working holiday guide · many return to australia on a 2nd working holiday visa (if they are...

Visas4.com Travel Guide for Working Holiday Makers

Working HolidayGuide

ContentsIntroductionAbout Australia

About Your Working Holiday Visa 417

Working Holiday Visa Confirmation

Top tips for your tripGetting your Tax File Number

Claim your Tax back

Finding a job

Opening your Bank Account

Flight deals to Australia

Flight deals within Australia

Working Holiday Travel Insurance

Hostels

Mobile phones in Australia

Getting around Oz

What to take to Australia

Our top 5 not so obvious things to do! (in no particular order):Swimming with Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef, WA

Skiing in Melbourne

Sample a Witchetty Grub – Bush Tucker Outback Tours

Sydney Ghost Tours around ‘The Rocks’

Camel Ride on Cable Beach, Broome, WA

Important emails and numbers

Copyright © 2005-2013 Visas 4 Australia Company 1 www.visas4.com

Disclaimer:The content contained in this guide is intended for information purposes only and not advice.

While every attempt is made to offer the most precise information, including but not limited to;

immigration legislation. The information provided is subject to alteration on a regular basis. Our

company cannot take accountability for any mistakes or oversights in this documentation and

cannot be liable for any loss or damage arising from information shared. Professional advice

from the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship should be sought where needed.

The Website may contain hyperlinks to websites operated by other parties. We do not control

such websites and we take no responsibility for, and will not incur any liability in respect of, their

content. Our inclusion of hyperlinks to such websites does not imply any endorsement of views,

statements or information contained in such websites.


IntroductionAbout AustraliaAustralia is one of the most popular destinations for young travellers and those taking a Gap

Year (18-30 years of age); and who could blame them... it’s simply STUNNING Down Under!

With its diverse and wild scenery; from the tropical reefs with turquoise seas and golden beaches

to the breathtaking and unique natural landscape of the Outback. The weather is hot, the beer

is cold and the accommodation is cheap...happy days!

The climate is great too – pretty much hot in summer and then cool in winter (do remember

though that Australia is in the southern hemisphere so Christmas in Oz is in their summer & so

could be the opposite of what you’d expect). The majority of Australia is desert or semi-arid

meaning large amounts of this continent only getting minimal rain. Summer is December –

February, Autumn is March – May, Winter is June – August. In the north expect heat waves and

even droughts due to the extremely dry climate; with the tropical north having a wet and dry

season. In the south expect a mixture from hot to cold weather with some rain. The centre of

Australia has dry desert regions and so low rainfall. Head to the Snowy Mountains in New South

Wales where large natural snow falls every winter. Expect snow during June, July and early

August.


IntroductionAbout Your Working Holiday Visa 417The Australia Working Holiday Visa allows you to travel and work in Australia for up to 12

months (make sure your passport is valid for the entire trip). As long as you are flexible, finding

work to support your holiday is easy. You can even work with the same employer for up to 6

months (or study in Oz for 4 months). Your confirmation email from DIAC (Department of

Immigration & Citizenship) will confirm the dates your must enter Australia by. The Visa gives

you the flexibility of leaving Australia and re-entering multiple times should you chose.

The rest is a bit like a jigsaw (bank account, accommodation, tax file number etc.) But once you

put the pieces together it will all slot into place. This guide is designed to help you plan and

organise your trip of a lifetime...

Many return to Australia on a 2nd Working Holiday Visa (if they are eligible). You must have

worked 3 months in a rural area of Australia in harvest work (fruit picking) or construction work

(building). There are certain postcodes for towns in Oz, which you are eligible to work to qualify

for the 2nd visa. The total work for all employers must add up to 90 days work and it would be

a good idea to keep all paperwork from your jobs confirming this. For more information on the

2nd Working Holiday Visa eligibility see:

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/eligibility-second.htm


IntroductionWorking Holiday Visa ConfirmationWhat’s in your Visa Confirmation email we have sent to you?

