Working Holidays in Australia

Whilst economic problems remain throughout much of the world, a few places are basking in sunshine - both literally and metaphorically.
Australia is one of a handful of countries forecast to have more people in work by the end of this year than before the financial crisis struck, and so this could be a perfect time for graduates, finishing their degrees, to consider obtaining a Working Holiday Visa and enjoying a lifestyle many of us only dream of! The Working Holiday Visa allows visitors aged 18-30 to stay up to 12 months (and 2 years in some cases) and work and study while there. The Working Holiday Visa is available to residents of many countries including Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK.
There’s plenty of work to be found right now in Australia, especially if you’re willing to do a variety jobs in places all around the country. Typical backpacker and working holiday jobs include waiting staff, bar staff, labouring/building work, agriculture work like fruit picking, nanny/au pair services, retail, office and promotional work. One of the most popular types of work is harvest work. The Harvest Trail provides jobseekers with important information about harvest work opportunities, working conditions and transport options in the key harvest areas around Australia. You’ll have to work hard, but you’ll be generally working with dozens of other travellers so it’s a very social job as well. It may also help you get a second year’s working visa – but make sure you check the eligibility requirements carefully first.
It really is true that extended travel is not just for the twenty-something’s. With redundancy levels high, career changes limited and that need to just get away, backpacking really is the experience of a lifetime regardless of age and whilst the working holiday visa is only valid for those under 30 years there are several visa options that allow extended stays.
Australia will not disappoint once you get there. This enormous country is a place of contrast with literally something for everyone. The unpopulated deserts, lush green tropical rainforest, idyllic beaches, colourful reefs, wild rugged coastline, laid back surf resorts and cosmopolitan cities, are all well worth a visit and the hostels here really are some of the best in the world!
The new Sydney Harbour YHA is a few minutes walk from the iconic Harbour and Opera House and with overnight accommodation priced from just $AUD38.00 per night, budget travellers can stay in the heart of Sydney’s premier tourist precinct and enjoy its many attractions and stunning Sydney Harbour views without paying 5* hotel rates. If wildlife is more your thing, this unique continent is one of only 12 “megadiverse” countries that together account for 75% of the world's total biodiversity. Scientists estimate that the continent is home to more than one million plant and animal species and many of these are found nowhere else on the planet.
Magnetic Island YHA is an award winning Queensland hostel in a stunning nature reserve. The private A-frame bungalows range from doubles to multi-share dorms and with the hostel having its own wildlife sanctuary it's your chance to sleep with a koala and a croc! Magnetic Island itself has 24 kms of walking track with many spectacular lookouts. It's a haven for wildlife like rock wallabies, koalas and a wide variety of bird-life such as lorikeets, sunbirds, brahmini kites and cockatoos amongst others. If this isn’t enough, experience the marine life by taking guided Sea Kayak tours to beautiful bays to see dolphins, turtles, coral reef fish and sea eagles.
Jumping down from tropical Queensland to the bottom of Australia, South Australia is less populated and less trodden by tourists making it a magical place to explore. Whilst many will have heard of the world-famous wines from the Barossa Valley, the state capital, Adelaide, is home to several music festivals including WOMADelaide, which takes place in March and attracts bands from around the world. Start planning your 2012 festival tour now! Adelaide Central YHA overlooks picturesque Light Square in the heart of the city and is close to the city markets, museums, art galleries and some great shopping. The Adelaide hostel has the type of facilities expected in any cosmopolitan city and is close to Adelaide's pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes. However, if it’s a night in you fancy then watch one of the new release films screened at the hostel every night.
Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide is the picturesque town of Port Elliot and the newly opened Port Elliot YHA overlooking the picturesque bay that is home to whales during the May to September season. If that isn’t enough take a trip to Granite Island, either by walking across the causeway or by horse drawn tram and watch the fairy penguins on their nightly pilgrimage. As well as having some of the best hostel facilities around, picking home-grown vegetable and herbs from the hostel’s garden makes a trip here memorable. Australia is a truly magnificent country, with experiences that will keep you talking about it for years to come! To experience all that Australia has to offer check out our full list of hostels in Australia and make your hostel booking today!

---

Each month Hostelling International focuses on a great travel destinations. Take a read and be inspired by our travel ideas.