Find out who provides the best work & play for gap years in Australia! ☆ If you’re looking for a gorgeous and thrilling location for your gap year adventure look no further: you need to take a gap year in Australia! ‘Straya is home to miles of pristine coastline, multicoloured reefs, and dusty-hued deserts. In between its swathes of wildlife are lively and modern cities. With tons of nature to explore, a love of coffee and beer, and a laid back surfer culture, there’s really not much more you can ask for from a gap year destination. I mean, who wouldn’t want screeching cockatoos and adorable roos as their neighbours? It’s all part of the Aussie experience!
Combining Australia gap year work and travel makes for an amazing year abroad!
Australia is a popular destination for gappers, partly because of its working holiday program, but the gorgeous beaches probably help its reputation as well. Because of its popularity, there are gap year programs in Australia for any type of traveler. Would you like to work and travel? Volunteer to help ecosystems and animals? Or go on a full on adventure through the outback? If any of these sound appealing, there’s a gap year program for you! We’ve compiled a list of our top 7 program providers for gap years in Australia, so you can make the best of your gap year down under. Pack up your bathers and your thongs—it’s time take an Australian gap year!
Here’s a preview of the top gap year programs in Australia for this year:
- Greenheart Travel
- Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
- Carpe Diem Education
- Pacific Discovery
- Alliance Abroad
- Grabatour Adventure Travel
- Bunac
The best providers for gap years in Australia this year
Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. Greenheart Travel — 9.52
“Australia was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks to Kara and the Greenheart Travel... Sydney is a beautiful city and everyday I'm doing something different. I'm never bored and always happy. I recommend this company if you want a positive change in your life. I've never had any regrets” — Read more Greenheart Travel reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Australia
- When? Year round, 1 - 2 years
- Why? Greenheart’s motto “Travel for a Change” strives for positive change for the community and positive change for yourself! They offer work abroad programs in Australia for those looking for assistance in planning their working holiday in Australia. They offer help in each step of the way, from applications to job placements, and even a fun orientation to meet fellow gappers!
- More program info
2. Seamester — 9.84
“I cannot recommend this program enough. You get to travel to amazing places on a real sailing vessel, learn interesting subjects taught by fantastic staff, and spend a semester with people that will become your second family. Truly incredible experience!” — Read more Seamester reviews here
- Where? Tahiti to Australia
- When? 11 weeks, Summer
- Why? Ever wanted to study on a boat? Seamester offers educational voyages where gappers can spend time at sea, travelling between countries (how does a Tahiti to Australia voyage sound?). Much more exciting than your traditional classroom experience! Best of all, you will receive academic credit while on board, as well as PADI and sailing certifications.
- More program info
3. Carpe Diem Education — 9.8
“Every day was a new experience from waking up and milking cows to scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef. This program was a perfect balance between work and play. The leaders for my Carpe trip were nothing short of amazing, they would push us to do our best always and were so unbelievably qualified I never once felt unsafe or at risk of danger the entire 3 months. If anyone out there is looking for an experience of a lifetime Carpe Diem Education is the trip for you.” — Read more Carpe Diem Education reviews here
- Where? Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
- When? Year round, 3 months
- Why? Carpe Diem Education wants travellers to “seize the journey” through intercultural exchange. Carpe Diem emphasizes experience within the community, offering the chance to live in a homestay in Fiji, learn from the indigenous communities in Australia and New Zealand, and participate in various conservation efforts. This gap year program in Australia encourages a culturally authentic experience and is perfect for those who want to venture off the tourist track.
- More program info
4. Pacific Discovery — 9.8
“Not only was the program well established and run, the trip itself was great in every way as well. There are many parts that work together to make this trip great, whether it is community service, adventure travel, or urban exploring... I made friends that I know that I will continue to talk to for months to come, saw things that I would only dream of seeing, and had experiences that have and are going to continue to shape me and help me grow as a more aware and global person.” — Read more Pacific Discovery reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Australia and New Zealand
- When? Year round, 9 - 12 weeks
- Why? Pacific Discovery offers experiential education experiences and adventurous excursions to make the most of your time abroad. With Pacific Discovery, gappers have the opportunity to travel with a small group and visit various locations in Australia and New Zealand. From environmental service projects to surf camps, Pacific Discovery focuses on sustainable and adventurous travel.
- More program info
5. Alliance Abroad — 8.5
“I used [Alliance Abroad] to get a job September 2015, I got a job at Ayers Rock resort any couldn't have had a better time. The staff at [Alliance Abroad] were incredibly helpful in helping me sort my paperwork and I even had a visit from one of there in country staff.” — Read more Alliance Abroad reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Australia
- When? Year round, 3 months - Multiple years
- Why? Alliance Abroad helps those hoping working during a gap year in Australia to find a job placement, making the transition as stress-free as possible. They partner with reputable companies across the country to match jobs to travellers and also offer support during the transition abroad. If you want to blend work and travel during a gap year in Australia, then Alliance Abroad can lend a helping hand!
- More program info
6. Grabatour — 9.89
“This is basically the best way to start your trip in Australia, Everything organised for you, everything explained and the best way to meet new friends. I met friends for life and had the time of my life. The staff at Grabatour Team go out of their way to make sure you have the best week possible. They even help out with all your onward travel so you have no worries. Loved it!!” — Read more Grabatour reviews here
- Where? Sydney
- When? Year round, 8 days
- Why? Grabatour is for those looking for an exciting started to their Aussie gap year adventure. They focus on small-group, adventure travel experiences. A jam packed 8 day trip in Sydney is the perfect way for gappers who just want a quick trip down under, or for those wanting to meet fellow travellers before settling in for their gap year in Australia.
- More program info
7. Bunac — 8.24
“It was a great experience for me and I am so happy to have had this opportunity! I was able to travel to another country and be immersed in their culture, all while have the satisfaction of working. BUNAC made the transition extremely easy and were always available if I had any questions. I had an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone thinking about working abroad!” — Read more Bunac reviews here
- Where? Various locations across Australia
- When? Year round, up to 1 - 2 years
- Why? Bunac helps young travellers who are going to Australia on a working holiday visa. They offer pre-departure, visa, job search, and accommodation assistance, as well as planned social events and outings to meet fellow travellers. This is all done with the goal of making travelers work, volunteer, or intern abroad experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible!
- More program info
[Browse ALL Gap Year Programs in Australia]
You’re ready for a gap year down unda!
Whether volunteering, interning, or finding gap year jobs in Australia, leave room for lots of water adventure, too!
There are plenty of opportunities to work, volunteer, or adventure travel during a gap year in Australia (you might even have the chance to do all three!). It’s a popular destination for a reason - with gorgeous beaches, unique wildlife, and famous cities, it is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. With so much to explore (it is a huge country, after all!) you will have plenty of activities to occupy your time during your gap year trip.
Since it is such a popular country to visit, there are a wide range of gap year programs in Australia to help support you during your time abroad. Whether you’re looking for help looking for accommodations or jobs, or looking to travel with a fun group of like-minded gappers like yourself, Australia truly is the perfect country for your gap year adventure!
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