Kick off your Aussie Working Holiday in real style on this ultimate 7 day intro into the world of work down under. With 7 action packed days in the bustling city of Sydney we will make sure you have everything you need to work and travel in this incredible country!
Work and Travel in Australia
Australia is the land of opportunity for the working traveller, and this ultimate arrival package in the bustling city of Sydney is hands down the best way to start your Aussie working holiday with a bang! The aim of your first week in Sydney is to help you settle in to your new surroundings with a wide range of exciting excursions and activities for you and your group of fellow travellers, whilst getting you set up and ready to work and travel around the incredible land down under.
This specially designed intro week will help get you ready for your Working Holiday and help you get to know some other travellers to start your journey with, whilst experiencing some of Australia’s best bits, including a catamaran cruise around Sydney Harbour to visit the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as a dolphin cruise, beach camp, Sydney city tour, and an epic bar crawl to some of the best bars and clubs in the city!
As part of your package you will receive 12 months job support, including assistance setting up all aspects of your Aussie working holiday such as your bank account, tax file number, and a local SIM card, etc. Accommodation is included in your 7 day intro, and our dedicated team in Sydney will also help you with finding shared accommodation for after your initial 7 days and beyond! You will receive a helping hand with your CV/Resume, so all you will need to do is show off your skills to your Aussie employers and before you know it you will be cruising in your dream job down under!
7 Day Sydney Intro
This action packed intro week will give you a fantastic taster of the Aussie way of life and what you can expect from your time in Aussie paradise. Our team will show you all of the highlights of the stunning city of Sydney on a walking tour of the city to check out some of the city’s main sightseeing hot spots, a Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise, sand boarding, bush walking, dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, Aussie BBQs, bars, clubs, and of course some beautiful beaches.
Sydney is packed full of world famous sights and beaches, with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Botanical Gardens, Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach and many more for you and your travel buddies to experience and explore during this incredible week. This is truly not to be missed if you plan on a trip to Oz during your Gap Year or Career Break!
Paid Work in Australia
You will get set up with an local mobile phone SIM, an Australian bank account, and your TFN (Tax File Number), put you through courses including a Bar Skills course, and the NSW Responsible Service of Alcohol course, so that you will hit the ground running and be ready to work as soon as you finish your intro week in Sydney. We will also set you up with a 12-month membership to the best back-packer recruitment agency in Australia, who will make sure you are kept up-to-date with new relevant job opportunities all over the country, and will give you all the support you need to make sure your CV is top notch so you can apply for some amazing jobs as you travel from place to place!
Download the Australia Country Info Brochure - Click Here!
It’s easy to see why Australia tops the charts as the most popular tourist and gap year destinations in the world; it’s history, culture and outstanding landscapes make the country a unique land to explore and discover. Australia’s fascinating history dates back 50,000 years when the first Aboriginal settlers arrived bringing with them a rich living culture and a longstanding history of diverse arts, dance, music and myths and continues to draw in the more nomadically inclined of us.
These days Australia is a unique blend of established traditions and new influences and has become a melting pot of art, cuisine, architecture and fashion, due to the settlers travelling from fruitful locations across the world.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Commonwealth of Australia
- Location
- Australasia
- Bordering Countries
- Australia does not have any bordering countries
- Capital City
- Canberra
- Government
- Federal monarchy, Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary system
- Population
- 23 million
- Language
- English
- Currency
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Name
- Commonwealth of Australia
- Poverty
- 12.5% of the population live below the poverty line
- Main Exports
- Coal, Iron ores, Tin ores, Wool, Beef, Barley, Raw sugar.
- Climate
- Varies from the tropical northern regions, to the temperate climate of the southern regions.
- Time Zone
- GMT +8/11 - Australia covers multiple time zones.
- Flag

Fun Facts
• More than 80 percent of Australians live within 100 kilometres of the coast
• Australia contains 16 world heritage listed sites including historic townships, cities and landscapes
• Canberra was selected as the capital because Sydney and Melbourne could not stop arguing which city should be the capital of Australia
Travel Highlights
• Star-gazing at the beautiful and peaceful Ayres Rock (Uluru)
• Take a trip to the Sydney Opera House
• Ride on the southern hemisphere’s steepest train in the Blue Mountains
• Experience the amazing landscape of Frazer Island
• Swim with turtles and try to find Nemo while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
Where is Australia?
The sixth largest country in the world, Australia comprises of the mainland of the Australian continent and numerous smaller islands all situated in the Southern Hemisphere. Located just to the south of Southeast Asia, and dividing the Indian and South Pacific Oceans Australia’s neighbouring countries include Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
Australia’s Climate
Australia experiences temperate weather for most of the year but the climate can vary throughout the country due to it’s size. Northern areas of the country are typically warm throughout the year with southern areas experiencing cooler winters. As with all countries in the Southern hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern hemisphere, so it’s summer falls between December to February is summer, March to May is Autumn, June to August is winter, and September to November is spring. It is also one of the driest continents on earth with an average annual rainfall of less than 600 millimetres.
