work and travel australia

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Work & Travel in Australia

Work in australia and earn money to bask on the beach, explore the outback, or savor city livin’ in the land down under., eligibility, program dates, costs and inclusions, make it a gap year, startup budget, sydney welcome week, orientation, why greenheart travel, application process.

This is your chance to dive into Australia and truly live like a local . Spend up to a year working and traveling throughout Australia while experiencing lively cities , incredible wildlife , adventure sports , and engaging with new friends from all over the world!

Greenheart Travel’s program is ideal if you:

• Are between the ages of 18-30 and want to live abroad in a country known for its natural wonders.
• Looking for an adventure, and are open to working a variety of jobs.
• Are looking for the long-term study abroad experience that you never had.
• Want to meet a community of travelers like yourself!

Progr am at a Glance:

• Sufficient salary to live and travel!
• Assistance finding work in bars, restaurants, resorts, farms, and other short-term jobs.
• Group program start dates.
• Pre-departure and in-country support.
• Welcome Week in Sydney with excursions and group activities.
• Friends, couples, and siblings are welcome!

You must meet the following requirements to apply

• Citizen of one of the following: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, EU.
• Must be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.
• Be between the ages of 18-30* years old.
• Must be outside of Australia for the visa application process.
• Be a native English speaker or have near-native fluency.

Due to visa regulations for a Working Holiday Visa we cannot make exceptions to these requirements. These are put in place by the Australian government.

*The maximum age has been raised to 35 for certain countries in the EU and UK. Please check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for more information. 

The Sydney Welcome Week starts on Mondays, so you’ll arrive on one of these dates:

Program Price: $1,830 USD

Packaged into Program Cost:

• Adventure welcome week in Sydney
• 6 months of international medical insurance
• Airport pickup and transfer to hostel
• 7 nights’ hostel accommodation (shared room) and breakfasts
• Group arrival orientation
• 1-on-1 job assistance service, support, and advice
• Bank account set up prior to arrival
• Resources and support for finding permanent housing
• Cellphone setup
• Australian SIM card
• Organized social events and activities
• Greenheart Atlas Program
• Greenheart Club Membership

Our Support and Services:

• Online logistical and cultural training before departure from an Experienced Travel Program Manager.
• 24 hour in-country emergency support for the duration of your program.
• Job and accommodation support for the full duration of your program, not just the duration of the welcome week!
• Visa Assistance as needed.
• Assistance preparing tax paperwork upon arrival and before departure home.
• Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad.
• Highly experienced team of in-country support staff members.

Additional Expenses to Consider:

• Visa processing and fees (about $450 AUD- you will apply for your visa online)
• Flights and return transfers
• Lunch and dinner during Welcome Week
• Housing costs and living expenses (meals, utilities, etc.)
• Personal expenses

Wondering where exactly your program fee goes? Here is a breakdown.

Work Abroad Australia is a tremendous gap year option ! Our program is designed to have a structural component that assists our travelers with pre-departure and arrival logistics such as bank account setup, obtaining the equivalent of their Social Security number, finding accommodation, securing a job, and making friends! This work abroad program also allows for enough flexibility for travelers to experience self-discovery by choosing where they live, what jobs they secure, and when and where they would like to travel.

This is a great gap year program for you if you:

• Want a program centered around community.
• Are seeking guidance to help you navigate getting settled abroad, but desire the flexibility to work and travel on your own schedule.
• Enjoy outdoor activities.
• Are open to working a variety of jobs.
• Crave a travel abroad experience that lasts for 6-12 months.
• Are looking to add work abroad experience to your resume.

Skills and personal growth that our Greenheart Travelers have acquired while on program:

• Customer service
• Cross-cultural communication
• Agricultural
• Interpersonal
• Problem-solving
• Traveling know-how
• Strong sense of self
• Independence

The cost of living in Australia, especially in big cities like Sydney, is likely more than what you’re used to in your home country. So, it is important to budget accordingly to make sure you are financially prepared upon arrival and until you begin to make a regular paycheck.

Here is a rough estimate of your initial start-up costs (in USD):

Flight:                             $1,200

Program Fee:                $1,830

Visa:                                 $350

Savings:                        $3,395*

Total:                             $6,775

* this total amount is a requirement of the Working Holiday Visa, however, it is a good amount to have to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably until you start working.

Average Weekly Budget:

Your salary will depend on how often you decide to work and what work you end up getting into. However, you are guaranteed to make Australian minimum wage ($19.49 AUD/hour), and as long as you’re working 28-38 hours per week, you’ll be making enough to live and travel on.

Wages and rent are paid weekly which makes budgeting your paychecks much easier:

These weekly costs will, of course, depend on your personal spending habits, where you live, how many hours you work, and if your job provides a higher pay/accommodation, but you should expect to be able to save some of your paycheck every week.

Although you will most likely spend any extra cash on travel opportunities in between jobs, you have the potential to make back your start up costs:

Monthly Savings =                               $410.20 AUD

Yearly Savings =                                   $4,922.40 AUD

During your first week in Sydney, you’ll have 7 days of activities and excursions where you’ll get to know fellow travelers and enjoy your introduction to this gorgeous country!

Monday: Check in, chill out and relax in preparation for a big week ahead! You will meet your group leader and the rest of your group, plus familiarize yourself with the team. You will also get a brief overview on what’s going to happen for the week ahead. Later you will visit a party bar for your Welcome Dinner!

Tuesday: After a good night’s sleep, join the comprehensive info / welcome orientation session where you’ll learn everything you need to know about working and travelling around Australia. Our team in Australia are all experienced travelers and have started where you are now. After the welcome orientation session, you’ll head to the city tour which kicks off at 11am.

You will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge & the Opera House and take a trip down to the Botanical Gardens. At the same time, you’ll be getting to know your new mates in Australia and taking some awesome photos to make your mates back home jealous!

Later, you will experience a different side of Sydney! During the evening the group will go for a relaxed walk through the historical suburbs of Sydney. On this walk, you’ll see some of the Indigenous and early European history of Sydney, one of the most multicultural parts of Australia.

Wednesday: You’ll start off the day attending a job search seminar to learn lots of tips and tricks about job search in Australia, then you’ll go for a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Spend the rest of the day cruising, swimming, and chilling on Sydney Harbour! You’ll also get to enjoy your first Aussie BBQ on deck!

Thursday: You can’t come to Sydney and not visit the Blue Mountains! This morning, you’ll escape the city and travel to the Blue Mountains National Park, a short drive from Sydney. Enjoy hiking, visit waterfalls, spot wild kangaroos, and take in some of the Bluey’s spectacular views!

Friday: Happy Friday! You will visit Sydney’s famous cliff-top coastline and walk from Coogee to Bondi beach. You’ll explore six beaches along the way! It’s the perfect way to take multiple swims or work on your tan before taking in the sights of Bondi!

Saturday: Immerse yourself in the true-blue Aussie tradition that is ‘catching a wave’ at our half day group surf lessons. Our qualified and local surf guide will teach you the ins and outs of surfing with ocean safety, surfing techniques, warm-up, and time in the water. You’ll be gliding along a wave in no time. After a day at the beach, you’ll get dressed up for a fun night on the town! Meet the group at one of our favorite party bars before starting our Sydney Pub Crawl.

Sunday: Your first week down under comes to an end. The itinerary is over, but your adventure continues – on Sunday our team will assist you with any remaining questions you’ve got and also onward travel planning.

*** Welcome week activities are subject to change based on seasonality.

During your first week in Sydney, you’ll attend a brief orientation to prepare you for your job and housing search. Before you arrive, your bank account will already be opened – you won’t have to research Australian banks or finalize your account. Instead, the team will have prepared all of your paperwork in advance. They will also set you up for the Australian tax system and give you your Tax ID so you file taxes before you leave.

During orientation you will meet the team and get all the information necessary to start planning your time in Australia. You will learn about life in Australia, when to work, where to work, where to travel and when to travel.

At orientation, you will:

• Learn about Australian culture!
• Review the yearly job market; what jobs are abundant and where.
• Be introduced to online job boards for future jobs.
• Sign up for any required courses you may need to be eligible for work, like the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) if you plan to work in environments where you serve alcohol (resorts, bars, cruise ships)*
• Receive assistance in finding short or long term accommodation.
• Receive tax ID and learn how to file taxes when you leave the country.

*These courses may or not be available, as not all services are fully up and running

Job Consultation

You will have the opportunity to meet with a job consultant and talk about your resume, what other skills you may have that aren’t listed on your resume, and to set your expectations for the type of work that you would be best suited for.

After the job consultant gets to know you a little better, you will be put on an Availability List along with all the other travelers. This list shows who is available to work, what their skills and preferences are as well as who is traveling and unavailable for work. This list is constantly changing as 50-60 employers call every day looking for employees to start working ASAP.

Our in-country staff will call you to let you know when you have been matched with a job, which you can take or turn down. Travelers who are open minded to the work they do may start working the day after they are placed on the Availability list, where others may hold out for their preferred position or decide to travel first. If you’re looking to work, you should expect to have a job within 2-3 weeks.

You may use this method to find work later in the year, though most travelers prefer to use the online job board to find subsequent work, especially if they have relocated outside of Sydney.

Most of your job opportunities will be in the Sydney area and in the southern region of Australia around Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. Resort and agriculture jobs are offered in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Greenheart Travel’s partner has professional relationships with trusted employers around Australia who pay fair wages and alert us whenever they have positions available.

What are the most common job types?

Hospitality, customer service, and office work are by far the most common job type as Australian companies report that the high level of service in the US and Canada tends to produce workers who are well-suited for these types of positions.

Seasonal work in amusement parks, resorts, and on offshore cruises, etc. are great positions for more consistent and long-term jobs (3-6 months) where jobs in restaurants, bars, hostels, and hotels are widely available for shorter contracts.

Working on farms and WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) are also popular among Working Holiday travelers who want to experience a different type of work outside of a city.

Can I change jobs while I am there?

Yes. Many jobs are seasonal, so it is likely you will hold more than one job in your host country. Also, visa requirements dictate that you will not be allowed to work for a given employer for a period longer than six months. Due to these factors, most Work and Travel travelers hold 2-3 jobs over the duration of their stay, which is a great way to travel to different parts of the country and experience as much authentic Aussie culture as you can!

You will have access to an online job board which will enable you to check employment postings wherever you are. You should also call or visit the Center in Sydney regularly to keep informed of new work opportunities.

Greenheart Traveler, Ashana, and her fruit picking co-workers!

There are advantages of applying for this program through us:

• 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
• Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager!
• We make our program fees as inclusive as possible. We include things like extensive medical insurance for the duration of the program, airport pickup, and extensive pre-departure and on-program support, so you’re not on your own for any part of your adventure.
• Our alumni recommend us! GoAbroad.com Reviews
• Exclusive access to the Greenheart Atlas, our interactive program that will guide you through your cultural immersion experience before, during, and after your program.
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way.
• 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time.
• Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave.
• Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs.
• We are a non-profit, mission based organization.
• Continued support throughout your program.

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel participants and alumni!

• Greenheart Grants: Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.
• Greenheart Alumni Program: We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!
• Greenheart Global Leaders Conference: Each August Greenheart offers full ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

Read more about why people are choosing Greenheart Travel: Why Choose Greenheart Travel? 

