Taking a gap year is a brilliant thing to do after leaving school or university, especially if you are not ready to get a ‘proper’ job yet.
If you are considering taking a break before you throw yourself into your career, here is why you should take a Gap Year in Australia.
1. Beaches
You’ve probably seen images of hot guys and girls on the beach in budgie smugglers and skimpy bikinis. Well, Australia has over 10,000 designated beaches where you can soak up the sun. Going to the beach is a way of life in Australia. So, why not take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of sunbathing, surfing and barbecues?
When you do go to the beach, just be mindful to put on plenty of sunscreen and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
2. World-class sites and attractions
From Uluru and K’gari to Kakadu National Park and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. During your gap year, you will have the freedom to explore as many of them as you want at a pace that suits you.
Fancy taking three days to drive the Nullarbor? No problem. Want to spend a month checking out the Outback? Go for it!
Every corner of Australia offers unique experiences that are just waiting for you to enjoy.
3. Music Concerts & Festivals
Love a good musical festival? Well, you’ll be pleased to learn that Australia hosts some of the best jamborees in the world.
From Tamworth Country Music Festival and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, there is a music festival for everyone to enjoy.
Over the years, some of the biggest artists in the industry have performed incredible sets at them, including Kanye West, Tame Impala, Coldplay and the Arctic Monkeys.
4. Sporting Venues
Australians love their sport. In fact, it’s practically considered un-Australian if you don’t. The land down under is home to some world-class sporting venues; most notable is the MCG in Melbourne.
If you love football, cricket, Aussie Rules Football, netball, both codes of rugby or anything else, the opportunity to watch live professional sport in Australia is something you should not miss. The atmosphere at an AFL game, especially when two Melbourne teams are playing, is unreal.
5. Food
If you love food, you will be in your element in Australia. Overall, the standard of produce is exceptional, particularly from the Murray-Darling Basin region, which is affectionately known as ‘The Food Bowl’.
In addition, the country has an outstanding dining scene pushing the envelope of almost every international cuisine you can think of. If you have an adventurous palate (or even if you don’t), your tastebuds will be in for a treat!
6. Work and Travel Made Easy
One of the coolest things about taking a gap year in Australia is the Working Holiday Visa. This allows you to legally work while you travel, which can be a godsend for those needing to fund their adventures.
With this visa, you will have the capacity to pick up short-term jobs both in cities or rural areas, which can help pay for road trips, surfing lessons, or awesome nights out with new friends. There is no limit to the range of work you can do, although many people choose to work in bars, restaurants, manual labour roles or temping in offices.
Wherever you are able to pick up work, the fact that you have done so in an international setting will look very impressive on your résumé!
6. Meet People from All Over the World
Australia is a popular tourist destination, attracting travellers and backpackers from every major continent in the world.
Throughout your gap year, wherever you go, you will meet people from all walks of life in hostels, workplaces, group tours and various social settings. Some of them may become meaningful and long-lasting connections that you might otherwise never make. While others may provide you with valuable travel tips and insights on places you hadn’t considered visiting.
7. Create Memories and have fun
Ultimately, a gap year is about creating memories that will last a lifetime and having fun. You have the best part of 40 or 50 years to devote to your career, so while you are still young and mortgage and kid-free, why not take the opportunity to live a little?
For many people, Australia is a country that is far away and very different from where they live. Therefore, if they don’t go during their gap year, it might forever remain an unvisited destination on their bucket list. If you have any questions, talk to our team today about why you should take a Gap Year in Australia.
