Live & Work in Australia? Hello Sydney!

Source: AOL.ca

Posted: 01/29/10 2:09PM

Filed Under: Trip ideas

With the new year in full swing, thousands of Canadian college and university students are now looking towards May, when graduation hits and the ‘real world’ begins.

The current labour market for graduates makes this a good time to look beyond Canadian borders for that first job. Travelling and working in Australia is an exciting, viable option for young Canadians looking for that post-grad adventure.

For these grads, the Australian working holiday visa provides an opportunity for a spectacular life experience.

“With such a tough job market at home for recent grads, now is the time for Canadian graduates to seriously consider taking a trip to travel in Australia and pick up some work along the way,” says Daryl Hudson, Regional Vice President, Americas, Tourism Australia. “After spending up to a year in Australia, graduates can return to Canada with broadened horizons, a built-out resume and be more ready to approach the workforce.”

The working holiday visa provides a great deal of flexibility to its holders. It gives young Canadians between the ages of 18 and 30 the option to work and live in Australia for up to 12 months, working up to six months with any one employer. Canadian citizens can pursue any job opportunity they choose and are eligible to study for up to four months in Australia.

Job options can include everything from bartending, working on an outback ranch, to becoming a scuba diving instructor. There are no restrictions on travel during the 12-month period. Visa holders can enter and leave the country as often as they please, so travelling to New Zealand, Asia and other nearby destinations is simple and can further expand their experience abroad.

Canadian citizens can either apply for the visa online or by completing an application form and submitting it with the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate.

Tourism Australia offers a number of varied, affordable packages for youth to either immerse them in an exhilarating Australian experience, or to help them get acquainted as they begin their one-year stay in the country on a working holiday visa. With affordable prices and young, energetic and knowledgeable guides, there are countless opportunities to meet other young travellers and locals.

Some current adventure deals include:

· Learn to Dive (from $885): The five-day PADI “Open Water” dive course is the most popular option. The package includes two days of training followed by three days at the Great Barrier Reef, with a total of 10 different diving sessions, including one night dive. Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation in Cairns, two nights onboard boat, PADI open water certification, all diving equipment, and all meals on board.

· Melbourne to Adelaide ($405): Along with an experienced tour guide, enjoy three full days taking in the sights along Great Ocean Road. Participants will hike through some of Australia’s spectacular national parks, discovering the country’s unique wildlife and deserted, untouched beaches. This package includes accommodations, park entries and tours.

· Rock, Olgas, Canyon ($521): Discover three of Australia’s most spectacular destinations in the country’s Red Centre – Ayers Rock, the majestic domes of the Olgas and Kings Canyon – while meeting new friends and camping within some of Australia’s most famous sites. Package includes all transportation, park entry fees, accommodations and all camping gear.

Urban explorers may prefer Australia’s city packages to Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, with prices ranging from $360-$399.

These offer those travelling on the working holiday visa a number of perks to help get them settled into the Australian city of their choice. All packages include:

· Three nights hostel accommodation · Phone SIM card · Travel/entertainment discount card · Exclusive job information · Tax file number · Bank account set up

Packages are valid for travel between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. For more information, visit Tourism Australia