If you’re planning a Working Holiday in Australia, there’s a lot to prepare, but don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Here’s my experience and practical tips to make your WHV adventure as smooth as possible.
Before You Go
1. Apply for Your Visa (Subclass 417 for Belgium)
Apply directly through the official Australian Government website.
- Make sure your passport details are correct
- Upload a clear photo of your ID
- Double-check all information before submitting
💡 Tip: You don’t need an agency to apply. The process is straightforward and completely doable on your own.
Basic Requirements
To be eligible, you generally need to:
- Be 18–30 years old (some nationalities up to 35)
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
- Apply outside Australia
- Have no dependent children travelling with you
Proof of Funds 💰
Australia wants to make sure you can support yourself when you arrive.
You usually need to show:
- Around AUD 5,000 in savings
- Plus a return ticket or proof you can afford one
This is rarely checked during the visa application, but can be checked at the border, so don’t skip this.
Health & Insurance 🩺
Health insurance is not legally required for the WHV, but it is strongly recommended.
- Medical costs in Australia are high
- You are not covered by Medicare unless your country has a reciprocal agreement
- Many employers will expect you to be insured
A basic Working Holiday insurance should cover:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital stays
- Accidents
- (Optionally) work-related injuries
Trust me — it’s worth it for peace of mind.
Character & Health Questions
During the application you’ll be asked about:
- Criminal history
- Previous visa refusals
- Serious medical conditions
Most people won’t need a medical exam unless something is flagged.
After Approval
Once approved:
- You have 12 months to enter Australia
- Your visa activates the day you enter
- You can work up to 6 months per employer
- You can study for up to 4 months
💡 Tip: Apply while your plans are still flexible — this visa gives freedom, not fixed dates.
2. Consider an Organisation (Optional)
I went with AIFS, which helped with:
- Initial accommodation
- Orientation
- Some guidance at the start
You absolutely don’t need an organisation, but it can make the first few days less overwhelming if you like having support.
3. Insurance for Your Luggage
Don’t skip this.
I paid around €64 for 9 months, and it gave me so much peace of mind.
Lost bags, damaged items, delays — it happens more than you think, especially when moving around a lot.
Luggage: Backpack or Suitcase?
This is one of the most common WHV dilemmas — and honestly, there’s no single right answer.
- Australia only: suitcase = totally fine
- Australia + Asia: backpack = much easier
- Social/backpacker experience: backpack feels more fitting
- Comfort & structure: suitcase works perfectly
Choose what suits your travel style, not what you think a “real backpacker” should look like.
My personal choice
I travelled with the Osprey Aether 65, and I was genuinely happy with it. I used it throughout Australia and later in Bali, and it held up perfectly, buses, hostels, boats, and way too many repacks included.
It’s comfortable to carry for longer distances, super sturdy, and has enough space without feeling overwhelming. I could have even done a smaller one, but with this one you don’t have to stress about space. If you’re planning to combine Australia with Asia, a backpack like this makes moving around so much easier.
💡 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.
After Arrival
1. Buy a local SIM card
- I got Lebara, but there are plenty of options.
- Make sure you have data for maps, transport apps, and contacting new friends!
2. Open a local bank account
- I recommend Commonwealth Bank — super easy and widely accepted.
- You’ll need this to get paid and manage your money while travelling.
3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
- You can do this online, but it takes about 1 week to get approval.
- You must have a TFN to work legally and pay taxes correctly.
4. Set up a Superannuation fund
- This is your retirement fund — mandatory for all employees.
- Mine was Hostplus Super, but there are other options.
- You’ll get contributions from your employers automatically while you work.
Extra Tips
- Keep copies of all documents — visa, ID, insurance
- Keep some emergency cash separate from your card
- Don’t stress if things feel overwhelming — the first week is always chaotic!
This is your starter kit for a smooth start to your Australian adventure. Follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to travel, work, and explore without unnecessary stress!
If you’re wondering what to pack or which cities to go to, check out my other articles — or just DM me for tips. No stress, I’ve got you.