What will my first week look like?

Your first week is a time of exploration, preparation, and fun!

All programs begin on Thursdays. The program start date that you select from our website will be your arrival date. Our travelers use this time to settle into their accommodation, review their itinerary for the week, explore a bit, and recharge for the rest of the welcome week ahead!

The next 6 days will be dedicated to reviewing job resources, becoming familiar with local transportation, learning about housing, solidifying tax documents, meeting new friends, and getting to know Australia!

Where will I live during welcome week?

We have all of our travelers meet up at a hostel in the center of Sydney so everyone can get acquainted! For the first week you will live in shared hostel accommodation.

Where will I live when I am hired?

Shared flats, hostels, Airbnbs, and homestays are all potential accommodation options based on the lifestyle you would like to lead (i.e. backpacker or sedentary).

Some jobs, especially those on resorts and farms, include housing or subsidized housing. Our in-country partner does take housing requests within the Sydney and Melbourne area. Regardless of where you plan to live, they are happy to provide guidance and resources to help you find accommodation.

As a note, Sydney generally has the highest cost-of-living. In Sydney, you will likely pay $160-$200 for a shared room per week. If you want your own room, it is more expensive. If you are staying a while, think about renting an apartment with some friends or moving in with some Aussies, as it is generally the cheapest option. However, some jobs will only be short term (1-2 months) and it can be difficult to find a short or open lease, so you may need to spend more towards $200 AUD/week to stay at a hostel. Melbourne and other major cities have a lower cost of living than in Sydney, but most jobs are available in and around Sydney.

Do I have to stay for the full 12 months?

No, you don’t have to stay for the full 12 months.

We recommend that our travelers plan a trip that is 3 months or longer, but it isn’t mandatory. In our experience, we find that it takes our travelers a month or so to get acclimated in their new surroundings. The first few weeks are used to secure jobs, accommodation, and tax information. Having a handful of months in Australia will allow you to fully settle in, work, and travel comfortably.

If you’re looking for programs that range from 1, 2, or 3 months, take a look at a few of these program options:

• Work Abroad Argentina 
• Thailand Business Internship
• Homestay Abroad 

How long does it take the get a job?

This varies. During the busy season when lots of jobs are available, sometimes several job prospects are already awaiting you when you arrive and you can start work right away. Other times it can take up to 6 weeks. Usually if there is a delay it is because you have rejected initial job prospects because they did not meet your expectations for some reason.

Can I get a career-oriented job?

The visa you’ll get only allows you to work at any one job for 6 months or less. Since employers looking to fill high-skill positions generally want someone for longer than that, it’s unlikely (although not impossible) that you’d get a more professional or high-skilled position. This program caters to people looking for a more casual work experience, and who are more focused on travel.

Can I work for longer than one year?

United States citizens are eligible for a second Working Holiday visa if they spend 3 months working in Northern Australia in one of the following industries:

• plant and animal cultivation
• fishing and pearling
• tree farming and felling
• tourism and hospitality

This means you could work for three months in one place, then have 21 more months to work and travel as you please in Australia! Our in-country staff will help you secure this type of work if you’re interested in taking advantage of this policy.

Will I need a car?

No, public transportation is widely available in Australia, especially within the cities and urban areas.

Will I meet other travelers?

Yes, we’ve designed this as a group program! Each start date allows for up to 25 travelers.

Our welcome week includes an orientation in addition to numerous group activities that allow you to meet a bunch of individuals who are also looking to work and travel throughout the country. Since you’re all on the same program, you’ll already have a lot in common!

What qualities does Greenheart Travel look for in Australia Work Abroad applicants?

We look for applicants that are open-minded, flexible, adventurous, hardworking, and communicative!

Open-mindedness and flexibility are qualities that we seek because it is not uncommon that travelers work 2-3 jobs during their stay abroad. Not everyone will start off with their dream job, BUT everyone gains valuable experience—the more open-minded you are, the sooner you will find work!

Adventurous individuals are great for this program because Australia provides ample opportunity for travelers to be engaged in nature and participate in exciting activities.

We seek hardworking and communicative individuals because each traveler must be willing to do their share of work in order to solidify housing and employment. Our team works hard to assist and support our travelers, but travelers must be willing to attend job interviews and communicate with our team abroad.

1.   Start Your Application  Here .  You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information:  The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee : A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4.   Complete Application & Documents :  Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5.   Zoom Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted!  Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Australia! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.

Take a glimpse into life in Australia through some Greenheart Traveler’s photos. Make sure to also check out #greenhearttravel on Instagram for more!

Sound like your kind of adventure?

Want access to our Facebook group to talk with travelers on this program? Click here! ​

Greenheart Travel Adventures

Alumni spotlight on nora weiss: finding perspective, patience and mermaid pools in australia, how to navigate an international airport, ashana’s nine months in australia: work, save and then travel.

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Say G'day to a Working Holiday

Helping independent travellers to work and travel in Australia

Start your working holiday with no worries

Find the package that helps you travel further for longer in australia.

We help you every step of the way

Finding a working holiday job in australia takes time and persistence, especially when there are lots of shiny distractions..

With a Working Holiday starter pack, we can help you find a job upon arrival and you can plan your trip stress-free and no worries. ‍

You can only get your Australian Working Holiday Visa once, so let’s make it count!

We help you with your Working Holiday Visa, Travel Insurance and Flights.

We take care of you when you arrive with airport transfer and Hostel accommodation.

We set you up with a bank account, tax number, sim card and Medicare card.

We get you the mandatory role specific job certifications need to start work.

We have a team on the ground to support you from arrival to start work and after.

Experiences from fellow travelers

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Helping the independent traveller to work and travel in Australia. We help you every step of the way - from how to get your working holiday visa to starting work, and everything in between.

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WHY JOIN WORKABOUT AUSTRALIA

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See our Employer Member Benefits today!

Join the Club

The Workabout Australia Club was established in late 2000 as a means of keeping members up to date with employment opportunities throughout Australia.

Travelling to Australia on a working holiday, or looking to relocate permanently? Our   Tips for travelling to Australia will help get you started.

For less than the cost of a single ad in the local paper our Employer Members have been finding quality staff by advertising to thousands of Workabout Australia Club Members in our weekly email bulletin.   Learn more

Latest on YouTube

Join Warren (Workabout Waz) and Justine as they chat with one of our Workabout Australia Employers… Julia from The Good Knights If you’re looking for short term or seasonal staff, find out how we can help!

Hear real life examples from Club Member Lyn and Employer Member Julia, about how Workabout Australia has helped them

In this video, find out how you can get regular Tips about working while on the road… they might even save you some money!

In our next video, Warren talks about how, as a Club Member, our weekly bulletins can help you plan your trip of a lifetime!  Click “Watch on YouTube” below:

In our second video, Warren (aka Workabout Waz)  explains the types and variety of jobs you can find through us. Hint…it’s a lot!  Click “Watch on YouTube” below

Ever had a dream to travel around Australia? Need short term, casual or seasonal staff? Click “Watch on YouTube” below to find out how we can help.

In the Media

Listen to Warren chat to Tom from Triple M’s Rural Focus Show. Where he explains all about Workabout Australia and what we offer to our Members and Employers.

Click here to listen!

Testimonials

“Workabout Australia is the perfect website for employers seeking experienced employees who want to work. The applicants I have received, all have strong work ethics, are work ready, experienced and bring positive qualities to our business. The Workabout staff and website are a pleasure to work with – efficient, prompt, professional and user friendly. I cannot recommend this work site highly enough for prospective employers”

Workabout Australia have been so great to deal with in helping us get the word out and help us find Grey Nomads to help us on our beautiful outback property with a Farm Stay/B&B. We have had the most fabulous Nomads visit and help us. This sharing has opened up our world and we have developed wonderful friendships.

Thank you Workabout Australia!

Just thought I would drop you a line to thank you so much for your assistance in helping to promote our vacancies as they arise.

I am not aware of any better organisation to get us quickly, to a quality potential workforce suited to our needs.

The Moscow Circus prides itself in being a World Class operation and you consistently help to introduce your subscribers to meet our vacancy requirements.

Hey, I also look forward to your weekly update bulletins and Tips for all us travellers, helping to keep abreast of things whilst on the move.

Keep up the good work, we are proud to be one of your subscribers.

I have advertised several times through Workabout Australia for travellers to come and work for our company. I found Workabout Australia to be very helpful, they contacted myself and made suggestions to assist with my advert. The result has been that I had a large response from eligible people. Over time I have employed a number of these people, who were good workers and lovely people.

Just thought I would let you know we have found a terrific couple wonderfully suited to the position for helping with the kids’ activities.

THANK YOU! for helping with this position we are really thrilled.

We have always had success with our employment people that have come from your site.

Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary.

Kind Regards Pat & Sean Greene West Kimberley Lodge & Caravan Park

Just a quick note to say thanks for the help in finding workers for us this season. We had a great response in a short time.We have no hesitation in recommending Workabout Australia to other employers when seeking workers.

“We were very pleased with the number and standard of applications we received for the position and will definitely use (and recommend) Workabout Australia in future”

Meighan Gilmour – Morning Glory River Resort

“Thank you for your excellent service assisting me to post an advertisement on your site.

We have had numerous replies to our advertisement which has enabled us to select suitable employees.”

Ruth von Pein – McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park

“I have been dealing with Workabout Australia for a number of years now.

They are my “Go To” place when looking for staff, especially because we only require seasonal workers therefore it is a great place to locate staff who are happy for short term work.

Justine is excellent to deal with and I also love receiving the weekly newsletters even as an Employer.”

Jenny Ashcroft – Ashcroft Rural Enterprises

“On numerous occasions I have used Workabout Australia to find staff for many areas of employment

I have found it to be a most effective platform to advertise particularly for Back packers, Grey Nomads, people travelling and in recent times Australians looking for work.  

Workabout Australia has established its self as a reliable and practical method for both employers and  employees to connect.”

Shane Todd – Hyden Hotel/Motel

“Just wanted to thank you for all your help  in listing my vacancy.

The word spread far and wide and we now have some great new staff.”

Jenny Townsend – Harbour Lights Caravan Park

“We are pleased and excited to report that we have commenced contract employment as park managers.

It is through your business we have had interviews, responses and offers, including this position.

Your site is easy to use and seems to have a terrific variety of opportunities.

We will recommend your site to others.”

“As a member for many years I always found this site extremely helpful when looking for job prospects.

As an employer I now use this site whenever we have a position going, I have found the applicants to be very  good and will continue to use Workabout Australia for seasons to come.

I have found the site most helpful especially recently when I gave 2 hours’ notice to get the last position in. Justine could not have done anymore and got the ad done and advertised in bulletin in record time..”

Sue Waite – Rollingstone Beachfront Resort

The Good Knights started working with Workabout Australia about three years ago and have been members for about 10 years, we could not be more delighted with the service Justine and the team at Workabout give us. Their web page is terrific and captures a lot of our market. Justine is so easy to work with, very accommodating, nothing is too much trouble, she is a real star. Workabout was an inaugural component of the Good Knights when we first set up our business and we are still working with them today. We have been very lucky to attracted many good relief managers through the site. Thank you Justine for all your hard work we really appreciate it

Julia Atkinson and Brian Knight – The Good Knights Relief Motel Management

Workabout Australia was very user friendly. We were able to get our advert up quickly, and had immediate responses from potential employees.

