Working Holiday Australia Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before & After Arrival

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

Planning a Working Holiday in Australia can feel overwhelming. There’s the visa, insurance, flights, money, accommodation, packing, finding a job and then suddenly you’re expected to arrive in a completely new country and figure everything out.

I know the feeling.

I spent 9 months travelling, working and living around Australia, and looking back, there are quite a few things I wish I had known before I left.

So if you’re planning a Working Holiday in Australia, this guide covers the practical things I recommend organising before you leave and after you arrive, based on my own experience.

Before You Go

1. Apply for Your Working Holiday Visa

For Belgian passport holders, the relevant visa is generally the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program allows eligible young adults to spend up to 12 months in Australia while undertaking short-term work and study.

Apply directly through the official Australian Government website rather than paying an agency to do it for you.

When applying:

  • Make sure your passport details are correct
  • Check that your passport is valid
  • Answer all questions honestly
  • Double-check your application before submitting it
  • Keep your visa grant letter somewhere safe

My biggest tip: you don’t need to pay an agency just to submit your visa application. The process is something you can generally organise yourself.

Not sure whether you should organise your Working Holiday yourself or use a program? Read this: Do You Need a Working Holiday Program in Australia?

Working Holiday Visa Requirements

Requirements depend on your passport and visa subclass, so always check the current Australian Government requirements before applying.

For the subclass 417, eligibility generally includes requirements relating to:

  • Your age
  • Your passport
  • Your previous Australian visas
  • Your health and character
  • Whether you have dependent children travelling with you

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program currently includes more than 40 partner countries and jurisdictions across subclasses 417 and 462.

Proof of Funds

You should also make sure you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive.

A commonly stated amount is around AUD 5,000, plus enough money for a return or onward ticket, or additional funds to purchase one.

Even if you don’t end up needing to show this during your visa application, having enough money available is important. You don’t want to arrive in Australia with no job, no accommodation and barely enough money to survive your first few weeks.

My advice: have an emergency buffer beyond the minimum.

Australia is expensive, and your first weeks can involve a lot of unexpected costs.

Sydney travel budget Surf Camp Australia surfing lesson beginner waves beach Seven Mile Beach Australia

2. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things you might be tempted to skip when you’re trying to save money.

I wouldn’t.

Medical treatment, hospital stays, cancelled transport and lost or damaged belongings can become extremely expensive when you’re travelling abroad.

A good Working Holiday travel insurance policy can cover things such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Hospital treatment
  • Accidents
  • Emergency assistance
  • Lost or damaged luggage
  • Travel delays
  • Personal liability

Make sure you actually read the policy rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

Also check whether the policy covers you while working, because not every travel insurance policy covers every type of employment.

3. Consider an Organisation or Working Holiday Program

You absolutely don’t need a Working Holiday organisation to move to Australia.

I travelled with AIFS, which helped me with:

  • Initial accommodation
  • Orientation
  • Getting settled
  • Some practical guidance at the beginning

For me, having some support during those first few days made the transition easier.

But if you’re confident organising things yourself, you can absolutely do it independently.

I’d say a program is most useful if you’re nervous about travelling alone, have never travelled long-term before or simply want someone to help you get started.

If you’re more independent, save the money and organise it yourself.

Do You Need a Working Holiday Program in Australia? Honest Experience & Reality Check

4. Get Insurance for Your Luggage

This is something I personally found worth having.

I paid around €64 for 9 months of coverage, and it gave me peace of mind while constantly moving around.

During a Working Holiday, your belongings can end up on:

  • Buses
  • Planes
  • Boats
  • Hostel floors
  • Shared rooms
  • Road trips
  • Random luggage storage rooms

Lost luggage, damaged electronics or stolen belongings can happen.

You don’t want one unfortunate incident to ruin your entire trip financially.

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Backpack or Suitcase for Australia?

This is one of the biggest questions people have before a Working Holiday.

And honestly?

There is no universally correct answer.

Choose a suitcase if:

  • You’re mainly travelling around Australia
  • You’re staying in hotels or private accommodation
  • You don’t expect to move every few days
  • You prefer organisation and easy access to your belongings

Choose a backpack if:

  • You’re combining Australia with Southeast Asia
  • You’re staying in lots of hostels
  • You’re moving around frequently
  • You’re using buses, boats and public transport
  • You want to travel more lightly

I personally travelled with an Osprey Aether 65 and was genuinely happy with it.

I used it throughout Australia and later in Bali, and it survived buses, hostels, boats and way too many repacks.

It’s comfortable to carry, sturdy and has plenty of space. Looking back, I probably could have gone slightly smaller, but I never regretted having the extra room.

Osprey Aether 65

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. If you buy through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Still deciding?

Backpack vs Suitcase Australia East Coast: Which One Should You Choose?

