Australia 'still a popular gap year destination'

Australia is set to remain a popular gap year destination in 2012, it has been claimed.

According to iWantSun.co.uk, the country - and Antipodean life in general - quickly "gets under the skin" of gap year travellers.

"With a combination of unique natural scenery, unusual native wildlife and vibrant cosmopolitan cities, it should come as no surprise that so many people head to the country for a gap year," the news provider stated.

"Perhaps some of its main draws are that it has a western culture and the main language is English, making it feel like a home away from home."

The site explained that Uluru - formerly known as Ayer's Rock - the Great Barrier Reef and Bondi Beach in Sydney are some of the country's most popular honeypots.

"You might wish to find work near one of the major cities like Sydney or Melbourne… however, you may be happier exploring some of the remote outback," iWantSun.co.uk stated.

The site described Australia as "the perfect destination" for the inexperienced first-time traveller.

A number of Year Out Group members, including BUNAC, Flying Fish, Lattitude Global Volunteering, i to i Volunteering, Oyster Worldwide, Peak Leaders, Projects Abroad, Real Gap Experience, Travellers Worldwide and WAVA organise gap year trips to Australia.

See the different gap year destinations on offer.