So you have one month holiday and you’ve decided to spend this one month in Australia. You have it in your mind what you what to see and do in Australia. You want to see all Australia’s iconic places – Sydney Harbour, the Red Centre, The Great Ocean Road and The Great Barrier Reef. Well, come say G’day to all these iconic places in Australia, plus loads more on my suggested 1 month Australia itinerary. It’s the perfect itinerary for first timers to Australia. You will get to tick off all the iconic Aussie spots on your Australia bucket list.

Is One Month Long Enough in Australia?

Australia is really too big to explore and discover everything it is has to offer in 1 month. Distances are just too great. However, you can see all its iconic places during a 4 week holiday in Australia. From Sydney Harbour to the Great Ocean Road to the Red Centre to the Great Barrier Reef. You can experience all these iconic places in my 1 month iconic Australia places to visit itinerary, but you will need to fly and not drive, as driving distances are just too long. Realistically, if you want to drive around Australia I would suggest an Australian itinerary of 2-3 months as a minimum. Many Australians actually take 12 months to travel around Australia doing what is called ‘the Big Lap‘. But if one month is all you have, you can see all the iconic spots as per this Australia itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Australia

As Australia is so large, the weather is different from one end of the country to the other. 

Summer (December, January, February) in Australia is hot. The southern states are hot and dry while the northern states have more tropical weather. Summer in the northern Australian states can see very humid hot days with possible storms and cyclones. If you struggle in very hot and humid weather, I’d avoid traveling the northern half of Australia in summer and stick to the southern states.

Winter (June, July, August) in Australia can be cold. The southern states can be very cold with snow on the high mountains. Yes, snow. The ski season runs from June to October and it is popular with visitors to work and ski Australia. The northern states are best to visit during winter as days are warm, but nights, like in the Red Centre can be cool.

Spring (September, October, November) and Autumn (March, April, May) are good times to travel Australia as the weather is more pleasant. Day time temperatures are warming up in Spring and cooling down in Autumn. There are also less tourists during this time however, you will find plenty of Australians travelling their own country as they do their ‘Big Lap of Australia’.

But you cannot predict what weather you will encounter in Australia on a daily basis, so really anytime is a good time to visit Australia. 

How to Get to Australia

Australia is surrounded by ocean so the two main ways to get to Australia’s shores is to sail or to fly. There are a number of cruise lines that visit Australian ports. You could sail from your home country – if you have the time – for your 1 month Australia iconic places itinerary. There are repositioning cruises that you could take, such as Southampton to Sydney. See what cruise lines visit Australia at Cruisecritic.

Most people will fly to Australia. And the flight can be long but there are ways to survive a long flight. Some flights take 24 hours from the United Kingdom and 18 hours from Los Angeles in America. Getting over jet lag due to the time difference can be a task in itself. To get the best airfare to Australia check out Skyscanner.

Where to Start Your 1 Month Holiday in Australia

Most international flights arriving from overseas arrive in Sydney, Australia at Sydney International Airport. Other capital cities such as Melbourne also have international airports. For this 1 month Australia iconic spots itinerary, the itinerary starts in Sydney. And why not – afterall, Sydney is home to some of the most iconic spots – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. If lucky enough, you may get a birds-eye view over Sydney Harbour while coming in to land. 

How to Travel around Australia During Your 1 Month Australian Holiday

Australia is a large country and the best way to see all it’s iconic spots is by driving to them. However, as you only have one month in Australia the two best options to see everything suggested on this itinerary is to combine driving and flying options. It is best to fly between the major cities as you will be reducing the driving time. For instance to drive from Sydney to Melbourne you are looking at a 10-12 hour drive. If you fly, you are looking at a 1 hour and 20 minute flight. Similarly, the flight from Darwin to Alice Springs is 2 hours but driving can take 18 hours. Shortening the travel time will mean you can spend more time visiting the Australian iconic sites you have come to Australia to see. But you can see Australia from the air! Yes, most airline routes in Australia will travel across the country so when you look out of the window you will see what is below.

Australian Accommodation – Where Will You Stay in Australia

Australia offers some great accommodation for your holiday. It ranges from camping grounds, hostels to hotels from budget to 5 star. In this Australian itinerary I provide accommodation options to stay in at each nightly location mostly in hostels and hotels as camping grounds are usually too far out of town for the purposes of this itinerary. I find all my Australia Holiday Accommodation options through Booking.com.

How Much Will One Month in Australia Cost

To work out how much this one month Australia holiday will cost, create a spreadsheet as follows. 

Airfare to Australia $_____
Accommodation (per night) $_____ x 30 = $_______
Transport around Australia – flights $_______
Day tours $_______
Meals x 3 per day $_______
Entrance Fees $_____
Extras (souvenirs, etc) $______

What to Pack for 1 Month in Australia

Australian’s dress casual so pack mostly casual clothes for warm weather. Shorts and t-shirts but also have long pants and a jumper or coat for when it gets colder, particularly at night. Definitely pack a good pair of walking shoes, reef safe sunscreen and a hat.

1 Month Australia Iconic Places Itinerary at a Glance

My map shows you where the most Australian iconic spots to visit are. They are wide spread and distances between them great, this is why you need to fly to these places. Here’s how to spend 4 weeks in Australia on your first visit to Australia. You won’t see everything, but you will see most of the best Australian iconic sites during a 4 week holiday in Australia. And I would try to book a window seat for your flights as the planes travel over the countryside where you will see things below. Sometimes the pilot will tell you you are flying over something of interest.

Days

1-4 – Sydney + Blue Mountains
5-6 – Canberra
7-8 – Melbourne
9-10 – drive Great Ocean Road
11-12 – Adelaide + Barossa Valley
13-15 – Perth + Rottnest Island
16-19 – Darwin + Kakadu
20-25 – Alice Springs – Kings Canyon, Uluru + Kata Tjuta
26 – 29 – Cairns + Great Barrier Reef + Atherton Tablelands by Kuranda Railway
30 – to Sydney for flight home

I’ve chosen this route to travel as at the time of writing, direct flights are available between the major cities and towns. Hopefully, the airlines won’t change this!

Don’t have 4 weeks to spend in Australia, I suggest:

1 week in Australia – spend your time in Sydney and Cairns

2 weeks in Australia – spend your time in Sydney, Uluru and Cairns

3 weeks in Australia – spend your time in Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru and Cairns

But if you have 4 weeks to spend in Australia, follow my one month Australia iconic places itinerary.

One Month Australia Iconic Places Itinerary

Days 1-4 – Sydney + Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

Start your Australia iconic places holiday in Sydney at Sydney Harbour

Sydney is the capital of the state of New South Wales, Australia and this is where you start your 1 month Australian iconic spots holiday. Sydney is home to some 5.3 million people and is known for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House sitting proudly on the Sydney Harbour foreshore. It is also known as having fabulous beaches with the iconic Bondi Beach being one of them. And you are now about to discover everything Sydney has to offer a first time visitor to Australia.

Where to Stay in Sydney

You will be spending 4 nights in Sydney. Most first-timers to Sydney will want to stay as close to Sydney Harbour as possible. This means you will be in easy walking distance to the best things to see and do in Sydney in around the Harbour. Accommodation options for your stay in Sydney could be:

Hostel: If you are looking for a bed in a hostel you can’t go past the YHA Sydney Harbour. As well as offering all the usual things a hostel offers, this hostel has a fabulous rooftop area providing excellent views over Sydney Harbour. Get rates and availability to YHA Sydney Harbour here.
Budget Hotel: For a budget hotel try The Grand Hotel. It’s located in Sydney CBD. Get rates and availability to The Grand Hotel here.
Mid-range Hotel: For a mid-range hotel relatively close to Sydney Harbour consider the Mercure Sydney. About a 10 minute walk to the Harbour, this hotel has much to offer first-time travellers to Sydney. Get rates and availability to the Mercure Hotel here.
Splurge Hotel: If you ever wanted to splurge on a hotel, then splurging in Sydney to have fabulous views over Sydney Harbour is where you will want to splurge. Check out the Rydges Hotel in The Rocks area and you will be treated to endless views of Sydney Harbour. Get rates and availability for Rydges Sydney Harbour here.
For more accommodation options in Sydney, visit Booking.com.

