Australia Working Holiday Maker Visa Guide 2024

by | Last updated Dec 30, 2023 | Australia Live Work and Play, Working Holiday Visa Destination

Where to live work and play on an Australia Working Holiday?

 

Considering a working holiday in Australia? People all across the globe dream of having an opportunity to work and travel Australia. After all, it is such a beautiful country and a great place to have an extended holiday. From the warm climate, laidback vibe, friendly locals, great food, spectacular surf and inspiring outback, it’s no wonder many people come to live work and play in Australia! There are a number of visas allowing extended stays in Australia, in particular the Australia Working Holiday Visa. So read on, find out about the visas, then start planning your Australian working holiday. 

I have written this post to help you get started as well as help you hit the Australian ground running. There are 6 steps to a working holiday in Australia. They are:

  1. Getting Your Working Holiday Visa
  2. Preparing For Your Australian Working Holiday
  3. Setting Up Your New Life in Australia
  4. Finding Accommodation in Australia
  5. Finding a Job in Australia
  6. Deciding How to Travel Australia

Step 1: Get Your Australia Working Holiday Visa

Example of The Australia Working Holiday Visa

What is the Australia Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa Program?

 

The Working Holiday Visa Australian Program is open to a wide range of countries. It allows you (if you successfully get one) to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months taking incidental work to make money to further your travels. There is an option to extend the visa for a second year working holiday visa and even a third year working holiday visa. But it involves completing a certain amount of ‘specified work’, which I’ll get into shortly.

Two Types of Australian Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visa

There are two types of Australia working holiday maker visas (WHM) you can apply for. The one you get depends on the country you’re coming from and the passport you hold. In general, for both visas, you must:

  • be between the age of 18 and 31 years old (in some cases up to 35 years) to qualify for the visa.
  • come from an eligible country.
  • cannot bring a dependent child with you.
  • reside outside of Australia when you apply.

The two visas available to come to Australia on a working holiday are:

 

Australia Working Holiday Maker Visa Subclass 417

The first working holiday visa option is Subclass 417. This visa is available for citizens of:

  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders)
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

You can find a full list of countries allowed to apply for this visa here.

On this visa, certain nationalities from

  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • France
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Italy

are able to apply until they are 35 years old. If you apply for this visa, you must have at least $5,000 AUD in your bank account to show you will be able to support yourself while living in Australia.

Australia Working Holiday Maker Visa Subclass 462

The second option for a working holiday visa is Subclass 462. This type of visa is available for citizens of:

  • Argentina
  • Austria
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • China, People’s Republic of
  • Czech Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Mongolia
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Uruguay
  • United States of America
  • Vietnam

You can find a full list of countries allowed to apply for this visa here. As with the other visa option, you must have at least $5,000 AUD before entering the country.

For both visas, you will also need to prove that you are in good health before you intend moving abroad to Australia. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may have to complete a health exam as part of the application process.

 

Work Limitations on Working Holiday Maker Visa Holders

 

Working Holiday visa holders have been subject to a 6-month work limitation, meaning they have only been allowed to work for any one employer for a maximum of six months. In 2022 this rule was temporarily relieved to help fill gaps left in the Australian workforce by the Covid-19 pandemic. Check out the latest details when applying for your working holiday maker visa.

 

Options to Extend a Working Holiday Maker Visa

 

On both the 417 and the 462 visa, there is the option to extend the visa into a second and third year. This means you could stay in Australia for up to three years under the WHM scheme. To do this, you must complete specific work in a regional area. Often referred to as the ’88 days’ rule because you are required to do 88 days of work to receive the second-year Working Holiday visa. And to receive the third-year Working Holiday visa, you are required to complete six months of specific work.

With the covid pandemic, things were a little different and specific work required were extended to include other industries, mostly to help with the lack of staff thanks to the pandemic. Get more details on Specified work here.  

