What is a working holiday
Embark on a brand new adventure in Australia.
By Leah Dobihal
A working holiday promises adventure, self-discovery and exploration. From the turquoise waters of Queensland to the red dirt of the outback, you can be certain that your gap year will bring unforgettable memories and life-changing experiences.
What is a gap year or working holiday?
A working holiday, sometimes called a gap year, is an extended trip abroad that allows you to stay for longer than a typical tourist visa and gives you the right to earn money through short-term employment. While some working holiday makers choose to stay for a year and beyond, others stay for just a few months.
In Australia, a working holiday might entail full-time work, part-time work, volunteer work or no work at all. You have the freedom to work as much or as little as you choose, allowing you to customise your year abroad.
There are many reasons you might take a gap year. A gap year offers new experiences, new friendships, a new perspective and memories you’ll never forget.
What is a working holiday visa?
The Kettle Black, South Melbourne, Victoria © Josie Withers Photography
Australia’s working holiday visas are a part of the Australian Government’s Working Holiday Maker Program - a cultural exchange program which allows young travellers to have an extended holiday and earn money as they travel. A working holiday visa is a requirement if you want to stay in Australia longer than a tourist visa allows, or if you want the right to work during your holiday.
Australia offers two different working holiday visas: a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and a Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). Your eligibility will depend on your citizenship, so check the Australian Home Affairs website for more information.
What can I expect from a year in Australia?
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
There’s a huge array of experiences you can have in Australia, but one thing’s for sure - you can expect an adventure.
On a working holiday, you’re bound to discover Australia’s stunning scenery and wildlife. Queensland is home to the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll snorkel with vibrant schools of fish. On Rottnest Island you can snap a selfie with a smiling quokka, or head to the Northern Territory which boasts national parks with otherworldly landscapes.
You can also immerse yourself in a new way of life. The ocean, the desert, food and friendship all play enormous roles in the Australian way of life. Find yourself sharing a beer at a brewery in Brisbane, cheering with fans at a game of cricket or learning to surf with a wave-loving local.
Whether you settle into city life or roam from coast to coast, you’ll come across waterfalls that ignite your wanderlust, delicious dishes with new flavours and experiences that encourage your self-discovery.
