The Australian authorities X-ray luggage. They inspect, treat and, if necessary, confiscate and destroy items of concern. You can get a heavy fine if you break quarantine.
The Department of Agriculture has more information on quarantine rules.
In recent years there have been various attempts made by the Australian Government to make up for past mistreatment of the indigenous peoples of Australia. The aboriginal peoples have a great history and culture which you may want to learn about and explore on your trip, but this must always be done with respect and consideration.
It is against the law for anybody under 18 years old to buy cigarettes or enter a designated smoking area in Australia.
The Australian authorities will take action against anyone who imports or is found to be trafficking illegal substances. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy jail sentence and non-Australian nationals are usually deported at the end of their sentence. Deportation may lead to a ban on returning to Australia for several years. Laws, and the penalties for breaking them, can differ from state to state.
The minimum age for consuming alcohol is 18 years old.
Australia has an established tradition of tolerance towards homosexuality; however, there are still isolated incidents of homophobic-related crimes. Gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural communities.
Australia is an exciting and amazing place to travel and it still remains a safe travel option. We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Australia.
Please note: Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO website for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
The level of crime is no higher than in the UK, so you should feel safe during your Australia trip provided you take the recommended safety precautions. Take care of your personal possessions and travel documents when in cities and visiting popular tourist destinations. Avoid keeping everything in one bag and don’t leave bags unattended. Thefts from safety deposit boxes in cheaper hostels and hotels are common.
Take particular care when walking at night in some of the busy tourist areas of Sydney, such as Kings Cross, downtown George Street, Hyde Park and Centennial Park. Take care in the town centre of Alice Springs at night; there have been a number of incidents of harassment, robberies and attacks (including sexual assault) on foreign tourists and backpackers.
Beware of online lettings scams in which prospective tenants are asked to transfer a deposit to an overseas bank account in return for keys to a rental property in Australia. A number of British and other foreign travellers have fallen victim to such scams.
If your passport is lost or stolen you may be able to get an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the nearest British Consulate. A proof of age card is an accepted form of ID and can help you open a bank account in Australia or offer ID when entering licenced premises. Getting a proof of age card is recommended as a way of reducing the risk of losing your passport. If you get a card soon after you arrive in Australia this limits the need to carry your passport.
Alcohol and drug consumption can make you less alert or in control and less aware of your environment so drink responsibly and know your limits. Please be aware that drinks served in bars in Australia can often be stronger than in the UK.
If you intend bushwalking in or exploring national parks you must be aware that the majority of these are in remote areas and it can take hours to reach help. This has resulted in a number of deaths. The terrain and intense heat can have a severe impact in reducing your capabilities. Take plenty of water with you and a means of rigging up a shelter from the sun.
With such a diverse environment, Australia can offer you lush rainforests, arid deserts and stunning underwater reefs and this extensive landscape is home to a wide variety of creatures. There is a lot of fantastic wildlife out there which is all part of the vibrant texture of Australian life; a koala nestling in a eucalyptus tree, a kangaroo skipping in the baking sun, a host of dazzling, tropical fish darting in and out of the Great Barrier Reef. You wouldn’t want to travel to Australia without the chance of seeing some of these extraordinary sights, but just remember some of the less friendly creatures and insects that live alongside them, and always approach with caution!
Australia is home to a number of dangerous animal species, from crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks to poisonous insects and snakes, so take care and keep an eye out. Take care if swimming in lakes or ponds as there may be unseen crocodiles or other wild animals present. Never enter a lake that has animals bathing in it.
Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beach users. They can occur at any beach and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are directly responsible for 20 coastal drowning deaths and over 15,000 rescues in Australia each year. There are more British victims than any other foreign nationals, with as many as 400 British swimmers rescued and up to four drownings each year.
Always swim between the red and yellow safety flags on beaches, which are supervised locations with lifeguards on duty. Never swim in unsupervised areas or when there are warning flags. Read the safety signs and ask your local lifeguard for advice if in doubt as to the safety of the swimming conditions. Never swim alone and if you do get into trouble stay calm and attract attention by calling out and waving your arm above your head.
Never swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs as your ability and judgment will be severely impaired. Take care when swimming in, or crossing, rivers and pools as these can be subject to sudden flash flooding as a result of heavy rain elsewhere in the area. There have been cases of British nationals being injured by diving into the water, which was too shallow. Make sure that there is sufficient depth of water before diving, and always follow warning signs if present.
Flooding
Heavy rain and cyclones can cause local flooding in some areas so check with local state authorities and listen out for media reports for up-to-date flooding information.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical Cyclones can occur in some parts of Australia, mainly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, mainly during cyclone season between November and April.
Bush Fires
Be aware of the risk of bushfires, especially at the height of the Australian summer (November to February). Bushfires can begin and spread in different directions suddenly with no warning. Follow advice from local authorities if you are travelling in a high-risk bushfire area.
The risk to traveller’s health is very low but make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations before you leave. Cover up in the sun and use high-factor sun cream. Through Medicare Australia, any travellers with a British Passport are entitled to treatments for any non-pre-existing medical conditions whilst they are in Australia. Please check our general Travel Advice section for more detailed information and general health and safety advice.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities..
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