UPFRONT | NEWS

Budget traveller

Check out all the latest news and tips for seeing Australia and New Zealand on a shoestring...

Perth’s perfect if you’re on a budget

Brisbane’s friendly locals will show you around the city

CHEAPASCHIPS!

Perth

Brisbane’s meeters and greeters

Local volunteers in the Queensland city of Brisbane are welcoming visitors to the city by providing free personalised walking tours. The new Greeters Program tours offer an insider’s perspective of the city, revealing the heart and soul of Brisbane’s arts and culture scene; its history and heritage; architecture and family-fun options. Tours can be booked online, or through the Brisbane Visitor Information Centre. www.brisbanegreeters.com.au

Backpackers spend big in NZ

New Zealand’s popularity as a backpacking destination is paying dividends, according to a recent survey. Most of the country’s tourism revenue it seems is coming from budget options such as campsites and holiday parks, and in particular, from young tourists on a New Zealand working holiday visa, who are spending a longer time exploring the country.

ONLINE YHA GUIDE BOOK The YHA Australia Guide 2012 is a must if you’re planning a budget trip to Australia, and now, for the first time, it’s available free online. The comprehensive guide features all of the YHA hostels around Australia, as well as being packed with handy travel information, discounts and tips on sustainable travel and itinerary ideas. To help plan your trip visit: www.yha.com.au/hostels/accommodation-guide

Sightseeing on the cheap is not only viable but can also be very satisfying! Here’s our top budget-friendly suggestions for Perth:

■ Kings Park, the world’s largest inner city park, has views of the city, river and botanical gardens. Free walking tours of the park are available here too. ■ Swim, snorkel, surf or relax on one of Perth’s 19 metropolitan beaches. ■ The Cultural Centre, home to Perth’s art gallery, museum, library and Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) is free to visit. ■ Mountain bike the Munda Biddi cycle trail. Camping shelters are provided free for those enthusiastic riders wanting a weekend escape.

Backpackers are camping their way around NZ

Win a job Down Under!

STA Travel has reported a 10 per cent rise in the sale of Working Holiday Visas in the last six months; a trend that has prompted them to offer young people the chance to win one of seven jobs, each situated in a different Australian state and territory. Flights, the job and visa fees are all included in the prize.

The campaign runs until 30 June 2012. To be in with a chance of winning one of these jobs go to www.facebook.com/STAtravel.UK

Win a job working with sea lions in South Australia th e ri m a g e s:S h u t te r s to c k

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www.getmedownunder.com UPFRONT | GET ME DOWN UNDER

Share your favourite holiday and migration memories via our online community at www.getmedownunder.com

Do I need a jumper? From: Sarah King Does anyone know what the weather is like in Perth in July? I know it’s their winter and it’s the most rainy period of the year during July, but I’m unsure what to pack for, as I’ve seen that average temperatures can be 15-18 degrees Centigrade, and that is like here in our summer! Any advice as to whether to pack lots of jumpers and thick jackets would be great!

Reply by: Paul Johnson It will likely be cold and wet. Last July got down to 13 degrees Centigrade in the day, and the evenings will be much colder (generally, about five degrees Centigrade). Having said that, you can also get days of 20 degrees Centigrade or more! I’d pack plenty of layers, so if it gets warm you can remove something.

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Age dilemma From: Alison Samuels Myself and my family would like to move to Australia. As far as I am aware, the process takes about 12 months. My problem is the ages of my two girls, as my son is not an issue. The girls were born 14 April 1997 and 16 January 1996.

One is starting her GCSES and the other is about to complete them. When do I go to Australia? Is it best to go now or after completion of their A-levels which is approximately three years away.

I do not know and am finding it hard to work out the education system in Australia. I think my 14-year-old can go to school, but I’m unsure about my 16-year-old. I also would like to know the cost implications of the education system in Australia.

I am currently working as a midwife in the UK, and think I will apply for a temporary 457 visa for a year then apply for a permanent residency visa.

Our pick of the month is the Paxton Rosé 2009, made using biodynamic techniques from Paxton vineyards in the McLaren Vale. The Paxton Rosé (£11.99, Oddbins) is made from 100% Shiraz with aromas of strawberries and cream. The palate is full of red berry fruit that is full and fruity with a long fresh finish. For your chance to win, make sure you join our community on www.getmedownunder.com www. e me ownun er.com

Below It’s all about layering your clothes during the Perth winter!

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Reply by: Lisa Pope Most Australian pupils stay on until Year 12 (until they are 18 years of age). It would probably be a good idea for your daughters to do Year 11 and Year 12 at an Australian high school for social reasons.

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I was 17 when we went to Australia. I missed out on school and went straight to work, but my brother and sister went to school and made friends much easier than me as I didn’t work with anyone in my age range.

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You can get state school for free, but even in the best areas they didn’t look too good. I heard a few bad stories from people I worked with who went to state schools. My parents put my brother and sister into Catholic schools (they are cheaper than other private schools), but you can get scholarships and assistance with fees.

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Want a new life and a new job Down Under?

For expert emigration advice, don’t miss Down Under Live, the UK’s number one migration event! Turn to p69 to find out more... 0117 932 3586 or visit www.downunderlive.co.uk www.getmedownunder.com

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