WHV
Living in Australia For 2 Years
What’s a Working Holiday Visa, Anyway?
A Working Holiday Visa is basically your golden ticket to explore Australia while earning money to fund your adventures. Think of it as the ultimate two-for-one deal: work and wander. Whether you’re slinging coffee in a trendy Melbourne café, picking fruit in the sunny Outback, or bartending in Sydney with a view of the Opera House, this visa lets you experience Aussie life beyond just being a tourist.
It’s available to young travellers (usually aged 18-30 or 35, depending on your country) and gives you up to a year in Australia, with the option to extend if you’re up for a bit of farm work or other specified jobs. So, if you’ve been dreaming of kangaroo encounters by day and making lifelong friends by night, the Working Holiday Visa is your backstage pass to an unforgettable Aussie adventure!
What Made Me Choose Australia?
If I’m honest, choosing Australia was a bit like drawing a name out of a hat—except without the names or the hat. It was completely random. I’d never really dreamed of Australia any more than I had of any other country. I come from a family of travellers, constantly regaled with stories of wild adventures, encounters, laughter, and moments that shaped their lives.
Sure, I remember watching Skippy the Kangaroo as a kid and fantasising about having one as a pet, but my mom was decidedly not on board with that idea. Who knows why? But why Australia, then? Let’s not sugarcoat it—the stunning and diverse landscapes quickly won me over (though the spiders were a bit of a turnoff). Add to that the chance to get a work visa in a country where earning decent money was totally doable while funding my travels? It was a no-brainer.
At the end of 2014, I made the big decision: I was leaving Paris. I quit a job I loved, said goodbye to my tiny studio, and decided it was time to pack my bags. I needed to travel, to see the world, and—most importantly—to finally feel free, just like the rest of my family had before me.
I was 24 at the time, but I already felt boxed in by a too-adult, regimented life. So, I moved back in with my parents, took a temporary job, and started saving properly (because Parisian living wasn’t exactly savings-friendly).
Fast forward to September 2016. I finally boarded a flight to Sydney for what would become my most incredible adventure to date. If you’re thinking of taking a leap like this, my advice is simple: stop overthinking it and just go for it!
Preparing for Your Big Day
So, you’re ready to embark on your own Australian adventure? Here’s what you’ll need to tackle before the fun begins:
1. Get Your Visa
Apply for your visa on the Australian Government website (it’ll set you back about €300). I got mine in just 10 minutes, but processing times can vary, and sometimes it takes a few weeks. Be patient—and don’t book any flights until your visa is confirmed. Depending on your circumstances, you might also need additional medical checks.
2. Take Out Travel Insurance
I get it—insurance isn’t the most exciting expense. But trust me, it’s worth it. Whether you catch a flu, break an arm, or (heaven forbid) have a run-in with a snake, medical costs in Australia are no joke. My insurance even covered an emergency flight back to France when my grandmother passed away. Moments like that shouldn’t come with financial stress. I went with CCM Assurance and was super happy with their service.
3. Book Your Flight
Don’t book too far in advance or at the last minute if you want the best deal. Decide what’s most important—price, comfort, or stopovers. My flights varied wildly: €270 with China Airlines (via Xi’an to Sydney) when I booked two months ahead, and €420 with Norwegian Airlines (via Los Angeles and Honolulu) with just three weeks’ notice.
4. Stock Up on Medications and Visit the Doctor
Whether it’s vaccines or contraception, sort it out before you go. Vaccines are often cheaper at home, and you might end up traveling to other countries (like Asia) while you’re there, so be prepared. Build yourself a first-aid kit, and if you’re on medication, bring enough to last you.
Choose Your Arrival City
This might seem like a small decision, but your arrival city is your first impression of Australia. It’s where you’ll make your first friends, get your bearings, and maybe even find a favourite café or lookout.
Popular options include:
- Sydney: Iconic landmarks, stunning beaches, and a vibrant city vibe.
- Melbourne: Artsy, edgy, and full of culture.
- Brisbane: Laid-back, sunny, and a gateway to Queensland’s treasures.
I fell hard for Sydney—but that’s a story for another day. Wherever you choose, book just 2-3 nights at a hostel to start. It’s easy to extend your stay once you know you like the place (or move on if it’s a dud). Hostels can be hit-or-miss, so avoid committing to a full week upfront!
First-Day Formalities
Congratulations—you’re finally on Australian soil! Before you dive into kangaroo sightings, Sydney Opera House selfies, or sampling Australia’s infamous goon (cheap boxed wine, FYI), there are a few things to handle first:
1. Get a Sim Card
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the big names, but smaller operators like Lycamobile can be budget-friendly alternatives. I used Lycamobile and never had any issues with reception—even in the bush!
2. Apply for a TFN (Tax File Number)
You’ll need this to work legally in Australia. It’s free and easy to apply online. If you’re waiting for approval, you can still start working—just let your employer know your TFN is pending.
3. Open a Bank Account
Australian banks make it easy to set up an account. I used Westpac, which offers free banking for the first year and has branches everywhere. Pro tip: open your account before you leave home so you can transfer funds and finalise things once you arrive.
Finding Work and Accommodation
Finding a Job
Australia is a backpacker-friendly country with tons of job opportunities—if you’re willing to hustle. Here’s how to boost your chances:
- Update Your Resume: Create an English CV in the Australian format. Get it proofread to avoid embarrassing mistakes.
- Use Facebook Groups: Backpacker networks are goldmines for jobs, tips, and housing. Examples include Irish Around Sydney (even if you’re not Irish!).
- Explore Gumtree: It’s like Craigslist, with listings for everything from jobs to surfboards.
Depending on the role, you might need certifications like an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) or a White Card for construction jobs.
Finding Accommodation
For housing, try websites like Flatmates, Flatmate Finder, or Roomgo. Remember, every city has Facebook groups dedicated to finding roommates and rentals.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Australia changed my life. From my shaky English when I first arrived to my adventures in Kings Cross, beachside Christmas celebrations, and 88 days working on a farm to extend my visa—it was unforgettable.
There were highs and lows (yes, there were tears), but the memories are what I cherish most:
- Spotting whales in the wild.
- Dancing at music festivals.
- Holding my breath while encountering massive spiders.
- Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef.
- Making lifelong friends.
The blues will come—it’s normal—but hang in there because the magic far outweighs the tough moments. Before you know it, your visa will end, and you’ll be saying goodbye to a place that’s become your second home.
So soak it all up. Say yes to new experiences, laugh at your mistakes, and embrace every single moment. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Let me know if you’d like more recommendations or advice—I’m always happy to help! 