1-Your Working Holiday Visa Confirmation from DIAC

2- Your Working Holiday Travel Guide (including details of your free SIM & Bank Account)

Read and print ALL the information contained on the Working Holiday Visa Confirmation email

(and any attachments) in which we have sent to you.

For any queries or changes in circumstances prior to travel please contact us ASAP (contact

details on the email). If you have entered any information wrongly (in part or full) on the applica-

tion, or wrongly advised us via email/telephone conversation, we cannot accept liability.

Although we will advise DIAC of any errors brought to our attention prior to travel.

Please print and take the Working Holiday Visa Confirmation from DIAC with you on your trip

(you will need this to obtain a Medicare Card should you be eligible – please read the guide for

further information). You will also need this document should you have any queries once in

Australia (DIAC contact details and information on your visa are contained within this).


Top Tips for your tripGetting your Tax File NumberTo work in Australia you need to have a Tax File Number (TFN) otherwise employees will not

consider you for work. Not having a TFN also means a 48.5% per AUD dollar tax loss! With a

TFN expect to pay 13-29% tax. However don't be disheartened as you can get most or all of

your tax back (more on this later). Its best to apply for your TFN before you get to Australia (you

won't be issued one until you arrive but at least the process has started). Expect to wait 7-28

days for your TFN and if you find work beforehand, make sure you declare that you have applied

for your TFN on the 'Tax Declaration'. Apply online for your TFN visit: http://www.ato.gov.au/

Claim your Tax backWhile you’re working in Australia keep hold of any payslips and PAYG forms so you can claim

your tax back. Whatever job you have when working in Oz you will be paying tax on everything

you earn, which is anything from 13-29%...This sounds a lot of money and it is! At the end of

the tax year or when you leave Australia you can get a tax refund from the Australian Taxation

Office (ATO) and get anything up to AU$2500 .

To claim your tax back you just need to register online with taxback. You’ll receive a call back

from a specialist with further instructions. You will need to complete a set of application forms

and to provide your Payment Summary/Group Certificates from each of your employers. A

calculation of your refund will be prepared and provided to you. Your tax refund application will

be sent to the tax office and then you’ll receive your refund straight to your bank account!


https://lnk-2-pure-australia.secure.taxback.com/au_register.asp

Top Tips for your tripFinding a jobDo you have a skill you intend to take over to Oz (accountant, nurse, chef etc) or do you want

pick up casual work (farming, fruit picking retail etc)? If you plan to find a job before you travel

to Australia then it’s time to get your CV spot on and get registered with as many recruitment

agencies as you can. Find out about the areas in Australia where there are shortages in skilled

professions and email companies with your CV and qualifications. If you intend to seek employ-

ment when you arrive, then make sure you take your CV and proof of qualifications with you. In

newsagents pick up a copy of TNT magazine for local jobs and check out hostel and pub notice

boards as they tend to be crammed with jobs!

A lot of travellers don't want to sit behind a desk or do the mundane job they do at home, so

instead opt for something a little different; Fruit picking, farming and promotional work are

favourites. You can have as many jobs as you would like while out there (as long as you do not

exceed 4 months with any single employer).

Harvest work makes up just under 90% of backpackers jobs because it is possible for you to

move around finding fruit picking work along the way. You will find that a lot of working

holiday makers will follow similar routes, following the harvests. The work is physically demand-

ing and early starts are a common requirement, but there is a great satisfaction in the healthy

outdoors living. Visit the National Harvest Labour Information Service at www.harvesttrail.gov.au

for more information.

Whilst in the city a popular choice is bars and cafes where you can walk in and enquire on jobs.

You will need an RSA Certificate (Responsible Service of Alcohol) for bar work, which can easily

be obtained by partaking in a quick course while over there. For Construction jobs make sure

you obtain your 'Green card' which is a Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety. (Have a look

at www.backpackertrainingcentre.com for both these certificates which are usually given on a 1

day course). Nursing is popular for those who are qualified in their home country, but ensure

you register with 'The Nurse Registration Board' in the state where you will be working.

