Australian Climate The Australian summer months are December to February, when you'll find hot weather just about everywhere. This is the best time to hit the beaches in the southern states whilst in the north the summer is classed as the wet season (when it can get uncomfortably humid). On the plus side, however, the Northern Territories are beautifully lush during the summer and much more free from tourists. From June until August the Northern Territories cool down and dry up much more, making it a good time of year to head to Queensland or the Outback. June to August is also the best time of year to go skiing in Australia in the ski resorts of Victoria and New South Wales. The Spring and Autumn months are generally mild wherever you are.
Australia - Money The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar. As in the UK it's more commonplace these days to pay for most things in Australia with a debit card so, if you're going to be there a while, it's well worth setting up a bank account for convenience (a GYFGUs travel adviser can give you advice on how to set yourself up with a bank account). Tipping is always appreciated in taxi and restaurants, etc, in the same way as it is in the UK - but if you don't tip you certainly won't cause offence as you would, say, in the USA. Food and accommodation are generally very reasonably priced. Your biggest expense in Australia is travel (because of the huge distances involved).
Australia - Health and Safety Australia is generally an extremely safe country and the main safety tip is simply to take all the usual precautions and use the same common sense as you would at home (not leaving bags unattended or flaunting valuables for example). Australia is also a very healthy country and the most you're likely to suffer from (if at all) is the occasional upset stomach. The Australian sunshine in likely to be your biggest health hazard - so make sure you use plenty of sunblock, avoid the midday sun and drink plenty of fluids. If you're embarking on a long road journey through the Outback pack plenty of water in the boot and always let someone know your proposed route before you set off. Australian wildlife can also be dangerous - primarily box jellyfish in the north, saltwater crocodiles and certain snakes and spiders. Although it's highly unlikely you'll encounter any of these things take any warning signs seriously and don't interfere with any wildlife you come across. If you're bitten by a snake or spider don't panic and seek immediate medical advice (ideally providing a description of the creature that's bitten you).
Australia - Highlights Australia is a vast country with a seemingly endless list of highlights - from cosmopolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne through to the red desert centre home of Uluru (Ayer's Rock). The GYFGUs Australia page lists plenty of these highlights or you can always chat to one of our experienced travel advisers regarding possible itineraries Down Under.
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With five nights in the buzzing, cosmopolitan city of Sydney and a guaranteed job offer whenever you are ready for it, Ultimate Aussie is perfect for anyone who hasn’t been travelling before and is unsure what to expect by heading over to Australia for up to a year.
Gain the skills and qualifications to explore marine life below the surface. Take part in classroom training, real dives and a three-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and get an internationally recognised certificate.
Spend time discovering the best parts of Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Explore fantastic places, relax on gorgeous beaches and be part of exciting adventures. Thailand - Australia - New Zealand.
Ideal for anyone fond of wildlife and the outdoors, as you will be helping sanctuary keepers to care for animals such as koalas, kangaroo and other native Australian species.
Family Friendly! Train to be a real life Australian cowboy (or cowgirl) and experience life on a ranch in the Australian outback. You’ll be taught the fine art of Australian farming and traditional ranch skills.
Enjoy the great outdoors in a land down under. Help preserve Australia's most precious resource - it's beautiful environment which helps attract so many visitors each year.
Learn everything you need to work in the diving industry. Go from beginner to qualified instructor in ten weeks, developing other useful skills along the way. The classroom is a beautifully blue ocean!
Improve your swing at an academy on the Gold Coast. Take advantage of professional tuition, the latest training methods, two fantastic courses - and beautiful weather! The academy caters for all abilities.
Based in a truly stunning part of this fascinating country, volunteers choosing this project have the unique opportunity to develop their knowledge about native Australian wildlife.
Learn to sail, in paradise. Start from scratch or build on what you know to gain one of three certificates. Hands-on experience, expert theory tuition and onboard accommodation make for a comprehensive programme. Minimum age 10 years.
Get involved in hands-on work with wildlife. Feed kangaroos, wallabies and birds, monitor koalas and help with tree planting and presentations to the public. A challenging but extremely rewarding project.
Volunteer in a wildlife sanctaury in tropical north Queensland, Australia. You will make new feathered and furry friends as you assist with the care of the animals as well as the general upkeep and running of the park.
Take in some of the most stunning scenery Australia has to offer in this fantastic tour. Visiting two National Parks you will also have the opportunity to hike to spectacular gorges and waterfalls before taking a dip in the pools to cool off! A perfect way to see the best parts the Top End has to offer.
Experience the magical Red Centre of this amazing and vast country! Enjoy sunrise over the magnificent Uluru and learn about Aboriginal culture. You'll also visit King's Canyon and Kata Tjuta National park where you will see some stunning scenery!
Family Friendly!
The Nullarbor Desert Experience is a once in a lifetime trip; it expertly combines the outback, the desert, whale-watching, ranges, wildlife, art, wineries, national parks, and the saltbush together with experiencing the true Aussie way of life.
A never-to-be forgotten cruise on a tall ship around the Great Barrier Reef, with the chance to snorkel, swim and discover the area. Learn the basics of sailing or just relax and soak up the sun.
Hike and bike your way around New Zealand, the extreme sports capital of the world, on this ultimate adrenaline fuelled adventure tour. The opportunity to see New Zealand's amazing landscape from a different point of view means it will be an experience you will never forget!
Pick a bus pass and see Australia at your own pace. Take in Sydney, the outback, Cairns, Melbourne, the Great Barrier Reef and more. Choose what you want to see and how long you spend in each place.
Help with the day-to-day running of a wildlife centre. Feed and handle the animals, show them to the public, take part in guided night walks and get involved with ongoing conservation projects. Perfect for animal lovers.
The rare opportunity to work closely with some of Australia’s most endearing wildlife. In addition to feeding and maintenance duties, you will assist staff during wildlife handling tours with the public, including breakfast with the koalas!
A unique opportunity to take part in a project where you contribute in a practical way to the conservation of the Australian environment. Time will be spent in Canberra and on Montague Island, a protected wildlife reserve that is an offshore sanctuary for seals, penguins and sea birds.
Live the outdoor life and pick up the skills needed to work on a ranch. Learn to muster, horse ride and more. Take a paid job and work on a ranch afterwards or just learn for fun!
Learn to sail, in paradise. Start from scratch or build on what you know to gain one of three certificates. Hands-on experience, expert theory tuition and onboard accommodation make for a comprehensive programme. Minimum age 10 years.
Explore a lesser-visited part of Australia on this 6 day group tour of Tasmania. Enjoy hiking, cycling and swimming during this active, outdoor adventure.
Go on the adventure of a life time on this round the world trip through Africa, Asia, Australasia and Latin America. South Africa - India - Thailand - Malaysia - Australia - New Zealand - Ecuador - Galapagos Islands.
Through the exploration of national parks, volunteer activities and guided walks you will soon fall in love with this incredible part of Australia. Most of your time will be spent enjoying the great outdoors and with the air in Tasmania being scientifically proven as some of the world cleanest, this is the place to do it!
Nadine took a gap break to do something different. She joined our archaeology programme in Israel and unearthed ancient gold coins. Read more..
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