We were able to fill our position within a week of advertising.

Thanks for making the experience so easy for us.

Rayma – Bundaberg Tourist Park

“This is to confirm the fantastic response to my advertisement in Workabout Australia. We have received enquiries from all over Australia and it would appear that my labour problems of the past have been solved.”

“We are finally on the start of our Workabout Australia trip. We were successful with our application for the job in Burketown. Just want to say a big big thank you to you and the team for setting up such a great business. Keep up the good work, we like the around the campsite and the tips. I will let you know how we go. Keep the emails coming.”

” We have found the opportunity to advertise with Workabout Australia has always provided a fantastic selection of people to fill any position. The people applying have varied skills from professionals to labourers. We have met amazing people whom have also added to our business with their own skills.

We have also maintained many friendships from the people whom have worked here and continue to visit us after many years.

The calibre of people whom are members of Workabout and looking for work is exceptional.”

Kelly Beissel – Fonty’s Pool and Caravan Park

As an Employer that has used the services of Workabout Australia over the past 9 years to recruit Seasonal Staff, Assistant Managers and cleaning staff, I want to thank them for the service they offer to Employers.

The ease of posting jobs, updating, newsletters and the constant contact follow up, has lead to all of our positions being filled by applicants received through this network.

Thanks for making my job easier!!

Tammy Martland – Cooktown Holiday Park

“Workabout has helped me pick up truck driving jobs for the wheat harvest in NSW & Qld”

“Workabout Australia has provided us with many opportunities and options to start & continue with our new career. The site is user friendly and updated weekly.”

“Workabout Australia is simple an easy-to-use. Coming into my email box weekly, it keeps me up to date with jobs right throughout Australia.”

“Workabout Australia has provided many helpful contacts during our last 18 months of travel working our way around this great land, and some of the tips have been more than helpful.”

“We have applied for numerous jobs via Workabout Australia in the 5 years we have been travelling and working as we go.”

Workabout made it so easy to advertise positions looking for workers for this year.

I have always had great results when recruiting staff through Workabout. So easy and stress free.

“Workabout have helped us find some fantastic members of our team and to fill gaps for seasonal work. We’ve benefited hugely from their flexible advertising and received a wealth of good quality applications.”

Sarah Corbitt – Summerstar Tourist Parks

“Its great ,we have seen so many jobs advertised before they hit the open market”

Michael G – Club Member

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"Discover endless job opportunities while exploring Australia! From picking and packing to unique positions, Workabout Australia has it all": Watch Here

"Find out more about how you can get new job opportunities sent directly to your inbox every Friday":  Watch Here

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We are often asked about how Club Members can volunteer, particularly in times of natural disasters. There are many volunteering opportunities around the country, and in particular, BlazeAid helps out rural and remote farmers. To find out about specific camps and...

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Work & Travel Australia

Experience living and working in austrailia.

While a working holiday in Australia is quite a new concept for Americans, it’s a rite of passage, a matter of when, not if, for many young people across the globe. Their friends and family have done it and exclaim ‘you just have to do it’. A working holiday in Australia can offer you so much, it allows you to get out of our comfort zone, experience living and working in a new country, meeting new people, picking up new skills and broadening your horizons and opinions on matters further afield than your front door. A working holiday in Australia is a truly life changing experience that can only benefit you on a personal, and professional level. For an employer, someone that has done a working holiday, demonstrates that they are adaptable, independent, flexible, dynamic, organized, can think on their feet and isn’t overawed by new challenges.

So Why Australia?

Australia has so much to offer. This is a country that is home to:

• The Great Barrier Reef
• Global cities such as Sydney and Melbourne
• K’Gari (Fraser Island), world’s biggest sand island
• Uniquely incredible wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos
• It’s a place where you can surf, ski and scuba dive, all within a week if you want!

So how does a working holiday in Australia work?

Americans are able to get a Work and Holiday visa ($462AUD). Some facts about the visa:

• It is for people between 18-30: This is a pretty big age gap and gives a lot of people the opportunity to participate.
• It lasts 12 months (initially): This is great as it means that you have time to experience working in different places, as well as travel around, ticking off your Aussie bucket list.
• It can be extended: By doing specified work (rural work, tourism and hospitality) in specific areas, you’re eligible to get a 2nd and 3rd year visa.
• The 2nd and 3rd year visas don’t have to be used immediately: This is great because it means you can complete your first year and the specified work within it, then decide whether you immediately extend your visa or return at another time.
• The Wages Are High: Australian wages are very good. The minimum wage is $19.83AUD for full- time work and $25.41AUD for casual work.
• Businesses love internationals: So many different businesses love to enrich their workforce by employing the working holiday participants. This works especially well in seasonal jobs.
• There are so many other people just like you: Over 200,000 a year do a working holiday in Australia.

Watch this video and be inspired by fellow Americans that recently did a working holiday in Australia.

Job Opportunities

In-depth, customized employment help.

Understandably, getting a job is something that is on the front of people’s minds. You’ll be in a new country, with no contacts and no previous work experience there.  Welcome to Travel’s founders were previously working holiday makers and they understand your needs and wants firsthand. They’ve used their, their team’s and all of their travelers’ experience to create in depth, customized employment help for when you arrive.

This includes

• An employment presentation
• CV/Resume Writing Help
• Interview Questions Help
• Australia workplace specific advice
• Access to a live job portal
• A 2-hour employment and travel advice 1:1 meeting (on tour)
• Access to an employer database
• Regular job opportunities emailed
• Monthly Work and Travel Drop in Clinics

Just like the accommodation help, as long as you’re in Australia, our partner Welcome to Travel will be able to help with your employment needs. A lot of people also want to know what they can earn when in Australia.

Hospitality is a hugely popular sector for people on a working holiday. Australia doesn’t have a tipping culture and the tip you’d expect in the US, is already factored into wages in Australia, where wages are high.

The minimum wage is:

• Part-Time/Full-Time: $19.83AUD
• Casual Work: $25.41AUD

We’ve explained more on wages and cost of living in these really helpful blogs and vlogs here:

• The Positive Change to Fruit Picking Wages
• The Big Mac Equation
• How does Australia’s Minimum Wage Compare?

On the IENA Work & Travel Australia Program, you can take any job you are qualified to do, but can only work for the same employer for six months’ maximum. Work and Holiday Visa holders can take casual incidental work to supplement their income while exploring this amazing country. If you would prefer to stay in one location, that is okay too! It’s your choice! We have hundreds of live job listings which are no more than 3 weeks old. Find current job listings .

I think this program is an amazing opportunity for inner growth and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a life-changing experience.

Accommodations

Welcome week.

Our Partner – Welcome to Travel’s Hosts Welcome Weeks which include 7 nights dorm accommodation. Having your first week is such a great feeling as it means you can relax and get used to a Country and City, with that added support. Not only this but they are also able to help organize your accommodation before and after the tour, whether that’s another night in the same hostel, or a week’s accommodation 3500km away. Not only can they do that, they offer advice on longer term accommodation in an apartment/house in Australia. As long as you’re in Australia, Welcome to Travel is able to help with your accommodation needs.

To give you an idea on the cost of accommodation, check out our estimates below:

• Extra hostel night with Welcome to Travel: $35AUD
• Long term hostel: $165-$220 AUD a week
• Room in an apartment: $180-$250AUD a week

Travel Information

What to see in australia.

Enough about working, let’s talk about travelling around this incredible country. The best thing about Australia’s high wages is it means more money to experience more things, in more places!

From surf to desert to city, Australia really does have it all and the list of travelling opportunities is well and truly endless. Australia’s golden trail for travelers is the East Coast. The traditional East Coast route is the 2500km of road stretching from Melbourne to Cairns.

There are thousands of backpackers and students on their own journey but on a similar path, getting the experiences they want to. This journey includes all of those places you’ve heard of such as:

• Surfers Paradise
• Fraser Island
• Whitsundays
• Magnetic Island

On this route you can experience incredible things such as:

• Surf world class surf beaches
• Visit 1 of 2 Everglades National Parks
• Watch sunset in Australia’s most easterly point
• Drive a 4WD around the world’s biggest sand island
• Spend 2 days/2 nights on the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the World’s Best Beach
• Snorkel or Scuba Dive The Great Barrier Reef
• Visit the World’s Oldest Rainforest

With so many travelers in Australia, there are plenty of great options for travelling around. You can choose to travel the East Coast in a car or campervan rental with friends, or by taking the bus. The bus is perfect for solo travelers as the ticket last for 3 months and lets you get off in one town, explore the place for a few days before getting back on the bus to the next town when you’d like to move on. This is called a Hop-On Hop Off bus pass and it’s extremely cost effective.

Once again, this throws up many questions and there are so many different things you can do. Welcome to Travel’s expertise really has no limits and they help with every single aspect of travelling Australia. You may want to book a 5 week East Coast trip, 1 day car hire in Brisbane, a 5 day Scuba Diving Trip on the Great Barrier Reef or a 3 month Campervan hire around the country, they can help with any of it.

Welcome to Travel is a great place to learn more about the East Coast, as well as get in touch for help on the adventure you’d like to take. Don’t worry if you’d like help travelling to somewhere other than the East Coast, they can do that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to be inspired whilst also learning about Australia, check out Welcome to Travel’s helpful blogs and videos .

Questions About Traveling

Yes, you do! If you’re coming here just as a tourist to visit Australia, you’ll need a Visitor Visa. If you’re coming here to work while you’re on holiday, you’ll need either a Working Holiday Visa ($417AUD) or a Work and Holiday Visa ($462AUD), depending on which country you’re from. Find more information and a list of the various visas .

Questions About a Working Holiday in Australia

Our Partner – Welcome to Travel will provide exclusive tips, resources, and guidance towards finding a job and farm work in Australia.

They will provide you with all the basic information needed to get started, and give you access to Their huge database of employers and contacts in sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction, sales and marketing and many more. This is all before having a 1-on-1 meeting with them, where they will go over how they can specifically help you find work. They also send out a weekly update email that highlights the most recent job and farm work opportunities they come across.

Do I have to do farm/regional work? No! However, if you are on a working holiday visa ($417AUD) and want to extend your visa to a 2nd or even a 3rd year, then you would need to do some specified work, often farm work/rural work. All the necessary specifications can be found on the government website. How do I get a 2nd year and 3rd visa?

If you are on a Working Holiday Visa ($417AUD) or Work and Holiday Visa ($462AUD) then you need to complete at least 3 months of specified work in a specific area of Australia to earn a 2nd year visa.

The specified work differs between $417AUD and $462AUD visas. $462AUD visa holders have the additional sector of tourism and hospitality (in northern Australia only) added to the specified work list. You can find all the necessary specifications for a $417AUD visa and a  $462AUD visa on the government website.

How do I apply for a visa?

We recommend applying as soon as possible. The application can be completed through your travel agent, or directly through the same Australian Government website as above.

We always recommend checking Australian Government website for any specific inquiries.

What is Superannuation and am I entitled to it? Superannuation is Australia’s pension fund scheme.

Being on a working holiday, you’re entitled to have a superannuation account and your employers have to pay into this account. Do I need a bank account?

