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USIT Work Australia

Working holidays in Australia

Visa, 5 or 8-day arrival package, unlimited backpacker jobs

Our new Work Australia packages have dropped! Includes 12-month working holiday visa, arrival accommodation, travel insurance, bank + tax set-up, job support, socials and more.

BOOK NOW
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Three people in snorkels and wetsuits smile, floating in clear turquoise ocean water.
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Use OZ100 for €100 off our new 5-day and 8-day work + travel packages
Fund your Aussie adventure with nationwide backpacker job services for a year
Support from the day you land at Nomads St Kilda or Nomads Sydney

Here comes the sun

Why do a working holiday visa Australia?

The need to know

What is USIT Work Australia?

ASK US ANYTHING

Is it for me?

Price tag icon

From €789

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18-35 years old

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Visa included worth AUD $670

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12 months (with option to extend)

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12 months' backpacker job support

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Depart any time of year

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Great for solo travellers

Reasons to work in Australia

Lifestyle goals

Flexible working

Visa extensions

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Group of friends gather on a promenade overlooking a sunny beach and ocean.

Visa + cost

Who can apply for an Australia working holiday visa?

Am I eligible?

  • You must be 18-35 (inclusive), meaning you must submit your application before your 36th birthday
  • You can apply for a second and third year visa extension as long as you complete 3 months of 'specified work' during your first year.
  • USIT process your initial 12-month visa, you can then extend it while you’re away or when you return home
  • Once your first visa is approved, you have 12 months to enter Australia
  • You must be able to prove you have AUD $5,000 support funds when you enter Australia.

Kickstart

Full payment


€789

Total

€789

Book now
  • 1-year Australia working holiday visa (worth AUD $670)
  • 1-year backpacker travel insurance policy
  • Australia Tax File Number (TFN) set-up
  • Australia bank account set-up
  • Australia SIM

Support funds

You may be required to show proof that you can access AUD $5,000 on entering Australia.

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved.

The 5-day One

Deposit


€25

Second payment


€400

Final payment


€754

Total

€1,179

Secure your spot with €25 deposit

Pre-departure inclusions

  • Working holiday visa (worth AUD $670)
  • Visa application processing
  • 1-year backpacker travel insurance policy
  • Members-only area stacked with work and travel information
  • Online Backpacker Job Board to start your job search (21 days before)
  • Registration for Australian Tax File Number (TFN) + bank account
  • Medicare information + set up instructions (where applicable)
  • Work Australia Discord group to meet other travellers

Arrival inclusions (start Sydney or Melbourne)

  • Airport transfer
  • 4 nights at Nomads St Kilda or Nomads Sydney (4-6 bed dorm with en-suite)
  • 8 meal vouchers to use at the hostel
  • Welcome drinks
  • Orientation + 1-on-1 job session to help place you in a role
  • Daily hostel schedule of events + meet-ups

Job membership inclusions for 12 months

In-house recruitment + placement services Nationwide online Backpacker Job Board Work + Travel Company drop-in centres in Sydney + Melbourne After being placed, your wages paid on time into an Australian bank account Private mailbox with mail holding and forwarding anywhere in Australia Weekly ice-breakers with free drinks + snacks (go as many times as you like!) MasterCard debit card 24/7 Australia-wide emergency number

Support funds

You may be asked at immigration to show proof you have access to AUD $5,000

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

The 8-day One

Deposit


€25

Second payment


€400

Final payment


€1,205

Total

€1,630

Secure your spot with €25 deposit

The same pre-departure + job inclusions as our 5-day package, but with a fully-guided 8-day welcome week in Sydney or Melbourne.

Sydney inclusions (group size up to 24)

  • Airport transfer
  • 7 nights' at Nomads Sydney (6-bed dorm with en-suite)
  • 10x meal vouchers for the Nomad hostel bar, The Scary Canary
  • Welcome dinner
  • Guided Sydney walk
  • Sydney bar crawl
  • Private Sydney Catamaran Cruise with BBQ
  • Surf lesson
  • Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
  • Blue Mountains day tour including guided bush walk, Wentworth Falls lookout or Paradise Pools, Three Sisters rock formations
  • Local transport + buses
  • Farewell dinner

Melbourne inclusions (group size up to 18)

  • Airport transfer
  • 7 nights' at Nomads St Kilda (6-bed dorm with en-suite)
  • 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners (including dinners below)
  • Welcome dinner
  • Melbourne city tour
  • Melbourne bar crawl
  • St Kilda and South Melbourne Markets
  • Great Ocean Road day trip
  • Peninsula Hot Springs day trip
  • Grampians day trip
  • Penguin spotting
  • Local transport + buses
  • Farewell dinner

Support funds

You may be asked at immigration to show proof you have access to AUD $5,000

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

Jobs + locations

What types of jobs can I do?

