Gap year in Australia and Oceania

Gap year placements & courses in Australia & Australasia

One of the first destinations to come to mind when considering a year out travelling is undoubtedly Australia. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe. Australia boasts over 10,000 beaches - more than any other nation and is home to around 40 million kangaroos!

The Blue Mountains
Dramatic canyons, sheer valleys, thundering waterfalls and gum forests all make up Australia's most recent World Heritage area - the Blue Mountains National Park. Also part of this latest listing is nearby Wollemi National Park - the home of the prehistoric Wollemi Pine.

The Great Barrier Reef
Australia's most famous natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef, will stun you with its magnificence. It's as big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and contains more than 1,000 islands, from sandy cays to rainforest isles. The beauty of the waters and the prolific life it supports enraptures visitors. You can reach coral sites by air and water taxi and scuba dive or snorkel for intimate reef views. Or choose comfortable accommodation on some secluded reef islands.

Tasmanian Wilderness
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area is one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia, covering 1.38 million hectares. This stronghold of temperate rainforest and alpine vegetation provides pristine habitats for plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, including many rare and endangered species.

Entry restrictions
A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. You need to hold a current visa before travelling to Australia. Ask your airline or gap year agent if they can issue your visa when you make a booking. A charge will almost certainly apply.

Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa. Visit the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website for information on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts. For the location of your nearest Australian consulate go to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.