Australia Outback Ranch Training

Obviously we don’t know where you’re going to end up working, so an itinerary for the full year isn’t appropriate. But this is how you’ll spend the first ten days – when you’re training.

Day 1 to 3 - Thursday , Friday, Saturday
Welcome to Sydney! Enjoy a relaxing weekend exploring this cosmopolitan city. You'll spend your first three nights in a central hostel close to all the best attractions. You'll receive an information pack on arrival at the hostel explaining all the things you need to know about your week ahead.

Day 4 - Sunday 

Head to our training ranch! Around 10.30am you'll be met at the hostel and taken to our outback ranch! Kaluba Ranch is a good day’s drive from Sydney (around 6 hrs) - you won't notice the journey time as you admire the beautiful surroundings as you pass through the Hunter Valley Vineyards. 

Upon arrival at the ranch early evening,  you'll meet the team at the ranch who will start by telling you everything that you’re going to be doing in the week ahead.

Days 5 to 10 - Monday to Saturday

Before your training begins, you'll be taken into Coonabarabran where you can set up a bank account and pick up essential supplies whether it be boots, belts, shirts or sunscreen. 

Once you're kitted as a Jackaroo/ Jillaroo, it's time to start your training! Over the next 6 days, you''ll learn everything you need to know to work happily, successfully – and, above all, safely – on an Australian ranch. From horse riding to cattle mustering, tractor riding to general maintenance, motorbike and quad work to fencing to 4 x 4 vehicle driving, you'll know exactly what you need to know to work on a real outback ranch in Australia.

You'll also have time to discuss with the team where you'd like to be based (i.e location – town/ remote location) so that can help you find the right job to suit you. Please note that a job offer is only subject to you successfully completing the course.

Throughout the week, you'll end the day with a beer, great food and a chat by the campfire.... pure aussie style!

At the end of your training on day 10, the ranch will provide a return transfer back to Sydney at an extra cost of $50 AUD. You can arrange this with the team at the end of your course.
 

This programme requires you to be very active, so participants need to ensure they feel physically fit and able to join a programme of this nature. A willingness to learn and participate in farm life is essential as well being able to laugh at yourself….and others!! While not essential, if you have a trade, horse riding ability, motorbike riding experience, welding experience, sound mechanical knowledge, or are from a farming background it will be easier to assign a job upon successful completion of the training course.

Passing the course has a lot to do with a positive attitude rather than level of skill and the success rate is extremely high. However, in the event that you do not pass the training course, we will not be able to offer you a job placement due to health and safety reasons. Positions during the Australian summer months (December and January) can be limited due to the heat and stress on the stock at ranches. January to March is also the time in the northern parts Australia that experience the torrential monsoon rains often resulting in widespread floods.

Once you have successfully completed your training course, you'll be free to start your job placement or head off and enjoy your independent travels in Australia. You will receive a certificate upon completing the course and the ranch team are also happy to provide verbal references to prospective job placements.

The majority of ranch placements are in Queensland and New South Wales with the majority of backpackers heading to Roma in Queensland, however the ranch employee database is strongly increasing in South Australia and Western Australia. 

Students generally work at a ranch for 2-3 months, however the duration will usually be negotiated between the employer and student when they first make contact.

Wages will depend on your contract with your employer however will meet the national minimum wage in Australia (which is around $10/$12 AUD per hour). An added bonus with most job placements is that accommodation and meals are usually included which means you get to save most of your wages for your independent travel to explore Oz!