 

More Potential Changes to the Working Holiday Maker Visa

 

In 2022, the Australian government signed the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA). While the agreement is not yet effective, once it does come into action, it will allow UK citizens to:

  • apply for a Working Holiday visa until the age of 35 years (inclusively)
  • receive up to three Working Holiday visas without having to fulfil the specified work requirement.

Learn More About the Working Holiday Maker Program

 

If you have more queries about a working holiday in Australia, you can learn more about the WHM visa scheme via the Department of Home Affairs.

 

How to Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa

 

The application process for an Australian working holiday maker visa is fairly simple and usually doesn’t take much time. With that being said, it’s best to apply well before you hope to enter the country in case you encounter any issues throughout the application process.

You’ll need to enter your personal information, identification and apply online by creating an ImmiAccount. To finalise your application, you’ll need to pay a fee of approximately $500 AUD before you’re considered for your work and holiday Australian visa.

It typically only takes a few days to hear back about your application. In many instances, people receive notice of a confirmed visa within the same day of applying. However, during the world-wide pandemic Australia closed its border and was not allowing working holiday makers in. Now that Australia has opened its border again, and is allowing backpackers and working holiday makers into the country, the time to hear if you have successfully got an Australian working holiday visa may vary.

If you are over the age limit for an Australian working holiday visa don’t fear, there are options for you to live, work and play in Australia. These are explained in my Over 30 – Your Work and Travel Options post here.

 

READ MORE: What to Pack For A Working Holiday

 

Step 2: Preparing for Your Australian Working Holiday Visa

 

So you got your visa and have a definite ‘leave date’ now you need to prepare yourself for Australia.

  • Most people arrive by plane so get yourself an airfare first. Check out Skyscanner for deals.
  • Next book your accommodation. I suggest you book somewhere for 2 weeks. I say this because after you arrive, recover from jet lag, do some sightseeing and get your bearings, 1 week is usually up. The second week gives you a better chance to sort out things you need to do on arrival like get a TFN, a job, a place to live – see further on for more details on these. To check availability and pricing my go to accommodation sites are HostelWorld for a bed in a hostel and Booking.com for everything else – hotel room, resort, etc).
  • Choose Where to Begin Your Working Holiday in Australia.
  • Finalise things at home. Cancel services like gas, electricity, etc.
  • Pack. Packing for a working holiday is different to packing for a two week beach holiday so read this first: What to Pack For A Working Holiday
  • Don’t forget travel insurance.

 

Choosing Where to Live on Your Working Holiday in Australia

 

When your visa application has been accepted, you can finally decide where you’d like to begin your Australian working holiday. Doing a working holiday in Australia is different from doing a working holiday in other countries. For example Canada, where most travellers find a place to stay for the entire year and don’t bother moving around to different cities.

Since Australia has many beautiful and vibrant cities throughout the entire country, travellers often choose to spend a few months in one city and then move on to another. The most popular cities to live and work in are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Followed by the Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, but it really is personal choice.

Sydney and Melbourne are hubs for working holiday makers as they offer many work opportunities and plenty of accommodation. Fancy living by Bondi Beach in Sydney or St Kilda Beach in Melbourne and commuting by bus into the city for work? Many do! Once you’ve decided on your initial landing point you can book your airfare. Check out Skyscanner to find a suitable airfare.

 

Step 3: Setting Up Your New Life in Australia – Things to do when you Arrive in Australia

Upon entering Australia, your visa will be stamped and authorised by the Australian government. After that, you’ll need to organise a few things before you start to live work and play in Australia.

1. Find a place to live
2. Open an Australian bank account
3. Get an Australian SIM card/phone plan
4. Find a job
5. Register for an Australian Tax File Number
6. Get a Superannuation account

Step 4: Finding Accommodation in Australia – Your Accommodation Options in Australia

 

Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour From The Deck Of The YHA At The Rocks.

