Work Australia Essentials

Work Australia Essentials is the definitive down under survival programme – everything you need to live, learn, discover, uncover, explore, work and travel your way around Australia.

Learn from the locals and experience the very best the country has to offer. You’ll receive the comprehensive expert experience of BUNAC throughout your application process and on arrival in Australia we hand you over to our support partners IEP (International Exchange Programs) who will do all they can to ensure you have the best gap year possible. You can even travel with other participants on one of our group flights and experience our "Discover Hong Kong" stopover.

The package includes:

In the UK:

In Australia:

All this and more for just £429.

Surf Sand & Sun

Surf, Sand & Sun is the ultimate Aussie fun and adventure package. Maximise the HOLIDAY aspect of your work and travel adventure: learn to surf like 8 time world champion Kelly Slater, cook “snags” on the BBQ like a true blue Aussie or just lay back beach-side. A gap year is supposed to be FUN, so why not get the party started with this inclusive package:

Package includes:

Progressive 4 day (3 nights) beginners surf school with:

After a hard days surfing chill-out under the palm trees in the outdoor dining and entertainment area.

~One day Blue Mountains experience:

Transfers and transport

Harbour cruise

3 extra nights accommodation in Sydney.

Add this to your Essentials package for just £299.

NB. This package is seasonal and is not available between 15th May – 15th September.

Skills & Thrills

Skills & Thrills is a CV-enhancing programme that will allow you to hit the ground running. Learn the tricks of the hospitality trade during two training courses before you start the job hunt. An ideal package if you care considering working in a bar, restaurant or hotel in Australia.

All work and no play makes for a very dull gap year, so we’ve added some thrills to keep your Blog interesting. See the sights, taste the wines and meet the locals. This is an ideal package for people who take their work and play seriously.

The package includes:

Course 1: Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA); required by many bars and clubs.

A recognised workshop style course that will give you the skills and knowledge necessary for responsible service of alcohol; a requirement when working in a bar or restaurant in Australia

Course 2: Bar Service Skills; ideal if you don’t have any existing bar experience.

A practical and interactive skills workshop, covering bar preparation, order taking, “pulling” draught, basic mixed drinks, cleaning and bar closure.

Employment/Jobs workshop

Includes CV building, cover letters, application advice, interview presentation, and agency advice. Also a presentation provided by a local recruitment agency followed by an optional sign-up session.

"The Grape Escape" 3 day Hunter Valley winelands tour including:

Sydney Harbour Jet-boating ride. A thrilling 35 minute tour

2 extra nights accommodation in Sydney

Add this to your Essentials package for just £245

Outback

Learn to be a whip cracking, horse mustering, sheep shearing, cattle lassoing, genuine all-round Aussie Jackaroo or Jillaroo. Put your cowboy boots on and get ready for the gap year, outback adventure of a lifetime. No experience necessary!

The package includes:

Add this to your Essentials package for just £375

NB. This is not available between 17th December & 13th January

Organic Oz

Organic Oz gives you the unique opportunity to experience outback Australia with the locals. Travel around Australia living and working with Australian farming families. Help feed the animals, plant crops, cultivate fields or pack the pickings, Organic Oz is the most unique way to explore the real Australia.

You can stay on a farm from 2 days to a month. See first hand the indigenous wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, possums, emus and much more. You’ll exchange a few hours work for free food and accommodation, and an experience no other traveller will be able to match. Select your next farm destination using the WWOOF membership book

The package provides:

Membership to Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) providing:

Add this to your Essentials package for just £25

Visas

The BUNAC visa team will help you obtain your Working Holiday Visa by providing forms, checking documents and submitting the application to Australian Immigration on your behalf.

This visa is ideal for long stay gap year trips; explore Australia and if necessary boost your spending money by taking casual work as you go.

Visa Information Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
Age 18 – 30 inclusive
Nationality British or Irish*
Support funds: Evidence of AUS$5000 (£2000) on arrival in Australia. If you travel on a one-way flight you will need evidence of an additional £500.
Do I need to be in the UK to apply? No
How long can I stay? 1 – 12 months
How long can I work? Maximum 12 months. Not more than 6 months with the same employer.
What sort of work can I do? Any
How much does the visa cost? £85
*Some other nationalities may be eligible. Contact BUNAC for more information.