If you’re traveling as a tourist for just a few weeks, you don’t need one – a travel card will be great. With cheap rates, tiny fees and a really to use app, we always recommend Wise .

If you’re here for a longer period of time (for example, on a Working Holiday Visa) then it’s highly recommended to open an Australian bank account. It’s an extremely easy process that our Partner – Welcome tours will assist you with. Not only will you save a lot on exchange/transaction fees, but employers will only pay wages into an Australian account. Don’t worry about it now, Welcome tours will help set it up for you in the weeks leading up to your arrival.

What is a Tax File Number?

This is basically a personal identity number created for you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is required if you want to work in Australia, so that you can be correctly taxed on your income from day one.

You will provide this number to each employer you have while you are in Australia and your tax will be deducted from your wage accordingly, just as it would be in your home country.

Application and Fees

Stage 1 of the application.

Please set up an IENA account and complete the online IENA Outbound Program application. We will assess your application and then invoice you for payment of our program fee. After payment is processed and you are accepted to the program you will be emailed stage two of the application process.

Stage 2 of the Application

• Applying for your visa – don’t’ worry, IENA will provide step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to secure your visa!
• Booking your flight to Australia – IENA’s preferred travel provider can assist with flights.
• Purchasing travel and medical insurance – it is a visa requirement that you have proof of medical coverage (including medical evacuation and repatriation of remains) on entry to Australia. Note: You will not be covered under the socialized medical system in place in Australia.
• Job reference from a previous or current employer.

Application Deadlines: Please allow 4-6 weeks for application processing.

Program Fees

Essentials: $485

Other costs to consider for all options:

• Flights – Special flight deals are available through our preferred travel provider
• Travel and medical insurance (this is a visa requirement)
• Visa fee currently AU$485
• Support funds equivalent to AU$5,000 (this is a visa requirement)

Cancellation Conditions

If you cancel from the program before your stage two deadline you will be charged a cancellation fee of $100. If you cancel after you have reached stage two, no refund is possible.

Any cancellation must be received in writing and is only effective from the date we receive it. Please note that separate cancellation fees and conditions will undoubtedly apply to any flight bookings you make.

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How to get a working holiday visa for Australia

Jun 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Clock off work and head to Bondi Beach to catch some waves in Sydney © xavierarnau / Getty Images

Dreaming of moving to  Australia ? Under 30 (or in some cases 35!) years of age? Read on.

Holiday makers from 40 countries who are up to the age of 30 (or 35 and British, Irish, Canadian, French, Italian or Danish passport holders) have the opportunity to work, live and travel in Australia with a 12-month “working holiday” visa.

The scheme is hugely popular for a post-school “gap year” – or an early career break – looking for a life-defining adventure: you'll make new friends, develop new skills and take home incredible memories (and maybe even some savings).

If the idea of moving to Australia to surf, sail and soak up that famously bountiful sunshine appeals to you, then read on for everything you need to know to make it happen.

Who qualifies for a working holiday visa in Australia?

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is open to young people from 40 countries  mostly up to the age of 30 (that means you've not yet turned 31). Since mid-2023, citizens of the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Denmark and Italy can apply up to to the age of 35 (inclusive). You can arrive in Australia at any time within the 12-month period from the date your visa is granted.

There is a small catch for some would-be holiday-makers, however. For a handful of countries the number of applicants per year is capped putting the dream for 2024, for some, on ice for now.

To increase transparency the Australian government publishes a list of countries that have reached (or are approaching) their annual quotas . And as demand outpaces spots available, the government plans to introduce a lottery-style system for citizens of China, Vietnam and India from next year. 

Industry groups in Australia have also been lobbying to lift the age for eligibility to 50 years to help plug skills gaps, especially in management level roles, but as it stands if you’re over 30 (or 35) you’ll need an employer to sponsor you to work there. 

Find out what else do you need to know before going to Australia

Can I stay for more than one year in Australia?

There are certain requirements that need to be met if you want to extend your visa beyond the initial 12 months – mainly taking up work in industries that have the biggest labor shortages such as seasonal farm work, hospitality jobs in remote locations, fishing and pearling, or mining and construction. 

For more on what jobs you need to do, and for how long, to get a second (and even a third year visa) read up on the latest from the Department of Immigration  and follow these tips on how to make the most of your working holiday visa .

How much money do you need for a working holiday visa in Australia?

The working holiday visa is not cheap. It costs AU$635 and a further AU$635 for each subsequent 12-month visa.

You’ll also need an airfare (you don’t need a return ticket, but you will need to get one eventually), plus enough money to feed and entertain yourself until you find work. The more financially secure you are the less likely you’ll have to take the first job you get offered. Don’t forget this is also supposed to be a holiday! 

A shortage of housing (an issue in many countries now) has seen rental prices skyrocketing across Australian cities, so do your research on upfront costs such as rental bonds, even for share housing, before you depart – and budget accordingly. Adelaide is the cheapest capital city to rent in, with Perth not far behind.

Jobs in more rural areas can come with accommodation included, but ask for details – and even photos – before committing to traveling to very remote locations (and manage your expectations). 

Save this guide to saving money while traveling in Australia

How long does it take to get a visa?

Provided you have an up-to-date passport, you satisfy the age requirement, have enough savings to show and meet the health and character requirements, you can apply online immediately.

How long it takes to have your visa granted can depend on whether you have all the necessary documentation ready and how many people are applying. There’s an online tool to get a sense of wait times for visa processing at any given time.

What jobs can I do if I am on a working holiday visa?

Matthew Heyes of Backpacker Job Board , Australia’s largest recruitment website for working holiday makers, told Lonely Planet: “Job opportunities for working holiday makers are widespread, covering a range of different sectors. There are fruit-picking and other agricultural-based jobs, which are really popular because these roles contribute to the second- and third-year visa-extension program. The roles are also seasonal and offer the opportunity to earn well while the seasons are high.

“Other cornerstones of backpacker employment include au pair work, plus sales and marketing positions as well as other broader hospitality jobs.”

Not all working holiday makers are there for short-term work, some hope to gain experience that can help advance their careers back home.

A strong Australian dollar is another incentive for some especially if their home currency is struggling. Work hard and save well and you could go home with some major dollars in the bank – unless you're tempted to spend it all having the time of your life traveling around Australia.

Have wheels, will travel: here are some of the best road trips to do in Australia

Can I leave Australia and return with a working holiday visa?

Yes, you can leave and re-enter Australia with a working holiday visa which means as well as exploring this vast and varied land, you can also hop over to neighboring countries like New Zealand , Pacific islands such as Fiji , Tonga and Samoa , or Indonesia  to the north.

With age limits set for the working holiday visa, and the clock ticking, what are you waiting for?

This article was first published Jan 17, 2023 and updated Jun 11, 2024.

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91,817 + dreams turned into reality

Travel to Australia

Dubbed one of the most liveable countries in the world, thanks to beautiful cities like Melbourne and Sydney and countless laid back coastal towns, Australia is so easy to fall in love with.

Being one of the largest countries in size, it’s a diverse country indeed, offering golden sand beaches, crystal clear oceans, lush rainforests, rocky deserts, and bustling cityscapes with so much opportunity.

Speaking of cities, some great musicians hail from Melbourne - a vibrant city oozing with culture where you can find unique clothing, jam out every night to live music, and drive down to the Great Ocean Road when you need to escape.

Its bigger sister Sydney has gorgeous weather all year round and awesome beaches, like Bondi and Manly, right on its doorstep. There’s quite a healthy culture here if you’re also wanting to improve your fitness and wellbeing!

If you rather catch waves all day and enjoy laid back vibes with like-minded people, Byron Bay is the perfect place to be. The possibilities in Australia are endless so road trips are highly recommended as the roads are easy to follow and it will allow you to see this country’s many sides including its furry friends like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats that are found hanging around the campsites!

Highlights of this diverse country include the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands, and Uluru, home to Ayers Rock - the natural wonder of the outback.

With roughly 12,000 beaches, 500 national parks, and some of the most liveable cities in the world, Australia is the world down under that will stick with you forever!

Our trips to Australia

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Working Holiday in Australia (Plus)

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Australia is delightfully multicultural and its modern society is very respectful of the backgrounds and cultures of the people who live and visit the country.

Australians are passionate about ‘mateship’ – an Aussie word encompassing equality, loyalty and friendship – as well as sport, and they are an extremely friendly and easy-going nation.

It is important to understand the prevalence and history of Indigenous culture in shaping the country, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Best time to visit

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are the opposite to those in Europe and North America. This means the best time to visit is during the iconic Australian summer (December - February).

This is the most popular time for tourists who are lured by warm weather and sunshine, perfect for beach days and swimming. The autumn months of March - May are a great time to experience the country’s festivals and visit its vineyards.

Winter (June - August) in Australia doesn’t get too cold, so it’s perfect for hiking and even skiing.

Best places to visit

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Australia Working Holiday Visa Program

WORK AND TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA

Ready for an exciting adventure? If you’re between 18 and 30-something, you can live and work in Australia with the Australian Working Holiday Visa. Explore the country, earn some extra money, and create unforgettable memories while immersing yourself in the local culture and making friends from all over the world. Australia has it all – beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, lively party spots, and lush rainforests. From iconic landmarks like Uluru to stunning places like Whitsundays and Bondi Beach, there’s so much to see. While Australia can be expensive, especially for long stays, the Working Holiday Visa is a game-changer, allowing you to extend your adventure beyond a few weeks and make the most of your time Down Under.

WHY AUSTRALIA?

Australia stands out as the best destinations globally for those seeking a working holiday adventure.

The Australia Working Holiday Visa opens the door to a remarkable opportunity, allowing you to reside, work, and explore the country for a duration of up to 12 months. The ability to engage in employment becomes a significant advantage, not only sustaining your time in Australia but potentially extending your stay into a second or even third year.

To facilitate a seamless and stress-free process, we have compiled the ultimate Working Holiday Visa Guide for Australia. This comprehensive resource covers every aspect of your working holiday Down Under, ranging from the application process for an Australia Working Holiday Visa to the establishment of an Australian tax file number (TFN). It further provides insights into securing suitable employment and offers guidance on how to reclaim your taxes once your enriching adventure comes to a close.

WHAT IS A WORKING HOLIDAY AUSTRALIA VISA?

An Australian Working Holiday Visa is a visa that permits you to travel and work in Australia for up to one year. It’s the perfect balance between exploring a country and working so you can fund all the exciting things you want to do and see in Australia.

If you decide you love Australia, you can complete 88 days of regional work and apply for a second visa. You can now even apply for a third working holiday visa however, this requires you to complete a further 6 months of regional work. You must complete your regional work and submit evidence of this to obtain a second and third Working Holiday Visa. (At the time of writing this post, there is news that UK citizens no longer need to complete regional work to extend their visa to a second and third year!). Read more here: Australian Working Holiday Updates for British Backpackers

There is a range of benefits to doing a Working Holiday Visa in Australia.  On a personal level, it is an incredible opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. There is something so refreshing (especially if you have never travelled or lived in the same town your entire life) about learning about a new culture and developing new skills.

STEP 1: GET A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

• CHECK YOUR VISA ELIGIBILITY
• PASSPORT VALIDITY
• How Do You Apply?

