Where to Head on a Work and Holiday Visa
Hello! I’m from Portugal and I’m excited to be heading to Australia on a Work and Holiday Visa. My goal is to gain diverse experiences working various jobs for a few months—definitely steering clear of corporate roles. I’m considering options in hospitality, farm work, factory jobs, and more. I’m open to exploring a wide range of possibilities, hopefully earning some money while enjoying my time there, and then taking some time to travel around Australia, as well as Southeast Asia and New Zealand.
I’m seeking recommendations for the best places to stay during the first couple of weeks as my friend and I get settled, take care of tasks like opening a bank account and obtaining our Tax File Numbers, and search for jobs. I really want to maximize my chances of securing employment that will help us save money, so I’m also willing to consider more remote locations.
I’ve heard that avoiding cities like Sydney and Melbourne might be wise due to high competition for jobs.
It’s worth mentioning that I plan to arrive in September, and I’ll be traveling with a friend, so we’re both on the lookout for job opportunities.
It sounds like you have an exciting adventure ahead of you in Australia! Here are some recommendations to consider for your initial weeks and job search:
Best Locations to Start:
Cairns: This city in Queensland is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is popular for tourism. There are plenty of opportunities in hospitality, and you can also find farm work in the surrounding areas.
Byron Bay: Known for its laid-back atmosphere, there are various opportunities in cafes, restaurants, and retail. It’s also a beautiful area to explore during your free time.
Townsville: This northern city has various industries and job opportunities, including hospitality and remote work options. Plus, it’s close to stunning natural attractions.
Gold Coast: Though it’s a popular tourist destination, jobs in hospitality and tourism are often available. It has beautiful beaches and a vibrant lifestyle.
Adelaide: While it’s a city, it’s smaller than Sydney and Melbourne. There are opportunities in hospitality and seasonal farm work in nearby regions like the Barossa Valley.
Job Search Tips:
Visit Local Job Boards: Websites like Gumtree, Seek, and Indeed often list job openings for temporary or casual positions.
Networking: Join local Facebook groups or forums for travelers and workers. You may find job leads or friendly connections who can help with your search.
Consider Agencies: Staffing agencies can connect you with employers looking for temporary workers, especially in hospitality and manual labor.
Administrative Tasks:
Setting up a Bank Account: Major banks like Commonwealth Bank or Westpac have easy online setups for international visitors. Consider visiting a branch to speed things up.
Getting a TRN: You can apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) online, which is necessary for working in Australia.
Remote Living Consideration:
If you’re open to remote locations, consider places like the agricultural areas in Queensland or Western Australia, where you can find seasonal farm work and save money. The work might be more physically demanding, but it often comes with the added bonus of being in beautiful, less touristy areas.
Travel Ideas:
Once you’ve saved some money, consider doing a road trip along the East Coast or visiting places like Tasmania. New Zealand is definitely worth a visit, and many flights are reasonably priced from Australia.
Have a fantastic time planning your adventure, and enjoy all the experiences that Australia has to offer!