What to See and Do in Sydney

Day 1 – Sydney

After arriving in Sydney, checking into your accommodation and after having a wake-up shower head straight to Sydney Harbour to walk around the foreshore. Start in the area known as ‘The Rocks‘. This is the area that was first developed by the convicts that were brought to Australia. Many of the buildings are built from sandstone. Leaving this area walk to Sydney Harbour. Visit the Overseas Terminal where the international cruise lines dock. You could climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at this time. Not feeling like it? Then you can walk up one of the pylons for great views over the harbour. Or perhaps walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is a walkway and then catch a train back.

After exploring the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk around the harbour where all the ferries arrive and leave from. You could grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the way to the Sydney Opera House. Walk around the Sydney Opera House or perhaps go on a tour to see the theatres inside. Keep walking through the Royal Botanic Gardens to end up at Mrs MacQuarie’s Chair. Mrs MacQuarie was the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie who governed New South Wales between 1810 and 1821. The large stone chair was built so Mrs Macquarie could sit and look at the beautiful sunsets over the new Sydney. And you could finish your first day in Sydney at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair doing exactly the same. Then head back to harbour as there are plenty of restaurants for dinner lining the harbour.

BOOK Your Tour of the Sydney Opera House online here

Day 2 – Sydney

I always like to do a hop-on hop-off bus tour when I have limited time in a new city. So this morning go on the Sydney hop-on hop-off tour bus. It will take you to all the main sites in Sydney to see. Then you can decide which ones you would like to re-visit. Perhaps go up Sydney Tower for great views over the city.

BOOK Your Ticket for Sydney’s Hop-on Hop-off Bus online here

Day 3 – Sydney

Today jump on a ferry to Manly. On hopping off the ferry walk along Manly’s Corso – the main walking mall to Manly Beach. Maybe spend the day at the beach or hop on a bus and travel along the Northern Beaches area to the end of the peninsula. Home and Away fans (an Australian TV show) could walk to the surf club where scenes of Home and Away is filmed. Or perhaps hike up the Barrenjoey Headland to the Lighthouse. Return to Manly by bus before returning to Sydney by ferry. Or perhaps go east and spend your day at Bondi Beach. Learn to surf or enjoy the water.

Day 4 – Blue Mountains Day Trip

See the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains on a Day Trip from Sydney

Today hire a car or catch the train to the Blue Mountains about an hour and a half west of Sydney. Here discover The Three Sisters, a rock formation overlooking the Jamieson Valley. Go on a easy hike or there is the Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus you can take which will take you not only to the Three Sisters but to other sites in the Blue Mountains. I took the hop-on hop-off explorer bus and it was wonderful. It took me to all the best spots in the Blue Mountains and I could hop-off to spend extra time at the places that were of most interest to me. You can buy your ticket in advance online for the Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus here, or at Katoomba Station! To save me waiting at the station, I purchased my ticket in advance online here Blue Mountains hop-on and off Explorer Bus. Have a meal in Katoomba before returning to Sydney.

Day 5-6 – Canberra, ACT

Get fabulous views over Canberra from the Mount Ainslie Lookout

Day 5 of this 1 month Australia iconic places sees you leave Sydney to drive to Canberra. Canberra is the capital city of Australia and is worth a visit. To reach Canberra either rent a car and drive the 280 or so kilometres or you can catch a train from Sydney’s Central Train Station. You could fly from Sydney to Canberra but the flight is very short and if you drive, you will get a taste of Australian roads and the New South Wales countryside. As mentioned, Canberra is the capital of Australia and home to Australia’s Government.

Where to Stay in Canberra

This itinerary budgets for 2 nights accommodation in Canberra. Canberra has loads of styles of accommodation to suit different budgets. There are a number of hostels, hotels, apartments and camp sites to stay at. All are in easy reach by local public transport to the major attractions in Canberra.

Hostel: Hostels have long provided cheap and comfortable accommodation. Canberra has a few of them including the Canberra City YHA which is conveniently located on .3km from the city centre.
Budget Hotel: Hotels and motels are plentiful in Canberra. Some great deals can be found in the following which range from budget to expensive. They include but are not limited to: Mercure Canberra, Best Western Garden City, Mantra on Northbourne, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Hotel and Rydges Capital Hill to name a few.
Mid-range Hotel: Ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees in Ainslie – read my review of my stay here.
For other Canberra accommodation options check out Booking.com.
Once in a life-time great experience: Fancy sleeping with a tiger or feeding a giraffe from your balcony while staying in luxurious accommodation? Then the Jamala Wildlife Lodge might be an option for you. Check out their accommodation options here.
For more accommodation options in Canberra, get rates and availabilities at Booking.com.

What to See and Do in Canberra

You should arrive in Canberra around lunch time so after grabbing a bite to eat head to Parliament House. This is Australia’s seat of government and it might be ‘dry’ for some people, it is interesting to visit where all the decisions are made. Go on a free guided tour or walk around yourself. If you have time visit the Museum of Democracy, or what some of us call ‘Old Parliament House’. This is the big white building you can see in the distance from Parliament House. It was built as an interim parliament house until the one we have today was built! The Museum of Democracy is interactive with lots of things to read and experience. I personally loved seeing the Prime Minister’s office and visiting both The Senate and House of Representatives. Finish the day off with a nice dinner.

Spend your second day in Canberra with a visit to the Australian War Memorial. Followed by a visit to a museum or two and maybe walk around Lake Burley Griffin or take a drive to see the Consulates and High Commissions. Canberra has many things to see and do on day 2 in Canberra.

Days 7-8 – Melbourne

Melbourne City

See the street art Melbourne is famous for

After a short flight (1 hr 10 mins) from Canberra to Melbourne check into your accommodation and get exploring Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria. Some 5 million people live in Melbourne and it rivals Sydney for being the biggest city in Australia. Melbourne, they say, was built from the profits of gold during the gold rush days. So you will see many grand old buildings.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Melbourne has many accommodation options. Book for 2 nights stay in Melbourne.

Hostels: There are a number of great hostels very close to, or in Melbourne’s CBD. Check out: Melbourne City Backpackers, All Nationals Backpackers, The Village Melbourne
Budget Hotels: For a budget hotel in Melbourne get rates and check availability for Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne or Ibis Melbourne Central.
Luxury Hotels: Seeking a luxurious Melbourne pad, then consider the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, The Langham or the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
Apartments: Prefer an apartment to make some meals and to save some money whilte travelling around Australia, then you may like to consider Melbourne SkyHigh Apartments.
For other Melbourne accommodation options check out Booking.com.

What to See and Do in Melbourne

After the morning of travel from Canberra to Melbourne and checking into your accommodation, get your walking shoes on and explore the city. Melbourne is built on a grid systems making it easy to walk around the streets and laneways. Some of the best things to see and do in Melbourne include:

• Start your visit to Melbourne at Flinders Street Train Station. This is an iconic building in Melbourne built from sandstone, as are many of the buildings in Melbourne. People use the iconic clocks above the entrance as a meeting place so if you need to meet someone, meet them under the clocks at Flinders Street Station. Then cross the road to visit Federation Square and the NGV (National Gallery of Victoria). There is always an interesting exhibit on there.
• Melbourne is known for its street art and cafe culture so start your visit to Melbourne by walking to see the main street art laneways. The two best laneways to visit with street art are Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane. After deciding whether the street art is art or graffiti head to another lane, Hardware Lane for your choice of restaurants for lunch. It is easy to walk around Melbourne as it was built around a grid, so many roads and laneways cross each other.
• Hop on Melbourne’s free Circle Tram. This tram circles the city passing many Melbourne’s interesting buildings. There is a commentary telling you about the things you will see in Melbourne from the tram. You can hop on and off the tram at will to visit places of interest longer. Visit the State Library to see the massive reading room. Maybe a tour of Melbourne Gaol to see the armour and death mask of one of Australia’s most notorious bushrangers – Ned Kelly.
• Catch a tram down St Kilda Road and visit the War Memorial. And look back from the top of the stairs for great views over the city. Jump back on the tram and visit St Kilda Beach. Here you can spend you day at the beach, wander along Acland Street and enjoy a cake or too from one of the cake shops. Or perhaps walk out onto the pier. End your day here where a little penguin colony lives and watch them come ashore.
• Visit the Queen Victoria Markets. This market is massive and is home to lots of fresh foods, clothes and other items including souvenirs. Or shop till you drop in one of the many shopping centres in Melbourne or along Bourke Street Mall. Get an iconic snap of Melbourne trams driving through the mall.
• Walk along South Bank and enjoy a meal in one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars. Possibly spend a few hours inside the Crown Casino – even if it is to check out the shops or entertainment.