The Australian Working Holiday visa currently costs  $510  (as at July 2022). You must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) in Australia:

• You must be at least 18, but not yet 31 at the time of applying (or under 35 if you’re a citizen of Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland or Italy);
• You must hold a passport from an eligible country;
• You must not have an dependent child accompanying you;
• You must have enough money to support yourself (AUD $5,000);
• You must not have previously entered Australia on a 417 or 462 visa;
• You must meet character and health requirements;
• You and your family must not have debts owing to the Australian government.

If you don’t hold a passport from any of the eligible countries listed in the 417 Working Holiday visa criteria, you may still qualify for the  Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) . This is a similar visa for an additional 24 countries, but you may need to meet additional educational requirements and prove your level of English.

You should  make sure your passport is valid for the entire length of your stay in Australia  before you apply for your working holiday visa. If you get a new passport after you’ve applied for the visa, you’ll have to let the Australian government know.

If you’re eligible for a visa and your passport is valid, you can then  apply for your working holiday Australia visa on the Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs website . Once your  visa is granted , you can start properly preparing for your big trip!

Also,  check passport validity requirements for any other countries you will be visiting , as many require your passport to be valid for at least six months in order to let you into their country.

STEP 2: PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP

• GOT YOUR VISA
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• FLIGHT TICKETS
• MEDICAL CHECKUP
• JOIN BACKPACKER GROUP
• BOOK ACCOMMODATION
• Phone number

Once your Australian Working Holiday Visa has been granted it will be emailed to you electronically. It doesn’t require to be stuck in your passport. I do, however, recommend printing a copy as this comes in handy when you need to apply for things such as Medicare (access to healthcare).

You have 365 days to ‘activate’ your visa. So if you received your grant on the 1 st  of January you have until the 1 st  of January the following year to activate it.

You are now entitled to travel to Australia and work for up to six months with one employer at a time.

Beyond the work restrictions, the rest is pretty straightforward. Travel, work and explore Australia for up to 12 months. You are free to leave and re-enter as much as you would like within the 12 months.

Buy Travel Insurance & Flights

Your next step is to buy travel insurance and book your flights. For travel insurance, start with  comparison sites  for whichever country you’re based in, so that you can compare different insurers.

Make sure that you’ll be covered for the  entire length  of your trip and for  every country  you will be visiting as well as for the  activities  you’ll be doing (scuba diving for example). Also look into whether  gadgets  are covered, as phones/tablets aren’t always included.

I tend to use  Skyscanner  to find the best deals on flights, as it compares so many airlines and travel agencies. It’s usually quite cheap to fly to Australia during their winter time (June/July), as long as it’s outside of school holidays.

Routine Medical Check Ups, Vaccines & Covid Requirements

Make sure you have your  regular check ups with your dentist and optician  before you leave, as you may not be back home again for a long time!

Depending on which other countries you’ll be visiting on your trip, also check if you need  immunisations  (do this as soon as possible as some vaccinations require booster shots afterwards).

Stock up on any  medication  you need, and check the cost in other countries if you’ll need to buy more there.

Make Copies of Important Documents

Scan important documents such as your  passport, insurance policy and driving license  (just in case), and keep a  digital and hard copy .

If you’ve bought insurance to cover your  electronic gadgets , you will probably need to send the insurer copies of your  purchase receipts  should you try to claim for any lost/stolen items. So read the documentation and make sure you find and copy relevant receipts too.

Exchange Cash & Open a Bank Account in Australia

It’s useful to to  exchange some cash  into Australian dollars before you set off, just in case you have any problems using your cards abroad.

When you are on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia You will need to open an Australian bank account if you intend to work, as an employer will not pay wages into an international bank account. You can open an Australian bank account before you arrive in Australia. Simply filled out the application online approximately 2 weeks before you are due to fly out. You can have your bank card delivered to a branch, in the city you are going to land in. When you arrive in that city you simply go into the branch with your ID and the bank staff will hand over your bank card.

The  big four banks in Australia  are  ANZ ,  Westpac ,  Commonwealth Bank  &  NAB .

But which one should you choose? Each bank will have its particularities that will help you make the right decision for your circumstances. The most important criteria you should look out for is:

• The bank coverage is Australia-wide.
• Fees – some banks charge you a small fee each month, this fee is often waived if you pay a certain amount of money into it each month. Top Tip: If you transfer money back and forth from a savings account to a current account this counts towards your money coming in. So, if the fee is waivered after $1000 transfer $500 to your savings and back twice. Obviously, if you are getting paid the required amount by an employer there is no need to do this.
• Interest rates

When it comes to transferring money from your home account to your Australian bank account, there are two money transfer platforms: Currencyfair or Wise (formally TransferWise ).  This is the most popular method amongst backpackers as transferring via other methods such as from your home bank account can be very costly.

Personally, I always use Wise . It’s really straightforward to use and the money has always been in my bank account promptly.

Join Backpacker Facebook Groups in Australia

Let’s get started on the fun stuff! Times have changed a lot since my very first trip to Australia, when you had to find travel mates and cars for sale on noticeboards in hostels – not Pinterest, but actual, physical pin boards!

It’s now really easy to  find road trip buddies, rooms for rent or just like-minded travellers  to hang out with on the weekend thanks to the world wide web!

One of the first things you’ll want to do when you start your working holiday in Australia (or even before you set off) is to join the relevant  backpacker Facebook group  for whichever city you’ll be staying in. You’ll find that virtually everyone in your hostel is already on them; they’re highly active groups.

Here are the links to some of the reliable Facebook groups in Australia:

Australia Backpacker Facebook Group

Backpacker Jobs Australia  Facebook Group

Australia Travel Tips  Facebook Group

Working Holiday Australia  Facebook Group

Finding Cheap Accommodation in Australia

While most backpackers on a working holiday in Australia stay in hostels, there are plenty of cheap accommodation options. Here are some of my favourite types.

Hostels: $25-$40 per night

You’ll likely want to  book into a hostel for your first week  or so in Australia, as they’re a great place to make friends and meet other travellers. To make your trip less stressful I’d advise  booking your first week before you set off  and planning  how you’ll get there from the airport .

To browse hostels or hotels right now, use the search box for  Hotels Combined  below. They compare prices for all the major booking providers for each accommodation, so you can get the cheapest price.

House/Flat Shares: $100-$300 per week

If you’re going to be living and working in an Australian city for a while, you might want to think about finding a flat or house share to make you  feel more settled . It can actually cost the same or less than a hostel dorm bed.

The place to find casual short-term rentals is either  Gumtree , the Facebook backpacker groups I listed above or  flatmates.com .

Accommodation is so in demand in Australian cities that  people often rent their rooms out when they go on holiday . So even if you only want a few weeks you could still find something!

I was very surprised to find that sharing a double room on  Airbnb  (where the owner is also living there) in Melbourne worked out  the same price per person as staying in a hostel dorm . This is a great option for couples.

House Sitting: Free or Paid

House sitting is when you  live in someone’s property for free while they’re on holiday  in return for looking after their pets and home. I house sat in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne during my road trips, and  now run a house and pet sitting business in Sydney and get paid for it!

To find house sitting jobs straight away, you’ll need to join a house-sitting website.

• For house sitting in Australia only, I thoroughly recommend joining  Aussie House Sitters .  I got plenty of house sits through their site.
• For worldwide house sitting,  Trusted Housesitters  is a better option and one of the biggest sites out there.

Getting An Australian Phone Number

This is probably the first thing you will want to do when you arrive in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. You will need an Australian phone number for job applications, rental applications and to apply for your TFN.

Prospective employers are more likely to call you with a local number that won’t cost them anything.

The main networks are Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. These are normally quite expensive.

There are numerous other small networks available that feed off the signals from the three biggest providers. The advantage of this is that you get good quality coverage for a fraction of the price.

You will want to go with a network that suits your plans in Australia. What I mean by this is if you are going to be spending time in the outback, not all network providers cover this area. I visited a network and told them my plans to do regional work at some point and he told me to go with their rival network because they were the only network provider at the time who had coverage in these areas.

When buying an Australian SIM you will also have different options to choose from such as taking on a 12-month contract however if you are bringing your mobile phone you will probably want to opt for either a month-to-month plan or prepaid plan.

Month-to-month plans mean that you won’t run out of credit. You are given a monthly allowance and if you are over these, you’ll be charged but won’t be cut off. Pre-paid plans work by paying for your text, calls and data upfront. Once you go through this allowance you will have to “recharge” before you can use the SIM again. Prepaid credit tends to expire after 28 days however some plans offer longer recharge periods. This is a great option as you don’t have to worry about being tied into a contract.

The cheapest option is to go with a smaller network provider. I would highly recommend Amaysim. They offer large GB’s of data for a very reasonable price. When you are relying on google maps to get off at the correct bus stops -data is everything!

INTERESTED IN A HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE?

Book our Gap Year intro tours in Sydney or Melbourne and you’ll enjoy one week focused on fun, making new friends, amazing activities & sightseeings. Once your first week of fun is over you can kick-start your job search with the expert advice and assistance of our local team, plus essential admin help (bank account, TFN, sim card, jobs bank..etc.. everything you need to settle down in Australia).

STEP 3: WORK AND TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA

• YOUR ARRIVAL
• Accommodation
• TAX FILE NUMBER
• BANK ACCOUNT

What Do You Need To Show When You Arrive At The Airport In Australia? 

Australia’s border controls have a reputation for being strict, there are policies and procedures in place to make sure you are coming to Australia on the correct visa and you are not bringing in anything illegal, banned or restricted. Largely, this is to do with protecting Australia’s fragile ecosystem.

You should check out this list of what you can’t bring to Australia before packing your bags. If you are caught with anything you should have you will be in serious trouble. Border Control is becoming stricter with the penalties for not declaring items.

If you are sticking to the rules, you won’t need to show anything other than your passport and your landing card. Make sure you fill in the passenger arrival card as accurately as possible. There is a list of items you will need to declare if you have any of the items listed with you. Even if it’s something small, declare it. I had a small amount of prescription medication that I declared –  the immigration officer asked to see my prescription and that was it – I was on my way.

Your visa is linked to your passport number, so when they scan your passport all your details will already be there.

Occasionally they will do randomised bag checks when you are passing through border control but otherwise, the process was fairly fast and efficient. Some people like to have proof of funds printed out; however, this is not routinely checked.

Finding Working Holiday Jobs in Australia

The  cost of living in Australia  is fairly high compared to many other countries, so most backpackers will be eager to find work to top up their travel funds.

A lot of backpackers find work in the service industry ( bars, restaurants, cafes ) and  construction  is a pretty popular industry too, as there’s a lot of development in Australia and it’s well paid.

Note that you’ll need what’s known as a  Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)  certificate to serve alcohol in Australia; despite being known as a laidback country it is actually the nanny state of all nanny states, with a lot of red tape!

A couple of popular websites for backpacker work in Australia are  Backpacker Jobs Australia  and  Backpacker Job Board , and you can also check out  Gumtree , Facebook backpacker groups and local newspapers .

A lot of backpackers find work in Australia just by asking other backpackers or hostel owners. People often know someone who knows someone! You can also do cleaning and reception work in hostels.

Get a Medicare Card

If you are a visitor from a country that has a  Reciprocal Health Care Agreement  with Medicare, the Australian health care system, some of the medical expenses you incur in Australia may be covered.

