If you’re planning a working holiday in Australia, you’ve probably come across companies offering full starter packages, job help and arrival support.

But here’s my honest take:

👉 You absolutely don’t need a working holiday program in Australia.

Most of it is things you can easily do yourself for free.

Still, let’s break down what these programs actually offer, and my real experience with them.

Popular Working Holiday Programs in Australia

Here’s a quick overview of the biggest ones you’ll see:

• Happy Travels – hostel help, job board, SIM + bank support, social events
• Welcome to Australia – arrival support, orientation, job help + social events
• AIFS – structured program, but my personal experience was not great
• JENZA – structured support, CV + job help, popular with Europeans
• UltimateOz – very social Sydney starter program (events + hostel life)
• Work in Australia – job-focused support + TFN and admin help

👉 In general: most of these focus on either social integration, job help, or arrival support.

But you can easily organise all of this yourself. The only thing you really need is my WHV starter kit, and you’re good to go.

How much do working holiday programs cost?

Most working holiday programs cost around €300–€800, depending on the package.

At first it might sound like a good investment, but keep in mind:

👉 Many things included are actually free or much cheaper if you arrange them yourself.

For example:

• Hostels for the first nights
• SIM cards and bank accounts
• Job searching via Facebook or hostel boards

All of this can be done independently in a few hours.

Who are working holiday programs actually useful for?

These programs are not necessary, but they can be helpful for:

• First-time solo travellers who feel overwhelmed
• People who want instant social connections
• Travellers who prefer structured arrival support

👉 If you like independence and figuring things out on the road, you probably don’t need them.

My personal experience (AIFS)

I personally went with AIFS, and honestly, I regret it.

A big issue for me was the social setup. I ended up in a group where almost everyone spoke German, since AIFS is very popular in Germany. It honestly felt like I had moved to Germany instead of Australia. If you want to know more about my first days after arriving, you can read my travel diary here.

Even when I asked for help, it often didn’t feel very useful. Simple things like sending a package or finding jobs still required me to figure everything out myself.

For the price (around €500), it didn’t feel worth it.

👉 Most of what they offer can be done faster, cheaper and easier on your own.

The only real advantage

There is one real benefit:

👉 Meeting people on arrival.

I met someone through the program, and we ended up travelling together for most of my trip. That alone made it somewhat valuable.

But that was the only real advantage I personally experienced.

Better alternatives (what I would do instead)

If I had to start again, I would:

• Book a hostel for the first nights
• Join Facebook groups for jobs + travel buddies
• Meet people through Greyhound or hostels
• Plan the first week myself

👉 This gives you the same result, but with more flexibility and much lower cost.

Final thoughts

So, do you need a working holiday program in Australia?

👉 No, you don’t.

They can make the first days easier and more social, but they are absolutely not necessary.

Most backpackers do everything themselves and still have an amazing experience.

FAQ

Do I need a working holiday program in Australia?

No. Most backpackers organise everything themselves without any agency.

Are working holiday programs worth it?

Only if you want social support or structured help. Otherwise, they are not necessary.

How much do working holiday programs cost in Australia?

Usually between €300 and €800 depending on the package.

What is the best working holiday program in Australia?

There is no single best one. UltimateOz is very social, Happy Travels is more backpacker-focused, and JENZA is more structured.

Can I find a job in Australia without a program?

Yes. Most people find jobs through Facebook groups, hostels, Gumtree or direct applications.