Your Guide to a Working Holiday Visa for Australia

Australia is awesome, I came with a one year visa and over 3 years later, I'm still here, exploring and experiencing new opportunities. For many this is a similar story and it could be for you too! But theirs a few things to consider first before jumping on a plane. 

Australia is a popular destination for people looking to experience a working holiday. With stunning beaches, friendly locals, and a laid-back lifestyle, it's easy to see why so many people choose to work and travel here. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your working holiday in Australia.

Getting a Visa

The first step in planning your working holiday in Australia is to obtain the necessary visa. The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462) is available to citizens of eligible countries aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 from certain countries). The visa allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. There are also options to extend your visa for a further 12 months if you complete regional work and then a further 12 months if you do this again which will give you a total of 3 years on a working holiday. 

Finding Work 

Australia has a wide range of industries that offer employment opportunities for working holidaymakers. Some popular options include hospitality and farming. Many traveler's also find work in retail, administration, or customer service.

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for work in Australia. Firstly, be prepared to be flexible with your employment. This means being open to different types of work, different locations, and different working hours. Secondly, make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to the type of work you are applying for. Finally, network and make connections wherever possible. This could be through friends, family, or even online communities.

The best places to find work from my experience are Facebook groups, seek, indeed, and Jora. My main work focus is Hospitality so for other industries you may find different places to look for jobs are better. 

Accommodation

Accommodation options more recently in Australia are known to be difficult, from backpacker hostels to shared apartments and private rentals all can be tricky but definitely not impossible! Try to plan ahead if you think you want to rent somewhere. House shares are probably the cheapest and easiest to find plus can be a little more flexible. Hostels are a popular choice for working holidaymakers as they are affordable and offer a social atmosphere. Many hostels also have job boards and can help with finding work.

If you are looking for more privacy or a longer-term rental, consider using websites such as Gumtree or Flatmates. You can also use Airbnb for short-term rentals or house sitting websites if you prefer to live in someone's home while they're away.

Transportation

Australia is a vast country, and traveling between cities can be expensive. However, there are ways to save money on transportation. For example, if you are traveling along the east coast, consider taking a bus or train rather than flying. These options are generally cheaper and can offer stunning views of the Australian countryside. One company I can recommend for getting around is Greyhound buses. 

If you plan on staying in one place for a while, consider purchasing a bicycle, scooter or even a car! This can be a cost-effective way to get around and can also offer a fun way to explore your new surroundings.

Things to Do

Australia is a country with plenty of activities to keep you busy during your working holiday. Some popular options include:

- Explore the Great Barrier Reef

- Visit Uluru and the Red Centre

-  Go surfing at one of Australia's many beaches

- Take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road

- Visit the cities of Sydney and Melbourne

- Go hiking in the Blue Mountains or the Grampians

- Experience the Outback on a camping trip

Many of these activities can be booked on a site I love to use as it has pretty much any tour you could think of all in one place; 

Things to Do, Tickets, Tours & Attractions | 2023 | Viator

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Safety

Australia is generally a safe country, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. This includes avoiding walking alone at night, not leaving your belongings unattended, and being cautious when traveling in remote areas.

Healthcare

Australia has a high standard of healthcare, but it can be expensive for travelers who are not eligible for Medicare (Australia's public health insurance scheme). It's important to take out travel insurance before you arrive in Australia to cover any medical expenses you may incur during your stay.

Fortunately, for myself, I am eligible for medicare but it is still a good idea to take out travel insurance to cover yourself on unexpected scenarios. I have recently done some research and came across EKTA Travel insurance. They have a 5 star review on the app store and on the home page they state great advantages such as 'Covers COVID-19. Buy online on the site. Suitable for visa processing. Available to citizens of all countries. From 2 months to 100 years old.'

Check out EKTA Travel insurance here; 

EKTA Travellers Insurance — Buy Travel Insurance Online | Ekta Traveling

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Conclusion

Australia is a fantastic destination for a working holiday. With plenty of employment opportunities, stunning scenery, and a laid-back lifestyle, it's no wonder so many people choose to visit. By following these tips, you can make the most of your working holiday in Australia

(Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase something via these links I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, yay!)