For jobs visit:

http://www.freespirit.com.au/

http://freespirit.com.au/Apps/abn/JobList.aspx

http://www.discoveryjobs.com.au/


Top Tips for your tripOpening your bank accountYou need an Australian bank account for your employer to pay you (it's not possible for them to

pay into your home country account). You will find that many employers won't hire you unless

you have a bank account as cash isn't usually an option. Plus its safer for you not carry cash

around or keep it in shared room you may find in hostels. In this day and age be street wise and

don't be a target for thieves.

To open your FREE bank account with National Australia Bank (NAB) please complete

the application form

Free Bank Account Application Form

The NAB service includes

weeks of arrival

[email protected]

8

https://www.tfaforms.com/197860

Top Tips for your tripFlight deals to AustraliaThese days there are so many amazing flight deals to Australia than can’t be sniffed at. Shop

around and take a look at our top flight comparison companies who will find you cheap flights.

Also keep a look out for ‘flash’ sales from airlines which crop up over the year. The January

sales are always a great time for bargains, including flights and these days the sales aren’t just at

Xmas! When new flight paths are unveiled this is usually the perfect time to grab a bargain

when they showcase their routes. Return tickets tend to be cheaper than one way tickets and

book well in advance of your travel dates (at least 3-6 months). Also avoid booking flights in

your home countries peak season e.g. in the UK flights are more expensive in the summer

holidays when the children are off school.

Flight Centre is part of one of the world's largest travel agents - with over 100 stores in the UK

and more than 2000 worldwide. 1 in 12 people who travel to Australia book with Flight Centre.

They have access to the widest choice of airfares on sale in the UK and their consultants are

certified Aussie Specialists. They offer an unbeatable service with prices to match.

If Flight Centre can’t find you a cheaper airfare in the same cabin†, you’ll fly for free!

Their Fly for Free Promise is more than a marketing promise; it's their promise to you as a valued

customer. As part of their Promise, if they can't find you a cheaper airfare in the same cabin†,

you’ll fly for free! Subject to availability, and offered for travel departing from the UK.

*Terms & conditions apply please visit Flight Centre website.

http://www.flightcentre.co.uk

Flight deals within AustraliaThe same tips apply to internal flights in Oz e.g. Sydney to Adelaide. Although one way tickets

are more popular than returns for travellers who have no intention of returning to the departure

city. You can pick up some cheap 'one way' tickets.

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/home/au/en

http://book.virginaustralia.com/Search.aspx


Top Tips for your tripWorking Holiday Travel InsuranceYou’d be pretty daft not to take out some kind of travel insurance – think of the bigger picture

and remember you are a million miles from home, possibly travelling alone, carrying cash, iPhone

etc. You’ll no doubt want to enjoy the amazing activities on offer, like hot air ballooning,

diving, skiing, bungee jumping. Travel insurance is important for a backpacker, in terms of

covering medical, luggage and cancellation costs. There are some excellent specialist Backpacker

insurance policies available these days, covering a wide range of activities and situations that

may arise when in a foreign country. Always check what the policy does and doesn't cover,

advise of any pre-existing medical conditions and consider what activities you may want to do

(e.g. scuba diving) and make sure this is covered in your policy.

There are several leading providers who can offer you cheap and comprehensive insurance.

http://www.columbusdirect.com/index.cfm?sourceCode=pureoz

http://www.worldnomads.com/af.aspx?affiliate=pure&subid=

You may be eligible for a Medicare Card depending on which country you are travelling from.

You will need your passport, Working Holiday Visa Confirmation and another form of ID to apply

for one while you are out there. The Medicare Card doesn't cover things like dental and ambu-

lance costs so it always advisable to take out a speciality backpacking travel insurance too.

http://www.medicare.com.au


Top Tips for your tripHostelsThere are several factors which make a hostel so appealing. The most attractive being the price

averaging on $20-25 to $30-40. Prices vary depending on the room type, so a typical dorm style

(several bunk beds type set up, probably single-sex) will be the cheaper option. This room type is

great for a group of people or even a way of making friends. For more personal, you can even

pay for private rooms with en-suites. The less you pay; you can probably expect a little less

quality hostel.