Days 9-10 – Drive the Great Ocean Road

After hiring a car (get availability and rates via DiscoverCars here) it will take a good 1.5 hours to drive from Melbourne to Torquay. Usually I would take 3-4 days to really explore the Great Ocean Road but this 1 month itinerary affords 2 days and you can see a great deal during this time. For the first day along the Great Ocean Road you can stop anywhere you want but these are my suggestions:

• First stop on the Great Ocean Road is Torquay. Torquay is actually just before the Great Ocean Road but worth a visit. You could visit Australia’s Surfing Museum and get the history of surfing or perhaps enjoy a bite to eat in one of the cafes. Or dip your toes in the water.
• Jump back in the car and head to Bells Beach, where the world-famous Bells Beach Surfing Competition is held every year around Easter time. Walk down the stairs to the beach. Did the stairs at Bells Beach make you a little thirsty or in need of a sugary pick-me-up? Then follow the signs to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
• Leave ‘Bells’ as the locals call it and begin the journey along the Great Ocean Road. First stop is the Great Ocean Road Entrance for the iconic photo shot of the sign and the statues of men building the road.

Entrance to the Great Ocean Road

• Travel along the Great Ocean Road passing small towns of Anglesea then Aireys Inlet, both seaside towns with eateries, shops, beaches and beautiful scenery. Then on to Lorne. Lorne is another beachside town and is a very popular surfing spot. It has a well-known arts community. You might want to visit a gallery and the sculpture park. Head up to Teddy’s Lookout which provides sweeping views over the town and along the coast. Take a drive in to the state park to visit Erskine Falls. Set amidst a rainforest with ferns and Bell Birds take the easy walk to the beautiful waterfall.

Erskine Falls

Leaving Lorne follow the coastal road through small towns of Separation Creek, Wye River and Kennett River before reaching Apollo Bay. In Apollo Bay head to Mariners Lookout for panoramic views over the ocean. Stay the night in Apollo Bay. There is plenty of accommodation Apollo Bay. You can book for one night by searching for options at Booking.com.

On the second day of driving the Great Ocean Road, leave Apollo Bay and drive into the Otway National Park to spend the morning. This national park is home to a 57-mile hiking trail, forest, waterfalls and native wildlife. You may see many koalas in the trees, learn about Aboriginal history and dinosaur fossils. You can walk around the area visiting the buildings to learn about the area, including dinosaur fossils that have been found. If feeling energetic climb to the top of the Cape Otway Lighthouse. 

From Apollo Bay take the long and windy drive to the Twelve Apostles National Park. This is a must see stop with spectacular coastline where you will see the Twelve Apostles, actually there is only 8 of them as 4 have collapsed into the ocean.,plus many more nature-made landmarks. You may want to take a helicopter ride to truly appreciate the area. My son and I did this, read taking a helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles here. The airfield to go on a helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles is opposite the car park and you can buy a ticket in the terminal.

Twelve Apostles on a sunny day

After admiring the Twelve Apostles, next stop is Loch Ard Gorge where you can walk along the platforms down to the beach to discover about the shipwrecks that happened along the coastline.  Yes, it’s not called the Shipwreck Coast for nothing! Leaving the Gorge drive through Port Campbell and on to London Bridge. London Bridge is a natural arch which unfortunately due to erosion has now been separated from the mainland. Spectacular all the same.

Arial view of 12 Apostles from helicopter

Loch Ard on the Shipwreck Coast

After seeing some spectacular scenery along the Great Ocean Road continue through Warrnambool and on to Adelaide. You will arrive early evening, dinner time in Adelaide.

Days 11-12 Adelaide + Barossa Valley

Adelaide is the capital of the Australian state of South Australia. Known as the ‘City of Churches’ for all the churches you will see. It is also the gateway to the Barossa Valley, a world-famous wine region. It is quite small compared to some of Australia’s other cities and you may be wondering why I have included it in this itinerary of icons of Australia. Well, it’s really the Barossa Valley wine region, that is the icon here! And if you are travelling with kids and wonder if the Barossa Valley is kid-friendly, well, it can be, if you take your kids to see how the wine is made.

Where to Stay in Adelaide

Book for 3 nights in Adelaide. Options for your stay:

Hostel: If seeking a bed in an Adelaide hostel, you can’t go past YHA Adelaide Central. Within easy walking distance to the sites of Adelaide including the iconic Adelaide Oval. Get rates and availability for YHA Adelaide Central here.
Budget Hotel: Not far from Chinatown, Adelaide Central Market and Rundle Street Mall, check out Hotel Metropolitan. 
Middle Range Hotel: Get rates and availability for the Ibis Adelaide within Adelaide city and close to everything.

What to See and Do in Adelaide & Surrounds

Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia. It is an easy city to walk around as it is a well planned and laid-out city. In fact, most of the best things to see and do are within a square-mile grid. To start your time in. Adelaide I suggest you download one of the free walking maps available on the City of Adelaide website www.cityofadelaide.com.au. I downloaded my walking map and found it so useful – and never got lost once! So, things to see and do in Adelaide:

• Start your Adelaide visit at Rundle Mall. This is Adelaide’s pedestrian-only main shopping street and is the longest and one of the busiest malls in Australia. The street was established in 1837 with many of the buildings dateing back to the 19th century. Apart from visiting some of the 700 or so retailers, Rundle Mall is home to a fountain and iconic sculptures including the Spheres, a group of life-size pigs (August, Horatio, Oliver and Truffles) and a giant cockroach. From Rundle Mall there are short walks to reach the Adelaide Central Market, the SA Museum, Art Gallery, State Library and Parliament House.
• Sport lovers will want to visit Adelaide Oval, scene of many AFL and cricket matches. Possibly go on a tour of Adelaide Oval and be given access to areas only the players are privy to. Receive the lowdown on the history of the venue and gain insight into the 100-year old heritage-listed scoreboard. You can book your tour of the Adelaide Oval here. Or perhaps do a roof climb of the Oval for great views over Adelaide up to the Adelaide Hills and out to the ocean. You can book your tour to climb the Oval here. 
• Visit The National Wine Centre. I found this to be a fascinating educational experience. After all, if you asked me what some of my favourite things in life are, wine would definitely be on the list. Gain knowledge about winemaking and wine appreciation here.
• After spending a day discovering Adelaide, spend your second day in Adelaide discovering the Barossa Valley. This area is outside of Adelaide and is often referred to as ‘Australia’s best wine region’. I suggest go on a day tour that will take you to a number of wineries and include lunch. You can book a tour to the Barossa Valley here.

Barossa Valley vines

Days 13 – 15 – Perth + Rottnest Island

Day 13 of this 1 month Australia itinerary sees you leave Adelaide and take a 4 hour flight to Perth. On landing in Perth, make your way to your accommodation. Then get your walking shoes on and start discovering Perth. Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is your gateway to many parts of Western Australia. On this itinerary of Australia we are staying in Perth, but venturing to see the iconic little Quokkas of Rottnest Island.

Where to Stay in Perth

Perth has a variety of accommodation available to suit all budgets for your 2 days in Perth visit. Great news is there is plenty of very central accommodation in easy walking distance of many of things you can see and do in Perth. If you are in a van, towing a caravan or like to stay in cabins there is the Perth Central Caravan Park. This park is only minutes away from central Perth and offers tent and powered sites and cabins. Check out pricing and availability for Perth Central Caravan Park here. If a hostel bed is what you seek check out Ocean Beach Backpackers, Cottlesloe and JJs Backpackers which includes breakfast. For a budget hotel room check out pricing and availability at Doubletree by Hilton Perth in Northbridge. Located in a great area for good nightlife. For a room in a mid-range hotel try the Duxton Hotel Perth, only .6km from the centre of Perth. If you like to self-cater then check out All Suites Perth. For all other options check out Booking.com.

