How To Plan an Australian Working Holiday

*This information is true and correct at the time of publishing. For more information on working holiday visas, please visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Australia is a popular travel destination. People come from all corners of the world to explore this beautiful country, and many of them choose to embark on an Australian working holiday. Young people from certain countries can apply for a working holiday visa, including the Working Holiday visa subclass 417 and the Work and Holiday visa subclass 462.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Australian work holidays. It covers visa requirements, job opportunities, accommodation options, cultural considerations, and more. If you're looking for a roadmap to a fulfilling working holiday in Australia, read on.

Introduction to Australian Working Holidays

A working holiday visa in Australia allows young people from certain countries to have an extended holiday while doing paid work. This offers numerous benefits, and it has specific eligibility criteria.

Key benefits:

• The visa allows for extended travel opportunities — up to 12 months from the date of entry.
• This program is flexible, with travellers permitted to work up to 6 months with each employer.
• People in the program can undertake short-term study courses — up to 4 months in duration.
• The visa allows multiple entries and exits from Australia within the visa period. 

Eligibility criteria:

• Travellers must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application. Select countries have more specific age ranges.
• Applicants must hold a passport from an eligible country based on the specific visa type. 
• Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay, with specific amounts based on nationality.
• Travellers must meet certain health and character requirements. This involves undergoing a medical examination and obtaining a police clearance certificate.
• Applicants are not allowed to have dependent children accompanying them during the stay.
• The application process needs to be fulfilled, including documentation, proof of funds, and health and character assessments.
• There is a fee associated with the visa, which varies depending on the country of origin.

A working holiday visa provides a unique opportunity for young people to explore the country, gain work experience, and immerse themselves in Australian culture for up to 12 months.

Visa Application Process

If you want to obtain a working holiday visa in Australia, it's important to fill out the required documents, pay application fees, and manage processing times. The following factors are integral to this process:

1. Review eligibility criteria based on your age, nationality, finances, health, and character.
2. Choose the right visa based on your nationality. Subclass 417 is the Working Holiday visa, and Subclass 462 is the Work and Holiday visa.
3. Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of funds, health insurance, police clearance, and resume.
4. Visit the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount, which is the online portal for visa applications.
5. Complete the online application, upload all necessary documents, and pay the visa application fee.
6. Wait for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs, which may take several weeks or months.
7. If required, undergo necessary health examinations and provide requested character documents.
8. Receive a Visa Grant through the ImmiAccount and prepare for travel.

Job Opportunities

There is an extensive job market for working holidaymakers in Australia. The following industries provide opportunities for young people:

• Hospitality and tourism
• Farming and agriculture
• Retail and customer service
• Construction and trades
• Healthcare and caregiving
• Au pair and childcare
• Seasonal tourism work
• Tourism and hospitality events
• Freelancing and remote work

The job market for working holidaymakers in Australia is incredibly diverse. There are lots of opportunities to gain valuable work experience, earn money for travel, and become immersed in Australian culture.

Accommodation Options

Working holidaymakers in Australia have various accommodation options to choose from, depending on their budget, preferences, and duration of stay. Here's an overview of the accommodation options available:

• Hostels and backpacker accommodation
• Shared rentals and flat shares
• Short-term rentals and Airbnb
• Boarding houses and guesthouses
• Camping and caravan parks
• Farm stays and WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)
• House-sitting and couch surfing
• Hotels and motels

It's essential to research and book accommodation in advance, especially in popular destinations or during peak travel seasons. At Summerstar Tourist Parks, we offer friendly and affordable accommodation across Western Australia. Contact our friendly team to learn more.

Looking for work on your holiday? Summerstar Tourist Parks offer opportunities for backpackers to work at a number of caravan parks across Australia. Visit our careers page to apply.

Budgeting Tips For Your Australian Working Holiday

A working holiday is a great way to make money while you travel. There are lots of expenses involved, and it's vital to set expectations accordingly. Start by creating a budget that outlines your expected income and expenses. Consider known factors such as accommodation and food, and leave a margin for surprises.

As you travel around Australia, it's important to track your spending and keep your budget in check. Set realistic and tangible goals as you move from place to place. If you practice self-discipline when it comes to spending and avoid unnecessary temptations, you can travel for a long time in Australia. The following tips will help you to save:

• Find affordable accommodation at caravan parks.
• Cook your meals at home.
• Use public transportation.
• Look for discounts and promotions.

By following these tips and staying disciplined with your budget, you can make the most of your working holiday experience and have a fantastic time in Australia.

Australian Culture

Adapting to a new culture can be an enriching experience, but it also presents challenges. If you want to make the most of Australia, it's important to be aware of social norms and learn about local history and customs.

Australia is an ancient land with a rich Indigenous history, and it's also been shaped by European and global migration. Australia also enjoys broad cultural influences from around the world.Learn more about the Aboriginal culture by doing a cultural tour in Broome.

In daily life, Australians are known for their friendliness and informality. People often use first names rather than titles, and informal language is common in everyday conversation. 

Australians also have a unique sense of humour, which often involves sarcasm, self-deprecation, and banter. Don't take yourself too seriously and you'll get along with the locals just fine.

Australians also love the outdoors, with many people passionate about sports and the natural environment.

Travel and Exploration

Australia is an amazing land with lots of spectacular natural attractions. When you have time away from work, there are so many things to see and do. From stunning national parks to idyllic coastal regions, from lazy weekends to extended road trips, Australia is made for adventure.

The following experiences are big favourites:

• Learn about Indigenous culture
• Take a trip to the outback
• Drive along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, an amazing scenic drive along the coast
• Explore the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland
• Visit Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory
• Experience local wildlife
• See the Opera House in Sydney
• Enjoy great food and culture in Melbourne
• Visit pristine Western Australia and experience world-class wine in Margaret River, ancient Aboriginal rock art in Broome or swim with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo.

Where To Stay on Your Australian Working Holiday

When you're visiting Western Australia on your working holiday, Summerstar Tourist Parks offer lots of great places to stay. We provide accommodation all over Western Australia and in Ceduna in South Australia, so you can enjoy the wonders of our beautiful country in affordable comfort. Plan your journey through our website today.