Medicare is the name of Australia’s healthcare system. It is a system that is usually limited to Permanent Residents or Australian Citizens, however; certain countries have a “reciprocal healthcare agreement” in place which allows nationals of these countries to benefit from Medicare whilst on a Working Holiday Visa. These countries are;

• United Kingdom
• Republic of Ireland
• Netherlands
• New Zealand

If you are from a county with a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you will want to enrol in Medicare as soon as you land in Australia. To enrol, you will need to visit a service centre. You need to complete a Medicare enrolment form and bring along certain documents with you, normally your passport and a paper copy of your visa. (More information regarding these documents and service centres can be found using the government website here).

It is a common misconception that Medicare is free, it’s not. It is, however, fairly subsidised for common procedures.

If your country is not listed, you must get travel insurance for the duration of your trip because you will not be entitled to any subsidy if you need medical care.

Even if your country is listed above, I would still recommend getting travel insurance as some medical procedures will still require partial payment.

Some services are not included in Medicare such as dental expenses, alternative medication, physiotherapy, ambulance services, or glasses/ contact lenses.

Regardless if you have Medicare or not, in the event you need an ambulance this will cost in the region $1,100AUD. This is why travel insurance is so important, as your policy may help you pay for these unexpected costs.

Some doctor’s practices are “bulk billing”. This means you won’t get charged when you present your Medicare card.

As I have said before, travel insurance is so important. You never know what will happen during your time in Australia…you might get bitten by a nasty insect or your flight might get cancelled due to stormy weather in Sydney. Travel insurance is fairly inexpensive compared to the costs you may incur if you are not covered.

If you are eligible, you can fill out a  Medicare application form  and take it to a  Medicare service centre  in Australia to get a Medicare card.

How To Get Your Tax File Number (TFN) On A Working Holiday Visa Australia?

To work in Australia you will need a Tax File Number (TFN), which is equivalent to a National Insurance number if you are from the UK or Social Security Number if you are from America.

It doesn’t cost anything and identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. You keep the same TFN if you change jobs, change your name or move overseas.

The processing time for TFN applications is 28 days, however, it can be quicker as I received mine in about 14 days. You will need a valid address as your TFN gets sent to you via mail. You can use your hostel address if necessary.

You should keep your TFN private, only using it when appropriate.  You can apply for your TFN via Australian Taxation Office here .

I speak from experience as an au pair when I say, this is not the easy route. There is nothing easy about being a “taught mum” when you have no experience of looking after children.

I would also do some research into  Australian bank accounts  in advance and  choose the best account  to suit your needs. You will need one if you plan on working in Australia, in order to receive your wages!

Make sure you  check if the banks charge any fees  if you don’t pay a certain amount of money in each month. Also  check how many ATMs the bank has . Australia is about 20 years behind the UK in this respect and often charges you if you don’t withdraw from your own bank or an affiliated one!

I chose  Citibank  as it has no monthly fees on the account I opened, plus an attached savings account. It doesn’t have many ATMs, but I can use Westpac ATMs for free, and there are plenty of those around.

Make sure you  open a bank account in Australia within six weeks of arriving , as you won’t be required to show as many pieces of identification (usually just your passport) to open the account. After this you will need to show a number of different forms of ID, each worth a different amount of points, in order to open your account.

Some banks let you  open an account before you arrive in Australia , and just ask you to pop into a branch with your ID on arrival.

Accessing & Transferring Money to Australia

If you want to withdraw cash directly from your home bank account using ATMs in Australia when you first arrive, make sure you  notify your bank you’ll be abroad  first. They may suspect fraudulent behaviour and block access to your account otherwise.

Always make sure you have  more than one way to access money  while you’re travelling, just in case you lose your credit/debit card.

I once went to Brazil and both my friend and I had our cards cloned in an ATM. Her account got frozen because the fraudsters got her PIN wrong, my account got wiped out (the bank did reimburse the money eventually), and between three of us we just about had enough cash to get through our last few days!

If you’re planning on transferring savings from your home bank account to your new bank account in Australia, consider using a foreign currency exchange specialist such as  Wise .

I’ve been using Wise (formerly TransferWise ) since I moved to Australia, as it’s simple to use, totally transparent regarding fees and rates and much cheaper than using my bank.

STEP 4: 2ND AND 3RD YEAR VISA EXTENSION

• 2ND YEAR VISA
• 3RD YEAR VISA

Finding Regional Work for Your Second Year Visa in Australia

We know that many of you will want to complete your 88 days of regional work  in order to get your  second or third working holiday visa in Australia . Just make sure that you start looking for work well ahead of time, so that you’re not in a panic at the last minute.

Here’s a link to the Eligible Jobs For A Second And Third Year Visa Subclass 417 in Australia if you want to learn more (or click here for subclass 462).

There’s been a well-publicised problem in Australia with backpackers being  exploited by farm owners  (underpaid, harassed etc) and putting up with it as they are so desperate for the work to be signed off in time. Starting your farm work early means you’ll have time to leave and find another job if required (hopefully you won’t have to though – plenty of people have a great experience).

One of our clients left his farm work until the last minute and had an awful time with a bullying boss on a fruit farm in Tasmania. Thankfully he found somewhere else in time, but it meant flying up to Queensland to work on a cattle farm! He had a brilliant time there though, and just managed to get his 88 days in before the cut-off time.

Finding Regional Work for Your Third Year Visa in Australia

STEP 5: EXPLORE AUSTRALIA

• Buying a Car
• Making Friends
• Superannuation

Organise Australian Road Trips

If you’ve made it to the other side of the world, make sure you explore the country! You’re there to  work and travel in Australia  after all! Just  remember how enormous Australia is  and how long it takes to get from one city to another.

There are heaps of ways to travel Australia: organised tour buses, public coaches, trains, flights, hiring or buying a car or campervan, or getting a ride in another backpacker’s car. Whatever your budget you should find something suitable.

Buying a Car on Your Working Holiday in Australia

Many backpackers decide to buy a cheap car or campervan on their working holiday in Australia, as  it allows the ultimate freedom on road trips  to explore wherever you like for as long as you like. It also means you can stay at campsites between cities and save a lot of money on accommodation.

You can  buy cars complete with camping gear from other backpackers  who are leaving the country after their working holiday ends (usually via the backpacker Facebook groups). Alternatively, consider finding a second-hand car on Gumtree, in local newspapers or from a car dealer.

Just be careful buying a vehicle from other backpackers, as these are often extremely old and not always looked after well. It’s cheaper to buy a car in good condition and then get cheap camping gear separately than waste thousands on replacing car parts.

It’s a good idea to get a mechanic to check over any cars you are interested in buying, and always ask the owner to show you the latest service reports.

Also be aware that  vehicles in Australia are registered to the state the owner lives in , and if you buy one in a different state to where it’s registered (for example, if a backpacker has driven it across the country) you may have to have it officially examined and get the number plates changed to ones from the new state. Do your research as there are different rules in each state.

Making Friends on Your Working Holiday in Australia

If you’re travelling solo for the first time, you might be worried about how you’ll meet people and make friends. I promise you it’s easy, and you won’t be lonely! Never give up an opportunity to travel because you haven’t got anyone to go with.

Most travellers set off by themselves and are keen to meet other people.  If you stay in hostels it’s hard not to get chatting to the people in your dorm or in the kitchen, even if you’re not someone who tends to approach people.

If your room mates don’t speak to you straight away they’re probably feeling just as shy as you, or they’re nervous about how good their English is. Say “hi and ask their name, and they’ll probably be really pleased to talk to you.

If you’re looking for travel buddies for road trips, or even to get out and explore at weekends, backpacker Facebook groups are great, or people you meet in person at your hostel.

You can also use the website  Meetup.com  and join groups that run outings on whatever your interests are. I’ve made virtually all my friends in Sydney that way, through walking groups and female social groups.

Australian Backpacker Tax Rates & Claiming a Refund

It’s worth reading up about  backpacker tax for working holiday makers  on the ATO website. You need to make sure you lodge a tax return if you’ve been working in Australia.

Note that the Australian tax year begins on 1st July, so make sure you  lodge a tax return  at the end of the tax year (or earlier if you’re heading home), as you may be entitled to a refund.

Superannuation, or ‘super’ as the Aussies call it, means your  pension or retirement fund . This may not be something on your mind if you’re in your twenties and gallivanting around the world, but your Australian employer will be obliged by law to pay a certain amount into a super fund for you.

You’ll be pleased to know that  you can claim your superannuation back  at the end of your working holiday in Australia, but less pleased to know that as of 1st July 2017 the full amount will be taxed at  65% !

Here’s another link to the ATO explaining the deal with your  departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) .

AUSTRALIA GAP YEAR TOURS & ARRIVAL PACKAGES

Our Working Holiday packages are designed to give Australia working holiday visa holders the best start on their work and travel experience in Australia. For a start, you will stay at the best youth hostels in Australia and get an easy and simple introduction to start your adventure. We know the drill and just want you to avoid all the hassle and get to work! Start with a week of fun in Australia plus the exclusive inclusions.

SYDNEY GAP YEAR

A perfect intro tour to get your Working Holiday off to a great start from Sydney!

Start with 8 days of fun in Sydney plus 12 months of expert job offers, advice and support – awesome! Expect to earn $25 to $35 an hour with paid work in Oz!

MELBOURNE GAP YEAR

A perfect intro tour to get your Working Holiday off to a great start from Melbourne!

Start with 8 days of fun in Melbourne plus 12 months of expert job offers, advice and support – awesome! Expect to earn $25 to $35 an hour with paid work in Oz!

SYDNEY ARRIVAL PACKAGE

Kick start your working holiday visa in Australia with our arrival package.

A Work & Travel package takes the stress out of your first few days in a new country as well as giving you ongoing assistance with finding a job.

MELBOURNE ARRIVAL PACKAGE

Kick start your working holiday visa in Australia with the our arrival package.

EAST COAST AUSTRALIA

Explore the East Coast of Australia with our 30-Day Australia East Coast tour

Personalised Itineraries for 18 to 30s, backpackers & travellers. Enjoy 4 weeks of backpacking along the Aussie East Coast with expert support every step of the way!

Frequently Asked Working Holiday Questions

A working holiday allows you to delve deeper into a country and spend a gap year (sometimes even more) on a specific visa.

As you have much longer, you can delve into everything that makes the country unique. You’ll get to experience the perfect combination of what travellers see and what the locals see.

You’ll become part of the working community and get to know your new home the way the locals know theirs. But you can then go above and beyond and tick off some of the most incredible sights the country has to offer in your spare time.

You’ll earn and work. But that means you’ll be able to enjoy and travel even further.

Simply; no.

You could save, save, save, and then use your time on your working holiday visa to just travel wherever you wish. There’s absolutely nothing tying you into having to work.

Yet most will secure a  gap year job abroad  to experience the full gap year lifestyle. You’ll meet new people, make new friends, develop skills and live like a local, all whilst creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Working holidays are only possible through countries have exchange partnerships and allowing young adults to travel on working holidays.

These visas allow you to enter the country and work for a certain amount of time, if you meet the specified visa criteria. This is applied for in advance and if granted, means you can work, earn and travel for a gap year (or sometimes even more).

It gives you the right to rent, open bank accounts and everything expected by a normal resident, with only slight variations based on the duration you’re in the country.

