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18 to 35-year-olds offered £10 return flights from Manchester to Australia

Georgina Pellant - 26th April 2022

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.

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.

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“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.”

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How can you apply?

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.

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.

Feature image – Wilford peloquin via Flickr