Flights

Group Travel

For the optimum gap year experience join one of BUNAC’s Group Flights. The flight to Australia includes an amazing 3 day break in Hong Kong; a fascinating melting pot of eastern and western cultures. This is the ultimate way to meet with new people at the start of your adventure.

The Group package includes:

The Group Flight can be booked on a one-way or round-the-World basis. The cost of the flights is inclusive of the Work Australia Essentials programme.

Round-the-World tickets are valid for 24 months; allow date changes (for an admin fee) and are with reputable schedule airlines. Homeward flights are booked on an individual basis; all routes visit popular travel destinations so you should find it easy to meet up with other travellers.

Departure Dates

14/08/2008 11/09/2008 25/09/2008 16/10/2008 06/11/2008 27/11/2008 15/01/2009 29/01/2009 19/02/2009 12/03/2009 16/04/2009 07/05/2009 08/07/2009

Group Flight Routes

Flight
Code		 The flight cost includes Work Australia Essentials (£429) and the "Discover Hong Kong" stopover Flight
Cost
                     
Z London Hong Kong Sydney             £1259
                     
A London Hong Kong Sydney Hong Kong London         £1999
B London Hong Kong Sydney Auckland Los Angeles London       £1999
C London Hong Kong Sydney Auckland Nandi Los Angeles London     £2141
D London Hong Kong Sydney Auckland Honolulu Los Angeles London     £2185
E London Hong Kong Sydney (Overland) Cairns Hong Kong London     £2031
F London Hong Kong Sydney (Overland) Cairns Auckland Los Angeles London   £2017
G London Hong Kong Sydney (Overland) Cairns Auckland Nandi Los Angeles London £2199
H London Hong Kong Sydney (Overland) Cairns Auckland Honolulu Los Angeles London £2199

Independent Travel

Most people book a BUNAC Group Flight; however, we appreciate that the dates or routes may not match everyone’s needs. If this is the case you can book your flights independently and still receive all of benefits of the Work Australia Essentials package including Sydney airport transfer and two night’s accommodation. You can still add as many of the additional programme options (Surf, Sand & Sun; Skills & Thrills; Outback and/or Organic Oz) as you wish.

If the BUNAC travel options don’t meet your needs, let us quote you for a totally unique itinerary. Our travel agency has over 45 years experience and will be pleased to discuss your travel needs. GS World Travel. Tel: 020 7250 0222; E: info@gsworld-travel.com.

Apply Now

The Work Australia gap year programme is based on the Essentials package.

Customise your trip by adding the extra packages of your choice: Surf, Sand & Sun; Skills & Thrills; Outback and/or Organic Oz.

Finally choose your travel options from Group Flight or Independent.

Complete your Application Form and return it to BUNAC as soon as you can. (Spaces are available on a first come first served basis.)

We’ll write to confirm your place on the programme and send you a full acceptance pack and pre-departure schedule.

How Much Will it Cost?

The cost will vary depend on which elements you choose:

What’s not included?

FAQs

Application

Do many people travel on their own?

Yes. On average 70% of participants taking a BUNAC Group Flight join the programme on their own. The Discover Hong Kong stopover provides an ideal opportunity to make new friends.

When should I apply for the programme?

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Places are available on a first-come first-served basis. Applications for BUNAC group flight options must be received at least 10 weeks before departure. Those arranging their own flights must submit their application at least 6 weeks before the intended departure.

What will it cost?

You should budget for the following costs:

Do I have to buy one of the Packages?

The Work Australia gap year programme is based on the Essentials package. The other packages are intended to enhance the experience. However, they are optional and you are not obliged to add anything to the Essentials package.

Can I join a package without the Essentials?

The essence of the Work Australia gap year programme is the support and services that are included in the Essentials programme. The extra packages enhance the experience. The packages can’t be arranged without having the Essentials package.

Who can apply to the Work Australia gap year programme?

You must be aged 18-30 (inclusive) at the time of applying for the visa and must be a permanent resident of the UK and hold one of the following passports:

Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, HKSAR*, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

*Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (includes British National Overseas passport holders).

Flights

If I book a one-way BUNAC flight can I book the return leg with BUNAC whilst away?

