Moving To Australia: What You Need To Know

Are you thinking of moving to Australia for a year or two? After spending nearly two years in Australia, here’s everything I know to simplify your move to Australia.

In this post, you’ll find all the details about the Australian working holiday visa so you can make the big move to Australia.

How to Apply for the Australian Working Holiday Visa?

If you’re planning your move to Australia or even if you just want to travel there, you must get a visa for Australia.

Note that the Immigration Office recommends that you have in your possession enough money to travel to Australia. It can take time to find work in Australia, so make sure to have enough savings to get you through.

I went to Australia with less than AUD 2000 on my name, and it was quite stressful. I always made it work, but the Department of Immigration may ask you for proof of funds, so it could be better not to risk it. 

If at any point, you get money troubles during your stay in Australia, you could always work in exchange for accommodation and food with programs such as Worldpackers.

When I applied for my working holiday visa in Australia, I received my visa in less than 6 hours. The second application was even faster – I got my Australian visa in about 30 minutes.

How to Apply for a Second-Year Visa in Australia?

It is possible to stay a second year in Australia with a second Working Holiday Visa if you complete 88 days of regional/farm work.

You can get details about this option directly on the Australian government website.

Wanting to plan an EPIC roadie for your Aussie adventure hit up the guys at RatPack Travel for a FREE travel plan… use ABB10 for 10% off trips and transport

Finding a Job in Australia

Before you can start working in Australia, you must apply for a Tax File Number. You can do it online easily.

Then, you’ll a bank account to deposit your paycheques. To do so, you must pick a bank to open your account and you will have to give them an address. If you don’t have an apartment yet, you may be able to use your hostel address.

While you are at the bank, I suggest you open a Superannuation account. In Australia, employers will give you an additional percentage of your paycheque into this account. 

If you are thinking of being a bartender, waiter, construction worker, you should think about investing in certification for RSA (responsible service of alcohol) or White Card.

If you have not already printed your resume, you can still use the services provided by travel agencies specialized for backpackers who often offer free Wi-Fi and minimal printing costs.

You can usually find jobs in Australia online, via agencies, or even via a Working Hostel (picking/packing sheds). 

You can read more about how you can get a job in Australia.

Job Scams in Australia

Unfortunately, some are abusing the fact that backpackers are not well informed and/or desperate for money. The Australian government is trying to catch bad employers who give a bad reputation to the country.

So, if your wage seems unfair if the job (or the employer) seems suspicious, if you are asked to reserve your accommodation in advance with an online money transfer (apartment, staff accommodation), you may risk losing the money or, worst, you could put yourself in danger.

Unless you are there, in front of the person, do not transfer money in order to book your accommodation (for an employer that does not exist).

Accommodation Options for Backpackers in Australia

There are several options for accommodation in Australia. The hostels offer special rates (long-timers) for those planning to stay there long term. However, be aware that hostels are expensive in Australia.

You can expect to pat a minimum of AUD 20 per night in a dorm. When I was there in 2014, you also had to pay an extra fee to access the Wi-Fi and to do the laundry.

If your goal is to settle somewhere (for more than a month), I recommend you think of sharing an apartment. There are tons of shared rooms, shared flats, and even houses to rent for lower rates than a hostel.

You can usually share a flat and pay a minimum of AUD 125 per week. Although, certain flat owners will require a deposit for two weeks, so you should keep that in mind.

If you plan to do the regional work for 88 days to extend your stay for a second year, most working holiday jobs offer you accommodation for a low price.

If you’re lucky, your accommodation could be free. If not, you can expect to pay around AUD 100 per week.

If you prefer to live in a car or a van, there are free campsites (and many for less than AUD 10) across the country.

Getting the Internet in Australia

You should remember to unlock your phone, so you can add an Australian SIM card into your mobile phone. When looking for a job and an apartment, having a phone will be useful.

Although, you should note that Australia is a big country and some areas are remote. That said, you won’t get internal signal everywhere around the country.