Australia in numbers

3,000

Hours of sunshine Australians get per year

90

Times bigger Australia is to Ireland

50

Millions of kangaroos hopping around Oz

27

Years it would take to visit one Aussie beach a day

How we help you find a job in Australia

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Smiling woman in black top stands before the iconic Sydney Opera House and harbor.

Where can I work in Australia?

The cities Down Under

1

Sydney

Two smiling women take a selfie with the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge at dusk.

Sydney

City beaches and bougie brunches
Australia's postcard-child, Sydney is the ultimate working holiday starter city. You’ve got white sand beaches, loads of backpacker jobs, and a massive Irish community – meaning you’ll never be too far from a tub of emergency suncream. Whether you’re pulling coffees in Bondi, working events in the harbour, or spending your weekends exploring the coast, Sydney's work-life balance is next level. It's bougie, it's beachy, it's the Bermuda Triangle of Aussie cities with travellers flying in and never leaving.

1

Two smiling women take a selfie with the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge at dusk.

Sydney

City beaches and bougie brunches
Australia's postcard-child, Sydney is the ultimate working holiday starter city. You’ve got white sand beaches, loads of backpacker jobs, and a massive Irish community – meaning you’ll never be too far from a tub of emergency suncream. Whether you’re pulling coffees in Bondi, working events in the harbour, or spending your weekends exploring the coast, Sydney's work-life balance is next level. It's bougie, it's beachy, it's the Bermuda Triangle of Aussie cities with travellers flying in and never leaving.
Four friends smile on a hilltop overlooking a distant city skyline under a blue sky.

Melbourne

Coffee culture and creatives
The caffeine, culture and sport capital – you're never more an a foot away from a piece of street art or Flat White coffee art in Melbourne. There's cafés, bars and live music venues everywhere – so you'll find plenty of fellow Irish working holidaymakers to compare the weather back home with. While known for its hipster neighbourhoods of Brunswick, Fitzroy and Carlton, Melbourne also ticks the beach lifestyle – with many Irish settling in the surfy suburb of St. Kilda. As well as hospitality roles, Melbourne attracts all the big sporting events – so can be good for event and promo work.

2

Four friends smile on a hilltop overlooking a distant city skyline under a blue sky.

Melbourne

Coffee culture and creatives
The caffeine, culture and sport capital – you're never more an a foot away from a piece of street art or Flat White coffee art in Melbourne. There's cafés, bars and live music venues everywhere – so you'll find plenty of fellow Irish working holidaymakers to compare the weather back home with. While known for its hipster neighbourhoods of Brunswick, Fitzroy and Carlton, Melbourne also ticks the beach lifestyle – with many Irish settling in the surfy suburb of St. Kilda. As well as hospitality roles, Melbourne attracts all the big sporting events – so can be good for event and promo work.
Man on a green clifftop, overlooking a vibrant blue ocean under a cloudy sky.

Brisbane

Social, sunny and growing fast
Often overlooked, Brizzy is sandwiched between Queensland's Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. It's sunnier and more chilled than Sydney and Melbourne, but big enough that there's always a new riverside bar to check out. You'll find the usual opportunities in hospitality, events, tourism and construction and, as Australia's most affordable city, you'll find it easier to save for weekends exploring the East Coast. The fact that locals ironically refer to Brisbane as Brisvegas tells you everything you need to know.

3

Man on a green clifftop, overlooking a vibrant blue ocean under a cloudy sky.

Brisbane

Social, sunny and growing fast
Often overlooked, Brizzy is sandwiched between Queensland's Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. It's sunnier and more chilled than Sydney and Melbourne, but big enough that there's always a new riverside bar to check out. You'll find the usual opportunities in hospitality, events, tourism and construction and, as Australia's most affordable city, you'll find it easier to save for weekends exploring the East Coast. The fact that locals ironically refer to Brisbane as Brisvegas tells you everything you need to know.
Girl under waterfall

Cairns

Waterfalls and wild adventures
Cairns could be seen as a wildcard for a working holiday – the climate is tropical, as far from a grey Dublin morning as you can get. Job uniforms tend to involve flip-flops. It's less 'big city routine' and more 'work enough to fund your next dive or trek' energy. The work is seasonal – hospitality, tourism, hostels, tours. Plus it’s one of the main gateways for regional and farm work if you’re looking to extend your visa. There's a big backpacker scene, so it's easy to meet people and tag onto trips to the islands and rainforests.