Language in Australia
Although Australia has no official language, it is largely monolingual with English being the most widely spoken, however Australian English has a distinctive vocabulary and accent and differs from English in spelling and grammar. The next most common languages are Mandarin and Italian. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans in the 17th century around 400 different languages existed amongst the Aboriginals.
The People of Australia
The people of Australia are recognised worldwide for their chilled out nature, welcoming attitude and positive outlook on life. With a mix of indigenous cultural traditions and a rich mosaic of migrant cultures the people of Australia are as varied as it’s landscapes. The country's original inhabitants were the Aboriginals who are the custodians of one of the worlds oldest continuing cultural traditions and have lived in Australia for 50,000 years. There is a great diversity among different Indigenous communities and each encompasses its own mixture of cultures, customs and languages. Some of these communities strive to protect their traditions and way of life by living in rural Australia, typically practising and selling aboriginal art, such as paintings, beadwork, woodwork, bark paintings and paintings in order to make a living, however many have now chosen to integrate into Australia’s modern society and live in the major cities.
Infact more than 75% of Australians live a cosmopolitan lifestyle, mostly inhabiting the major capital cities along the coast, which are renowned for their lively arts scene, including film, art, theatre and music. When you think of music in Australia the first thing that springs to mind is the iconic didgeridoo, developed by indigenous Australians around 1500 years ago. Music forms an integral part of the social, cultural and ceremonial observances of these people and the didgeridoo has played a large part in this history. These days there is a thriving modern music scene in Australia, from folk to hip hop and rock to pop there is something to suit all tastes and you are sure to stumble across a great club night or one of it’s many music festivals during your stay.
Travelling in Australia
There is plenty to keep you busy in Australia and whether you are an adventure seeker, city slicker or wildlife enthusiast you are sure to never get bored! If you fancy pushing your endurance you could explore the famous Blue Mountains on the Six Foot Track, tackle the Australian bush, hike Tasmania's overland track, or snowboard down the pristine winter slopes. Make sure you check out the world famous Great Barrier Reef where you can swim, snorkel, dive and sail through one of the most fascinating nature spots on earth. Gain a deeper understanding of Australia's rich cultural history as you explore the Northern Territory and walk the base of Uluru at the Red Centre. Browse Aboriginal art in Alice Springs and learn about traditional Dreamtime myths in Kakadu national park where you will also find a huge array of rainforests, wildlife and beautiful waterfalls. Choose from skiing down the snow covered mountains, discovering the fascinating coral reefs, exploring the vast deserts or surfing the sparkling clear waters.
Gap Year and Career Break Travel in Australia
Australia is jam packed with adventure activities, beautiful landscapes and thriving cities that is perfect for explorers and travellers alike. Make sure you make the most of your gap year or career break abroad where you are guaranteed a good time in one of the worlds most popular and sought after destinations.
When you chose travel on an incredible trip overseas, the costs incurred go towards setting up the trip, and giving you a great environment to live in for the duration of your time overseas. Your money goes on many benefits around your trip, to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Assessment
Before you see a trip on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement, both for you and the organisation and community. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book or apply for your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and beneficial to your career development.
Help Choosing Your Trip
If you are not sure which placement or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to work in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
Airport Transfer
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure we arrange an arrival transfer for you and give you all the relevant instructions so everything is very straight forward.
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while working abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
Accommodation
On arrival in Australia we will provide you with your accommodation in a central hostel, and provide you with accommodation for your activities.
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your placement. Our staff members can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new working environment.
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Recruitment of More Workers
In order to provide a reliable flow of workers on our trips overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!
There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.
Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.
Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.
Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.
Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.
Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.
Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.
What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.
There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.
Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.
Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.
Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.
Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.
Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.
Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!
1) What is the minimum age restriction?You will need to obtain a Working Holiday Visa to take part in this trip. One of the requirements for the WHV is that travellers are 18-30 years old. Therefore you will need to be at least 18 yers old to take part in this trip.
2) What type of jobs can I find and how much can I earn?As part of your trip fee we will sign you up to a 12 month membership to the best back-packer job service in Australia. The jobs database advertises thousands of jobs at a time, so there are some amazing opportunities out there for you! You can expect job listings in the following areas:
Admin / Office
Accounting / Finance
Au-Pair / Childcare
Bar Staff / Hospitality
Call Centre / Telemarketing
Engineering / Mechanic
Farm / Ranch worker
Hairdressing / Beauty Therapy
IT / Web
Manual Labour
Marketing / Media
Nursing / Health Care
Retail / Customer Service
Sales / Fundraising
Teaching / Sports Coaching
Travel / Tourism
The type of jobs you receive offers for will depend on your relevant experience and your CV. Wages / Earnings will vary depending on the job you find. Average wages in Australia are approx. £10 - £15 per hour.
3) Will I pay tax?When you arrive in Australia we will set you up with a Tax File Number so that you will pay tax on your earnings. However, as you are working on a Working Holiday Visa in Oz, when you return home or leave Australia, you will be able to claim your tax re bate and superannuation refund on your earnings during your time down under. This can equate to up to £1500 depending on how much you have worked in Australia.
