An au pair experience in Australia is the perfect way to spend your gap year! You can come to Australia on a Working Holiday visa and stay up to 12 months. This way you can experience the real Australian lifestyle by being part of one of our host families. Our program is mainly for 6 months but can be extended or you can benefit for a free second placement.
Australia offers a refreshing lifestyle, with fantastic weather and friendly Australian people. Here are the top 10 things to do during your gap year Down Under:
1. Learn how to surf: Australians have a deep love for their beaches, renowned for clear waters and pristine white sands. Embrace the coastal lifestyle and take surfing lessons. Even if you don't become a pro, the experience is exhilarating and not to be missed. We often organise surf camps as well, this is the perfect way to meet other au pairs and practise your surfing skills.
2. Do a food or wine tour: Australia boasts amazing fresh produce, whether it's fruits, chocolates, cheeses, or wines. Join a food or wine tour to taste the local delights. It's a perfect day outing with friends or fellow au pairs, and the best part is, you can enjoy responsibly without worrying about driving. Popular regions for such tours include the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, the Barossa Valley in South Australia, and the Swan Valley and Margaret River region in Western Australia. Book your tour with our trusted travel partner and benefit from exclusive discounts.
3. Explore Sydney: doesn’t matter where your host family lives, a visit to Sydney is actually one that can’t be missed on the list. If you can manage a weekend trip to Sydney, you can visit several iconic tourist attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, the world-famous Sydney Opera House, and the famous Bondi Beach.
4. Learn about the indigenous culture: engage in activities or tours to learn about the vibrant Aboriginal culture. Discover the beauty of Aboriginal art and sample traditional Aboriginal food known as 'bush tucker.' Seek information from local visitor centres or visit the Tourism Australia website to find available experiences near you.
5. Go camping: Australians love weekend getaways, and camping is an affordable and enjoyable way to experience the great outdoors. Australia boasts numerous campsites, many of which offer facilities like powered sites and showers for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience. Witnessing the brilliance of the starry Australian sky away from city lights is an awe-inspiring sight.
6. Meet the local wildlife: no trip to Australia is complete without meeting a kangaroo! Explore wildlife parks and animal farms that provide up-close encounters with Australia's friendly creatures. Australian zoos are also worth a visit, offering a chance to see a wide variety of native wildlife.
7. Go see a show: Australia is known for its impressive talent, with stars like Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth. Immerse yourself in Australia's vibrant entertainment industry by attending a musical or live show at one of the many theatres. Catching an Australian movie is also a great way to experience the local film scene.
8. Visit the Great Barrier Reef: a natural wonder spanning 2300 kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef is an unmissable sight. With over 3000 individual reef systems and hundreds of tropical islands, it promises an unforgettable experience. If you have the opportunity to visit, definitely go for it!
9. Get the adrenaline pumping: Australians love adventure so if you want to do something a bit different, the options are endless. Whether it's bungee jumping, skydiving, horse riding, or jet boating, Australia has it all.
10. Attend a sports event: Australians love their sports, and the atmosphere at a big game can be just as exciting as the game itself! AFL (Australian Football League), basketball, rugby and cricket all attract big crowds, so find out from your host family what sports are on during your stay to adopt a local team and enjoy the experience.
We, at Smart Au Pairs are specialised to offer you the best gap year experience you can have. Do you want to know more about our cultural exchange program?
Explore Australia to the fullest