Location is another major factor in choosing where to stay. The great thing about hostels is they

are generally situated in ideal spots for transport networks, local attractions, shops, beaches and

nightlife. For all the major destinations like Sydney, Cairns, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth etc. there

is a massive choice of hostels which are all in competition with each other. This means you will

be able to pick up some cracking deals.

Hostels vary in what they can offer. Generally for the rate you pay (but not set in stone) you will

have access to things like a shared kitchen, storage areas, breakfast, airport services, laundry

facilities, WIFI, TV room, swimming pools. Some also have information desks where they can

help you arrange trips, look for jobs and generally give you advice on how to make the most of

your stay. Probably for an additional cost the hostel may have activities on offer like BBQ’s,

themed evenings and you may be lucky to find a hostel with its own bar!

If you are a hostel virgin then here are a few hints and tips to get you clued up:

desk shut. Contact the hostel to obtain out of hours check in / check out procedures.

as they are prohibited under Australian health regulations.

tolerated and you could be thrown out!

21 to accompany under 17’s.


Top Tips for your trip

Copyright © 2005-2013 Visas 4 Australia Company 12

Hostel ProvidersLeading hostel providers YHA offer the YHA Card. This means lots of great savings including

discounted rates off all accommodation, travel insurance, attractions, restaurants and museums.

Plus you get a subscription to YHA’s magazine ‘Backpacker Essentials’, YHA Accommodation

Guide and global phone card. In addition you receive discounted rates worldwide (4000 hostels

in 60 countries). To find out more about booking a hostel or the YHA Card visit

http://www.yha.com.au/

The other popular chain is Nomads Backpackers and with over 1.5 million beds in Australia and

New Zealand you’ll be sure to find somewhere to sleep. Nomads MAD card offers exclusive

member rates, discounts on tours, car hire, bus and rail passes, plus food and entertainment

vouchers. Nomads also offer bargain adventure packages and “Bed Hopper” accommodation.

To find out more information on booking or to pick up your MAD card visit

http://www.nomadsworld.com/

Independent Hostels

You will find excellent independently owned, smaller hostels which offer a great service and

facilities as the owners usually work there. Many of these hostels have fantastic online reviews

and Awards for Excellence. It is definitely the owners priority to ensure “all" guests have a great

and comfortable stay. As an owner/operator they can keep prices down as they do a lot of the

work themselves and the savings are then returned for guests services, for example free pick up

service, breakfast, dinner. Check out these great independent hostels to stay at:

Sydney:

Manly Backpackers, Sydney Central Hostel, Big Hostel, City Resort Hostel

Cairns:

JJ's Backpacker Hostel, Cairns Holiday Park

Melbourne:

Discovery Melbourne

Broome & Kimberley:

Birdwood Downs

Perth:

YMCA Jewell House

www.visas4.com

http://www.manlybackpackers.com.au/

http://www.sydneycentralhostel.com.au/

http://www.bighostel.com/

http://www.cityresort.com.au/?en/home

http://www.jjsbackpackers.com/

http://www.cairnsholidaypark.com.au/

http://www.discoverymelbourne.com/

http://www.birdwooddowns.com/

http://www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au/

Top Tips for your tripMobile PhonesYou’ll no doubt want to keep in touch with your friends and family while you are away and

touch base with your new friends in Oz. Most will take a mobile phone with them to Australia –

the majority buy a cheap phone and leave their expensive iPhones or Smartphone’s at home in

case they are lost or stolen!

We have provided you with a FREE Australian Vodafone SIM (Pay As You Go) which means you

can get your new Australian mobile number to give to your family and friends before you go

(you must have an Australian address for where you will be staying to do this – if not you will

need to wait until you are in Australia and have found your accommodation to set up your SIM).

You cannot use this SIM on phones which require Micro-SIMS such as the iPhone.

The mobile you will be taking must be either with the Vodafone network or ‘unlocked’ if you are

with another network.

Activating your Vodafone SIM: You will need the SIM pack we have posted to you, the mobile

phone you are taking (Vodafone or unlocked), your address for where you are staying in

Australia, card details if you wish to add credit online and your passport to complete the process.

