Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The InterExchange Work & Travel Australia program offers an optional Welcome Week add-on in Sydney, which includes extended accommodation and social activities. In addition to job support for a full year, seven nights of accommodation at Wake Up! hostel, housing referrals, and assistance with logistics such as setting up a local bank account and taxes, the Welcome Week includes an awesome week of activities so you can make new friends and start exploring as soon as you arrive. Here’s the schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Australia! You will already have a voucher from us covering your transportation from the airport in Sydney to the funky Wake Up! hostel on Pitt Street right in the center of town.
You’ll probably be pretty jetlagged but we recommend staying active and visiting Paddy’s Market, strolling the Botanic Gardens, or having lunch at Darling Harbor.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Day 2: Info Session and a Night Out
Your orientation session will cover the where to go and what to do in Australia, as well as banking, working, living, and traveling in Oz.
In the evening get ready for a big night out with the group on your pub crawl!
Day 3: Explore Sydney with the Hop on-hop off Harbour Cruise Pass!
Sydney Harbour Explorer Hop on–Hop off Cruise. Take your time exploring Sydney with this 48-hour, self-guided pass that allows you to stop and disembark at special sites, then hop back on when you're ready to move on to the next spot! You can continue to use the pass for the following two days, so be sure to take advantage.
Photo courtesy of Pexels
Day 4: The Finer Points of Sydney
See some of Sydney's best: Darling Harbour, the Botanical Gardens and Chinese Gardens, and Harbour Bridge on a guided walking tour. Get great views and good tips from locals on how to enjoy the city like a local. Optional: catch the ferry to Manly Beach for $2.50. Don't forget to use your Harbour Cruise pass!
Day 5: Blue Mountains
A trip to Sydney isn't complete without a visit to the beautiful Blue Mountains, famous for exhilarating bushwalks and giant waterfalls. You'll learn about the culture and history of the region from expert guides, while exploring the famous national park.
Day 6: Pylon Lookout & Lunch, Job Search Seminar and Travel Planning Informational Session
Start the day climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Pylon Lookout and check out the exhibits on the way up.
Attend a job search seminar for tips on finding work, resumes, cover letters, interviews, and finding specific types of jobs. Join the travel information session going over the highlights of Australia, how to get around and other tips for planning your excursions.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Day 7: Costal Walk + Beach BBQ & Farewell Drinks + Nibbles
Enjoy one of nicest stretches of coastline in Australia on the Bondi coastal walk. Be sure to wear your favorite "budgy smugglers" out to the world-famous and fabulous Bondi Beach! Take a dip in the ocean, catch some rays, and eat up with the most classic of Aussie meals: the barbecue!
As a participant on the Welcome Week, you will be offered a free online Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course, recognized in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia. You may want to work on this in the afternoon if you haven't already completed it! (Note that if you want RSA certification for Melbourne or Sydney you'll have to do a separate course.)
The activity week has ended but your adventure will be just beginning! Consult the jobs team about finding work and enjoy your working holiday!
Sydney Welcome Week Arrival Dates 2019
| Start Date | Application Due |
|---|---|
| August 15, 22 & 29 | June 15 |
| September 5, 12, 19 & 26 | July 1 |
| October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 | August 1 |
| November 7, 14 & 28 | September 1 |
| December 5 & 12 | October 1 |
| January 16 & 30, 2020 | November 1 |
| February 6, 13 & 20 | December 1 |
| March 5 & 19 | January 1 |
| April 2, 16 & 30 | February 1 |
Don't see the start date you're looking for? It's all good! You can arrive on just about any date through the year on our standard program and we'll suggest other welcome activities you can join. If you're open to Melbourne, you can also check out our Melbourne Welcome Week start dates.
James Bridge James manages the programs for U.S. citizens at InterExchange.
Work & Travel Australia
Work, travel and make friends during the adventure of a lifetime in Australia!
