How to Find Backpacker Jobs in Australia
Welcome!
This page is divided into two sections – Still Overseas and Just Arrived in Australia.
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Still Overseas
1) Work Visa – you will need one of these to work in Australia. Fortunately, there are many options available. This section covers all the most common types. From the Working Holiday Visa to Professional Visas requiring sponsorship.
2) Job Guides – Learn about the jobs available for Backpackers and Professionals. Where are they? What training or education is required? How much do you get paid?
Note to Backpackers:
Most jobs in Australia for backpackers are filled relatively quickly. It’s good to know what types of jobs are available where they are so you can start thinking about which parts of Australia you would like to visit. Our job guides is a good place to start.
Also, start to prepare your resume or CV but hold off on applying until you actually arrive.
Note to Professionals:
For most professions like Allied Health, Nursing, Education and Engineering/Construction it can be an advantage to apply to jobs through recruitment agencies or directly register with recruitment agencies before you arrive.
My advice (as a former recruitment consultant) is to jump on the phone with recruiters who are specialists in your field and learn all about the industry in your field.
That said, they will want your resume and may promise the world but don’t limit your options to one recruitment agency as they can only cover certain parts of the country and country.
3) Get Training (if required).
Hospitality – often needs “RSA training” (serving alcohol) training and possibly “RSG training” (for working in pubs where there is gambling).
Construction – requires a “White Card“
Generally, these are relatively inexpensive and a good investment but not really required until you start applying.
4) Join us on Facebook and start planning your goodbye parties – you are going to Australia!
Tip
Want assistance finding a job? There are companies that cater to backpackers. Companies like TCP who have a jobs club are based in Sydney.
Tip
Sydney Arrival Package: Want hit the ground running? Get assistance organising the essentials such as opening a Bank account and TFN. Some packages even offers Medicare Number and SIM. There are a bunch of services that help backpackers to easily settle into Australia and have a good time.
Simply Google "Sydney Arrival Package"
Just arrived in Australia
You probably arrived in Sydney or Melbourne and have been partying or seeing the sites for a few days (or weeks :-).
Now it’s time to make some money and meet more great people.
Next Steps.
- Open an Aussie Bank Account
- Get a TFN - Tax File Number (employers need this to pay you)
- Transfer Money to Australia and back home again when you start working.
You probably arrived in Sydney or Melbourne and have been partying or seeing the sites for a few days (or weeks :-). Now it’s time to make some money and meet more great people.
1) Training Required
There are a lot of jobs that many backpackers traditionally fill in Australia. Some of these jobs need a few hours of training. It is also good to put this on your resume before applying to jobs as it shows you are serious. Our job guides cover training requirements. For example, in most states of Australia hospitality jobs require RSA and RSG training. (Responsible service of Alcohol and Gambling)
2) Get a job
Backpackers should first try our job search – we have a few jobs and it’s free.
Want assistance finding a job? Some companies cater to backpackers. Companies like TAW have a jobs club.
Professionals should also register directly with recruitment agencies in the state where you are planning to stay.
My advice (as a former recruitment consultant) is to jump on the phone with recruiters who are specialists in your field and learn all about the industry in your field. But don’t limit your options to one agency.
3) Second Holiday Work Visa
Understandably many backpackers want to stay in Australia for longer than one year. To qualify for a second working holiday visa in Australia you must complete three months of seasonal work in regional Australia.