Start your Australia Working Holiday with views over Sydney Harbour from YHA in the Rocks

 

Looking for accommodation in Australia can be stressful depending on the type of accommodation you’re seeking. It’s best to book a hostel, hotel or Airbnb for the first week you arrive until you’re able to secure a place you’re happy with! I suggest make a booking for 2 weeks because by the time you have arrived, got over jet lag, done some sightseeing and begun doing the things you need to do for your new life in Australia, your first week will be up. Having a second week will let you concentrate on finding a more permanent place to live and a job without having any upheaval to find another short term place to stay because their is no availability where you are.

 

Start your Working Holiday in Australia in Sydney

 

As mentioned, Sydney and Melbourne are the hubs for working holiday makers and backpackers to Australia. Sydney has long been the most popular city to start your Australian working holiday. Some great hostels to start your time in Australia at include the Sydney Harbour YHA at The Rocks. This hostel has great views over Sydney Harbour. You can check pricing and book here. There are plenty of hostels all around Australia, to check pricing and to book visit HostelWorld. For something a bit more up-market such as your own hotel room check out Booking.com.

If you’re planning on moving around from one city to another, you may want not want to commit to a long-term rental. Therefore, you could live in a hostel as there are long-term hostel stays available. You could even work a few hours at reception, in the bar or do some cleaning to get a discounted or a free stay. There are also many short term options with Airbnb. You could also consider a serviced apartment or house sitting. If house and pet sitting is of interest, read my post to discover how you could get free accommodation in Australia by Housesitting.

Long term accommodation can be challenging to find but it differs from city to city. There are three main places you can search for long term stays in Australia.

1. Gumtree is similar to Craig’s List or Kijiji where you can buy and sell just about anything but there are also many rentals listed.
2. Facebook Groups. Look for specific accommodation groups for each city.
3. Accommodation websites listing rentals such as Flatmates.com.au and Realestate.com.au.

 

Step 5: Finding a Job in Australia

 

Popular Working Holiday Maker and Backpacker Jobs You Can Do in Australia

 

Group Of People Picking Melons and Putting On A Conveyer To Be Put In Boxes On A Machine In The Paddock.

Doing Farm Work in Australia Will Allow You To Apply For A Second and Third Working Holiday Visa

 

You can find work nearly anywhere in Australia while visiting on a working holiday visa. But it’s certainly easier in big cities unless you’re working in agriculture.

 

READ MORE: 6 Ways To Find Work in Australia

 

What’s great about working in Australia is that the pay can be amazing! You should be able to easily secure a job paying a minimum of $18 AUD an hour quite easily. The one stipulation is that you’re only allowed to work for a company for up to 6 months of the year.

There are ways around the 6-month rule, such as a situation where the company chooses to sponsor you. Although those circumstances are few and far between! Let’s take a look at some of the most common jobs for working holiday makers in Australia.

 

Hospitality Jobs in Australia

 

Hospitality jobs are a popular choice for working holiday makers and there are positions to be filled all over Australia. From the big city coffee shops and restaurants to the small outback roadhouses. And don’t worry if you don’t have experience, because people are always coming and going so employers are used to training new bartenders, servers, baristas, etc. If you want to work as a bartender or server, you’ll need to complete an online exam unless you’re living in Victoria (where they require an in-person exam) before you start working. The exam is pretty easy and having the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and the RSG (Responsible Service of Gaming) can be a great investment so you can get work in bars, restaurants, cafes and gaming places.

Getting a job in hospitality is fairly easy to do, especially if you have prior experience. It’s one of a few jobs where you could be paid ‘cash in hand’.

 

Nanny and Au Pair Jobs in Australia

 

Nanny and au pair jobs are quite common to do while working and travelling in Australia. If you have experience working with children, this can be a great option. You can choose to be a live-in nanny or au pair where you’d be living with the family and wouldn’t have to pay for your accommodation. Some families will also cover food expenses, which can be a huge plus!

