Why don't we show our phone number?
We are always available to talk to you about your plans, but we do not run call centers to keep the trip costs low. So email is best. There is also a contact form at the bottom of the page. You can chat or message us on Skype, email us first. If you really want to call us you can on (+44)02032867065.
Remember most of your programme questions can be answered with the get trip notes button too.
Please do not contact us to sell advertising.
Choose your Adventure
Learn to Earn in the Australian Outback - FAQ
Experience the Australian outback and get paid up to 12 months to work on a real Australian Ranch! This is an unique opportunity to experience a new way of life in the Australian Outback! Including fun activities like riding horses, motor bikes, quad bikes, 4 x 4 and tractors. So if you are not afraid to get your hands dirty, sign up and start earning down under.
Anyone between 18 and 30 years! Both Australians and international visitors. You just need to meet the below requirements:
Understand, speak and write fluent English.
Possess the correct working holiday visa (if applicable).
Have an Australian Medicare Card, if not eligible then comprehensive.
Personal/Travel Insurance.
Be fit and able to complete the course.
Notify any medical conditions/medication, prior injuries, dietary conditions or learning disabilities.
Recommended: have a drivers’ license. (You can still do the course if you do not have one, but your job offers may be limited.
Do I need farming/ agricultural knowledge/experience to do the course?
No, just have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, work hard, and the ability to follow instructions.
Will the job suit me?
We match your skill ability to the jobs out there. We also take in consideration your preference, however your safety and skill ability is most important.
What kind of tasks will I be assigned to at the ranch?
The tasks that you will be doing, are:
Quad bikes riding and basic maintenance.
Bike riding and basic maintenance.
Stock horse riding.
Tractor driving and basic maintenance.
Rural fencing techniques.
4x4 Operation, off-road driving and basic maintenance.
Useful knots.
Cattle and sheep mustering.
Cattle yard work, and sheep sheering.
What is the difference between the Silver and Gold package?
Gold package includes 3 nights’ accommodation in Sydney before the farm course starts, plus 3-4 job offers after the course which can last approximately 12 months. The Silver package has no accommodation before the course and 1 job offer after course completion.
What do I need to bring?
Work
3 x Jeans
3 x Long sleeved work shirts (we give you one work shirt)
Work boots
Socks
Underwear
Warm jacket (medium weight – can get cold at night)
Light weight waterproof jacket
Play
Shorts
T-shirts (not too many – they can be purchased here)
Swimming costume
1 x set of “tidy” clothes (for going out)
Something warm
Footwear
Miscellaneous
Towel
Toiletries (including medication)
Sunscreen (Please buy only in Australia, 30+ sunscreen for our harsher conditions)
Alarm clock
Small torch
First Aid Kit
Camera and Ipod
Pocket knife
Please note: Do not worry if you do not have all these items - Monday morning is set aside to take
you into town for any purchases.
Where in the outback will I be during the course?
The course takes place in Coonabarabran (locally known as “Coona”). This friendly country town has a population of around 3,000 people with 11,000 living in the region. As the closest gateway to the majestic Warrumbungle Ranges, it’s one of the best places in NSW to experience nature. Enjoy bush walking amongst the spectacular scenery and ancient volcanic remnants of Warrumbungle National Park, encounter wildlife up close and by night, marvel at the stunning skies and find out why Coonabarabran is known as the ‘Astronomy Capital of Australia’ when visiting Siding Spring Observatory.
How do I get from Sydney to the Outback?
Both Silver and Gold packages include pick up and transfer from Sydney to the property. We will email you a voucher for the pickup service and hostel accommodation, with includes information about the meeting point at the airport. If you book the farm familiarisation programme, you will have to make your own way to the ranch.
How many participants start at the same time?
There start upto 12 participants per course.
Can we join as a couple and work afterwards together at the same farm?
Yes, we can usually place a couple together, but we just can’t guarantee it. It totally depends on the farmers at the time, if they’re willing to take on two people at the same time.
Will I go straight to the job after the course?
Yes, 99% go straight to the job after the course, but it’s totally up to you! If you would like to travel straight after the course and then go to your job, that is also possible.
Am I guaranteed a job?
The ranch guarantees the job offer(s) if you pass the course. This is at the trainers’ discretion. This percentage of people getting a job offered is approximately 90%. There are about 30 to 70 jobs available each week. So if you show you are up for it, we ill get you a job!
What kind of jobs are available?
Depends on the time of year, but most importantly we match jobs to your skills learnt at the course,
your personality, and past experiences. This is for your own safety. While we endeavour to meet
preferences, safety will come first.
Examples of jobs (but not limited to):
Mustering on horseback
General station hand on cattle/sheep property
Nanny/au pair with light farm duties
Harvest and tractor work
Stable hand/polo groom
Stock camp cook
How long are the jobs for?
There is a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months per job (condition of the working holiday visa).
How much money will I make?
Roughly you earn between AUD$250 - AUD$350 plus accommodation and food on sight. This is between €200 and €250 per week. Although we do not get involved in this - it is between you and the employer to settle an agreement.
Are food, accommodation and transport included in the job?
Yes, food and accommodation are included while on the job. Transport to your job after the course is not included. You can pay locally.
Where are the jobs offered located?
The jobs are all over Australia. However most jobs are in either in New South Wales or Queensland, which are the states near the East Coast.
What does an Australian Working Holiday Visa cost?
The Australian Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 costs around £170, which is the equivalent of €215. Rates change constantly so use this only as an indication. Furthermore you need to have around £2,000 in your bank account when you enter Australia with a Working Holiday Visa. You will apply for a visa before you go and will do this online at the website of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of the Australian Government.
Do the jobs go towards a 2nd year visa?
Most of the jobs available can go towards the second year visa. The one week course can also go towards the 2nd year visa.
I am a vegetarian. Can I join?
They do accept vegetarians and vegans on the course however work may be difficult to find as on many rural Australian properties, meat makes up a large portion of the general diet.
What do I do if I have to wait eg a week before my job starts?
You can travel where ever you like. Accommodation and travel will be at your own expense. This can be a great opportunity – a chance for you to travel before working in possibly a remote area. We usually recommend you to go to a large city/town near your new job. We can also assist with travel arrangements once you are out here.
Curious to know more about where you will stay and the location? See accommodation section.
Gap Year Travel with us is all about adrenaline travel: Extreme sports gap years and exciting adventure travel programmes, offering you genuinely exciting alternatives to make the most of your gap year.
At Xtreme Gap Year we believe your time abroad should develop you personally, and be filled with countless moments of real excitement, gained by doing something out of the ordinary, and seriously cool.
If you are looking for a real gap year challenge and want to push your comfort zone feel free to review our programmes. Our gap year programmes enable you to truly achieve your personal best. Challenging your comfort zone and participating in an extreme sport activity in amazing locations will show you what you are really capable of.
