Are you looking to move to Australia for a year? Having spent 2 years living in Australia, we believe it’s one of the best places in the world to visit. So, without further delay, let us tell you everything we know about living in Australia and get you started on your new adventure!
Based on our personal experience, here are our best tips for living in Australia!
Applying for an Australian Visa
The first step to look into before moving to Australia is applying for a visa. Although there are many different visas to choose from, the one that makes most sense in this particular situation and for spending a year abroad is the Australian Working Holiday Visa. That being said, there are 2 different types of the Working Holiday Maker Visa:
Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462 and the Work and Holiday Visa subclass 417. Without getting too deep into the details, the choice between the 2 strictly depends on which home country you’ll be coming from.
Best Visa for Living in Australia for a Year:
Although the Working Holiday Visa is considered a temporary visa, it is also considered a work visa as it allows you to both legally work in the country as well as travel around for 12 months. But there’s a few catches! You can only work for a single employer for a maximum of 6 months, you must not be accompanied by any children, and you must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
Choosing the Perfect Place to Live in Australia
Once your visa has been approved by the Australian Government and you’ve landed in Australia, the first thing you’ll want to do is to set up your home base. As any country can be, Australia can be an expensive place to live depending on where you choose to settle. But keep in mind, there are also many cheaper cities to choose as well. Just remember to choose the best option that fits you, your lifestyle and your budget as that will really set you up for success.
We personally chose to live in Melbourne as it provided the lifestyle we were looking for as well as the best job opportunities that fit our prior experience. We ended up in a one-bedroom apartment in South Yarra which turned out to a fantastic suburb to live in.
Finding a Job in Australia
Finding a job in Australia is just like finding a job anywhere else. From online job boards to local job listings, there are thousands of different jobs available. Choosing between setting up a home base and working at one single job or travelling around the country and finding temporary work will be up to you. We recommend checking out the following website when it comes to your job search:
Setting up Australian Banking
In order to make life easier for you, you’ll want access to Australian dollars while living in Australia.
So before you start working, you will need to do 2 things:
- Open a bank account with one of the local Australian banks so you can get paid. We chose ANZ. The staff were very helpful, and it was easy to open the necessary accounts.
- Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). This is your personal reference number for the tax and superannuation systems. Of course, you don’t require a TFN, but without one, your employer or financial institution will be required to withhold more tax from your payments. At the end of the day, we think it’s worthwhile and its free to apply. All you need is a valid passport.
Many Working Holiday Makers end up staying in Australia for a 2nd year. But in order to do this, you must complete 3 months (or 88 days) of regional work in one of the 9 approved industries. These types of jobs include farm work, working in the mining industry, construction, hospitality, and more.
Top Australian Attractions and Must Do’s
With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scenes and amazing natural sights, Australia has many things to keep you busy. Here is our list of our top must see attractions in Australia so you can start making those travel plans.
Sydney Opera House, New South Wales
When people hear Sydney, they think Sydney Opera House. With water surrounding 3 of 4 sides, this architectural masterpiece is one of the world’s greatest.
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
As one of the world’s seven natural wonders, it is home to more than 3,000 coral reefs and over 9,000 known species, you cannot leave Australia without snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.
Uluru, Northern Territory
Deep in Australia’s outback, this large sandstone formation is sacred to the aboriginal people. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Australia’s most important indigenous sites.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria & Southern Australia
Rent a car and take a road trip down Great Ocean Road along the southern coast of Australia. With spectacular ocean views, seaside cliffs and of course the 12 Apostles, there are plenty of sites to visit around every curve.
Daintree National Park, Queensland
Located in one of Australia’s most amazing national parks, the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world. Over 135 million years old, it is home to many animal and plant species that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.
Broome, Western Australia
Take a sunset camel ride along one of Australia’s best beaches, Cable Beach. With endless white sand at your feet, and the sunset meeting the turquoise water on the horizon, this will surely be an evening you’ll never forget.
New Zealand
Since you’re already down here, take a flight down to New Zealand and immerse yourself in the Maori culture.
Best Cities to Live and Work in Australia
Australia is a big country with some fantastic cities to explore. From coastal metropolises to small little beach towns, this great country is filled with incredible places to live, work or just simply visit. Some of the major cities we recommend you check out are:
Sydney, New South Wales
Best-known for the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney is the country’s most iconic city. With a booming central business district and the popular Bondi Beach, Sydney is a must visit when heading down under.