Unfortunately not. The BUNAC flights must be purchased before leaving the UK.

If I book a BUNAC round-the-World flight, will I be able to change it?

BUNAC flights are flexible and allow dates of travel to be changed for a fee of approximately £75. Changes are made subject to airline availability.

Tell me more about the Discover Hong Kong stopover..

Discover Hong Kong is an inclusive part of your London-Sydney Group Flight. The BUNAC rep at Heathrow will introduce you to the rest of the group and seats on the plane are pre-allocated to ensure you are sitting with other Work Australia participants.

On arrival in Hong Kong you will be transferred to a centrally located 3* hotel for two night’s (rooms are based on two or three sharing and breakfast is included).

There will be some free time to rest and recover from the flight; although you are likely to fight off the sleep and go and explore the local area with your new friends.

During your stay your English speaking guide will take you to see some of Hong Kong's most popular tourist highlights including Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, and the Aberdeen Fishing Village (tours may vary from one group to another). There is also a group night out planned for one evening. Finally, having enjoyed a brief introduction to this frenetic Chinese outpost you will be transferred back to the airport in time for your next flight to Sydney.

The price of the flight has changed since I last looked at the website. Why is this?

Whilst the flight costs are a constant, the airport/departure taxes and fuel surcharges can fluctuate and this may result in a change to the overall flight cost.

Do I have to fly to Sydney?

All BUNAC Group flights will arrive in Sydney. IEP resource centres are located in Sydney and Melbourne. If you are arranging an independent flight you can choose to travel to a city of your choice. However, outside of Sydney and Melbourne the resources will be limited. Please contact BUNAC to discuss your specific needs in more detail.

My flight home leaves from Cairns, does the programme include overland travel?

Where your route includes a Sydney - Cairns overland sector, this aspect of the trip is arranged independently and the cost (and method) of the overland trip is arranged independently.

Visa

Can I extend my Working Holiday Visa?

If you work for 3 months or more in the agricultural industry, you can apply for a 12 month visa extension. We will provide you with details as part of the programme departure pack.

Work

How will you help me find a job?

Our Work Australia Handbook has some useful tips that will help you prepare for the job hunt. On arrival in Sydney, utilise IEP’s resource centre with job boards, computers, free internet and knowledgeable staff. They will help you get your tax number and set up a bank account (both essential for potential employers).

If you are looking for a head start, why not consider the Skills & Thrills package which has been designed to provide you with the necessary experience to find hospitality work.

What kind of work do people do?

Most participants work in retail, hospitality, agricultural (e.g. fruit picking/harvesting) or office temping. Typical jobs include serving in pubs and bars, waiting tables in restaurants and cafes, working in shops and supermarkets, housekeeping and reception work in hotels and hostels, and data entry and customer service roles.

How long can I work for?

If you have the Working Holiday Visa you can work for a maximum of 6 months with any one employer. You can work for up to 12 months in total; however, the spirit of the visa is to encourage travel which is subsidised by casual employment.

Accommodation

Where will I live?

Most participants live in hostels or rent shared flats/houses. It is common for people to share with other participants they meet on the Group Flight. Vacant properties and rooms are advertised online, in local newspapers, hostel notice boards and in IEP’s resource office.

Do I have to stay in Sydney?

Sydney provides a good base to start your trip, but the visa allows you to work anywhere in Australia and there are many great places to live and work in Oz! The East Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and Perth are popular backpacker destinations, or you may like to see the real Australia by living in the outback for a bit – see the Organic Oz package for some ideas. We’ll send you a Lonely Planet guide when you apply which is packed with great places to visit.

Is it possible to book extra accommodation in Sydney?

The Work Australia Essentials programme includes your first two night’s accommodation on arrival in to Sydney. Certain packages also include extra accommodation. If you would like us to book you more Sydney accommodation we can certainly arrange this for you. Please contact the Work Australia department for more information.

Can I reserve a twin room in Sydney?

Subject to availability and an upgrade fee we can arrange twin accommodation for you and your travel partner/friend in Sydney. Please contact BUNAC for more information.

How can I find out more?

Contact us on (020) 7251 3386; send us an email (downunder@bunac.org.uk) or attend a presentation.