You can also enjoy the free Wi-Fi in every Maccas, banks and shopping malls.

Buying a Car in Australia

Each state has its own rules. The Backpacker friendly state is undoubtedly Western Australia as you will not need to get a “roadworthy” or go in an office to register your car. You can do everything online!

When you buy a car you will also need to pay a REGO (matriculation) for 3,6 or 12 months.

If you want to explore Australia through road trips, there are a few options:

1. Regular car + tent: You can buy a tent in Target for about AUD 25.
2. Station Wagon already equipped with a mattress: If it’s not already coming with a mattress, you can expect to pay around AUD 100 for a foam mattress.
3. 4X4 equipped with a mattress.
4. Campervan – you can also relocate a campervan in Australia for a ridiculously low price!

Renting a car or campervan is also an option, but it could be more expensive than buying a car (that you will resell later). If you’re thinking of living in Australia for several months, buying a car is the best option.

If you know a minimum about cars, you can find some at ridiculous prices or with minor repairs. There are tons of backpackers who must quickly get rid of their cars before they fly home / who don’t know the value of what they have. My travel buddy found cars for $200, $600, and a 4X4 for $1000 with whom we have traveled over 6000, 10 000, and 5000 km. Thankfully he knew enough about cars!

Cost of Living in Australia

Australia is a great country because of its famous high wage, but it’s also an expensive country. If it takes you weeks to find a job in Australia, make sure you have enough savings.

If you’re wondering how much money you should bring along with you, you can take a look at the government’s website, but we recommend you bring a minimum of AUD 3500. I only had AUD 2000 and it was quite stressful. I had to take jobs out of desperation, and I don’t recommend it. It’s more fun to take the time to get a job that you will like.

Best Cities to Live in Australia

Some working holiday visa makers prefer to settle in one city at first and then go traveling. If that’s the case here are our recommendations of the best cities to live in Australia:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Cairns
• Byron Bay

What to Pack for Australia

Remember that the weather can change a lot depending on where you are in Australia. Yes – Australia is a huge country and some cities even have winter. So make sure to prepare your bags with that in mind. Worst case, you could always head to the North during the wintertime if you’re not planning on bringing winter clothes with you. 

Here’s what you should pack:

• Mosquito spray – Check on Amazon
• Sunscreen – Check on Amazon
• Fly net (if you’re planning on going in the Outback) – Check on Amazon
• Hat – Check on Amazon
• Walking shoes – Check on Amazon
• Sarong – Check on Amazon
• Waterproof camera – Check on Amazon
• Water bottle  – Check on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we answer all your popular questions regarding your big move to Australia. Hoping this will help you make your decisions!

Is moving to Australia worth it?

Yes. Moving to Australia was a fun chapter of my life and I’d do it again without hesitating. While Australia is an expensive country, if you decide to go on a working holiday visa, you’ll get a great wage too, which will make your experience in Australia better. Otherwise, if you don’t work, you may find that Australia is quite pricey.

Is moving to Australia easy?

Absolutely! Getting the visa for Australia was super easy. I managed to find a job in just a few days and I found an apartment quickly too. As long as you’re not very picky about places and jobs, you’ll be fine. If you’re pickier, you may struggle to find something since many employers prefer to hire Australians over backpackers.

Should I apply for a job before arriving in Australia?

You can try if you wish, although, most jobs employers wanted to make sure we were already in the country before giving us a job. After all, employers want to make sure their employees are reliable and backpackers don’t have the best reputation in Australia. Although, if you’re planning on getting a job in your field and already have a certification or a diploma, applying for a job before arriving to Australia will make your transition go smoothly.

Final Thoughts On Living In Australia

Australia was a fun chapter of my life. If you’re after a new adventure and want to try something new, Australia has a lot of fun adventures in the bank for you.

Whether you end up working on a farm or staying in a city the whole time, you’ll surely learn a lot during your time in Australia.

Visiting Australia soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Best places to live in Australia
• 3 days in Perth Itinerary
• Australia bucket list