Australia + Melbourne 7-Day Welcome Week

Age 18-35
Visa Length Up to 12 Months
Cost $1,785.00

About

Nestled on the southeast coast between Great Ocean Road and some of the best wineries in the country, Melbourne is the ultimate first-stop for your Australian working holiday!

Home to an impeccable food and drink scene (think hidden laneway bars, endless world-class cafes, and diverse international cuisine), cutting edge art, plenty of green spaces, and an unrivalled sporting culture, Melbourne has it all. Get ready to work abroad with a national minimum wage of over $23/hour, it's no wonder Melbourne has consistently been rated one of the most liveable cities in the world!

Join our 7-Day Welcome Week for a first-rate introduction to this world-class city, complete with city tours, bar crawls, road trips, beach days, and so much more! Plus, we'll set you up with ready-made travel mates and guide you through all that red tape. We'll definitely have you living like a local in no time!

What's included

Expert guidance and SWAP support to have your Australian visa approved

Your GO SWAP kit, which includes helpful visa information and pre-departure tips

12-month Australian Working Holiday visa, allowing for multiple entries into the country

6 nights of hostel accommodation: 5 nights at our partner hostel in Melbourne (extra nights can be arranged) and 1 night on Philip Island during your road trip

Luggage storage and mail holding and forwarding services

Airport pick-up and transfer to your pre-arranged accommodation

One-on-one advice to discuss your resume, employment options, and to answer all of your travel questions for the duration of your time in Australia

Tours - Melbourne City tour, Wildlife Park tour, Street Art, Food & Drink tour, entry to Eureka Skydeck (winter),

What's not included

Flights | We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

Am I eligible?

Thinking about taking the leap? International travel is not without rules. Check these conditions to see if you qualify.

  • Age
    You need to be 18-35 years old (you must apply after your 18th birthday and be issued your visa prior to your 36th birthday)
  • Required Savings
    You need to have savings of $5,000 Australian Dollars if you have a return flight booked, or $7,000 Australian Dollars if you don’t.
  • Criminal Check
    Must have no criminal record.

  • Nationality
    These adventures are open to Canadians only.
  • Health Insurance
    Health insurance is required for the duration of your stay.
  • Duration
    You can stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
  • Start Date
    You can start at any time of the year.

  • Registration Timeline
    Register on this program at least 3 months prior to your planned arrival in Australia. Do not make travel arrangements until your program coordinator gives you the go-ahead.

What you'll do

Day 1:

Welcome to Melbourne

You will meet your group and guide on Monday, so you need to be in Melbourne by Sunday night. No matter the day or time you land, your airport transfer will take you to the hostel where you can relax before an incredible week ahead. Want to arrive a few days earlier to get over your jet lag or explore on your own? Sunday night is the first night of accommodation included in the tour, but if you want to book any extra nights, just let us know and we’d be happy to arrange it for you!

Day 2:

City Stroll & Dinner With Your New Friends

Meet your guide and your new travel family! After getting to know each other, we’ll get your bank account, SIM card and Tax File Number set up, so you can start to explore Melbourne stress-free. We’ll take you on a guided walking tour of Melbourne where you’ll learn why so many travellers love this incredibly dynamic and laid-back city. We’ll end the day with a family Welcome Dinner along the iconic Yarra River in the heart of the city.

Day 3:

Work & Travel Presentation + Aboriginal Culture

Time to start planning what’s next! Whether you want to spend most of your time traveling or you're ready to start earning some money for your travel fund, we’re here to help you figure it all out. In the morning, we’ll have two presentations: one on employment and one on travel, covering everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Australia.

Spend the afternoon meeting local vendors and exploring Melbourne's iconic gems like Queen Victoria Market. We'll then learn about Australia’s Indigenous people during an insightful Aboriginal Heritage Walk through Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens. This day is all about seeing Melbourne through a local’s eyes, which we’re sure you’ll be in no time!