And if you’re wondering what you actually need to pack:

What to Pack for Australia: The Ultimate Working Holiday Packing List

5. Don’t Overplan Your Entire Year

This is probably one of my biggest Working Holiday Australia tips.

Don’t book twelve months of accommodation.

Don’t plan every weekend.

And don’t decide that you absolutely have to follow one specific route.

One of the best things about a Working Holiday is the freedom.

You might arrive thinking you’re going to spend three months in Sydney and then realise you absolutely love Melbourne.

You might plan to work in hospitality and end up working somewhere completely different.

You might meet people who convince you to join a road trip.

You might fall in love with a place you had never even heard of before Australia.

Leave some room for that.

6. Think About Your Route Around the Seasons

Although I don’t recommend planning every detail, I do recommend having a rough idea of where you want to go and when.

Australia is enormous, and the weather can completely change your experience.

Think about:

  • Where you want to work
  • Which coast you want to explore
  • The Australian seasons
  • When certain destinations are best
  • Where you might want to spend Christmas
  • Whether you want to do the East Coast, West Coast or both

I spent months travelling around Australia, and planning around the seasons made a huge difference.

If you’re planning an East Coast Working Holiday, I’ve written a complete route based on how I would plan it after my own experience:

Australia East Coast Working Holiday Route: Best Travel & Work Timeline Guide

7. Save an Emergency Fund

Don’t arrive in Australia with exactly enough money to survive until your first paycheck.

Your first few weeks can be expensive.

You might need to pay for:

  • Accommodation
  • A deposit
  • Food
  • Transport
  • SIM card
  • Bank fees
  • Work clothes
  • A hostel
  • Flights or buses
  • Activities
  • Unexpected expenses

And you might not find a job immediately.

Having an emergency fund means you can actually enjoy the beginning of your Working Holiday instead of panicking about money.

If you want to know what I personally spent during 9 months in Australia:

Australia Backpacking Budget: My 9-Month Working Holiday Costsis link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Sydney Harbour Bridge viewed from Circular Quay on a sunny day in Sydney Australia

After Arriving in Australia

Once you land, there’s a whole list of practical things you need to sort out.

Luckily, most of them are relatively straightforward.

1. Buy a Local SIM Card

One of the first things I did was get a local SIM card.

I used Lebara, but there are plenty of Australian providers and plans to choose from.

Having mobile data is important for:

  • Google Maps
  • Public transport
  • Calling employers
  • WhatsApp
  • Booking accommodation
  • Finding jobs
  • Staying in contact with people you meet

Don’t rely entirely on hostel Wi-Fi.

Having your own data makes the first few days much easier.

2. Open an Australian Bank Account

You’ll generally want an Australian bank account if you’re planning to work.

I used Commonwealth Bank, which I found straightforward and widely accepted.

Having an Australian account makes it much easier to:

  • Receive your salary
  • Pay for everyday expenses
  • Manage your money
  • Transfer money locally

Try to organise this early rather than waiting until you’ve already found a job.

3. Apply for Your Tax File Number

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is important if you’re going to work in Australia.

You can apply for one through the Australian Taxation Office.

You don’t need to panic if you don’t have it on your first day in Australia, but you should apply as soon as you’re eligible and planning to work.

Keep your TFN somewhere secure once you receive it.

You’ll use it for your Australian tax affairs and when starting work.

4. Set Up Your Superannuation

If you work in Australia, your employer may need to make superannuation contributions for you.

Superannuation is essentially Australia’s retirement savings system.

I used Hostplus, but there are multiple super funds available.

Make sure you keep track of your super throughout your Working Holiday, especially if you change jobs several times.

You don’t want to end up with multiple accounts that you completely forget about.

5. Get a Local Address

Once you have somewhere to stay, keep track of your Australian address.

This can be useful for:

  • Bank accounts
  • Employment paperwork
  • Government correspondence
  • Tax documents
  • Deliveries

If you’re constantly moving between hostels, keep a record of where you’ve stayed and which address you used for important paperwork.

Finding a Job in Australia

One of the biggest questions people have before going on a Working Holiday is:

“How am I actually going to find work?”

The good news is that Working Holiday Maker visa holders can work in Australia, generally for up to 6 months with the same employer, subject to visa conditions and any applicable exemptions.

You can work in many different industries, so don’t assume you have to pick fruit just because you’re on a Working Holiday.

Depending on your experience, you can look at:

  • Hospitality
  • Cafés
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Retail
  • Administration
  • Tourism
  • Farm work
  • Events
  • Childcare
  • Office jobs

I recommend being flexible, especially for your first job.

Your first Australian job doesn’t have to be your dream job.

It’s often simply a way to earn money, meet people and get settled.

I’ve written a separate guide about the methods I found most useful:

How to Find a Job in Australia on a Working Holiday: Fast & Easy Methods That Actually Work

Do You Need Specified Work?

If you want to apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa, specified work requirements can apply.