Here is the link to follow to start the process online for setting up your SIM card.

Here are our hints and tips for completing this process (we did a trial run online). Please remem-

ber this is an Australian SIM to use in Australia. We are not Vodafone so any errors or queries

encountered please refer to Vodafone.com.au

on the SIM pack we sent you: ‘Your Activation Key’ ‘Your Enquiry Password’ (probably hidden

behind the SIM so peel it off)

your mobile number used in your home country and cannot simply be exported across. You will

phone and you will receive confirmation of your activation by text message.

13

https://selfserve.myvodafone.com.au/registerme/activateRedSim/login.jsp?pid=v:pers:prepaid:prepaid:pp-starter-pack:text:activate-now&mboxSession=1343213103044-439956

Top Tips for your tripGetting around Oz Campervans

Want to look and feel cool cruising around Australia with your mates?! Ask anyone who’s been

on an Australian or New Zealand Working Holiday the best way to see the sights and find work

and they will all say without a shadow of a doubt; CAMPERVAN! The beauty of campervans is

you can park up in the most amazing spots and catch up on your Zzzz’s overnight, so saving you

even more cash to do the things you really want to. Competition is high so prices are competi-

tive and can be picked up/dropped off from most major airports.

http://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au and http://www.rhinocarhire.com

Buying a car

Alternatively buying your own vehicle is another cheap option. It gives the freedom to travel

where you want and reach those otherwise inaccessible places. It's a great way to keep costs

down if there are a few of you sharing. Just bear in mind the costs involved if the vehicle needs

repairs or breaks down. If you wanted to hire a car you can pick one up from around AUD $25 a

day.

http://www.cars4backpackers.com.au and http://www.carsales.com.au

What to takeSome suggestions include your Passport, Working Holiday Visa Confirmation, Flight Tickets, CV

(Resume), Birth Certificate & Drivers Licence, Clothing (suitable for the climate at the time of

travel), Money and a list of important numbers. It is your responsibility to ensure all valuable

items are kept safe and where necessary locked away, albeit on the plane or while travelling

Australia.

You must have access to sufficient funds to support yourself for the initial stage of your holiday

(a condition of your visa) Generally, AUD5000 may be regarded as sufficient, but the amount

may vary depending on your length of stay and the extent of your travel. You should also have a

return or onward ticket or the funds for a fare to depart Australia.

You may be asked to provide evidence. Evidence may include a certified copy of a bank state-

ment and an air ticket out of Australia.


5 not so obvious things to do! Australia is an exciting and magical place to visit with Aboriginal culture and mythical beliefs,

seeping into every aspect of daily life. What is truly fascinating about Australia is the diversity of

the lands that await you; don’t just stick to the usual run of the mill trips (yawn), be adventurous

and find something unique and different.

Check out our top 5 not so obvious things to do in Australia…

Swimming with Whale Sharks – Ningaloo ReefSwim with the largest and most exciting fish in the Indian Ocean. These beauties can reach up to

18m in length with gaping jaws over a metre in width – crikey! Don’t let the word ‘whale’ or

‘shark’ put you off though they are completely harmless. Whale Sharks have the most beautiful

markings helping them camouflage into the deep blue sea and have unusual feeding behaviours.

Although they may belong to a family of fearsome namesakes, they feed on zooplankton

(organisms drifting in the water of oceans) and not humans – thankfully!

Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is one of the very few places in the world where you can swim

alongside these awesome creatures for a truly unforgettable experience. Amazingly, every year the

Whale Sharks frequent Ningaloo Reef during the months of April to July, where you can take a dip

in the ocean with them! There are several companies in Ningaloo Reef who can arrange your dive,

snorkel or swim. Definitely a trip of a lifetime and not to be missed…

Skiing in Melbourne WhaleWhat? You can ski in Melbourne??!! Yep that’s right. You may think Australia is all about sandy

beaches and koalas…and yes you are right, Oz does have beautiful stretches of golden sands and

little furry creatures (the 8 legged furry varieties are less cute). However, you only need to drive a

couple hours from Melbourne to find Australia’s very own winter wonderland. Mount Buller is a

favourite for skiing, snowboarding and, of course (my favourite) snow play!

