Why go on a working holiday to Australia
Thinking about taking a working holiday in Australia? Get ready for one unforgettable adventure.
By Leah Dobihal
A gap year can mean many things. It offers months of once-in-a-lifetime memories, the chance to discover yourself or the opportunity to put you ahead in your career. In Australia, you can skydive over Sydney one day and surf in Byron Bay the next. Travel to the innermost Red Centre of the country to connect with an ancient culture, or stroll through the sand on the expanses of coastline. It’s all possible when you take a working holiday Down Under.
Why should I go on a working holiday in Australia?
Beerenberg Strawberry Farm 'Pick Your Own', Beerener, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
A working holiday is all about experience. Maybe you want to embark on a new adventure, make new friends, find a new perspective or simply enjoy a change of scenery. It can all be done on a working holiday.
One thing is certain: a working holiday allows you to accomplish your goals. If your goal is self-discovery, pack your journal for a multi-day journey across the cliffs of Tasmania. If you want to advance your career, participate in one of many work and volunteering opportunities around the country. Maybe you just want to experience the beauty of Australia. With countless beaches, deserts, forests and mountains to discover, you’ll find breathtaking beauty around every corner.
What are the benefits of a gap year?
Hill Inlet, Whitsundays, Queensland © Jason Hill, Tourism and Events Queensland
From gaining new skills to making lifelong friends, there are so many benefits of a gap year. One significant plus is that you get to experience something new. You’ll discover new wildlife, nature, culture and people - and maybe even discover something new about yourself along the way. A gap year is the perfect way to refresh and recharge, especially if you’re planning to return home and continue work or study.
You’ll also develop new skills that will make you stand out from your peers. Even if you don’t study while you’re in Australia, a gap year is a journey of learning. You’ll learn to manage your time and money, you’ll learn new social skills and you’ll discover your sense of curiosity. If you choose to work or volunteer during your time in Australia, you’ll be able to enhance your CV and set yourself apart when you search for a job back home. Hospitality work will teach you customer service, while work in agriculture can teach you organisation and even viticulture and food production.
Perhaps the most important benefit of all is the friends and memories you’ll leave with. During your gap year, you’ll meet like minded people who inevitably become friends, and return home with memories of all the amazing moments you’ve experienced during your time abroad.
How can a working holiday help me in my career?
Doma Cafe, Federal, New South Wales © Destination NSW
You might think a working holiday is all about kicking back with a beer, but you can also seek out specific opportunities that will help further your career. Volunteering is one of the best ways to set yourself apart. From animals to ecosystems, there are plenty of places to volunteer across Australia. In the Great Barrier Reef, you can help rehabilitate rescued sea turtles, or volunteer with one of several environmental protection charities. Your volunteering experience will show future employers that you’re passionate, responsible and ready to go above and beyond.
Because a working holiday visa allows you to work during your visit, you can also secure a job that teaches valuable skills. Even if you don’t work in your chosen industry, every job can teach you marketable skills like problem-solving, multi-tasking and communication.
While you’re in Australia, keep note of every new skill, ability and experience so you can add them to your CV.