Whilst these jobs can be great if you’re trying to save money, it may be difficult to meet other people around your age. It’s also not the best choice if you hope to travel since you’ll probably be expected to stay at least a few months to build a connection with the children.

 

Nursing Jobs in Australia

 

Nursing is a popular option if you have the qualifications. To be a nurse in Australia you need to get registration in each state you wish to work as there is no Australia-wide registration. If you don’t want to go down this track there are agencies where you could be a support worker in aged care and / or disability where you nursing skills will be greatly appreciated. Jobs can be in residential facilities and in the community. However, with community work you may need access to a car so you can get to clients though I have known many who catch the local bus network. Or be a nanny or Au Pair.

 

Complete Your Farm Work in Australia

 

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, if you complete a certain number of weeks working ‘specified work’ such as on a farm, you can qualify for a second or third year working holiday visa! If you know you’d like to stay in Australia for as long as possible, it’s recommended that you complete the farm work near the beginning of your year there.

You’ll need to complete 3 months during your first year in order to apply for a second year working holiday visa. Then if you hope to apply for the third year working holiday visa, you’ll have to complete 6 months during your second year. Keep in mind that it’s 3 and 6 months of “working days” so it typically ends up being closer to 4 months (88 calendar days) and 8 months (179 calendar days), respectively.

So what is this ‘farm work’? It’s more formally referred to as ‘specified regional work’ and it can be anything from working on a dairy farm to picking fruit. You may also find some hospitality jobs that count towards the specified work, depending on where they’re located. Most farms are located further inland than the major cities and are fairly isolated. You’ll be working with people from all around the world who are also working to get an additional year.

The pay for specified regional work varies from place to place. Some pay an hourly rate, while others pay based on the amount of fruit you picked that day.

When looking to apply to work for a farm, it’s best to go off a personal recommendation from someone who has worked there previously to ensure your work will count towards getting another year visa. Also take the climate into account when looking for work. Summers can be gruelling with temperatures regularly reaching well above 40 degrees celsius! Working outside picking fruit and vegetables in extreme weather will mean you need to have the right gear. Clothes that cover you up, plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and don’t forget plenty of water. Fly and insect deterrent spray will also come in handy.

You can find more information on specified work opportunities to extend your visa in Australia here.

 

Other Job Opportunities For Working Holiday Makers in Australia

 

If the previous jobs aren’t up your alley, you can also find work in different areas.

1. Internships – If you’ve recently graduated and are hoping to get experience related to your career, you may be able to find an internship! They don’t usually pay much but it can be a way to get your foot in the door with other jobs in the future.

2. Office Temp Work – There is a range of temporary job opportunities that are perfect for those doing a working holiday in Australia. Hays is a great place to start if you’re hoping to have someone help place you in a position that matches your skills and experience. You can also search on Seek or LinkedIn. Some common temp jobs include working at a call centre, doing data entry, typing or doing office administration. There are also possibilities to work in accounting and banking and other financial fields if you are qualified in these areas. This type of work is usually found in the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

3. Tutoring – If you’re skilled in math, science, English or have experience working with special needs students, you can find tutoring work in Australia. It’s one of the highest paying cash in hand jobs you’ll come across.

4. Hostel or other Accommodation Job – Your accommodation can also be a good source of employment. Many find employment in hostels and caravan parks working on reception, cleaning or has handy people. Read my post on Working in Australian Hostels. But simply on arrival at your accommodation, make it be known that you are interested in work and you never know what opportunity might arise. There are also plenty of Facebook pages designed for people working and travelling around Australia where you can find work. Some I have seen are Working While Living On The Road and The Grey Nomads. I suggest you search through the Facebook groups and join those that catch your eye.

 

READ MORE: How to get a Hostel Job in Australia

 

5. Work Online

After spending at least a year living and working in Australia, you will most likely have seen a lot of the country! You may want to start a blog to share your experiences with other travellers, answering specific questions they may have. It’s a great way to connect with others who love to travel and create a community. However, there are many other online jobs you could do. They include but not limited to, Doing Surveys Online, Online Trading Shares or Cryptocurrency and being a VA (Virtual Assistant).