The beauty of a gap year is that you decide your path.

Whether you want to follow your career and use your prior experience, or try something completely new, the decision is yours.

Many use gap years to follow their passions, or to push themselves to achieve something they never thought they could.

There’s loads of different avenues to search once you know what you’d like to do. Major recruiters have their own online application areas, whereas each country will have job sites and boards for you to apply through.

A career gap year is living the ‘gap year lifestyle’, but whilst still following your chosen career path.

A great example would be those looking at wanting to follow an outdoor education career. There are numerous roles around the world which will actually contribute to furthering your CV, such as working in a summer camp in America/China/Canada, or becoming a ski instructor in New Zealand.

Another example may be if you want to move into the financial sector, then instead of going straight into a graduate career, you may look at a gap year working holiday in Hong Kong or Singapore.

Your time away will strengthen your background and skillset, meaning you’ll go home with a stronger position, ready to seize your next career step.

If your application is going to be straightforward, i.e. you meet all the requirements perfectly and there is no doubt in your mind you will have your application refused, then do it yourself.

It is personal preference though if you feel more comfortable going through an agent then by all means do. If you are unsure whether immigration could have grounds to refuse your application then I would speak to an agent for advice.

Once you have your visa application sorted out, you can participate in an Australia Arrival Package, you can receive benefits such as setting up a Tax File Number (TFN), bank account, packs to help you find a job and your first few nights’ accommodations on arrival. You can visit this link: Australia Arrival Package .

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Australian Work & Holiday Visa for Filipinos will start 1 July 2024. Here's what you need to know

Effective July 1, 2024, the Australian Work & Holiday Visa will be available to Filipinos. Credit: Thananit / Envato

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Other ways to listen, starting 1 july 2024, filipino passport holders aged 18-30 can apply for the australian work & holiday visa, subject to specific eligibility and application requirements..

• The Australian Work & Holiday Visa for Filipinos will begin on 1 July 2024.
• Filipino passport holders aged 18-30 can apply, provided they meet specific criteria.
• Applicants must apply from outside Australia and meet educational and financial requirements.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

• Have a passport from an eligible country.
• Be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive).
• Apply from outside Australia.
• Not be accompanied by dependent children.
• Apply on your own (you can’t include family members in your application).
• Have at least Functional English.
• Have enough money (usually about AUD 5,000) for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.
• Have a tertiary qualification from a university, college, or training centre, or
• Have completed 2 years of undergraduate university study.

What Can You Do with This Visa?

• Do short-term work and/or study in Australia to help pay for your holiday.

Duration and Application Fee:

• The visa duration is 12 months.
• The application fee is AUD 635.00.

Things to Watch Out For:

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What you need to know about work-related travel expenses in Australia

I f you are required to travel as part of your job, then you likely incur various costs. Whether making a short trip to attend a meeting or taking an overseas trip for an extended period, you can deduct your travel expenses. However, the laws surrounding travel expenses are complicated, and the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) keeps close tabs on  travel expenses . So, it's vital to pay close attention to what you claim to avoid mistakes. 

What is work-related travel expenses

Work-related travel expenses are expenses incurred while travelling for work. If you incur any expenses related to work-related travel, such as accommodation or meals, you may be able to claim them as travel expenses on your tax return.

Using your car for work 

If your job requires you to use a personal vehicle, you are entitled to deduct the motoring costs you incur while completing your job. This does not generally include the commute you make from your home to your place of work. 

Eligibility

However, there are  limited circumstances  that may allow it. For example,

• An employee travelling between work sites throughout the day can claim their commute. 
• If you travel directly from one job to a second job, as long as you do not return home in between. 
• If you are travelling to a course or meeting for work, you can deduct expenses. 

Methods to calculate work-related travel expenses

There are two options when it comes to vehicle travel for work tax deductions. 

• As of April 2023, there is a  flat rate  of  78 cents  per kilometre, and you can claim up to  5,000 km . You will need to keep a log of your travel to determine how far you travel for work purposes. 
• Use a  logbook  if you travel and detail your running expenses, from mileage to fuel, servicing, repairs, insurance, and depreciation. If you use the logbook method, your logbook needs to show your work-related trips for a minimum continuous period of 12 weeks

Alternatively, you can use a r eputable tax software  that will provide you with  mileage auto-tracking  and a simple snap and store for all of the receipts related to your business expenses. 

Ensure you maintain your logbook for a minimum of  12 weeks  before relying on it for your income tax return. The log should include odometer readings to determine the proportion of time you use it for work purposes. Store all receipts and invoices noting your spending on your vehicle so that you can claim the correct percentage of vehicle expenses. 

Travel to and from work is considered a private expenditure unless your employer requires you to transport bulky equipment and vehicles. That being said, the ATO pays close attention to these types of claims and may disallow them. 

Other work-related transport expenses in Australia

There are other expenses that can also be claimed for work-related travel if they are for:

• Heavy vehicles and utes if they have a carrying capacity of more than one tonne
• Vans with a carrying capacity of 9 or more passengers
• Fees for hiring or renting a car
• Costs incurred while driving someone else's vehicle for work purposes, such as fuel expenses
• Public transportation fares, including air, bus, train, tram, ferry, taxi, ride-share or ride-sourcing fares
• Expenses associated with work-related transport expenses such as bridge tolls, road tolls, and car parking fees

Other travel expenses 

You can claim additional work-related travel expenses for costs you incur that your employer doesn't reimburse. These travel expenses must be work-related rather than your daily commute to and from work. 

• Airfare and taxi fares
• Tunnel or bridge tolls
• Car parking
• The cost of public transport

If you are fined for a motoring offence, whether it is for parking, speeding or otherwise, you cannot claim these.

Overnight meals & accommodation 

If you are travelling away from home, you can claim accommodation, meals and entertainment. You cannot claim meal expenses if your employer reimburses you or provides you with a full allowance for these expenses. A number of businesses will provide an allowance, expenses included, so the employee doesn't need to cover the costs. You may be taxed for those allowances, in which case a deduction is possible for costs incurred. 

The ATO provides a lengthy list of what is viewed as a reasonable spend on accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses. You won't need to produce detailed records with receipts or invoices if you claim below the specified ATO allowance. If you exceed the reasonable amounts as laid out by the ATO, or you don't receive an allowance, then you need to keep detailed records to show your spending wasn't extravagant. 

The ATO established a reasonable amount to highlight when detailed records must be kept. Many people would assume that they can claim this maximum amount, but we don't recommend you do this. You must only claim the amount of money you spent. 

Even if you claim below the reasonable amount, you should be able to prove the expenses you incurred. A bank or credit card statement is viewed as sufficient evidence should the need arise. It will help support your claim that you were in the particular area at the time you claimed. 

As long as your travel includes an overnight stay, you can claim business meals, food and beverages. You can't claim meals when you work from home. You could claim tax travel expenses if you always work from home and need to travel to an office. 

What you can’t claim

Travel for personal reasons or between your home and your workplace can’t be claimed Examples include:

• Travel between your home and regular place of work or vice versa
• Travel for personal reasons, like running errands on the way to or from work
• Travel for overtime or out-of-hours work
• Travel from your home (which is also your place of work for one job) to another location where you work for someone else

Read our  guide to tax deductions  to learn about other tax deductions.

Other situations that allow you to claim travel deductions 

You may be able to claim work-related travel expenses tax if you attend a work conference or course. If it is local, you can claim transport or mileage. If it's interstate or overseas, you can claim accommodation, airfares and meals. 

In all cases, your best bet is to visit a tax agent to ensure your travel deductions are above board. 

This article originally appeared on QuickBooks  and was syndicated by  MediaFeed.org .

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The Role of Technology in Corporate Travel Management

Technology is revolutionising corporate travel management. Online booking tools simplify travel arrangements, while mobile apps provide real-time updates and support. Expense management software automates expense reporting and reimbursement , reducing errors and saving time. Data analytics offer insights into spending patterns, helping businesses optimise travel budgets and negotiate better deals with vendors.

Practical Tips for Managing Corporate Travel Expenses

Effective management of corporate travel expenses is crucial. Setting clear travel policies ensures consistency and avoids misunderstandings. Negotiating with vendors can lead to significant savings through corporate discounts and benefits. Monitoring expenses in real time helps identify and address anomalies promptly. Encouraging advance booking allows companies to take advantage of lower rates, reducing overall travel costs.

Enhancing Employee Satisfaction in Corporate Travel

Improving employee satisfaction with corporate travel is key. Personalising travel options within policy guidelines enhances the travel experience. Providing travel perks, such as airport lounge access, demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being. Supporting work-life balance through flexible travel schedules and encouraging leisure travel can boost morale and reduce stress. Prioritising safety and comfort ensures a positive travel experience, fostering a culture of care.

Ensuring Compliance with Corporate Travel Policies

Compliance with travel policies is essential for cost control and regulatory adherence. Clear communication of policies helps ensure understanding and adherence. Automating approval processes streamlines travel requests and approvals, reducing the risk of non-compliant expenditures. Regular monitoring of travel expenses and providing training on compliance further reinforce adherence to policies.

Integrating Travel and Expense Management Solutions

Integrating travel and expense management solutions offers comprehensive control over business travel expenses. Real-time expense tracking provides immediate visibility into expenditures, while simplified reporting reduces administrative burdens. Policy enforcement is streamlined through automated approval workflows , and data-driven decision-making optimises travel management strategies for better financial outcomes.

The future of corporate travel in Australia is shaped by emerging trends and technological advancements. By understanding these trends and implementing effective travel management strategies, businesses can optimise expenses, enhance employee satisfaction, and ensure compliance. Leveraging integrated travel and expense management solutions streamlines processes and provides valuable insights for informed decision-making. Staying ahead of these trends enables Australian businesses to navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities for growth and efficiency.

Want to explore how Webexpenses can revolutionise your corporate travel management? Book a free demo today.

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Working Holiday Visa FAQ

Planning to work on your visit Down Under? Here's what you need to know about Working Holiday visas in Australia.

If you're aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 in some cases) and hold a passport for a country or region participating in Australia's Working Holiday Maker program, you may be eligible to apply for a 12-month working holiday visa which allows you to work and fund your dream Aussie adventure!

Frequently asked questions

In addition to being a great way to fund your travels, there are a range of personal and professional benefits to doing the  Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program .

A gap year is an incredible opportunity for self-discovery, growth and learning. As you travel, you'll meet new people, learn about new cultures and develop new skills and interests.

The Working Holiday Maker program has two types of visas: Working Holiday visa ( Subclass 417 ) and Work and Holiday visa ( Subclass 462 ) depending on your country of residence. See below for lists of countries eligible for each visa.

These types of visas allow you to stay and work in Australia in all types of full-time, part-time, casual and shift work for up to 12 months. Voluntary work is also allowed. You can study for a maximum of four months in Australia in addition to working during your holiday.

The Working Holiday Maker program is not suitable for those seeking permanent employment or full-time study in Australia. If your primary reason for coming to Australia is to seek employment or study, you should enquire about a business visa or student visa which may better suit your needs.

Read the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs  visa requirements  carefully to determine your eligibility and obligations before you apply. There is a non-refundable charge when you lodge your visa application.