What to See and Do in Perth

• Hop aboard Perth Tram Explorer. This hop-off hop-on bus takes you to all the best sites to see in Perth.
• Visit Kings Park for great sunset views over Perth.
• Spend an evening in Northbridge, a vibrant part of Perth with many restaurants, bars and pubs. End your day ‘in the west’ with a nice meal and a drink.
• Meet the Quokkas of Rottnest Island on a day trip from Perth.

Perth city from Kings Park

Get a selfie with a curious Quokka

You will want a full day to explore Rottnest Island. To get to Rottnest Island grab a short ferry from Perth or Fremantle. While on Rottnest Island you can hire a bike for the 22 km loop. While riding you can beach hop and maybe even catch a few dolphins swimming nearby. Of course, a trip to Rottnest Island wouldn’t be complete without getting a selfie with a quokka! If you aren’t familiar, a quokka is a cute and small furry animal that you won’t typically find anywhere else in the world. They’re friendly, maybe too friendly, and can be found throughout the island so your chances of running into one and getting the perfect picture is quite high.

You can organise your day at Rottnest Island yourself as there are a few public ferries that make daily trips to the island. Or, you can undertake a tour that picks you up at your hotel, sails you to Rottnest Island and shows you around the island.

BOOK your tour to Rottnest Island online.

Days 16-19 – Darwin + Kakadu

After your flight from Perth to Darwin taking 3 hours 35 minutes direct, head to your accommodation in Darwin. Put your walking shoes on and start discovering Darwin. Try to stay outdoors and find a place to watch the sunset over Darwin – possibly at Mindil Beach. Darwin has some of the best sunsets in Australia. Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory and you will be staying here for 3 nights, two now and one after you get back from Kakadu National Park. It is relatively small city compared to Sydney so accommodation is very central.

Where to Stay in Darwin

Book 3 nights accommodation in Darwin – the first two and another night for when you get back from Kakadu.

Hostel: For a bed in a hostel check out MOM Darwin which is very central on Mitchell Street near the bus terminal. It has a pool and cooling which is needed when visiting Darwin. Get pricing and availability of MOM Darwin here.
Hotel: For a budget hotel in Darwin check out the Darwin City Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotel: Looking for a hotel a bit more up-market and near the waterfront, check out the Novotel Darwin CBD.

What to See and Do in Darwin

Spend a full day in Darwin. Some of the best things to see and do in Darwin include:

• There is a hop-on hop-off bus taking you to all the sites.
• Visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. In particular visit the Cyclone Tracy exhibit. Cyclone Tracy was a severe Tropical Cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin from 24 to 26 December 1974. It flattened 80 per cent of the city of Darwin and killed 71 people.
• Go in the ‘Cage of Death’ at Crocosaurus Cove.
• Take a stroll through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.
• One of the mud-do things in Darwin is to shop at Mindil Beach’s Sunset Market. After shopping and buying dinner sit on the beach and enjoy a fabulous sunset – hopefully the weather will provide you with this!

enjoy a sunset over Darwin from Mindil Beach

2 Days in Kakadu National Park

After a couple of days in Darwin, rent a car and drive yourself or hop on a bus tour for 2 full days exploring the UNESCO Heritage listed World famous Kakadu National Park. You will be staying one night in kakadu. If you are driving yourself you will need accommodation but if going on a tour, it will be included in the price. I chose to go on a 2-day bus tour of Kakadu. And I’m glad I did because I was taken to all the best places during the 2 days in Kakadu.

• Feed the jumping crocodiles on a sail down Alligator River
• See the bird life of the wetlands
• Have a local Aboriginal guide explain the rock art drawings on the rocks
• Enjoy a sunset over Ubirr – hopefully the weather will allow this.

BOOK Your 2-Day Kakadu National Park tour online here

See croc’s jumping for food on Alligator River, Kakadu National Park

Learn about Aboriginal Rock Art from local Aboriginals

Enjoy the sunset over Ubirr and the wetlands in Kakadu NP

Days 20 – 25 – Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru + Kata Tjuta

After a short 2 hour 5 minute flight from Darwin to Alice Springs, check into your Alice Springs accommodation and get walking around Alice Springs. Alice Springs is in the ‘Red Centre’ or ‘Central Australia’. It is 1,500km from Darwin and 1,500km from Adelaide – so in the middle of these two cities.

Where to Stay in Alice Springs

Hostels: Alice Springs YHA, located only 300m from the centre of town. It is built within the grounds of an historic outdoor movie theatre. 
Caravan Park: If you’ve brought your accommodation with you try the Heritage Caravan Park
Budget to Mid-Range Hotels: Aurora Alice Springs offers good value only 300m from town. There is also the Desert Palms.
Luxury Hotels: Check out the Quest Alice Springs.

What to See and Do in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory. It is halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both being 1,500km away. Visitors use Alice Springs as a gateway for exploring the Red Centre, but there is plenty to see and do in Alice Springs also.

• Take the hop-on hop-off bus tour around the city
• Head to Todd Mall and check out the Aboriginal art work – there are a number of outlets in town.
• Get great views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges at ANZAC Hill. You can walk to the top in about 10-15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk up hills. ANZAC Hill Memorial is located at the top and is a memorial to those members of the armed forces who served during WWI.
• Learn about the Overland Telegraph Line, linking Darwin and Adelaide at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. Walk around the old buildings originally built in 1872.
• Go to a camel farm and have a ride on a camel.
• Visit the MacDonnel Ranges

View over Alice Springs from ANZAC Hill

Telegraph Station, Alice Springs

After yesterday’s full day of getting to know Alice Springs, hire a car and begin the 5 and half hour drive to Uluru stopping off at Kings Canyon (3 and a half hours away) for the afternoon. Walk around the rim (if time) and be treated to fabulous views. Climb the rocks and be ‘a cock in a frock on a rock’ as per the movie ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’.

Walk the rim of Kings Canyon

Continue the drive to Uluru for your first night. If there in time, watch the sunset over Uluru.

Where to Stay in Uluru

There are a number of accommodation options for your visit to Uluru. Note that the accommodation is based in Yulara some 25km away from Uluru. Options available range from camping to luxury hotels, with fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Camping: Ayers Rock Resort – The Ayers Rock camp ground has a choice of tent sites, air-conditioned cabins and powered and unpowered sites for caravans, motor homes and camper trailers.
Hotels: Lost Camel Hotel, Outback Pioneer Lodge and Outback Pioneer Hotel
Luxury: Sails in the Desert and Desert Gardens Hotel which boasts rooms with a view of Uluru.
Apartment: Emu Walk Apartments
Glamping: Longitude131

Things to See and Do in Uluru

• Get up early to see a sunrise over Uluru.
• Do the Base Walk around Uluru
• Hire a bike and ride around
• Discover the Discovery Centre and the local Aboriginal culture. May take a cooking class and eat local delicacies.
• Visit the Field of Lights
• Take a day trip to Kata Tjuta

Uluru late in the afternoon – see it change colour

Get up close and personal with the rock domes at Kata Tjuta – The Olgas

READ MORE: 8 Day Central Australia Itinerary – Central Australia has many iconic spots, extend your time here on this 1 month Australia itinerary.

Days 26-29 – Cairns + Great Barrier Reef

After a flight of 2 hours and 10 minutes you will arrive in Cairns, your stepping off point to the Great Barrier Reef. Check in to your accommodation and get to know Cairns with a walk around its streets. Cairns is where the rainforest meets the reef.

Where to Stay in Cairns: book for 4 nights

Hostel: There are a number of hostels in Cairns including the ‘Mad Monkey’ chain of hostels. So if looking for a bed in a hostel check out the Mad Monkey Waterfront or the Mad Monkey Central.
Budget Hotel: Prefer a room in a budget hotel, get rates and availability for Palm Royale Cairns. Close to everything and has a fabulous pool to cool off after a hot day sightseeing in Cairns.
Splurge Hotel: If you wanted to splurge for your last few nights in Australia, Cairns is a great place to do it. Check out rates and availability for Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns or Pullman Cairns International.

