Working holidays Australia

For passport holders who are part of Australia’s working holiday visa scheme, you can apply for a working holiday visa that allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months – with the option to extend to a second and even a third visa for some nationalities. (See later FAQ).

Australia working holiday visas are broken down into two subclasses of visa – subclass 417 and subclass 462. Both allow you to work and travel in Australia. The visa we process for you will depend on your nationality.

For most nationalities, you must be aged 18-30 (inclusive) to apply for an Australia working holiday visa – which means you must apply before your 31st birthday. Unless you’re from the UK, Canada, France, Ireland, Denmark or Italy, in which case it’s 18-35 (inclusive) – which means you must apply before your 36th birthday.

You can call us or check the eligibility and age limit for your nationality here or here – depending on which subclass of working holiday visa your nationality is eligible for.

Once your visa is approved, you have 12 months to enter the country. Your visa is then valid to stay for one year – with extensions available for some passport holders.

From 1 July 2024, the regional work requirement was removed for UK passport holders - who can now apply for a second and third 12-month extension to their working holiday visa without having to show proof that they have completed specified or regional work. Find out more about the changes here.

For other passport holders, you may need to complete three months of 'specified work' in regional Australia to apply for a second or third visa. You can find out more about the extension requirements for your nationality here.

The working holiday visa for Australia is flexible, and allows you to do casual or career jobs.

Popular casual or backpacker jobs in Australia include farm work, fruit picking, waitressing, bartending, labouring, shop work, hostel work, hotel work, housekeeping, sales, promotions, tourism, removals, and more. You aren't required on this visa to have a job lined up before you go.

You can also work in industries related to your vocation, education or trade – such as nursing, beauty, marketing, construction, finance, recruitment and everything in between. Depending on your nationality, you may be required to change employers every six months during your visa. These jobs can be harder to come by for working holidaymakers, with employers favouring Aussie passport holders vs those on temporary work visas.

Our in-country sidekicks, Work + Travel Company (WTC), are on-the-ground experts at all things working in Australia. And typically place travellers into backpacker roles within the first two weeks of our packages.

They're their own labour hire and recruitment agency, so can actually place you in positions from their nationwide employer network and pay your wages into your Australia bank account. 21 days before you go, you'll get access to their members-only area stacked with work and travel information for your working holiday and the online Backpacker Jobs Board – where you can find nationwide jobs. You'll have a 1-on-1 with the team when you arrive to figure out your needs, plus the WTC team are based in the hostel to help you find your role. This level of support lasts for 12 months.

Yes! Legends on the backpacker scene, your 4 nights or 7 nights accommodation are at Nomads hostel. From run clubs and yoga to bingo nights and beach clubs, both hostels have daily and evening activities that you can join to meet other backpackers. Accommodation is in 4 or 6-bed dorms with en-suites, privacy curtains and USB ports. Want extra nights or an upgrade? Let us know.

The Work + Travel Company are also based in Nomads – so super easy to dive in and chat to the team about current jobs.

Nomads Sydney

Housed in a stunning heritage-listed property with beautiful exposed brickwork, we’re perfectly positioned beside Town Hall station, making it easy to explore all that Sydney has to offer. Whether you're hopping over to Darling Harbour, strolling to the Opera House, wandering through the Rocks Precinct, or taking in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll be just steps away from Sydney's most iconic spots. Vibe and amenities: When you're ready to chill, unwind at the Scary Canary – our legendary bar with nightly events, live DJ sets, and drink specials. Looking for a more laid-back vibe? We’ve got you covered with an in-house cinema and daily hostel activities where you can meet fellow travellers. Plus, enjoy a tasty in-house menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options so you can fuel up without leaving the hostel.

Nomads St Kilda, Melbourne

Located in the iconic seaside suburb of St Kilda, you’re just a two-minute walk from the beach, surrounded by buzzing bars, local cafés, and even a colony of adorable little penguins. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the sand, grabbing smashed avo and an almond latte, or heading out for drinks along the Esplanade, you’ll be right in the heart of it all. Vibe and amenities: Expect good times from the moment you check in. Downstairs, Red Eye Bar is where the magic happens... think cold beers, legendary nights, and our world-famous musical boozy bingo. Challenge your mates to a game on the free pool table, enjoy exclusive drink deals, and meet travellers from all over the world. With a strong focus on great service, epic nights, and making connections, Nomads St Kilda delivers the full hostel experience.

The 5-day option is unguided, more independent, and you can start it on any day. You'll have your transfer, 4 nights' hostel accommodation, welcome orientation, 1-on-1 placement session, and 8 meal vouchers all sorted for you. This package is perfect for independent travellers who have maybe travelled in Australia before or who are just looking for the essentials to get set up to work in Australia.

The 8-day option is fully-guided and is the best way to ease yourself into life in Australia. Along with 18-24 of your soon-to-be-best-friends/future flatmates/future life partner (maybe) it covers everything you can think of for your first week! Transfers, 7 nights' hostel accommodation, welcome dinners, city tours, beach hangs, national park trips, harbour cruises, party nights and more.

Both options include the same pre-departure and 12 months' job inclusions. See the visa + cost section for more.