6 Reasons Why You Should Spend Your Gap Year Volunteering in Australia

Wait, what? Gorgeous people?

Oh, I’m serious. I mean, have you heard our accent? It’s flawless. Oops, I guess I just gave myself away. Yes, I’m an Australian. Does that make me a little biased? Perhaps. I’ve got a soft spot for Australia, but so does everyone else.

It should come as no surprise to you that Australia is one of the most popular study (and volunteer) abroad destinations. I mean, how many friends do you know that have done a semester abroad in Australia? Tons. That’s because Australia is a dynamic, vibrant country filled with energetic, friendly people. From our cities to our beaches, and everything in between, here are six reasons why you should spend your gap year abroad in Australia. 

1. For the Epic Journeys

   

   Photo by tarotastic

   Travel by air, sea, or land. Fly, dive, jump, sail, surf, climb, paddle, trek, fish, or swim. Go “walkabout.” Dive into the depths of the Great Barrier Reef or take a surfing lesson on Manly Beach. Did you know you can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Well, you can. And you should do it. Whatever it is that you do with your time in Australia, make sure it’s classified as ‘epic.’

2. To Experience Authentic “Aussie” Lifestyle
   

   Life in Australia is such that you work to live, and not live to work. Yes, our ever-changing cosmopolitan life style is one to be admired. But don’t let them fool you. Australian’s are cheeky little buggers who enjoy BBQs with friends or a game of backyard cricket. Our laid-back lifestyle and warm weather sets the perfect pace for a life-changing volunteer trip.

3. To Meet a Kangaroo. (And Other Unique Wildlife.)
   

   Did you know we have an entire island dedicated to our Kangaroos? Okay, not really. Kangaroo Island is an island in South Australia that has a population of around 4,000 people. It’s home to the “little Sahara” and tons of kangaroos, making it one of South Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. We’ve got ‘roos, koalas, dingos, echidnas, and sting-rays. I mean, how long have you wanted to interact with a kangaroo for? Probably your whole life. In my opinion, that’s reason enough to travel to Australia.

4. To Marvel at Geographical Beauty.
   

   From the pink waters of Lake Hillier to the Great Ocean Road, it’s hard to not become completely enthralled by the spectacular scenery my country has to offer. Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, a coastline of rain forests and spectacular cliffs. Point blank: Australia is stunningly beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that we sing about it every day in the national anthem.

5. To Experience Exquisite Food and Wine.
   

   Since it’s birth, Australia has been home to a plethora of cultures and ethnic groups. Not only does this keep things interesting, but it means the local restaurant scene is incredible. The best Thai, Indian, Moroccan, Japanese, and more can be found in Australia. Not only that, but Australia produces some of the world’s premium beef, lamb, and seafood. Did I mention the award winning wines? Not only that, but Australia has some pretty unique delicacies (Tim Tams, pavlovas, meat pies, and Vegemite!) that promise to change the way you look at life. That might sound a bit dramatic, but only to someone who has never tried a Tim Tam.

6. To Find Out if P. Sherman lives at 42 Wallaby Way.
   

   Okay, this might be a silly reason, but you can’t honestly say that you’ve never wanted to find out.

ABOUT UNITED PLANET

United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.