 

READ MORE: How to start a Blog

 

6. Become a Digital Nomad

Australia is not known for being a digital nomad Mecca such as other countries like Bali, Mexico, Georgia and Spain but, if you want to work and travel Australia, why not be a digital nomad? Australia has a pretty good Internet service and other infrastructure for digital nomads. So like many who make a living from working on line already could easily travel around Australia and continue working on line. There is plenty of accommodation, coffee shops and co-working spaces where you could work.

 

READ MORE: How To Be A Digital Nomad In Australia

 

7. Work a season in a ski resort

 

What’s that? Australia has ski resorts! Yes they do. The two main states where ski resorts are, are in NSW and Victoria. The season officially starts on the June Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend (usually the second weekend) and ends on the Long weekend in October (usually the second weekend) but it does depend on the white stuff. You could spend 3-4 living and working in a ski resort.

 

READ MORE: Work and Ski Australia: How To Work A Snow Season in Australia

Step 6: How to Travel Australia and What to See and Do

 

Map Of Australia Highlight Towns and Cities To Visit And How Long To Visit.

So much to see and do in Australia – I hope you have enough time! I designed this map based on my first big lap around Australia

 

Arguably the best part of any working holiday in Australia is the travelling and experiencing everything Australia has to offer. As the country is very big and has so much to see and do it would be easy to spend three months (minimum) travelling the country. Check out the map above that has suggestions of what to see and do in Australia and how long to spend in each place. I designed this map based on my own travels around Australia. These are only my suggestions because as you travel around Australia you will find many other fabulous spots to spend your time. Plus it depends on the time you have available for your travels. You could either work for 6 months then travel for 6 months. Or perhaps you are working your way around Australia spending a couple of months in different places.

There are a number of travel options for getting around Australia. Here are the most popular.

 

My Top Suggestions of Places to Visit in Australia

 

  • Each capital city in each state and territory in Australia has plenty of things to see and do.
  • Drive the East Coast from Sydney to Cape Tribulation.
  • Spend a few days chilling in the ‘Hippie Capital of Australia’ – Byron Bay
  • Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Spend a few days in Kakadu feeding crocodiles and discovering the Indigenous Culture through the Rock Art.
  • Visit the centre of Australia – well roughly – Alice Springs.
  • Stand in awe and watch a sunset or sunrise at Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock).
  • Discover underground buildings and opals in Cooper Pedy.
  • Swim with Whale Sharks in WA
  • Have a selfie with a Quokka.
  • Drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles.
  • Enjoy a sporting match at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).

 

Transport Options to Travel around Australia

 

Bus

 

There is an extensive bus network in Australia. Greyhound Australia is the biggest bus company in Australia and they have many tickets available including hop on hop off passes that will take you around Australia. Their network of buses include free Wifi for those who want to work online. They also have bus and accommodation packages. For more information visit the Greyhound Australia website www.greyhound.com.au.

 

Train

 

There is a train network but the trains don’t go everywhere. There are some great train journeys. The Indian Pacific running from Sydney to Perth is 4352km long and takes 4 days. The Ghan that goes from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin. The journey taking 54 hours to travel the 2,979 kilometres between Adelaide and Darwin with the one stop in Alice Springs. There is the shorter Overland train trip between Adelaide and Sydney only taking a day. And lastly, the Great Southern taking you from Brisbane through NSW country to Adelaide. All these great trips can be booked at Journey Beyond Rail.

 

Plane

 

You can also fly. Each major city has its own airport and there are plenty of regional airports as well. The biggest airlines include QANTAS, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. You can book a flight directly through the airlines.

