Key facts

• Australia’s two-year-old 'Work and Holiday' Visa program allows American students and recent graduates (ages 18 to 30) the opportunity to work and travel in Australia for up to a 12-month period.

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Are you 18-30 years old and looking for that next job or about to graduate and wondering what’s next?  If so, then look no further than Australia’s work and play opportunities.

Tourism Australia has partnered with STA Travel and V Australia to offer different travel and work options for those 18-30 including:

• Roundtrip airfare from LAX to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on V Australia from $676
• Work & Travel package – 1 year work and holiday visa, 2 nights’ accommodations, orientation, job leads and more
• Different vacation options (with land and air) including:
  Surf Melbourne from $1,002
  Dive the Reef from $1,572
  Western Explorer from $1,659

Australia’s two-year-old 'Work and Holiday' Visa program allows American students and recent graduates (ages 18 to 30) the opportunity to work and travel in Australia for up to a 12-month period.  Australia is the first country with which the United States has entered into a work and holiday visa arrangement.

Australia is not for spectators. Filled with fun, adventure and the friendliest locals, Australia is the kind of place that encourages you to ‘give it a go.’ STA Travel and V Australia offer travel deals all over Australia including road trips (with campervan rentals) in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, touring options in Western Australia, cage croc diving in the Northern Territory, wine region day trips in South Australia and tasting tours in Tasmania.

“The ability to go to Australia for up to 12 months, get a job and experience our unique and diverse adventures is very appealing to many young Americans.  And what could be a more enjoyable way of adding to one’s resume?” said Tourism Australia Vice President Americas Daryl Hudson.

One of the easiest ways to pay for all this play is by working under Australia’s Work and Holiday visa.  You can live like a local with such jobs as bartender, surf instructor, lifeguard, ranch hand and more.  STA has job training packages to prepare you for the various industries and to connect you with the right organizations.

Young people might consider a year of travel to Australia either before college or before entering the work force.  While the “gap” year has been popular for years in Australia and Europe, it is a new concept for American students, and one that is becoming increasingly attractive. Princeton University now has a new ‘bridge year’ program allowing students to defer enrollment for a year so that they can go abroad.

“Taking up to a year to work and play in Australia becomes a real possibility for many people when they realize resources are there to help them be successful – accommodations when they arrive, job training and leads, and to be connected to a nationwide network of young people looking to explore all that Australia has to offer,” said James Bell, Commercial Vice President STA Travel.

It’s more convenient than ever to travel Down Under with the launch earlier this year of V Australia, Richard Branson’s newest international airline, currently offering flights to Sydney and Brisbane, with a Melbourne route to be added in December this year.

“Young people have a special affinity towards the Virgin brand and V Australia is no exception.  The Australiana style journey begins the minute our Guests step on the aircraft,” said Scott Swift, Executive General Manager, V Australia.  “Additionally, through our domestic sister airline, Virgin Blue, travelers have direct, easy and affordable access to all corners of the country.”

U.S. citizens wishing to come to Australia must be aged 18 to 30 and can either apply for the visa online or by completing an application form and lodging it with the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate.

Visit: www.australia.com/workandplay for more information.