Apply for the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) if you hold a passport from: Argentina, Austria, Ecuador, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, the USA and Vietnam.

Apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) if you hold a passport from: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK.

Arrangements are regularly negotiated with other countries, so check the  Department of Home Affairs  website for the latest updates.

The Australian Working Holiday visa is open to applicants aged between 18 and 30 (18 to 35 in some cases). Check working holiday age limits and eligibility on the  Department of Home Affairs website .

The Working Holiday visa application requires identity documents such as your passport and financial evidence that proves you have the funds to stay in Australia, usually AUD $5,000. You'll need to meet certain health and character requirements, and you may also be asked to provide a police certificate. All documents must be in English, and any scan or photograph of documents must be clear and in colour. See the most up-to-date document checklists for the  Working Holiday visa  (subclass 417) and  Work and Holiday visa  (subclass 462) for more information.

It costs AUD $635 to apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa, though the price can change at any time. Check the price for the  Working Holiday visa  (subclass 417) and  Work and Holiday visa  (subclass 462) before applying.

After you have collected all the necessary documentation, it doesn’t take long to complete the application. Give yourself a few hours to ensure you complete the application accurately. Learn more about the application process for the  Working Holiday visa  (subclass 417) and the  Work and Holiday visa  (subclass 462) before applying.

Processing times vary. Most applications will be processed within 14 days. Check the latest processing times for the  Working Holiday visa  (subclass 417) and the  Work and Holiday visa  (subclass 462) on the Home Affairs website.

Yes. You can leave and re-enter Australia any number of times while the visa is valid.

Your first Working Holiday visa lasts for 12 months. However, there are options to stay for two or even three years on your working holiday. In most cases,  you will need to complete regional or farm work specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about specified work for the  Working Holiday visa  (subclass 417) and  Work and Holiday visa  (subclass 462).

If you wish to stay longer and continue your working holiday, you may be able to apply for a second Working Holiday visa which will allow you to stay for an extra 12 months.

To be eligible to apply, you must hold or have previously held a Working Holiday (subclass 417 or subclass 462) visa and, in most cases, you must have completed three months of specified work in regional areas of Australia while on your first Working Holiday visa. Find out whether this applies to you and check to ensure the work you are undertaking and the regional area of Australia is eligible under the guidelines, as specified work eligibility differs between  subclass 417  and  subclass 462  visas.

You can apply for a second Working Holiday Maker visa either while you still have your first visa or at a later date. Find out more information about applying for a  second Working Holiday visa  (Subclass 417) or a  second Work and Holiday visa  (Subclass 462).

There are a few conditions, but the most important is that in most cases, you’ll need to complete six months of specified work during your second year to qualify. You can check if this applies to you and see the list of requirements for specified work under Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas  here  and Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas  here .

The Australian Government has strict laws regarding employment of non-citizens and penalties for breaking the law. Don’t try to work without the right visa. If your Working Holiday visa expires and you have not left Australia or applied for another visa, you could risk being detained and possibly removed. You may also not be allowed to return to Australia for a period of time.

There are  other visa options  if you wish to stay temporarily or permanently in Australia at the end of your working holiday.

Find the most up to date information regarding visas and the Working Holiday Maker program on the  Department of Home Affairs website .

Note : Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority . The visa granting authority is the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. For up-to-date information, please refer to their website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder .

The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an Australian qualified immigration lawyer or migration agent if you are seeking legal advice.

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How Biden’s New Immigration Policy Works

The new policy will give some 500,000 people a pathway to citizenship.

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By Hamed Aleaziz

President Biden’s new immigration policy protects some 500,000 people who are married to U.S. citizens from deportation and gives them a pathway to citizenship.

The election-year move comes just two weeks after Mr. Biden imposed a major crackdown at the U.S.-Mexico border, cutting off access to asylum for people who crossed into the United States illegally.

The policy announced on Tuesday is aimed at people who have been living in the United States for more than a decade and have built their lives and families here.

Here is how it works:

Why do the spouses of American citizens need protection?

Marrying an American citizen generally provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship. But people who crossed the southern border illegally — rather than arriving in the country with a visa — must return to their home countries to complete the process for a green card, something that can take years. The new program allows families to remain in the country while they pursue legal status.

Who is eligible?

There are roughly 1.1 million undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens in the United States, according to Fwd.us , an immigration advocacy group, but not all of them are eligible for the program.

The spouses must have lived in the United States for 10 years and have been married to an American citizen as of June 17. They cannot have a criminal record. Officials estimate that the policy will provide legal status and protections for about 500,000 people. The benefits would also extend to the roughly 50,000 children of undocumented spouses who became stepchildren to American citizens.

When will the program take effect?

Biden administration officials said they expected the program to start by the end of the summer. Those eligible will then be able to apply for the benefits.

Why is President Biden doing this now?

Mr. Biden is trying to strike a tricky balance on immigration, which is a serious political vulnerability for him. Polls show Americans want tougher policies. Just two weeks ago, Mr. Biden announced a crackdown on asylum at the southern border.

His new policy, giving hundreds of thousands of immigrants new legal protections, is a way for him to answer the calls from the progressive base of the Democratic Party, which has accused the White House of betraying campaign promises to enact a more humane approach to immigrants.

Hamed Aleaziz covers the Department of Homeland Security and immigration policy. More about Hamed Aleaziz

The most overlooked tax deductions revealed

Most people get less tax back in their refund than they should because they don’t claim all they’re entitled to. This is what you need to know.

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At tax time, every dollar counts. The reality is that most people get less tax back in their refund than they should, simply because they don’t claim everything they’re entitled to.

If your income is above $45,000 p.a., you receive at least a third of every dollar of tax deductions back in your tax refund, so you want to make sure you’re claiming everything you can.

With tax time just around the corner, I wanted to cover some of the most commonly overlooked tax deductions so you don’t leave money on the table.

Motor vehicle expenses

You can claim tax deductions for your car of up to $4250 without keeping a log book, and even more following the log book method. This can mean thousands of dollars back in your pocket at tax time, and given motor vehicle and petrol costs are on the rise, this can be a quick and easy win.

If you travel in a private vehicle for work purposes, there are two methods you can use to claim deductions for your car. The log book method, where you track all of your trips and kilometres travelled, which you use to compute the percentage of your travel that’s work related. Once you have your work related travel percentage, you can deduct that percentage of your motor vehicle costs, including everything from petrol to servicing, insurance, and everything in between.

The other method is the “fixed-rate” method, where you claim a set deduction of $0.85 for every kilometre you travel for work purposes, up to a maximum of 5000 kilometres each year ($4250 total deduction). Under this method you don’t need to keep a strict log book, but you do need to keep records of your work trips in case the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) asks you to substantiate your claim.

It’s worth noting with both methods, that for travel to be work related it needs to be part of your actual work, and not just you travelling to and from your office or worksite. Travelling between office locations, visiting clients or travelling to your suppliers would all fit under this umbrella.

Home office expenses

With the work-from-home trend here to stay, more Aussies are spending time working from home office locations – but not everyone is claiming the tax deductions they’re entitled to for their home office.

If you work from home, you can generally claim expenses for your office supplies, stationary, printing, etc. But you can also claim part of your power and utilities, internet, and even potentially part of your rent or mortgage as a tax deduction. For most people, this means some pretty significant tax savings are on offer.

The ATO again has a couple of methods you can use to claim your home office expenses, a fixed-rate method based on the hours you work at home, or the percentage method if you have a dedicated work-only space.

For either method, there are some complexities to the rules that you should be across before you lodge your tax return, and this is an area the ATO are looking closely at. You should claim everything you’re entitled to, but you don’t want to end up in hot water with the ATO so it’s worth building your knowledge and getting some good advice.

Self education expenses

Expenses for self education and professional development can run into the thousands of dollars each year. If the goal of any education or training is increasing your employment income, these expenses are generally tax deductible under the ATO’s rules.

You can also generally deduct the cost of content subscriptions that help with your work, like newspaper or online news site subscriptions. This means that along with formal study, any short courses, online training, or other content-based education can help to cut your tax bill.

Data shows that 30 per cent of Aussies spend an average of $1936 on professional education each year, which means there are some significant tax deductions up for grabs.

Tax and investing advice

The cost of getting professional help and advice around your tax and investing can also be tax deductible under the ATO’s rules. It gets a little blurry but typically tax advice is a straightforward deduction, and if you’re getting ongoing advice around building investment wealth and investment income, this can also be tax deductible.

This means you can get some help to grow your money, create another income stream, and cut your tax bill at the same time.

At tax time you’ve got two choices. You can take the time to understand all the rules and take full advantage, get a bigger tax refund, keep more of your hard earned income, and get a head start on the year ahead.

Or you can cruise along, be reactive, and hope for the best – but know you’re probably leaving money on the table.

The rules around tax can be a little complicated and confusing, but taking the time to level up your knowledge will make you more money from what you already have, and get you a better result both this year and into the years ahead.

Ben Nash is a finance expert commentator, podcaster, financial adviser and founder of Pivot Wealth , and Author of the Amazon Best Selling Book ‘ Get Unstuck: Your guide to creating a life not limited by money ’.

More Coverage

Ben has just launched a series of free online money education events to help you get on the front financial foot. You can check out all the details and book your place here .

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it, and where

They’re the everyday items and costs you might not realise you can claim at tax time and an expert has revealed his top 10 tips for getting the most out of your return.

If you’re one of the many Aussies who were hit with a surprise bill after lodging your tax return last year, we have some bad news for you.

Experts are warning ATO impersonation scams are on the rise ahead of the end of financial year.

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WORKING IN AUSTRALIA

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Guaranteed work before you leave home!

Work & Travel Australia will give you exclusive access to the AIFS Job Desk with everything you need to find work. We work with employers across Australia who offer a wide range of jobs.

Our pre-placement option (6 month job commitment) is one of the features of AIFS’ package and is a great option for those with hospitality experience. By locking in your job beforehand, you can start earning as soon as you land!

If you prefer to arrange your job post-arrival, our Job Desk offers:

• Free CV and cover letter checks
• One-on-one consultations
• Job offers and placements
• Agency introductions – for specific industry work
• AIFS Members WhatsApp group
• Job related course bookings
• Assistance applying for a tax file number
• General job advice

It was good to know that there was a number I could call if I needed help. I never used it but it gave me confidence to travel knowing it was there. Lina

Combination Programs

A combination package is the perfect solution for someone wanting to have a fully immersive cultural exchange experience. Volunteer on a farm working with horses, Au pair in the outback or downtown Sydney, or start your Australian experience with a week on an iconic surf camp. Contact us for more information.

I wanted to thank you, the AIFS team again. You always stood behind me and encouraged me to try situations where I would have normally thrown in everything and flown home. learned a lot in Australia. Thank you. Ollie

Australia is on everyone's bucket list. As an AIFS traveller you have access to exclusive discounts and honest advice about what to do and where to go. AIFS Travel saves you money and time and gets you the best deals. Click here to learn more.

How It Works

Work & Travel Australia helps you with the big first steps in your experience down under. Whether it is finding work or seeking the best deal on a Reef tour, we have you sorted!

We pride ourselves on being upfront and honest about our fees so you know exactly the costs, where your fees go, what's included and what's not. Our package includes all the essentials that you’ll need plus a few extras to make sure you have the best experience possible.