 

Cars, Vans, Caravans

 

Many buy or rent a vehicle like a van and take their time travelling around the country. After all, this is the best way to see Australia, on the ground, being able to deviate when you see something that interests you. Australia has many great road trips to undertake. One of the most popular with working holiday makers to Australia is the Pacific Highway road trip along the East Coast from Sydney to Cairns. If you want to rent a vehicle check out types of cars and their pricing at major rental companies such as Budget, Avis and TravellersAutobarn.com.  

 

What Are You Waiting For? An Australia Working Holiday is the right move!

 

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not try a working holiday in Australia? You’ll gain valuable work experience, make lifelong friends from around the globe and have a chance to experience all of the beauty Australia has to offer. Oh, and you might also see a couple of kangaroos along the way! And after Australia, why not look for another country to work and travel? Here’s a list of potential working holiday destinations.

For more in depth information on living, working and playing in Australia visit my niche website www.liveworkplay-australia.com. Come discover Australia now. 

I hope you have a great Australian working holiday. Even if you don’t do much work, but do a lot of travelling around Australia, I’d love to hear about it in the comments following. Or if you are in the planning stage of your working holiday in Australia, feel free to ask a question.

 

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My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

 

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com. Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner.

 🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars.

 🚆 Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope. And Japan has a great one too – JapanRail Pass.

🚌 Travelling by bus is often the cheapest way to travel. Compare and get a ticket or a pass at Busbud.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide.

 🌏 How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

 🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

 

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Sharyn McCullum Sailing Through The Panama Canal With Storm Chasing Boat.

Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to get the live work play travel lifestyle with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

49 Comments

  1. Emma

    Great tips and love that view from the YHA in The Rocks! One of the best in Sydney.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      It is a fabulous view from the Rocks. You would never want to leave!

      Reply
  2. Ophelie

    So cool! I would love to do that, but I am already too old. Nevertheless I hope to visit Australia one day so your tips are always welcome!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I hope you can visit Australia one day as I’m sure you will love it.

      Reply
  3. Krista

    I had never considered going on a working holiday to Australia before, but after reading your post it sounds like a great idea! Thanks for all of the helpful info.

    Reply
  4. Ellie Ewert

    Thanks for the helpful travel tips! I have been looking to get out of the USA to travel– a working holiday in Australia may be the key to this… Saved to come back to later!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      If you want to get out of the USA, Australia is a great place to start!

      Reply
  5. Emma

    As someone who has some work visas and moved countries this is a really thorough guide. Although I think I’m too old to be getting a work visa for Australia you’ve given me some ideas for wanting to visit again

    Reply
  6. Susan

    This is so helpful! I’ve always wondered how this works but haven’t had the time to research it all. I think it’s pretty cool that they require some agriculture work as part of the extended stay. Thanks for putting this together!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I’m glad I could help with the research. Yes, if you undertake farm work you can extend your stay. It is hard work but worth it if you can stay longer.

      Reply
  7. Alexandra

    Wow, this is such a great guide for moving to Australia! I have a friend who is living there right now and she loves it. I am too old to move there now sadly, but wish I could!

    Reply
  8. Richa

    Very interesting post, never would have thought there were all these work holiday options in Australia. Too bad the visa isn’t given to 30+ year olds, ha. It was very interesting to read about all the trains through out Iz. Well have to make a trip again to that side of the world.

    Reply
  9. Lindley Gallegos

    Hey thanks for sharing! I just moved here with my husband and might need to find work once my tourist VISA expires. Love your site, Australia is such a cool nation! Stoked to be here.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Thanks for reading. I hope you love living in Australia.

      Reply
  10. Cosette

    A lot of helpful info on a working holiday to Australia. I’ve thought it about it when I was younger, but never went through with it.

    Reply
  11. Anwesha

    Great tips for an amazing working holiday in Australia, which never came to my mind until after reading your post. Thanks for sharing them.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Thank you. I’m glad I have highlighted Australia for you. Hopefully it come to mind for your future travels.

