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AUSTRALIA FACT SHEET
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- How long many weeks would my trip be for?
The length of your stay is dependant on you. While there is no minimum stay required we suggest that you stay as long as possible to get the most out of your trip. The maximum time in Australia is a year, as this is how long the working holiday VISA permits.
- What are the dates for my trip and how do I check availability?
The trip runs every Thursday of the year except the weeks that Christmas and Easter fall into. The way of checking availability is just to ring us and we will let you know.
- How much does is cost?
The total is £910. This is a fixed price and is not dependant on the length of your trip.
- Are the flights included?
The flights are not included in the price and unfortunately we do not provide a service for booking flights. However, we can offer a group booking discount at STA travel that we have a link with, or we can recommend some websites to buy cheap tickets from.
- Do I need travel insurance and where can I book it?
Yes travel insurance is highly recommended. STA Travel do a good insurance policy scheme as does Insure & Go.
- Are there any health requirements?
The requirements are that you have all your immunisations up to date before you go.
- Is this trip open to all nationalities?
Due to legislation set forth by the Australian Government only people from the following countries are eligible for the trip;
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- The Netherlands
- Japan
- United States of America
- The Republic of Ireland
- The Republic of Korea
- Malta
- Belgium
- Germany
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the people’s Republic of China (HKSAR)
- Finland
- The Republic of Cyprus
- France
- Italy
- Taiwan
- Estonia
However, Australia is currently negotiating arrangements with a range of additional countries. To see whether an arrangement has been established with your country check fact sheet 49 on the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website at www.immi.gov.au
- What is the maximum and minimum age limits for the expedition?
Due to restrictions with the working holiday visa the minimum age allowed is 18 and the maximum is 30 years old.
- Where would I sleep and what would the accommodation be like?
Your accommodation while you are there will depend on where you work. It could be a house, apartment or hostel. While some will be basic, they will all be clean and comfortable, as with all accommodation in Australia.
- Are there any dangers and annoyances I should know about?
Greenforce keeps to the rules set forth by the Foreign Common Wealth Office and therefore you will not be exposed to any danger. If you choose an agriculture job, there might be parts which pose a danger such as using a chain saw. Also in the bush there is the occasional sighting of a dangerous animal such as a spider or a snake. Generally though there will be no more dangerous situations that you would encounter in the UK.
- How will we travel around when we get there?
The easiest way to get around is by bus or train. Australia has a very good transport system with special buses for backpackers.
- What would the day to day itinerary look like?
Depending on what job you choose you days could vary greatly. It will always involve working 5 days a week, three good meals a day and spare time in the evening.
- What would be the work I would be doing?
The three types of work you can choose from are outback, hospitality and teaching:
The outback option involves agricultural work on farmland, which can include jobs such as sheep shearing and cattle round up. In the training week you will learn a variety of skills that will aid you in this chosen profession for, example learning to ride a horse, tractor and motor bike, the correct way to operate a chainsaw and so on. This profession will allow you to experience an authentic experience of Australia and become a real Jackeroo.
The Hospitality option will involve working in an area of the service sector where you will learn the necessary skills for a career in a hospitality setting. The jobs that are available to you in this option will be waitressing, bar work and hotel work.
The teaching option will have you working as a private tutor for a child aged between 5 and 12 on the Australian Government Distance learning program. Classes mostly take place in the morning, meaning in the afternoon you will either be helping out on the station or in the family home.
- Can I opt out of certain activities?
Yes, you are not forced to do anything you do no wish to do. However, if you opt out of things in the training week you will limit the amount of skills you learn and therefore the amount of jobs that are available to you. Also you are under no obligation to stay in your job and can leave at any time as you would in your own country.
- What is the currency at my destination?
The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar; it is approximately $2.32 to £1.
- Can I use my credit card?
You can use both your credit (including MasterCard, Visa, Maestro and so on) and debit card in Australia
- Can I exchange money when I get there?
Yes, there are a number of places where this is possible for examples banks and ATMS, which are available in almost every Australian town.
- What would be not included in the price that I would need to take with me or buy when I’m out there?
Once you have booked you will be provided with a kit list that will specify all the precise things we recommend you pack for your trip. The items on the kit list are quite basic, for example clothes, but you may require items which are more difficult to carry, e.g. a sleeping bag if you intend to travel around after or in between jobs.
- How much money do you recommend taking?
The VISA requires proof of funds of up to $6000 but you can use a parent or guardian account details (accompanied by a letter of proof from them) to prove you won’t become dependant on the state. In terms of your own money we suggest around £500 (available via credit / debit card, cash etc) in case of emergency. However, remember that you will be earning money out there so you don’t need to raise all this money before you go.
- Will there be internet access available?
The internet will be available in Australia in places like internet cafes and possibly where you will be staying.
- Will there be telephones I can use?
- Will my mobile work out there?
In your first week you will be provided with an Australian SIM card so your phone should be in full working order. Though, some find the signal is limited.
- What do I need to do about a VISA for the country I am visiting?
You need to apply for your visa independently. The visa you will need is a Working Holiday Visa. While you can apply for the VISA by filling out form 1150 (for people from all the above mentioned countries) and form 147 for residents of the US from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural affairs of the local Australian embassy, we advise doing online through the Immigration website. The direct link for the 1150E Electronic Working Holiday Visa is:
http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/visitors-outside-whm-visa-options.htm
We do also advise that you read the online guide before completing the form, which can be found at:
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/index.htm
You must travel to Australia within 12 months of your visa being granted, so do not apply more than a year before intended departure.
- When should I arrive?
The arrival day is every Thursday, except those that fall in the weeks that include Christmas and Easter.
- Does someone meet me at the airport when I arrive?
Yes you will be met by a Greenforce representative.
- What happens if I arrive a day or two early as the flights are cheaper?
The excursion goes every Thursday so we recommend you arrive then as it will be easier for you as you will met at the airport. If you do chose to arrive early then we cannot guarantee you will be picked up by a Greenforce member, though we do try our best. We would recommend you spend the night in a local hotel and meet the Greenforce representative at another point.
- What is the average age of people on my trip?
The average age of people on the trip is around 18 – 24
- Is there Greenforce staff members at the location at all times?
Staff are at the location at all times during the training week. However, when you working or travelling they may not be in a nearby location but are still available and willing to lend their support. We will also provide you with our 24hour support and emergency line before you leave.
- What if there is an emergency and I have to go home?
Travel in Australia is very easy and there are several major airports that you can travel with so you can get home without hassle.
- Can I extend my trip if I am enjoying myself?
Due to restriction with the working holiday VISA you can not extend your trip to longer than a year. However, if you were to do an outback job for more than 3 months you would be eligible to apply for a second working holiday VISA.
- Who will be the member of staff looking after me when I am out there?
The member of staff looking after you from your arrival and throughout your stay in Australia will be Joanna, you will meet her when you arrive.
- What medications and vaccinations are required?
We request that you ensure your polio, tetanus and diphtheria immunisations are up to date.
- What is the weather going to be like when I get there?
The weather is very dependant on when and where you go in Australia. The general pattern is that their summer (December to February) can be extremely hot and winter (June to August) is capable of being cold with some places even getting snow. In spring and autumn the weather is mild.