4

Girl under waterfall

Cairns

Waterfalls and wild adventures
Cairns could be seen as a wildcard for a working holiday – the climate is tropical, as far from a grey Dublin morning as you can get. Job uniforms tend to involve flip-flops. It's less 'big city routine' and more 'work enough to fund your next dive or trek' energy. The work is seasonal – hospitality, tourism, hostels, tours. Plus it’s one of the main gateways for regional and farm work if you’re looking to extend your visa. There's a big backpacker scene, so it's easy to meet people and tag onto trips to the islands and rainforests.
Girl drinks shake on beach sunset

Perth

Sandy beaches and slow living
For those on a mellow tip, a working holiday in Perth ticks all the boxes. Secluded beaches for miles, long sunny days, and an afternoon breeze with its own affectionate nickname – the Freo Doctor. There are opportunities in hospitality, construction and tourism, plus wages in Western Australia can be seriously good, meaning you can easily save for weekends away with the quokkas of Rottnest Island. While most head for Sydney and Melbourne, you'll still find a strong Irish crowd in Perth, most likely one wanting to make the most of the Great Outdoors Down Under.

5

Girl drinks shake on beach sunset

Perth

Sandy beaches and slow living
For those on a mellow tip, a working holiday in Perth ticks all the boxes. Secluded beaches for miles, long sunny days, and an afternoon breeze with its own affectionate nickname – the Freo Doctor. There are opportunities in hospitality, construction and tourism, plus wages in Western Australia can be seriously good, meaning you can easily save for weekends away with the quokkas of Rottnest Island. While most head for Sydney and Melbourne, you'll still find a strong Irish crowd in Perth, most likely one wanting to make the most of the Great Outdoors Down Under.

When you arrive

8-day Melbourne itinerary

Kick off your Australian working holiday in Melbourne, Australia's capital of cool. Your group leader will guide you through the first week – touring city food spots, chilling on the beach in St Kilda, tripping along the Great Ocean Road, spotting penguins and more. While you're making mates and memories, our team on-the-ground will help get all the important stuff sorted too – CV help, bank account setup, tax file number applications, ongoing job support – all the essentials to help you settle in with confidence.

Check out the full day-to-day Melbourne itinerary and inclusions

When you arrive

8-day Sydney itinerary

Start your Australian working holiday with the other fresh arrivals ready for life Down Under. Your group leader will guide you through the first week, including harbour cruises, Blue Mountain adventures, wildlife-spotting, coastal walks, surf lessons, beach hangs and bingo nights. Our local team will help get all the practical stuff sorted too – including access to jobs, CV support, bank account setup, tax file number applications and everything you need to start working and living in Australia.

Check out the full day-to-day Sydney itinerary and inclusions

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Get in touch

Who you gonna call?

All our USIT team have worked the world, so are here for real talk and authentic advice about where you can go and what you can do.
BOOK A CALL

How it works

How and when to apply

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Girl sits beside cave waterfall

Countdown to Australia

  • Check your eligibility in the visa + cost section, choose either our 5-day, 8-day or Kickstart package. Hit 'Book now' to create your online account and pay your deposit. You can then access your account to keep track of your trip at any time at the top of this page.

    1 day

  • Once you've paid your second payment, you'll need to fill out a form in your online account, upload a photo of your passport (making sure you have enough duration left on your passport for the time you'll be away!) and upload proof of funds - this is in the form of a bank statement. We will then apply and process your working holiday visa for you. Visas are usually approved within 2-3 days, but can take up to six weeks if more info it required. Visa are electronic, so are tagged to your passport.

    2-42 days

  • Once your visa is approved, you'll then request the start date of your Sydney or Melbourne group orientation. Once we've confirmed there is space on that departure, we'll get your hostel nights and all the other good stuff booked in (5-day and 8-day options only). It's then safe to book your flights.

