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The main destination for first time travelers is usually Australia. Whether you jump straight into a working holiday visa or decide to extend your tourist visa by applying later on – you’re gonna want to make the most of your time in this incredible country! Guaranteed you will fall in love with the laid-back lifestyle, the weather and all the beautiful places there are to see here (it’s a bloody big country, after all).

Based on my experience of working, living and travelling in this beautiful country I’ve compiled a list of ways to make the most of your 12 month working holiday.

ARRIVE WITH MONEY

It’s a no-brainer. As much as you want to get here as quick as possible, taking a bit of extra time to save a bit more money will help you have a stress-free transition into backpacker life. The anticipation of being in a beautiful new country and experiencing a new culture will ultimately be a massive let down if you arrive and have to work straight away.

Of course you’ll be able to work when funds are low (that’s the point of a Working Holiday) but there are so many things to see and do once you arrive you won’t want to be worrying about money straight away. That’s future-you’s problem. Plus, this gives you so many more options in terms of travel and you can head straight up (or down) the east coast and get as much backpacking in without the stress of having to work and save.

GET TRAVELLING

A year can seem like a stupidly long time to spend in one country but Australia is ridiculously MASSIVE. So massive that the whole of Europe will fit into it with room to spare. There is an incredible amount to fit it in only 12 months (unless you do farm work – more info bellow).

If you’re new to the backpacking gig – the first place you need to go is the East Coast. Depending on where you start, it will usually take around 5/6 weeks to truly experience the east coast properly. Most people go Sydney to Cairns, but you can take any route you want to (Melbourne to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney, Darwin to Sydney – it’s your call).

Planning your trip will be fairly easy once you’re there. In most cities there will be an abundance of backpacker travel shops (Wicked Travel, Peterpans, Happy Travels, and Backpacker World Travel to name a few) who plan and book your entire trip including hostels and bus tickets. There’s also plenty of advice from fellow travelers in hostels who have already completed it.

GET YOURSELF AN RSA

After all that traveling around you’re probably finding yourself short on cash (goon and boat trips don’t pay for themselves). If you have experience in working in hospitality then you’re going to want to get yourself an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol licence). Bar work can be found in most places and can provide a casual or temporary option for those wanting to save money just to move on and continue travelling.

Prices for RSA courses vary from state to state with the most expensive being in New South Wales (around $70 to $100) and the other states being significantly cheaper. These can be done online or you can go to a day course in your area.

Although every job is different but you’re looking to be paid in the region of $20 – $26 an hour for hospitality and bar work, which would make it easier to save and get back on the road.

STAY IN HOSTELS

Another no-brainer. Hostels provide the basic Aussie backpacking experiences – cheap beds, parties and goon.

Staying in hostels is one of the main ways you will make the most out of your Australia experience. Everyone is in the same boat, same mindset and usually the same room. If you’re travelling on your own this is the best way to meet new people and make friends (some might even end up travelling with you!). If you’re working, there are even working hostels where there’s less partying so you can still get your sleep (but still just as social).

FARM WORK 

A lot of backpackers choose to extend their Working Holiday for another 12 months. To do this you must complete 88 days of regional work (or equivalent). The thought of this makes many backpackers groan, and you won’t believe the amount of backpackers actually choose to skip this and just go home after the 12 months is up (then regret it afterwards).

If you do choose to extend your visa (yay you!) finding the right farm work can be a nuisance so don’t leave it till last minute to find work. I cannot stress this enough. There are those who have 3 months left on their visa who choose to do farm work and cannot get work straight away. This will cause many people to fall short on days and not get the required amount to stay in Australia. If you’re serious about staying another 12 months – get searching while you still have time.