Day by day

1. Day 1Welcome to Melbourne

   

   Arrive in Melbourne, check in to your hostel and meet the group. In the afternoon your Group Leader takes you on a walk through the city's famous laneways and arcades, past street art in places like Hosier Lane, little coffee spots and hidden bars, with tips on where locals eat and drink on a budget.

   In the evening you sit down to a welcome dinner with the group. It is a relaxed first night and a chance to swap stories about where everyone has come from and what they want to do in Australia.

2. Day 2Work session and St Kilda

   

   The morning is the work and travel session, covering tax for working holiday makers, your TFN, bank account, phone plans, the Myki card and public transport, and where to find work in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Melbourne is one of the best cities for cafe, hospitality and retail jobs, so this is a good time to plan your job search.

   In the afternoon you head to St Kilda, Melbourne's beachside suburb. Walk along the foreshore and out along the pier, and explore Acland Street and its cake shops. You also move into your St Kilda accommodation near the beach.

3. Day 3Skydeck and a night out

   

   Start the day the Melbourne way with brunch, as the city is known for its cafe culture. Then head up to the Eureka Skydeck, one of the highest viewing platforms in the Southern Hemisphere, for views across the whole city, the bay and out to the hills on a clear day.

   The afternoon is free to rest or explore. In the evening the group goes out together to experience Melbourne's nightlife, from rooftop bars to live music, a great way to get to know the city after dark.

4. Day 4Lazy Sunday

   

   A slower day to recover and enjoy the city. The group heads to the Royal Botanic Gardens for lunch on the lawns, one of the most beautiful spots in Melbourne and a favourite with locals on the weekend.

   The rest of the afternoon is free. You might visit the Queen Victoria Market, walk along the Yarra River, catch up on job applications or simply rest before the two big day trips that come next.

5. Day 5Peninsula Hot Springs

   

   Head down the Mornington Peninsula, stopping at Arthurs Seat for views over Port Phillip Bay and at Mt Martha beach. Then it is on to Peninsula Hot Springs, where you have around 3 hours to soak in natural geothermal pools set in the hills, including the hilltop pool with views across the peninsula.

   Back in Melbourne, the evening is a fun group night with bingo and pizza. Bring your swimmers and a towel for the springs.

6. Day 6Great Ocean Road

   

   An early start for the Great Ocean Road, one of the most famous coastal drives in the world. Travel through the Great Otway National Park with its rainforest and tall trees, and stop in the seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay along the way.

   The highlight is the Twelve Apostles, giant limestone stacks rising out of the Southern Ocean. You get time to walk the lookouts and take photos before the drive back to Melbourne in the evening. It is a long day, so bring snacks, a jacket and a charged phone.

7. Day 7Farewell

   Your final morning is for farewells. Some of the group head straight into work in Melbourne, others move on to regional Victoria for farm work or travel to other parts of Australia.

   Wherever you go next, your 12 months of TAW job support and your TAW Mailbox carry on, so you can keep applying for jobs and have your tax and bank letters held safely for you.