Australia is a huge country offering so many different experiences.
Plan a Trip to Australia
If you would like to spend more than just a holiday sightseeing you coud apply to work in Australia. There are lots of flexible working holidays available, where you can stay for 1 year and longer. You will get to see a lot more of the country and make new friends from all over the world.
If you are looking to gain work experience there are also lots of internships in Australia. Some people choose to take a TEFL course then apply for TEFL jobs in Australia or for something more rewarding view our Australia volunteer opportunities where you can coach sports or help wildlife.
Here is our list of the best things you should do on your gap year in Australia to make it the most amazing trip of your life.
1. Sightseeing in Sydney
Sydney is one of the most popular cities in Australia and recognisabe the world over.
From getting the iconic tourist photo outside the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, to relaxing on stunning beaches, surfing or doing a day trip from Sydney to the beautiful Blue Mountains, Sydney will blow you away and you'll want to stay.
Getting around Sydney is easy and there are some of the best hostels in the world located here, most of which organise social activities and sightseeing trips.
2. Diving at the Great Barrier Reef
Go swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef which has bio-diversity unlike many places in the world.
There are lots of excursions taking you to the Great Barrier Reef, we recommend a glass bottom boat so you can look out for spectacular coral and marine life. You can also join fishing and yachting trips.
View our Australia scuba diving directory for more information.
4. East Coast Road Trip
There are so many reasons to go on a road trip of Australia's east coast, you could join a tour of Australia, hire a car or rent a campervan. Not many destinations in the world compare to Australia's east coast.
You can also stop off at so many places like Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Cairns and Byron Bay.
The east coast is very tourist but the coastline is spectacular with beautiful beaches and nightlife to be found everywhere. This is one of the best things you can do on a backpacking adventure.
5. Melbourne
Once you've visited Sydney, its time to tick Melbourne off your list. Cafes, culture, AFL, bars, nightlife and beaches - discover why this is such a popular city.
6. Sunrise at Ayers Rock
Join a camping trip from Alice Springs - the mystical rock is well worth the effort and time spent getting there. There are lots of camping trips or you could travel independently. Watching sunrise here is spectacular especially when the light turns the rock different colours.
See the Outback, Darwin is an up and coming destination and its also one of the hottest places in the world. The sky at night is truely spectacular where you can see stars and clear spaces for miles around.
7. Ride the Great Ocean Road
Hire a car with some friends or join a tour to drive the Great Ocean Road which is one of the best routes in the world!
8. Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands
See the WhitSunday islands on an island hopping tour. This region of the world is simple spectacular and you'll see spectacular white beaches where you can relax or go swimming or snorkelling.
9. 4x4 Fraser Island Adventure
Explore Fraser Island on an off road 4x4 adventure and get a picture of Lake Mckenzie which is stunningly perfect. This island is an adventure and nature seekers paradise which you can explore some of the most beautiful places in the country.
10. Spend New Years Eve in Sydney
No Australia gap year would be complete without seeing New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney. You might have watched the famous fireworks display over the Sydney harbour bridge on television, but in real life its a lot better when thousands of people descend on the area for one big party.
It's also summer during this time of the year and so you will also stay warm till the early hours.