4) Do I have to stay for 12 months?No, you do not have to stay for the full 12 months. We offer job support, and other awesome benefits for 12 months if you plan to stay this long, but if you want to stay in Oz for less time than this is not a problem. If you want to stay for longer than 12 months then there are ways of extending your visa. The most common way is gaining employment that qualifies you for a visa extension. In order to gain a visa extension to 24 months you will need a minimum of 3 months experience working on a ranch or farm.
5) Are meals included in this trip? Some meals are included during your intro week in Sydney. You will receive a welcome dinner on your first night, beach camp dinners (2 nights), and lunch on your Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise. Your hostel accommodation has a fully functional kitchen for preparing your own meals, as well as a café and bar, as well as being located in the heart of Sydney, so you will have access to a wide range of cuisines at Sydney’s amazing restaurants.
6) What accommodation is provided?Accommodation is provided for your first 7 nights from your trip start date in Sydney. 5 nights at one of the city’s top back-packer hostels, and 2 nights at our awesome beach camp. Accommodation provided has all facilities available with shared dorm style bedrooms (4 – 8 per room). Your hostel has it’s own incredible back-packer bar for meeting a wide range of travellers, as well as a café, kitchen and communal lounges.
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Are there laundry facilities available at the accommodation?Laundry facilities are available at your hostel. Coin-operated washing machines and tumble dryers are available for laundry.
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Can I make international calls and use the internet at the accommodation?Being situated in the heart of Sydney, you will be in close vicinity to a range of shops and internet cafes where you will be able to purchase international phone cards and make use of internet. The hostel will also have it’s own WiFi internet connection available at a fee. You will be provided with a local SIM card during your induction session, so we recommend taking an unlocked phone so you can get up and running with your Aussie number straight away.
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Can I book a private room? This can be arranged after your initial 7 days (initial 7 days you will be accommodated in a shared dorm), however private rooms in hostels tend to be very expensive. During your accommodation tour in Sydney our team will show you the best places to stay, where you will be able to get a private room.
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Can I book extra nights? Yes, you can book extra nights at your hostel accommodation for before and/or after your 7 day intro. If you are arriving a few days early, we can arrange your accommodation in advance. Please take a look at our Add-ons tab for more info.
7) Do I have to stay in Sydney and where can I stay after my intro week? No, you do not have to stay in Sydney after your intro week. Our team will give you options, including finding accommodation and jobs all over Australia, so you can head off to find your working paradise in Oz after your intro is complete! Our jobs database will show jobs listings from all areas of Australia so you can really work as you travel!
There are different options available to you for when you finish your intro in Sydney. If you plan to stay in a shared house, you can expect to pay anywhere between £100 - £150 rent per week, with a minimum commitment / contract of 3 months. Sydney is among one of the most popular locations so rent can be more expensive.
Another option would be to continue staying at hostels while you work, which gives much more flexibility. Paying up front at a hostel can work out at approx. £150 - £180 per week.
8) What Activities take place throughout the day?During your 7 day intro in Sydney you will take part in a range of activities, including: Sydney Harbour catamaran cruise, City Walking tour, Dolphin cruise, Wildlife / Bush trek, Sandboarding, Sydney Bar Crawl, Beach tour / Coastal walk, and more! For full details take a look at the daily itinerary on the Extra Info tab.
9) What experience do I need?You do not need any experience to take part in this trip, however your job search will need to be relevant to your work experiences.
10) What support will I receive in country?You will receive an amazing range of support services whilst you are in Australia, including assistance with your CV, to make it top notch, job search support, so you are applying for the right jobs, help with setting up your Aussie bank account, help with arranging your Tax File Number, assistance setting up your Medicare, a Postal Forwarding service so you have a contact address for family, friends and tax purposes, and you will have access to our 24 hours emergency service based in the UK!
11) When can I arrive? Arrivals into Sydney should be either early on your trip start date (as your group will be meeting at 11am that morning) or we suggest booking an extra night in your hostel and arriving the day before your trip start date. We will arrange your airport transfer on arrival, and will email your transfer voucher before you set off on your working holiday adventure!
12) Is transport included?Your arrival transfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith airport is included, and our in-country team will provide you with transport to and from our beach camp, however independent travel around Sydney during your first week, and around Australia during your working holiday is not included.
13) Will I need a Visa?Yes, you will need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa before you set off on your trip. This application usually takes around 48 hours to complete. When you book your trip, our flights desk will give you a call to help you arrange all aspects of your trip, including your flights, insurance and your Working Holiday Visa. For more info about Working Holiday Visa requirements and eligibility, please take a look here:
Working Holiday Visas14) Will I need vaccinations?You do not need any specific vaccinations for a trip to Australia, however you will need to contact your local Travel Nurse or GP to discuss your personal vaccination history. Please also consider that you may require specific vaccinations if you are travelling to other countries before or after your trip to Australia.
15) What is the climate like in Australia?As with all countries in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with December to February being the height of summer, March to May is Autumn, June to August is Winter, and September to November is Spring. Northern regions of Australia receive warm weather throughout the year, with the southern areas fluctuating between seasons. In Sydney temperatures can reach up to 30C in the summer, and can get as low as 12C in the winter.