Australasia has long been the destination of choice for gap year travellers wishing to work abroad and there are some very good reasons behind its enduring popularity; its location makes it a perfect stop off on a round the world ticket and a great place to wind down after a stay in Asia; the lack of a language barrier for most people makes earning money here extremely easy; the developed infrastructure mean travelling around is no hassle; and the country has a natural beauty to rival any of its more exotic neighbours

Australasia is that rarest of things; a tropical country which can afford to fit air conditioning in most of its public buildings! Gappers who spend a year here queuing in bus stations, withdrawing money or shopping in the malls will certainly appreciate it! It's a good job that there's some respite from the sun because otherwise it would turn you the colour of the ground here; bright red. That in a nutshell is the appeal of Australasia; breathtaking beauty in a user-friendly package. Keep reading the see how Australasia ranks on our Gapometer.

***** Gaptastic

**** Great for gappers

*** Worth a look

** Too much else to see

* Never mind the Gap

Volunteering

Australasia knows only too well the dangers of environmental damage. The landscape may look rugged but it's no match for global warming; the driest continent in the world is getting drier and it's having a huge effect on all life here, human and wild. Since European settlers landed, the continent has lost a huge number of its natural species and there's no sign of abatement. Conservation work here gets less press than in many countries around the world but the Australian Conservation Foundation is becoming increasingly concerned about the situation. Volunteers looking for a useful way to spend a gap year here need look no further.

**** A less high-profile victim of global warming, the area still needs you

Travelling around

Australasia's great advantage for the gapper is its proximity to Asia. A short hop and you're in the heart of Asia, enjoying temples and tuk-tuks. The invention of the around the world? ticket guarantees that Australasia features on most people's itinerary but if you're going to use your time to explore Australia then bring a good book! As befits the world's largest island, air travel is a popular way of getting around. Look for deals that give you multiple flights within a certain period of time.

Bus transport is excellent with air-conditioned, video-equipped buses putting your hostel room to shame. Aside from eating up the miles though, there's nothing they can do about the distances here and it can get tedious. Remember that public transport is better on the glitzy east coast than in other parts of the country. Train travel here is for enthusiasts rather than people in a hurry. The Indian Pacific is a great way to see a huge amount of the country and unless you get travel sick it's well worth fitting into your schedule.

**** Varies across the country but overall no hindrance to great travel

Cost

Before thoughts turn to diving in coral reefs and traversing the Outback you should give careful thought to your budget. The last thing you want is to leave for a year and then come back 6 months later with empty pockets. Avoid the famous one-armed bandits though and money shouldn't stand in the way of a great trip. The lack of a language barrier always presents opportunities for work even if you do run short.

As in most countries, you can live frugally or extravagantly here. Smaller towns make almost no dent in your wallet while the eastern coast is a more expensive area in which to travel (they don't call it the Gold Coast for nothing)! You won't live as cheaply as in Asia or Africa but living costs here are still extremely cheap. If you decide to explore after you finish doing some volunteering make sure you plan a round trip back to your arrival city as a return flight home will cost you less than two singles.

**** Not as cheap as Africa and Asia but just as cheerful!

The wow factor

We tend to think of Australasia and Australia in particular as a home away from home and as such, not as exotic as other countries in the area. Language, food and music will remind you of home here but the Outback, Great Barrier Reef, tropical North and stunning Blue Mountains provide more than enough of the exotic.

**** More different than you think