The exact rules depend on your visa and circumstances, so check the current Australian Government requirements before relying on older blog posts or advice from other travellers.

This is especially important because the rules and eligible industries or locations can change.

Don’t assume that a job automatically counts as specified work just because another backpacker told you it does.

My Biggest Working Holiday Australia Tips

After spending 9 months travelling and working around Australia, these are the things I’d tell anyone preparing for their first Working Holiday.

Don’t arrive broke

You don’t know how quickly you’ll find work, so have a financial buffer.

Don’t overpack

You will probably buy things in Australia anyway.

Don’t plan every detail

Your plans will change.

Don’t be afraid to travel alone

You can meet people incredibly quickly in hostels, jobs and activities.

Don’t stay somewhere just because you booked it

If you don’t like a place, move on.

Don’t compare your trip to everyone else’s

Some people will work for six months.

Others will travel constantly.

Some will love Sydney.

Others will hate it.

There isn’t one correct way to do a Working Holiday.

Take opportunities

Some of my favourite memories came from plans I never expected to make.

Say yes to the road trip.

Say yes to the random beach day.

Say yes to the job that takes you somewhere unexpected.

What I Wish I Knew Before My Working Holiday in Australia

Looking back, I think the biggest lesson is that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you leave.

You need your visa.

You need enough money to get started.

You need insurance.

You need somewhere to sleep when you land.

And then you can figure out the rest.

Australia is one of those places where your plans can change constantly. You might arrive with a detailed itinerary and end up doing something completely different.

And honestly, that’s part of the experience.

Your Working Holiday doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Final Thoughts

A Working Holiday in Australia can be one of the most exciting things you ever do, but you don’t need to have your entire life organised before you leave.

Get the important things sorted.

Save some money.

Pack sensibly.

Buy your flight.

And then give yourself permission to figure things out along the way.

After 9 months in Australia, that’s probably the biggest thing I learned: the best parts of your Working Holiday are often the things you never planned.

Planning Your Australia Trip?

Planning a trip to Australia can feel overwhelming, with so many places to explore and things to organise.

That’s why I created my Australia Travel Guide, sharing my itineraries, tips, experiences and everything you need to plan your own adventure.

→ START HERE: Australia Travel Guide
→ GET MY MAP: Australia Google Map

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FAQ – Working Holiday Australia

What should I do first after arriving in Australia on a Working Holiday?

Start with the practical basics: get a local SIM card, organise an Australian bank account and apply for your TFN if you’re going to work. After that, focus on accommodation, finding work and getting settled.

Do I need a Working Holiday program for Australia?

No. You can organise a Working Holiday yourself.

A program can be useful if you want extra support when you first arrive, but it isn’t a requirement.

How much money should I have before going to Australia on a Working Holiday?

You should have enough money to support yourself when you arrive, including money for accommodation, food, transport and unexpected expenses.

Around AUD 5,000 is commonly used as a benchmark for proof of funds, but you should always check the current requirements for your specific visa before travelling.

I would personally recommend having an additional emergency buffer if possible.

Can I work anywhere in Australia on a Working Holiday visa?

Working Holiday Maker visa holders can generally work in Australia, subject to their visa conditions. The standard condition limits work with one employer to 6 months, although exemptions and permission arrangements can apply.

How long can I stay in Australia on a Working Holiday?

The Working Holiday Maker program allows eligible participants to have a 12-month holiday in Australia while undertaking short-term work and study.

Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, second and third Working Holiday visas may also be possible.

How long can I study in Australia on a Working Holiday visa?

Working Holiday Maker visa holders are generally limited to 4 months of study or training per visa.

Do I need a TFN to work in Australia?

You should apply for a TFN if you’re going to work in Australia. It is used for your Australian tax affairs and helps ensure you’re taxed correctly.

Should I take a backpack or suitcase to Australia?

Both can work.

If you’re mainly travelling around Australia, a suitcase can be perfectly practical. If you’re combining Australia with Asia or moving around frequently, I personally prefer a backpack.

What should I plan before my Working Holiday in Australia?

At minimum, organise your visa, insurance, flights, accommodation for your first few nights and enough money to get started.

Beyond that, leave some flexibility.

You don’t need to know exactly where you’ll be living six months from now.

Is Australia expensive for backpackers?

Yes, Australia can be expensive compared with many popular backpacking destinations.

Your biggest costs will usually include accommodation, food, transport and activities.

That’s why having a financial buffer before you leave is so important.

If you want to see what I actually spent during 9 months in Australia:

Australia Backpacking Budget: My 9-Month Working Holiday Costs

What is the best place to start a Working Holiday in Australia?

There isn’t one answer for everyone.

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other cities can all be good starting points depending on the season, your job plans and the kind of experience you’re looking for.

I would choose your starting point based on weather + work opportunities + your route, rather than simply choosing the most popular city.

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