Day 4:

Road Trip – Beach, Wine & Penguins

Time for our epic overnight road trip! Join us for a drive to Mornington Peninsula and Philip Island, two of the most beautiful regions in Australia. The trip begins on Mornington Peninsula with some much-needed beach time before we take in some spectacular scenic viewpoints. After lunch, you’ll be tasting some of our favourite local wines from the area. From there, we’ll crank the tunes as our trip continues to the stunning Phillip Island. At sunset, you’ll get to witness the smallest penguins in the world emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach. Yes, you read that right: tiny penguins! We’ll stay overnight on Phillip Island, where you will wake up to the sound of Australian wildlife.

Day 5:

Road trip – Surf, Kangaroos & Koalas

Australia is famous for its surf culture, so this is your chance to blend in with the locals by learning this quintessential Australian sport! This day also includes a couple of hidden secrets along the way. Most importantly, though, you’ll get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most famous and adorable creatures. That’s right – we’re visiting with kangaroos and koalas! Ticking two bucket list items off in one day! 

Day 6:

Work & Travel Help!

Now that you're back in Melbourne, it's time for our one-on-one work and travel sessions! Today is your chance to ask all your questions. We understand every traveller is different, so that’s why you’ll sit down with one of our work and travel experts so they can provide individual support and give you every bit of help putting together your personal Australian adventure. By the end of your appointment, you will be feeling more confident and excited about what is to come!

Day 7:

Checkout, Farewell & Looking Back on the Best Week

You've made it to the end of the week and its now time to look back on what we hope was one of the best weeks of your life! You’ve left your comfort zone, seen and experienced new things, made amazing memories, and, most importantly, you now have new mates for life. Want to celebrate with us? Join us for an optional (priced add-on) farewell dinner to reflect on this amazing city and how much better it was to experience it all together. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

Planning to spend a few more days in the city? Be sure to ask us for our ‘what to do this weekend’ guide for Melbourne. We've got the tea on what's going on in the city, no matter the season!

Where you'll stay

6 nights of hostel accommodation are included in this package. If you're planning to arrive in Melbourne a few days prior to your Welcome Week or wish to extend your stay after, our team is here to make it happen.

When to go

Our welcome weeks run all year around so you're bound to find a time that works for your plans.

  • July 2025 - 6, 20
  • August 2025 - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
  • September 2025 - 7, 11, 14, 21, 25, 28

  • October 2025 - 5, 12, 19, 26
  • November 2025 - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • December 2025 - 7, 14

How to apply

Regular price $1,785.00
Regular price Sale price $1,785.00
Sale

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go to Australia?

Sydney and Melbourne offer unique experiences year-round, ensuring Australia is a fantastic destination anytime! In Sydney, vibrant beaches and outdoor activities shine during their sunny summer (December to February). Melbourne, with its art, culture, and food scene, is perfect for a visit in its mild autumn (March to May). Feel confident that you can explore Australia whenever suits you and enjoy the best of both cities regardless of the season. Our teams in Sydney and Melbourne are always ready to welcome you!

What types of jobs are available?

There's a world of opportunities waiting for you, so your job search should align with your personal interests and previous work experience. Working holidays offer the perfect chance to explore exciting job roles that may not be readily available in Canada—think kangaroo sitter, castle tour guide, or bungee jump operator! Many of our SWAP participants find positions in sectors like hospitality, retail, and tourism, allowing for flexible schedules that leave ample time for travel and exploration. 

Our local job specialists in Melbourne and Sydney are here to support you throughout the process. They can assist you in crafting a winning resume, provide valuable job leads and networking connections, and furnish you with listings. Additionally, they'll guide you through essential tasks like setting up banking, obtaining a tax number, securing a permanent address, and more—everything employers in Australia typically look for. With their expertise, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your working holiday adventure with confidence.

Can I find a job or apartment before I arrive?

We recommend waiting until you arrive in your new city before launching your job and apartment hunt. This approach allows you to get acquainted with your surroundings, meet our expert job specialists, and personally explore flats and potential employers. It's a safer approach, as online listings can sometimes be unreliable. Plus, with our support, the majority of SWAP participants find work within just 1-2 weeks after arrival, ensuring a smooth and successful start to your adventure.

Can I travel with a friend?

Absolutely! You're more than welcome to embark on your Working Holiday adventure with a friend; it's an amazing journey to share. When you sign up for the program, please make sure to inform us about your travel companion so that we can ensure both of you are enrolled in the same Welcome Week. This way, you can kickstart your adventure together!

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