      Reply
  12. Erin from Pina Travels

    I so regret not having done this when I was in my 20s.. I’m too old now. I did visit Australia when I was backpacking across Asia, and although I was only there 3 weeks, I loved it. For those reading this who are still young enough for this visa – do it!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Even though you may be too old for the WHV there are still opportunities. You should read my post on being Over 30 and your Work and Travel options.

      Reply
  13. Travelling Tam

    A great post! As someone who moved here on a WHV, have had two and is now becoming a permanent resident, I am one of those people who have come and have now decided maybe Aus is a place I can call home haha. There really is so much opportunity for work and a better work/life balance and lifestyle. The WHV really has changed my life 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      So good to hear that a working holiday has changed your life. It changed mine too, but I went to the UK.

      Reply
  14. Megan

    This is such a fun read! I love all the options for finding work in Australia, and even finding a way to stay a while!

    Reply
  15. Sarah

    This would be an awesome way to see a country without feeling the need to cram everything in on a 2 week holiday! I’ve been to Australia to visit my family, but we mainly stayed in Perth. I’d love to come back and see more. Wish I had the guts to do this when I was younger!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      You should definitely come back to Australia and spend longer, I’m sure you won’t regret it.

      Reply
  16. Denise

    I am warming up to working holidays! It may even become a way of life 🙂

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Glad to hear you are warming up to working holidays – they are a great way of life!

      Reply
  17. Daphna

    Thanks for the detailed guide. I’m pretty sure a couple of my younger cousins actually did this fo some of the time they were in Australia. Seems like a great opportunity!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Australia is a great place for a working holiday. But I am bias!

      Reply
  18. Francesca

    It would be so cool to go on a working holiday to Australia. Like you said it would be a great way to see some of what Australia has to offer since it is so big!

    Reply
  19. anatureescape

    Great idea. I have a friend from Australia and I have always wanted to visit.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I hope you do get the opportunity to visit Australia to see your friend and to work and travel on a working holiday visa.

      Reply
  20. ANUKRATI DOSI

    This was such an amusing read! I love all the options for finding work in Australia.

    Reply
  21. Lind Jane

    What a fabulous view from The Rocks YHA! And such an ideal location too!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      It is a fabulous view – one of the best at the cheapest price! The Rocks YHA is a great place to stay, particularly when it is your first time to Sydney.

      Reply
  22. Ashleigh's Atlas

    Ooo I used to live in Australia. Loved it! Would def recommend a working holiday here

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I live in Australia so would totally recommend it – when things settle down after covid.

      Reply
  23. Krista

    Great guide for anyone who is interested in doing a working holiday in Australia. It’s something I would love to do at some point.

    Reply
  24. Linda Jane

    Some helpful tips for a working holiday in Australia! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Glad you think so. Australia is a wonderful place for a working holiday.

      Reply
  25. Elina

    Thank you for sharing these tips. A working holiday looks very appealing especially since you can earn an income while exploring a new place!

    Reply
  26. Kathryn

    A working holiday in Australia has been a dream for quite some and your article is VERY insighful and motivational. Thank you for sharing all the details!

    Reply
  27. Samantha

    Posts like this make it so much easier & more accessible to travel the world and see new places — without a huge financial investment. Thanks for explaining this so clearly!

    Reply
  28. Krista

    It can definitely be complicated to get a visa to work abroad, so this is a really helpful article since all of the information is all in one place.

    Reply
  29. At Lifestyle Crossroads

    Your Australia travel tips will be so helpful when planning my trip there. Although it’s a shame I’ll not be able to use the Working Holiday Visa, as I am already over 30.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Glad you think so. There are options for people over 30 – check out the blog post I wrote called Over 30 – Your Travel and Work Abroad Options.

      Reply
  30. Karen

    Although I will probably never work in Australia this is a very comprehensive guide that can be applied to other countries. Thanks for putting together so much good information.

    Reply

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