If you don't like the idea of packing up and heading off to Australia for a year to do nothing but have fun, then there's probably something wrong with you. So, assuming you're normal and DO want to head Down Under, then chances are the only thing stopping you is the cost.

Since we at Visa Bureau have haggled and conferred and consulted and even occasionally fist-fought to get our clients as many discounts and freebies as possible, the truth is that you're probably going to have to take that hammer to your piggie bank to make sure you don't run out of funds while you're Down Under.

As we don't like thinking of our clients struggling to find their next beer, begging for the last shrimp off the barbie or having to settle for the cheapest surfboard (and because the cost of your flight is probably the biggest cost of your entire working holiday), we've teamed up with our friends over at STA Travel to offer one lucky customer the chance to win the cost of your flights back!

The offer is exclusive to Visa Bureau clients, and entering couldn't be easier - just make sure that you book your flights with STA Travel by calling 0161 830 8764 or emailing visabureau@statravel.co.uk, as this will let STA Travel identify you as a Visa Bureau client.

Provided you then make a booking and completete payment for your flight to Australia through STA Travel between 1 May and 31 July, 2012, you could be in with a chance to win a full refund of the cost of your flights! 

Now, while winning would be just about the best thing ever, even if you don't bag the refund you can still get a great deal with Visa Bureau and STA Travel as every one of our clients booking flights with STA Travel is entitled to a £25 discount. Not bad, eh?

See below for full competition Terms and Conditions:

• Bookings must be made as a result of calling 0161 830 8764 or emailing visabureau@statravel.co.uk.
• Only bookings that have been fully paid and made between 1 May, 2012 and 31 July, 2012 will be entered.
• One entry per passenger.
• Only the flight price will be refunded (standard airline fees and other surface products are excluded).
• Maximum refund value of passenger ticket is £1,000 GBP to the card holder of original payment.

- Dominic Ladden-Powell is the Online Editor with the Australian Visa Bureau, an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people lodge applications for a Working Holiday Visa to Australia.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

It's spring at the moment, although you might think it was summer with all the hot weather we have been having, and it's the perfect time to learn how to surf.
Got no dosh? No worries!

Send us a blog post and you could win two free surf lessons with the kings of the board Manly Surf School as well as three nights' accommodation on Magnetic Island, a free night and a welcome pack in Sydney with Westend Backpackers, and $60 to spend on the room of your choice at Habitat HQ Melbourne! Take a closer look at the prizes here.

Send your blog entry in via email, with photos or edited video attached and the word “Australia” in the subject box, to bestblogintheworld@visabureau.com. 

Include your full name and a contact phone number, but don’t worry we won’t be publishing that last detail but we might need it to help issue the prizes.

- See the real Australia with an Australian Working Holiday.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

The blog prize for October could see you living it up on Queensland's most beautiful island, catching a wave (with some skilled moves) and snug and comfy in hostel accommodation in both Sydney and Melbourne... check it out!

Two surf lessons Learn to surf on one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches with Manly Surf School. These guys are the experts, and the school has been voted by Surfing Australia as the number 1 surf school in NSW. Have a look at www.manlysurfschool.com.

Three night's accommodation on Magnetic Island Take a tropical break with three nights on Queensland's Magnetic Island. Base Magnetic Island hostel is the one of the best kept secrets of Australia's Tropical North. Located right on the beach, chill out in the sun by day and groove to funky tunes at the Island Bar by night. Come recharge the batteries and enjoy your own little part of paradise only 20 minutes from Townsville. The Base Crew know the local area and look forward to letting you in on its many secrets. We can't imagine a better place to stay and play.  www.stayatbase.com/base-magnetic-island-hostel

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Free night and welcome pack in Sydney Score yourself one night’s accommodation in a 4-share dorm with ensuite at Westend Backpackers hostel in Sydney. This hostel is only five minutes’ walk from Sydney Central Station and a short stroll to all major tourist attractions so you will be right in the heart of all the action. This also includes a welcome pack with free internet and 15 free drinks! Have a look at their website www.westendbackpackers.com or their Facebook page or tweet with Westend Twitter.

$60 Habitat HQ accommodation $60 accommodation to use on any of the following room types at Habitat HQ, Melbourne: 10, 8, 6, or 4 share dorms with luggage lock up; and private ensuite rooms with TV and tea and coffee. When you arrive at the 4.5 star, award winning Habitat HQ, you will be entering a world that is welcoming, safe, entertaining and memorable. Their clean and modern facilities, combined with a relaxed and homely atmosphere will be sure to satisfy every travellers needs. Located in Melbourne’s vibrant beachside hotspot, St Kilda, Habitat HQ is only a short walk from the beaches, nightlife, shopping and cafes it’s so famous for. With trams at our doorstep running straight into the heart of the city, Habitat HQ is a great base to discover Melbourne and beyond! Accommodation ranges from 4, 6, 8 and 10 share dorms with air-conditioning and secure luggage lock up to motel style ensuite rooms with plasma TV and tea and coffee making facilities perfect for couples & families. They have Wi-fi throughout the bright & spacious common areas, 24-hour reception & a huge free secure car park. Our events co-ordinator will organise something different every day to enhance your experience at Habitat HQ, making it easy for you to meet people! Visit: www.thehabitathq.com.au

All these are just an email away... see how to enter and send us in your blog entry !

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Here are the goodies that your blog entry can win you for September!

Two surf lessons

Learn to surf on one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches with Manly Surf School. These guys are the experts, and the school has been voted by Surfing Australia as the number 1 surf school in NSW.  Have a look at www.manlysurfschool.com.

Three nights on Magnetic Island

Take a tropical break with three nights on Queensland's Magnetic Island. Base Magnetic Island hostel is the one of the best kept secrets of Australia's Tropical North. Located right on the beach, chill out in the sun by day and groove to funky tunes at the Island Bar by night. Come recharge the batteries and enjoy your own little part of paradise only 20 minutes from Townsville. The Base Crew know the local area and look forward to letting you in on its many secrets. We can't imagine a better place to stay and play.
www.stayatbase.com/base-magnetic-island-hostel

Free night and welcome pack in Sydney

Score yourself one night’s accommodation in a 4-share dorm with ensuite at Westend Backpackers hostel in Sydney. This hostel is only five minutes’ walk from Sydney Central Station and a short stroll to all major tourist attractions so you will be right in the heart of all the action.  This also includes a welcome pack with free internet and 15 free drinks!
Have a look here: www.westendbackpackers.com

$60 Habitat HQ accommodation

$60 accommodation to use on any of the following room types at Habitat HQ, Melbourne: 10, 8, 6, or 4 share dorms with luggage lock up; and private ensuite rooms with TV and tea and coffee.

‘Inhabit’ this fantastic 4.5 star, award winning hostel and soak up all the comforts of a clean and homely atmosphere in one of Melbourne’s coolest, ‘happening’ suburbs, St Kilda!  Sitting just on the outside of the city and jutting out onto the beach, St Kilda is the live music capital of Australia and the Head Quarters of Habitat HQ  With an events co-ordinator making sure your stay is memorable and fun, you can’t be wrong when choosing this habitat for your Melbourne home.

Habitat HQ is a quick tram ride to the city or a stroll to St Kilda beach and you’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming when you walk into this super clean, super secure and modern hostel.  At Habitat HQ, its all about giving you options!   Choose your Habitat and bunk up with us!
Visit: http://www.thehabitathq.com.au/

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.