What to See and Do in Cairns

• Enter the Cairns Aquarium which connects you with 16,000 species of animals across 10 different ecosystems and 71 different exhibits – while also owning the bragging rights as the only aquarium in the world to showcase wildlife from two World Heritage-listed sites.
• Discover the history of Cairns at the Cairns Museum.
• Walk along Cairns Esplanade enjoying the water and parks and take a dip in the Cairns Lagoon. A public pool with 4800 square meters of saltwater swimming space fronting the Coral Sea.
• Visit the 38-hectare tropical Cairns Botanic Gardens, five minutes from the Cairns CBD.
• Take a day trip out to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. BOOK Your day trip to Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef online here.
• Drive up the mountains to Kuranda taking in the Crater Lakes, the Barron Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree. Or take the scenic railway winding its way up the mountains offering some wonderful views. You could also take the Skyrail Cableway to Kuranda. BOOK Your day trip to Kuranda online here.
• Maybe leave the tropical far north and head in to the Gulf Savannah for a trip to the Undarra Lave Caves, which are the longest in the world and stretch for some 16km.

Cairns Esplanade

see coral while snorkelling at Green Island, Great Barrier Reef

Kuranda Railway

Day 30 – to Sydney

All great things come to an end, and this is the same for your one month holiday in Australia. Today, fly to Sydney for your flight home.

Extend your stay in Australia by coming to Australia on a working holiday visa. Read my Australia Working Holiday Maker Visa Guide post here for details.

More Australia information and content at my Australia website: Discover Australia Now.

So you’ve decided to go to Australia. Now you are in the process of planning your trip to Australia, but you aren’t sure where to begin. No worries, my ultimate Australia planning guide will help answer all your most important questions and needs so you get the holiday in Australia you want. Let’s get into it.

To state the obvious, Australia is a huge country. Being so large and diverse Australia has many iconic places on people’s bucket lists. Due to the sheer distances involved to get to them, your trip to Australia requires extensive planning and time. It may seem overwhelming at first but after reading this post, you questions will be answer and you will be on your way to seeing Sydney Harbour, Uluru, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, attending an AFL game and cuddling a koala in no time at all.

Are you ready to use this guide on planning a trip to Australia for your holiday of a lifetime?

When to Visit Australia

Anytime is a good time to visit Australia though many people are governed by the seasons. As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. On top of this, the weather can be different in each season in the different parts of Australia. Let me explain.

Australia’s Seasons

• December – February is summer in Australia and the perfect time to visit the best beaches in Sydney. The southern half of Australia is mostly hot and dry while the northern half Australia is close to the Tropic of Capricorn, heat is humid with lots of rain. There can be a cyclone or two during this time. Many Australians take holidays during this time to enjoy the good weather. Plus schools are on summer break so there are many more people out and about. With many sunny days, beaches are full and cafes and restaurants buzzing. Tourist spots are also busy and prices on the higher side.
• March – May is autumn or fall, as many Americans would say. Weather is pleasant with mornings becoming cool. Leaves on trees are changing colour and falling off.
• June – August is winter. The southern half of Australia can be very cold with snow in the high areas, particularly in the Great Diving Range (a mountain rain running along the east coast of Australia). If you are coming to Australia on a working holiday visa, you could work and ski in Australia. The northern half of Australia in winter has some of the best weather, with warm days. Many Australians who live in the southern half of Australia often head north to get some much needed warmth.
• September – November is spring. Spring is the time when Australia is warming up. Mornings aren’t so cold.

How Many Days Do You Need in Australia?

The journey to Australia can be long. From the UK, Europe and Northern America, you are looking at a long flight, some around 24-36 hours. Yikes. But don’t fear, read my post on surviving a long flight here. So factor in your flight time and recovering from jet lag into your days. Some people come for a 1 week and if you do, I would suggest you spend all this time in Sydney. Ideally, as Australia has a ton of things to see, I would suggest you plan your holiday in Australia for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. But the longer the better as the more time you have, the more you can see and enjoy while on your Australian holiday.

Here’s My Suggested 1 month Australia Itinerary

Kata Tjuta, also know as the Olgas

This itinerary is for 28 days or roughly 4 weeks allowing you time at either end to arrive and leave. This itinerary will give you a taste of Australia and visits the most iconic spots. These are the best places to visit on your first visit to Australia.

Days
1-4 – Discover Sydney
5 – Day trip to the Blue Mountains
6-8 – Canberra
9-12 – Melbourne
13-14 – Great Ocean Road
15-18 – Uluru
19-23 – Darwin and Kakadu
24-28 – Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Where to Go in Australia

You probably have your Australian bucket list already. Australia is home to a number of iconic sites. Here are some of the best places to visit in Australia to help you refine your Aussie visit.

• Sydney: Sydney is Australia’s most popular and iconic city with its fabulous Sydney Harbour foreshore. Do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, walk around the foreshore, tour the Sydney Opera House and sit in a restaurant overlooking the harbour and watch the ferries and people come and go. There are also beautiful beaches such as Bondi, Manly and Cronulla to laze away a day or two. 
• Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains are home to the iconic Three Sisters and a visit to them for a day trip from Sydney should be on your list.
• Melbourne: Melbourne is the second largest, though some argue, the largest city in Australia. In winter enjoy an AFL game or take a day trip into the Yarra Valley, Australia’s premier wine area.
• Great Ocean Road: This is arguably Australia’s best and most famous drive. Take a road trip to see the famous surfing beaches, 12 Apostles and the Shipwreck Coast.
• Byron Bay: Known as the hippy capital of Australia, this seaside town has a lighthouse on the most easterly part of Australia. Do the walk to the light house and maybe see some whales playing in the ocean. Also home to some famous movie stars!
• Great Barrier Reef: The reef is one of the most famous in the world and stretches from north of Brisbane all the way up to the tip of Australia. Visit many of the seaside towns on the Sunshine Coast, in the Whitsundays or Townsville and Cairns as drop off points to dive or snorkel the reef and the islands in it.
• Uluru: You cannot come to Australia and not discover Australia’s outback beauty. Visit the iconic ‘Rock’ and learn about Australia’s indigenous culture.
• Kakadu: Kakadu National Park is a timeless place and one of the largest national parks in Australia. See salt water crocodiles in their natural environment, beautiful wetlands and Aboriginal paintings thousands of years old. 
• Canberra: A trip to Australia should include a visit to Australia’s capital city – Canberra. Spend some time at Parliament House, the National War Memorial or one of the many museums.
• Meet some Quokkas on Rottnest Island: on the western side of Australia is Perth. Off the coast is a small island home to native quokkas who love hopping into your selfies.

There is plenty more to see and do in Australia. Visit my Australian website Discover Australia Now for more inspiration for your Australian holiday.

How Much to Budget for a Trip to Australia?

Meet the locals at Movie World on Queensland’s Gold Coast

How long is a piece of string? Australia isn’t one of the cheapest countries in the world so work out how much it will cost you to travel to Australia by filling in the following. It will take a little research on your part. When you see the figures in black and white you will then be able to work what you can afford to do.

• Flight $_____
• Accommodation @ _______ x X nights $_______ (can range from AUD50 (hostel) – AUD450 (splurge hotel room)
• Transport $_______ (flight, car rental)
• Tours / Activities $_______
• Food $______ (AUD50 – AUD150 per day, depending on the type of restaurant you dine in).
• Incidentals $_____ (train fare from airport to the city)
• Spending Money $______

What to Pack for Australia

Packing for Australia depends on when you visit, what part of Australia you are visiting, and what you will be doing. If you will be skiing, you will need ski clothes which you could rent. If planning to laze your days away on a beach, well, you will only need bathers, a towel and sunscreen! In general, here’s what to pack for your Aussie holiday.

