SPEND A FEW DAYS ON QUEENSLAND’S SUNNY GOLD COAST

The beautiful Gold Coast offers the very best of Australia's white sandy beaches, rain forests, theme parks, night life and more!

FRIDAY -1- ARRIVAL TO THE BEACH

The first few days of the programme are designed to help you get over jet lag, and to ensure that you are fully rested for the equine adventure ahead of you. This is also a fantastic opportunity for you to experience what fun and games can be had in Australia's playground; Queensland's stunning Gold Coast.

Following your arrival to Brisbane airport, a complimentary private shuttle bus will transport you to your accommodation. You'll be staying for three nights at the trendy yet laid back Budds in Surfers backpacker resort in the heart of the famous Surfers Paradise district.

If you arrive early, then the rest of the day is free for you to explore all the great tourist activities on offer... or if you've come a long way, you may choose to sleep off the flight.

In the evening the team look forward to warmly welcoming you with an Aussie beer, and a schedule for the rest of your week.

SATURDAY -2- SURFING AND A SHOW

Budds Resort will issue you with a voucher of your choice. You can either take part in a 2 hour surf lesson or a 2 hour stand up paddle board lesson, This voucher is flexible with lessons starting at 10am and 1pm everyday, allowing you to plan your weekend days just how you like.  

We recommend enjoying other areas of the coast, or take a half day trip to the beautiful hinterland or Brisbane city. During the migration season you can join a whale watching trip with a chance to see not only whales and calves, but also dolphins and other amazing marine wildlife (these activities are not included).

In the evening you'll be spoiled with a real treat. A transfer will collect you from the resort and take you to the once in a lifetime Outback Spectacular show. This is an unmissable slice of Australian outback history where you'll be treated to a 3 course steak dinner, arena-side. Be amazed by the breathtaking horsemanship and learn all about the Australian high country legends from the comfort of your own dining seat. 

SUNDAY -3- YOUR FREE DAY TO EXPLORE 

You've got the whole day so you can get a little further. Why not travel to the mecca of Byron Bay, visit one of the popular Theme Parks, or enjoy Steve Urwin's world-renowned Australia Zoo. Go inland to a National Park, take a trip to the Sunshine Coast or explore the breath-taking surrounding islands. These are only suggestions, with so much going on, we want you and your new friends to have the flexibility to pick your own fun-filled experiences.

In the evening you have the choice to take advantage of the amazing nightlife that the Gold Coast has to offer, including a huge range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs (these activities are not included).

Make sure you have a good night’s sleep however as the Employ Equine team will be there in the morning to move you on to your next adventure.

TO BE EDITED

THE HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC

Less than an hour away in the beautiful hinterland, this lush rain forest is also affectionately known as 'the green behind the gold'. Here you'll get stuck into 5 days of horse work and fun. 'Australianise' your existing equine skills and learn new ones from our expert team. 

MONDAY -4- PAPERWORK, SHOPPING AND AN EQUINE INDUCTION

We'll meet you in the morning at Budds resort to run through some paperwork and organise your medicare and bank accounts. Before heading back to the farm, we'll have a quick BBQ around the pool area, and we'll stop off at a local saddlery so you can buy any items or clothing that you may want.

You'll be staying at a wonderful Binna Burra eco lodge in the hinterland rainforest just down the road for the horse training facility.

Once you're settled in, the team will introduce you to the property and your allocated horse and equipment for the week. You'll ease into your equine adventure with a safety briefing and an informative horsemanship demonstration from our expert trainer.  

In the evening you'll enjoy a traditional Aussie dinner with the team and be given a welcome pack including some fun equine freebies! 

TUESDAY -5- BUSH RIDE, EQUINE BOWEN THERAPY, NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP AND POLO AND SKILLS

Prepare to get up early as you'll begin with a fantastically fresh morning bush ride through the rolling acres of our beautiful sunny property. You'll get the chance to familiarise yourself with your Australian stock horse, and enjoy the amazing views of Lamington National Park, The Hinze Dam, and all the way out to the ocean.

After lunch you'll take in a unique and invaluable introduction to equine bowen therapy and horse wellness, hosted by our qualified instructor. These techniques are used by many of our employers to help improve horse conformation and competitive ability. 

In the early evening you'll try your hand at polo with a beginners lesson on how the Aussie's play the world's most famous equine sport. Some of you may be heading off to polo groom jobs so this will help get you ahead of 'the game' !  Tonight we'll have a campfire under the stars. 

WEDNESDAY -6- gROOM SKILLS, HORSE GAMES AND A VISIT TO A WORKING STUD

Enjoy a mixture of equine education and fun to help you prepare for working with horses in Australia.

You may be practicing polo skills, learning to lead horses from horseback, gaining tips on how to be a good groom, horsemanship skills, how to use horses walkers, rugs and boots, or how to treat minor medical wounds.

Compete in friendly groom competitions involving races to tack up and preparing horses for equine sports when under pressure. 

In the afternoon you'll be able to put your skills to the test with a visit to a real working thoroughbred breeding and training stud. You may be shown practical farrier work, horsemanship skills or how to handle breakers, foals and highly strung horses. Learn what it's like in a real working environment by getting to help out with the day-to-day running of the stud.

You'll get a chance to ask questions about what your job maybe like, and be given tips and advice on how to impress your new boss! 

THURSDAY -7- BEACH RIDE AND A RAINFOREST WATERFALL TOUR

In the morning you'll be loading the horses and heading to the beach for a once in a lifetime  coastal ride across the sand dunes. Swim the horses and gallop along the endless beaches of Australia’s famous east coast.

After settling the horses back at the farm, you'll be taken to the lush and tropical Springbrook National Park for a bit of sight seeing and hiking activities, including a trip to the well know  'Natural Arch' waterfall. 

Head back to the farm to enjoy a sunset dinner before bed. 

FRIDAY -8- BUSH RIDE, PICNIC LUNCH AND JOB PREPARATION

We'll find time to squeeze in another relaxing ride through the gorgeous Australian hills and bush land, finishing with a picnic lunch. 

When you return, we'll conduct a final briefing session. You'll be presented with a departure pack including all your necessary paperwork, travel tickets to your job, further helpful information, a certificate of completion and a big thank you for taking part in our programme.

You'll travel back to the Gold Coast to enjoy a final night at Budds Resort before adventuring into rural Australia.

Remember you're not alone! You'll be working from between 3-6 months with great new colleagues, and you'll have full support from your Employ Equine family for the duration of your working visa :) 

FOLLOWING YOUR INDUCTION

We'll take care of your necessary paperwork, travel arrangements and we'll ensure that you're well prepared for working in the Australian horse industry.

sATURDAY -9- TRAVELLING TO JOB

When you start working, you will be employed independently by the farm or stud that hires you.

Employ equine are not involved with your wage or employment contract, this is between you and the employer.

We are however here to support you with anything you may need during your time abroad.