Melbourne, Victoria
Rated as one of the best cities in the world to live in, Melbourne is Australia’s 2nd largest city. Known for its cultural diversity and European architecture, Melbourne never disappoints as there is always something to see and do.
Perth, Western Australia
Known as being one of the most isolated cities in the world, Perth is filled with some amazing bars, restaurants and provides opportunities for many outdoor activities.
Adelaide, South Australia
Only minutes away from one of Australia’s best wine regions, Adelaide is a big city with a small-town feel. It is also home to some of country’s best wineries, eateries, festivals and events.
Brisbane, Queensland
As the capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, the city is blessed with amazing weather year-round and is known as one of the music capitals of the world.
Have Questions About Australia?
If you have any questions at all about moving to Australia for a year, please send us a message and we will be happy to help!
Other Great Cities to Visit While Living in Australia
As already mentioned, there are several amazing places to live and work in Australia. The problem is you just might not have the time to enjoy them all. But if you do have some free time, or decide to live in Australia long term, here are a list of other main cities to visit while you’re in Oz.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The capital of Australia, Canberra is a slowly growing city that has more than just politicians and city servants. It is a great place to explore local museums, galleries and more.
Gold Coast, Queensland
Famous for its long sandy beaches and popular surfing spots, Gold Coast is a super popular tourist destination. In addition to the world-renowned stretch of beach at Surfers Paradise, the city is also home to theme parks like Dreamworld. So, whether you’re there to surf, shop, or enjoy the nightlife, Gold Coast is filled with things to do.
Cairns, Queensland
Cairns is considered the gateway to the tropical north. Having both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest at its doorstep, this is the only place in the world where 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites back onto one another. With incredible natural beauty minutes away, Cairns is a must visit.
Hobart, Tasmania
Surrounded by beautiful landscape, Hobart is Australia’s 2nd oldest and country’s smallest capital city. With Mount Wellington in its backdrop, the city is also the home port for both Australian and French Antarctic operations. Hobart has been a significant tourist destination for many years.
Darwin, Northern Territory
Located in Northern Australia, Darwin is rich in culture with its aboriginal heritage and Asian influences. A great place to experience tropical savanna like climate, outdoor adventures and even a crocodile or two.
Final Thoughts on Living in Australia for a Year
Living in Australia for a year was one of the best experiences of our lives. From the quality of life, the high standard of living and even the public transport available, Australia is a fantastic country to spend some time in. The decision to live in a new country like Australia was one of the best things we ever did. We would highly recommend it to anyone and if we ever had the chance to gain permanent residency, we would surely take it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Living in Australia for a Year (FAQ)
Is moving to Australia worth it?
Absolutely! Moving to Australia was one of the best life experiences we’ve had. With its amazing beaches, the ocean at your doorstep, and the vibe itself, we would say it is definitely worth the trip. After experiencing the Australian way of life during your first year, you’ll no doubt want to stay for a second year.
Is moving to Australia easy?
Yes. In regard to the visa applications process, it was very easy to follow, and the approval process is quite quick as well. It is pretty easy to find both a job and an apartment as long as you aren’t too picky with your expectations. Afterall, it’s the experience you’re looking to acquire while living there.
Should I find a job before I move to Australia?
You can definitely try. Although most employers want to confirm that you are actually in the country prior to hiring you, it is possible to find a job ahead of time. Sometimes, having that job lined up before you land in the country takes some of the stress off of the big move. But don’t worry. If you’re unable to find something ahead of time, there are plenty of employment opportunities waiting for you to arrive.
Can you make good money while living in Australia?
Yes! As long as you have legal work rights to be working in the country, everyone is entitled to a minimum wage. As of July 1st, 2022, the minimum wage in Australia is set at $21.38 per hour. Of course, there is also the possibility of making more than minimum wage depending on the job, location and your work experience.
How much money should I save before moving to Australia?
While the cost of living in Australia is manageable, there is a financial requirement before being approved for a visa. The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Government require you to have sufficient funds to able to support yourself while in the country and enough money to leave Australia once your visa expires. You should aim to have about $5,000 AUD (that’s about $3,400 USD or $4,500 CDN). Of course, anything more than that would be considered a bonus.
Is living in Australia safe?
Yes, it is. Australia is generally a safe and enjoyable country to live in for both permanent residents and travelers alike. Regardless of whether we were in a small town or a large city, we personally always felt safe and comfortable.
Would we move back to Australia?
In a heartbeat!! As mentioned, we had an amazing experience living in Australia for 2 years. We would most definitely move back if the opportunity ever presented itself, and at the very least we would visit again.