• Underwear
• Comfy clothes to wear sightseeing – shorts, leggings
• T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, jumper, jacket
• Walking shoes and thongs (flip flops)
• Toiletries – don’t forget the reef safe sunscreen
• Electronics – power bank, phone, camera

How to Get Around Australia

The best way to get around Australia and to see everything is by car, but distances are long. For instance, it can take around 12 hours to drive from Sydney to Melbourne, whereas the flight is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Therefore, if you are limited for time on your trip to Australia the quickest way to get around Australia is by plane. The cheapest way to get around Australia is by bus. Greyhound Australia has bus tickets and passes to get you most places in Australia. But having a car offers the most versatility as you can stop where you like and deviate to see different things, particularly if you plan on doing a big lap of Australia.

To compare and get the best airfare, check our Skyscanner.The main airlines in Australia are QANTAS, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and RexAirlines. If you are looking to rent a car or campervan get a good deal through DiscoverCars.

Where to Stay in Australia

Australia has an array of accommodation options. From free camps, caravan parks, backpacker hostels, budget hotel chains to splurge hotels and beach-side resorts. You could also rent a camper van to have your accommodation and transport all in the one. To find accommodation check out HostelWorld for a bed in a hostel. For everything else check out Booking.com.

Travel Insurance for Australia

Having travel insurance for your holiday in Australia is a MUST. It will provide you with piece of mind if any flights are cancelled, you lose any of your travel gear or if you have an accident. And take out appropriate insurance if you partake in any extreme activities like diving the Great Barrier Reef. To get a quote to cover you for your travels, my go-to travel insurance companies are WorldNomads and SafetyWing. 

Are You Ready to Visit Australia

Planning a trip to Australia doesn’t have to be complicated and stressful, hopefully not now you have read my post. If you are planning a holiday to Australia ask your questions in the comments. Or visit my Aussie blog Discover Australia Now for all my best information on visiting Australia.

Are you ready to do the big lap of Australia? Not sure what it is, where to start or how to do it? As Australia is a large (as big as Europe) and diverse country, without a doubt, the best way to see it in all its glory is to jump in a vehicle and hit the road. But a bit of planning should be done if you want to drive around Australia. This practical blog will provide you with info, tips and tricks before you set off on this epic adventure of driving the big lap of Australia. 

What is the Big Lap of Australia?

When we talk about the big lap of Australia we are talking about the journey of driving around it. Highway 1 skirts the entire way around Australia. It is made up of major highways like the Princes Highway, Eyre Highway, Great Northern Highway, Bruce Highway and the Pacific Highway. Together these highways make up around 14,500 kilometres of road. They link the major capital cities and will take you too many of iconic Australian sights. You can also deviate from the big lap route to include the Outback by taking the Stuart Highway that joins Darwin to Adelaide or hopping a ferry for a Tasmania family holiday.

Who Does the Big Lap of Australia?

Anyone and everyone can and does the big lap of Australia. From international tourists on holiday in Australia to local backpackers and solo travelers to families with young children to empty nesters and grey nomads. Really, anyone who wants to live, work and play in Australia can travel around Australia on a big lap or half lap of Australia.

What to See and Do During Your Big Lap?

Plenty to see on a big lap of Australia

There is so much to see and do in Australia, just have a look at my map. It shows some of the iconic highlights of Australia you must include in your big lap and suggests how long to stay at each. This is just a taste though! The luxury about driving around Australia is that you can deviate at any time and can discover many other memorable things. Need some inspiration? Check out my Australian road trips on my Aussie travel blog, Discover Australia Now. Or see my state based suggestions: ACT, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.

My Top Things to Do and See While in Australia

1. Walk around Sydney Harbour, NSW
2. Visit Parliament House in Canberra, ACT
3. Go wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, VIC
4. See the Apostles of the Great Ocean road, VIC
5. Spend a week on the Gold Coast, QLD
6. Dive or snorkel the Great Barrier reef, QLD
7. See the Crocodiles and Aboriginal Art in Kakadu
8. Visit the red Centre and see Uluru, NT
9. Meet the Quokkas on Rottnest Island, WA
10. Go wine tasting in the Barrosa Valley, SA
11. Try opal mining in Coober Pedy and stay underground, SA
12. Enjoy the Hobart Waterfront, TAS
13. Visit the dolphins of Monkey Mia, WA
14. See Wave Rock, WA
15. Whale Watch in Hervey Bay, QLD

These are my top 15 things to see and do while travelling around Australia. But there are many more just waiting for you to discover them while doing your big lap of Australia.

How Long Does it Take to Drive the Big Lap of Oz?

The coach left Alice Springs on time at 8.30pm, but soon the traveller sitting next to me enquired whether I knew how much longer it was until we’d be there? Her jaw dropped to the floor when I told her we weren’t due into Darwin until 3.30pm tomorrow afternoon. She looked at her watch and counted around its face. “But that’s another 17 hours” she exclaimed. “I know” I responded. All up the trip from Alice Springs to Darwin took 19 hours. Nine-teen very long hours!

As I recovered from my long bus trip by the hostel’s pool, another girl joined me and soon revealed that she had just arrived in Darwin after a 33-hour bus journey from Cairns. Another backpacker then advised he had spent 56 hours on the bus coming from Perth to Darwin. I could go on with more stories like this, but I think you get the gist that Australia is a big country and there are long distances to travel.

To work out how long it might take you to travel around Australia you will need to consider what you want to see (see my map earlier) and how long you will stay at each place. Then consider the distances you will need to travel to be able to see them. Have a look at the example of distances following. If you are worried you may run out of money then pick up work along the way. Check out my Australia Travel Jobs page for some inspiration.

Example Distances in Kilometres You Will Cover When Driving Around Australia

You can roughly work out in hours how long it will take to drive around Australia. If on average you drive 100km per hour, then for example, Perth to Sydney is 4057km. Therefore, it can take around 41 hours to drive – that doesn’t include breaks. So if you stopped every couple of hours like you should for a break, you can probably add another 20 hours or so to this journey.

Adelaide (SA)
1540  Alice Springs (NT)
2103  3111  Brisbane (QLD)
5170. 2630. 4712  Broome (WA)
3545  2370  1703  4020  Cairns (QLD)
1198  2638  1347  5518  3050  Canberra (ACT)
2947  1407  3489  1865  2845  4295  3854  Darwin (NT)
2626  1086  3168  1544  2524  3895  3533. 321. Katherine (NT)
741   2181  1702  5649  3116   670    4125  3836  3373  Melbourne (VIC)
2770  3535  4492  2248  5905  3798  6914  4113  3792  3472  Perth (WA)
1394  2766  1019  5502  2722  328   3731  3967  3563   998   4057  Sydney (NSW)

So how long does it take to drive around Australia? On average, many people take 12 months to drive the big lap of Oz however, some people take less while others travel for years. It really depends on your situation – how long do you want to travel around Australia for? How long have you got?

READ MORE: 8 Quick Vehicle Checks Before Leaving

Choose the Direction – Clockwise or Anticlockwise?

Which way should you go on your big lap of Australia? Clockwise or anticlockwise? Honestly, it doesn’t matter! Some prefer to go anticlockwise because it is shorter. This is because we drive on the left side of the roads in Australia and driving anticlockwise will mean you are driving closer to the inside of Australia, which is shorter. Other travellers prefer to go clockwise because they are travelling closer to the coastline and see it better without other vehicles wizzing past and blocking views. But honestly, it is up to you.

When is the Best Time to Drive the Big Lap of Oz?

Anytime is a good time to begin your travels in Australia however, the weather can be a big influence. Someone once said to me “I come from a country that has some of the coldest winters in the world – if I can follow the sun and avoid a winter, then I will”. It is possible to have year-round summer if that’s what you want. Simply stay in the southern states during the summer months (December, January, February) then head north during the winter months (June, July, August).

Australia’s climate varies greatly throughout its six states and two territories. There are four distinct seasons across most of the country and a wet and dry season in the tropical north. A big influence on the northern half of Australia is the Tropic of Capricorn, which runs through it. This gives the top half of Australia two seasons: wet and dry. During the wet season (November to April) days are hot and humid with a lot of rain and usually a cyclone or two which could lead to flooded roads and interfere with your journey. The best time to visit the northern half is usually during the winter months when the days are warm. So if you want to spend time in the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef, this is usually the best time to go.