Mount Buller has skiing for all skill levels, with its 3 terrain parks, with the season running from

June until the end of September/early October dependant on snow conditions. It’s packed full of

activities including a toboggan park with its own snowmaking machine, snow tubing park, rock-

climbing, cinema and even shops! After a day’s hard yakka on the slopes, treat yourself at

Australia’s highest day spa.


5 not so obvious things to do! Sample a Witchetty Grub – Bush Tucker Outback ToursI know what you’re thinking; Australia… the land of fine wine and dining… well let me intro-

duce you to an Australian Aboriginal culinary delight; the Witchetty Grub (you may have seen

this bush tucker on the UK ITV show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here). It can be eaten raw

or chucked on the barbie (yum!). The witchetty grub is a staple diet of Australian Aboriginal

eating and by all accounts this is among the best of insect bush tucker (some say tasting similar

to almonds and cream).

Sample these delights in the heart of Australia, and uncover a real treat not to be missed.

Experience the Australian Outback and find spectacular landscapes within the Red Centre and

the natural phenomena’s of Ayers Rock/Ulura and the Olga’s/Kata Tjuta. Submerse yourself in

authentic Australian Aboriginal life and learn traditions of the sacred earth, indigenous healing

practices, spiritual ceremonies, traditional art, music, dance and storytelling. There are numerous

tour operators in Alice Springs to arrange your unforgettable trip…

Sydney Ghost Tours around ‘The Rocks’Head off into the night and be prepared for some spooky encounters in Sydney, seeing a bizarre

and fascinating side of Sydney you never knew existed! Hear the ghoulish stories of local

murders, suicides, paranormal phenomena, as told by native people from history passed. Maybe

you will even meet a gruesome ghost or two. Don’t be thinking these are below par, uneventful

city tours; I promise you, be afraid, be very afraid!

‘The Rocks’ area of Sydney (right under the bridge on the south shore), plays host to these

spooky encounters. The district was an ex-convict colony since 1788 and the birthplace of a land

with a murky history of disease, tragedy, bloodshed and horrific murders, where ghosts still

remain. Its colourful history-filled tales of ‘shanghaiing’ sailors and tough gangs can still be

traced in the many surviving buildings. There are a number of tour operators in Sydney that can

arrange your haunting trip…


5 not so obvious things to do! Camel Ride on Cable Beach, Broome, Western AustraliaCrack open a stubby and watch the sunset over Cable Beach’s 22km of breathtaking white

sand…that is once you’ve been on an unforgettable camel ride! Yep that’s right there really are

camels in Australia! Tucked away in Western Australia’s north coast you will find the small town

of Broome; home to our 2 humped friends as well as the most unbelievable year round wonder-

ful weather. Broome is also brimming with Aboriginal arts, crafts and pearls to explore…

Camels were first introduced to arid areas in Oz to help construct overhead telegraph lines as

well as moving wool from sheep stations, supplying goods to local towns, mining sites and

Aboriginal villages. It is estimated that there are up to 200,000 camels’ through-out the

scorched center of Australia; half of those right here in Western Australia. So spend a while in

Broome and experience a not so obvious camel ride – it’s a must do…


Important emails & numbersDepartment of Immigration & Citizenship Offices in Australia

http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/

Department of Immigration & Citizenship Offices outside Aus-

tralia

http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/

Department of Immigration & Citizenship Working Holiday

Helpdesk

[email protected]

Australian Immigration General Enquiries 131 881

Police 000

Ambulance 000

Fire 000

Emergency Poison Advice 131 126

Australian Workplace ombudsman 1300 363 264

Telephone Directory 12455/1223

International Call Code 0011+ country code

National Harvest Information 1800 062 332

Medicare Australia 02 6124 6333

NRMA (24hr roadside assistance) 131 122


working holiday guide · many return to australia on a 2nd working holiday visa (if they are...

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