There has been a lot of debate in Manchester this last week about the cost of an anytime return train ticket to London, versus the prices paid for flights abroad – but a £10 return flight to Australia really takes the biscuit.
It’s no wind-up, although it sounds too good to be true. As part of a new workers campaign revealed today, young people in the UK really will be able to buy return flights to Australia from just £10 a pop.
That’s one huge saving, especially given that the cheapest flight we could find on Skyscanner for the same journey is currently quoted at £614.
However, like with any good deal, there’s always some sort of catch. In this instance, there are only 200 flights available – so you’ll need to be fast if you want to book yours.
Starting from next month, young people in the UK and Ireland will be able to get their hands on the super cheap flights – with the option to fly out of Manchester, Edinburgh, Heathrow or Dublin to Adelaide, via Qatar Airways.
The scheme has been commissioned by the South Australian Tourism Commission, which acknowledges the value young people bring to its job market and tourism industry.
Cheap flights will be offered to 18 to 35-year-olds travelling on a working holiday visa before 30 September. It’s hoped that travellers will then take up jobs in the country’s hospitality, farming and outback station sectors.
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South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said: “South Australia is welcoming the return of working holiday makers – it’s a real win-win for young people eager to travel and work abroad, and for our local tourism industry.
“Our tourism operators have missed having international visitors on their tours and experiences and booking up accommodation, and they’ve also missed the backpacker workforce and the vibrancy they bring.
“These backpackers foster a love for our state and our country which often inspires them to return later in life.
“Whether it’s in our bars, restaurants, wineries and hotels, or on our outback stations and farms, there are so many ways that British and Irish citizens can work in Adelaide and in regional South Australia, helping to not only fill roles but provide an economic and cultural exchange benefit which advantages both sides of the globe.
“We look forward to welcoming back young people from the UK and Ireland, and encourage them to make the most of these £10 fares.”
Those who want to take part in the scheme will first need to register with TrailFinders ahead of their ticket date, and have a working holiday visa either approved and valid or in process.
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Those who manage to secure a ticket will also have to buy an add-on of at least £171 for an Adelaide Arrival Pack.
Packs are available in different price ranges, and include either a three or six-night hostel stay, a12 month membership to ‘The Backpacker List’, three-month access to a domestic work and travel support line, and a work and travel information pack.
Firefighters continue to tackle moorland fire at Dovestones Reservoir amid ‘strong’ winds
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a large moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir.
After the blaze broke out on Saturday evening at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response that has now entered its second day, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds yesterday carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
Firefighters are currently tackling a moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir.
Crews from across Greater Manchester, supported by specialist wildfire resources, are working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 11, 2026
Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
GMFRS say firefighters ‘remain focused’ on limiting the spread of the blaze while protecting the surrounding landscape and supporting ongoing operations in ‘difficult’ terrain.
“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services and partner agencies to carry out their work safely,” GMFRS said in a statement as firefighters remained at the scene overnight.
As operations continue, the fire service has issued another safety warning, urging people not to use disposable barbecues, light campfires or set off fireworks on or near moorland.
“In the current dry conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a significant fire,” their plea concluded.
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Urgent open water safety appeal issued after teen tragically dies in Dovestone Reservoir
Emily Sergeant
A new open water safety appeal has been issued after the body of a teenager was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir.
At around 7pm last Friday evening (10 July 2026), emergency services responded to an incident at popular beauty spot Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and upon arrival, they located a man, confirmed to be 18 years of age, unresponsive in the water.
The body was recovered from the water, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Speaking on the tragic situation, Detective Inspector Steven Horton, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is also urging parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather and summer months.
Looks like it will stay warm a bit longer, so why not have a chat with your kids, or other young people you know, about the dangers of open water? It could save their life ❤️
Important messages to discuss with your child: • Jumping into open water can be fatal. It can be much… pic.twitter.com/vo5tHSHkyi
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 10, 2026
One of the most common dangers is cold water shock, as even on warm days, cold water can quickly overwhelm the body, and hidden hazards below the water’s surface can also place people in danger within seconds.
Anyone who finds themselves getting into difficulty in the water is urged to put their head back with their ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move their hands to help them stay afloat, remembering that it’s okay if your legs sink as ‘we all float differently’, GMFRS says.
“You can spread your arms and legs to improve stability,” the fire service added in its appeal.
Georgina Pellant -
26th April 2022 