Travelling the southern half is fine anytime but most spend the summer months doing this part of the country. This is because the southern states can be very cold during the winter months with snow on the mountains. If you like the snow you will enjoy the many ski centres in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania during this time. You could even get a job and work and ski Australia, here’s how.

Overall though, it is your choice when you hit the road.

What Kind of Vehicle will You Drive the Big Lap of Oz in?

Choose your transport to do the big lap of Oz

Now, choosing the right vehicle to drive the big lap of Oz is a very, very big decision. There is a lot of choice. Your options can include, but are not limited to, buying or renting a vehicle which could be a car, camper van, car towing a caravan, 4WD, motorhome or even a bus. If you don’t want to drive yourself then consider a bus tour or a bus pass with Greyhound Australia. Check out your options with DiscoverCars.

What influences your choice is the size of your party that is travelling, age and budget. If you are taking your ‘home’ with you, you need to be comfortable and happy in it. You travel better that way!  I suggest you make a list of pros and cons of each style of transport and work out what suits you. Maybe rent something and go away for a weekend to see what you think first! This is what I did and my fitted out van was wonderful. It had a cooktop and sink, shower and toilet, a bed and room to sit and work on my laptop – everything I needed while I travelled around Australia. Occasionally I would check into a motel – just because I felt like it!

Where Will You Sleep During Your Big Lap

The type of accommodation you will stay in while travelling Australia will depend on your transport. If you have your accommodation with you, you are set. If you are taking your accommodation with you, an absolute must have app is WikiCamps ($7.99). It is a user-generated database of campsites, caravan parks, day stops and free camps that will help you find a place to pull over for the night. There are also many free camping spots to enjoy as you travel Australia. However, if you need to find accommodation each night there is a wide choice available from campsites to hostels to budget hotels to apartments to resorts. One way to find accommodation that lists many options is to check out accommodation booking sites such as Booking.com. Here you can search available options and get the latest pricing and availability.

How Much will a Big Lap of Australia Cost?

There are a lot of variables when it comes to budgeting for your big lap of Australia. To work out a rough calculation consider putting together a spreadsheet listing items that could include the purchase or rental of a vehicle, fuel, supplies like camping gear, cooking utensils and bedding. Then you might include accommodation costs like camping fees or hostel costs, food and entrance fees to sights. And maybe add incidentals like clothes and souvenirs. Throw in a column for takeaway coffees and the odd trip to a coffee shop or restaurant and you could guesstimate how much it might all cost. If it scares you the amount you calculated remember you could pick up work along the way to keep you travelling. Visit my travel jobs work page for some inspiration.

Don’t forget Travel Insurance, Vehicle Insurance and Roadside Assistance

If you are Australian you are covered by Medicare for medical issues in Australia, and it is up to you if you take out private medical Insurance. If from overseas a regular travel insurance policy will cover you while you travel around Australia. World Nomads offers some great general travel insurance policies. If you are a long-term traveler or digital nomad you may want to consider SafetyWing. And don’t forget insurance for your vehicle – you just don’t know if something might happen. CIL Insurance specialise in caravan / campervan insurance in Australia. Each state also has an automobile club that offers car insurance including RACV, NRMA, etc. Plus there are other organisations such as AAMI.

My Best Tips for Planning and Undertaking the Big Lap Of Australia

1. Do some research of places you want to see. Make of list of these places and plot a map of where they are.
2. Choose the direction – clockwise or anticlockwise?
3. Decide on the right vehicle and what accommodation you need.
4. Consider the weather and the best time to be in a certain place.
5. Set your budget and time frame.
6. Take out necessary insurance and roadside assistance.
9. Don’t be afraid to change your plans.
10.Click around my website Live Work and Play in Australia for practical Information about Travelling in Australia and inspiration of what to see and do.

Are You ready to Travel Australia?

I hope this blog has helped you to plan and begin your big lap around Australia. Whether you are planning to travel for a few months or a couple of years, If you can’t do the big lap all at once consider smaller road trips. But wherever you decide to go, and which ever way you decide to go, how to do it and how ever long you decide to take to do it, enjoy your big lap of Australia. I’d love to hear in the comments below. If Australia is on your bucket list, check out my Australia travel guide blog at Discover Australia Now.

Plenty of time for skiing when you work and ski Australia

When you think about Australia you think of sunshine, beautiful beaches and the never-ending outback. Now add great ski fields to the equation. What you say, ski resorts? Yes, ski resorts. There are some high mountains in Australia that get plenty of snow offering winter sports. Many Australians and overseas visitors enjoy these ski fields every snow season. And the resorts need staff to ensure all the visitors enjoy themselves. So if you love the snow and want to work a snow season in Australia, read on. In this post I will give you the lowdown on how to find a snow job in an Australian ski resort.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase I receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Work a Ski Season in an Australian Ski Resort?

Well, why not is my answer! Every winter thousands of people of all ages head to the snow in Australia to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and the apres ski! There are a number of reasons why you would want to spend a whole season there. 

• Have extended time to enjoy the snow
• Meet new like-minded people
• Gain valuable work skills and experience
• Make contacts to work and ski in other countries like Canada, Scotland, New Zealand or in Europe.

The Snow Season is When?

The snow season in Australia officially begins on the June long weekend (Queens Birthday weekend – usually the second weekend). It ends on the long weekend in October (Labour Day long weekend – the second weekend) but this does depend on the white stuff. Yes, this is the Southern Hemisphere winter we are talking about when the Northern Hemisphere is in summer mode. This means you will have a solid 4 months of snow time, maybe more in the Australian ski season. Most of the resorts are open year-round to cater for the hikers and mountain bikers that visit during the warmer months but minimal staff are usually required.

High season is most of July when there are school holidays. Expect to work long, hard days during this time however, you still will get plenty of time for riding your board or skiing too!

What and Where are the Ski Resorts in Australia

Australian Ski Resorts are mostly found in NSW and Victoria – map reproduced from Live Work and Play in Australia

The mountains where you find the resorts are in The Great Dividing Range, the highest part of Australia. It was formed millions of years ago when two tectonic plates, the Australian plate collided with parts of South America and New Zealand and were pushed against each other forcing them upwards. Now, the Great Dividing Range is the most extensive mountain range in Australia being some 3,500km in length. They provide great hiking, mountain biking and in winter time – skiing and snowboarding.

Some say the snow in Australia isn’t as good as elsewhere in the world. Well there aren’t as many high mountains in Australia as say, Europe, so runs can be shorter. Plus the snow tends to be wetter and heavier than other places in the world. But any good skier or snowboarder will adapt to the skiing conditions. And these things make a season working in The Australian ski resorts unique.

The premier ski resorts in Australia are found in Southern New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC), with some in Tasmania. Check out my map which shows you where they are. 

What Jobs are Available in The Australian Ski Resorts

The positions available cover a broad range of skills but are mostly in and/or related to the hospitality industry. You have two options, you can work for the mountain or you can work for a private organisation at the mountain. Jobs include: 

• Food and beverage: chefs, bar staff, waiting staff (including silver service), kitchen staff (dish washers, salad preparers, etc.) and fast-food service; 
• Hospitality: bartending, waiting
• Hotels and ski chalets: housekeeping (chalet staff), front office, room service and bellhops;
• Office: reception, reservations, word processing and payroll;
• Retail: sales assistants and cashiers;
• Other: ski-lift operators, attendants and technicians, ticket sellers, nannies, medical staff, public parking attendants, snow-makers, groomers and shovellers, rescuers. Also medical staff and childcarers are required.
• Ski and snowboard instructors.

How Much Will I Earn?

Ski resort jobs in Australia pay competitive wages. Each job will vary slightly but you can expect to earn the minimum wage of between $19-$23 per hour plus penalty rates for working at night, on weekends and on public holidays. Plus there are perks of the job.

Perks of the Job if working for the Mountain

There are a number of perks when working for the mountain, Including things like:

• Free ski pass
• Free or discounted lessons and rentals
• Discounts at the resort owned restaurants, bars and shops
• Events and parties for staff, including themed nights out, race days and dinners
• Access to employee housing

If you gain a job working for a private company your biggest question will be, will I get a free lift pass? Some employers don’t include one as they can be expensive. But instead you may get accommodation included along with your salary.

