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.
21 trips have been found based on your filter/sort
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.
On an epic journey across Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, the ultimate wildlife experience gives you the chance to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals and contribute to their preservation. Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA.
Take some time out to discover the best parts of Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Explore fantastic places, relax on gorgeous beaches and absorb the local culture. Thailand - Australia - New Zealand.
A great way for wildlife enthusiasts to see the world and make a contribution to volunteer projects, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world’s most incredible destinations from Thailand to Australia! Thailand - Australia - USA.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes are world famous and this tour gives you the chance to get off the tourist path and travel through some of its most stunning scenery. From Darwin to Adelaide you’ll travel the length of this incredible country on a north to south adventure and experience the real outback lifestyle.
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.
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.
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.
Make your round the world trip the voyage of a lifetime, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australasia and Latin America on this action and culture packed programme! South Africa - India - Malaysia- Thailand - Australia - New Zealand - Argentina.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups provide career breaks, volunteer work abroad and adventure travel options for grown up gappers.
If you are looking to become a golden gapper on a grown up gap year, Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of
ideas and options for an adult gap year.