What about Accommodation? Where Will I live While Working a Season?

Good question! If you work for the resort you will probably have access to employee housing. Expect to be sharing a room with another employee in a house share or hostel type of situation. Rent may or may not be deducted from your pay each week so confirm this before hand. By no means is the accommodation 5-star but the main thing when doing a ski season is the people you live with. So long as everyone gets along you will have a great season.

Qualifications to get a Snow Job in an Australian Resort

It depends on the job as to whether you need to be qualified. Many employers take on people with a ‘can do’ and ‘happy to learn’ attitude on the job mentality however, having skills that match a job will stand you in good stead. For instance, barista skills to work in a coffee shop, retail experience to work in ski hire, office skills to work on reception. 

Some jobs though you will need to be qualified. Doctors, chefs and ski and snowboard instructors. Foreign ski and snowboard instructors wanting to instruct in Australia should contact The Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors APSI www.apsi.net.au to see if your overseas qualification is recognised in Australia. Note: APSI is not a recruitment agency but can advise contacts on who may be hiring. Many of the resorts will sponsor qualified ski and snow instructors to fill the demand not filled by local instructors.

Working holiday makers are very welcome to work in the Australian snow resorts. Read more about an Australian Working Holiday here.

When and How to Apply for a Job

Applications for ski resort jobs in Australia open early February each year and close in April. If you miss this cut off don’t worry, as you can still apply for a job up until the season. Most employers like to have their staff in place for the beginning of the season however, many drop out in the early weeks as sometimes the job isn’t what was expected. Plus, if the snow is really good, employers may need more staff. 

Before you apply for a job firstly, choose the resort you wish to work in. Once you know where you want to work, you will be able to apply for a job. Jobs can be found on the mountain (meaning the resort) and with private organisations, such as the small businesses on the mountain. To apply for a job on the mountain check out the websites following.

TIP: if you don’t mind where you work, register and apply for a few resorts. Also apply for a few positions and see what you get shortlisted for.

A great way to discover where you might like to work is through the ski brochures available from travel agents. Inside the brochures you will find a lit of the runs, the services there and accommodation options. There is no harm in contacting the businesses mentioned in the brochures directly.

How do you find a Job in the Australia Snow Fields?

1. Answer ads in the newspapers and on social media
2. Employment websites like Seek and Indeed
3. Through the resort websites – see those mentioned following.
4. Snow travel brochures
5. Contact Employment National (Australia’s national employment service). To work in the NSW slopes contact Cooma Employment National (02) 6452 1788 Jindabyne Employment Service, Razerback Plan, Gippsland Street, Jindabyne 2627, (02) 6457 2190. For work on the Victorian slopes try Wangaratta Employment National on (03) 5722 1477
6. Arrive and simply ask
7. Pick up a copy of Alpine News and Snowy Times which provide information on what’s happening in the ski areas. 

Which Resort?

Thredbo has the highest ski lift according to this!

Here’s a little about each resort to help you choose where to work.

NSW Resorts

Thredbo is Australia’s number one year-round alpine resort. It has the longest runs in the country. It employs about 200 people full-time and about 750 when the snow falls. Thredbo has a great acres ski scene within its cute village with over 30 restaurants, bars and cafes. There’s also plenty of shopping and an indoor aquatic centre. Apply for Thredbo Jobs here https://www.thredbo.com.au/about-thredbo/jobs/#snow-thredbo.

Perisher Blue incorporates four mountain resorts with over 3000 acres of skiable terrain. You have Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggins and Guthega. It employs some 140 permanent year-round staff that swells to 1300 during the snow season. While there are some dining facilities and accommodation at Perisher, the village is small and most visitors choose to stay in Jindabyne. Many workers also choose to work and find accommodation in Jindabyne too. However, will usually ride the Perisher Ski Tube to work on the mountain. Apply for Perisher jobs here. https://www.perisher.com.au/perisher-jobs

If you miss out on a position at either Perisher Blue or Thredbo you might be lucky in the town of Jindabyne which is the largest town in the area. There are a number of places here where you can begin your job search. There is a noticeboard at Nuggests Crossing outside of the IGA Supermarket. Another option is to contact Snowy Staff www.snowstaff.com.au at shop 34b, Nuggets Crossing, Tel: (02) 6457 1950 and register with them.

Some online resources to find a job in the NSW Resorts include:

• Jindabyne Job Guide
• Jindabyne Notice Board
• Thredbo Notice Board
• Looking to Live Around Jindabyne
• Perisher Valley Job Guide.

Victorian Resorts

There are three main Victorian ski resorts. Most workers live in the base villages eliminating the need to drive to work like you do in the NSW resorts.

Falls Creek is about a four and a half hour drive away from Melbourne. The last hour up the mountain is extremely windy. Falls Creek is located entirely above the snowlike and cars are not permitted in the snow-filled village making it a pedestrian-only village. The resort is a one-stop village for the season, meaning everything is on the mountain – accommodation, supermarket, shops, eateries, skiing – yes everything. Workers usually stay on the mountain or at nearby Bogong Village or Mt Beauty and travel 15 or 30 km respectively to the resort each day. Employees usually live and work on the mountain. Apply for Falls Creek Jobs here. https://www.fallscreek.com.au/employment

Mt Hotham is about a five and a half hour drive away from Melbourne or a short plane trip. Mt Hotham is at the heart of the Great Alpine Road region. Along with Hotham’s range of snow sports Hotham Village offers a massive array of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and accommodation making this a great place to find work. Apply for Mt Hotham jobs here. https://www.mthotham.com.au/discover/more-options/employment

Mt Buller Alpine Resort is only a three hour drive from Melbourne making it a very popular weekend getaway for Melbournians. It rises to an altitude of 1805 metres above sea level and is one of Australia’s best all-season alpine resorts. There are about 7000 beds available at the resort in hotels, commercial lodges and clubs with the resort hiring around 800 winter seasonal staff. If you don’t secure work in the resort you may secure work in the town of Mansfield about a 45 minute drive away. Apply for Mt Buller jobs here. https://bullerjobs.com.au

Lake Mountain is Australia’s premier cross country ski resort and very popular with families. Lake Mountain is about a 2 hour drive east of Melbourne. It does not have any on-mountain accommodation, just a ski hire shop for clothes and toboggans. Many families come here for snow play. If you don’t secure work here try the nearest town, Marysville which has pubs, coffee shops, restaurants, ski hire and a variety of accommodation.

Some online resources to find a job in the Victorian ski resorts include:

• Falls Creek Staff and Locals
• Falls Creek Ride Share
• Carpool to Falls Creek or Mt Hotham
• Mt Hotham Community Page
• Mount Buller Community Board
• Mount Buller Job Search
• Mt Buller Ride Share

Other Snow Resorts in Australia

There are also smaller resorts in Australia where you can find a job. Charlottes Pass in NSW for instance and down in Tasmania at Ben Lamond.

The Reality of Working a Ski Season in Australia

I don’t want to burst your bubble before you start your job in an Australian ski resort but. The romantic notion you may have of working in a fantastic job, skiing and snowboarding to your heart’s content and partying every night may not be what you expected. Here’s some home truths.

• Hours can be very long and hard
• There may not be as much snow as you were expecting – so a lot of the snow is man-made
• You may get cabin fever – yep, snowed in!
• You may never have been this cold before, so wear appropriate clothing when you go out.
• Expect hefty prices. Particularly food as all food is trucked in. If you want to leave the mountain with your hard earned cash, be frugal. Check out my recipe website – Travellers Fare – Recipes for Backpackers and Travellers.
• You need to survive the drinking culture – every night is a drinking night and no matter how bad the hang over is, you need to make it to work. No-one can drink every night and make it to work, I suggest pace yourself, break it up and give yourself some nights of chilling!

Good Luck in Finding a Ski Resort Job in Australia

So, there you have it, my lowdown on how you can get a snow job in an Australian ski resort. If you have done a season or are planning to do one, I would love to hear about it.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

More Working Holiday Visa Guides to Help You Travel and Work Abroad