    2 days

  • 5-day and 8-day customers only 21 days before you depart, you'll get access to your membership resource area. Here you'll find a ton of information about preparing to work in Australia, be able to upload your resume, look at any courses you may want to take (such as the RSA - Responsible Service of Alcohol – that is required to work in bars in some states), get all the tax and bank account info, as well as access to your online Backpacker Job Board. Here you can filter and search for jobs around Australia. You can apply before you go, but we'd recommend waiting until you arrive and going through all your options in your in-person 1-on-1. Role are updated all the time, and you may find something more suitable or your travel plans may change once you touch down.

    21 days

  • 5-day and 8-day customers only When you land, you'll have a shared airport transfer to either Nomads St Kilda or Nomads Sydney to start your work and travel package. Check the itinerary on this page for all the included activities, meals, trips and job inclusions.

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Got questions?

We’ve got answers

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Talk to us

Aussie experts
Call us for all the inside intel and info on where to go and what jobs you can do.
CONTACT US

  • Irish passport holders must be aged 18-35 (inclusive) to apply for an Australia working holiday visa – which means you must apply before your 36th birthday.

  • Once your visa is approved, you have 12 months to enter the country. Your visa is then valid to stay for one year – with extensions available for 1 or 2 years.

    You may need to complete three months of 'specified work' in regional Australia to apply for a second or third visa.

  • What classes as ‘specified work’ is extensive – and can include hospitality jobs in rural areas, agricultural work, construction, farming, bushfire recovery and some essential industries such as nursing. Aside from getting you a second visa, it’s also a great way to get out of the cities and experience authentic parts of Australia and traditional industries.

  • The working holiday visa for Australia is flexible, and allows you to do casual or career jobs.

    Popular casual or backpacker jobs in Australia include farm work, fruit picking, waitressing, bartending, labouring, shop work, hostel work, hotel work, housekeeping, sales, promotions, tourism, removals, and more. You aren't required on this visa to have a job lined up before you go.

    You can also work in industries related to your vocation, education or trade – such as nursing, beauty, marketing, construction, finance, recruitment and everything in between. You may however be required to change employers every six months during your visa. These jobs can be harder to come by for working holidaymakers, with employers favouring Aussie passport holders vs those on temporary work visas.

  • Our in-country partners, Work + Travel Company (WTC), are on-the-ground experts at all things working in Australia. And typically place travellers into backpacker roles within the first two weeks of our packages.

    They're their own labour hire and recruitment agency, so can actually place you in positions from their nationwide employer network and pay your wages into your Australia bank account. 21 days before you go, you'll get access to their members-only area stacked with work and travel information for your working holiday and the online Backpacker Jobs Board – where you can find nationwide jobs. You'll have a 1-on-1 with the team when you arrive to figure out your needs, plus the WTC team are based in the hostel to help you find your role. This level of support lasts for 12 months.

  • Most backpacker, casual or entry level jobs will pay at least Australia's minimum wage. This can be more depending on the job and the location. For more skilled work related to your profession, trade or training – your salary will be higher and is uncapped on this visa.
  • No, you don't need to be in Ireland. However, you cannot be in Australia when you apply for your visa.
  • Our team are usually able to process your visa within 2-3 days. However, as the Australian Government make the final decision, it can take longer – up to six weeks if they require further information. We don’t recommend booking your flights until your visa is approved.
  • Planning a year abroad, working holiday or gap year can take 6+ months to save up for and organise. However, as Australia visas can be issued faster than working holiday visas for other countries – you can also book Work Australia last minute. Some our Sydney and Melbourne departure dates can sell out months in advance – so if you have your heart set on a certain date, we'd recommend booking ASAP.

  • Yes! Legends on the backpacker scene, your 4 nights or 7 nights accommodation are at Nomads hostel. From run clubs and yoga to bingo nights and beach clubs, both hostels have daily and evening activities that you can join to meet other backpackers. Accommodation is in 4 or 6-bed dorms with en-suites, privacy curtains and USB ports. Want extra nights or an upgrade? Let us know.

    The Work + Travel Company are also based in Nomads – so super easy to dive in and chat to the team about current jobs.

    Nomads Sydney

    Housed in a stunning heritage-listed property with beautiful exposed brickwork, we’re perfectly positioned beside Town Hall station, making it easy to explore all that Sydney has to offer. Whether you're hopping over to Darling Harbour, strolling to the Opera House, wandering through the Rocks Precinct, or taking in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll be just steps away from Sydney's most iconic spots. Vibe and amenities: When you're ready to chill, unwind at the Scary Canary – our legendary bar with nightly events, live DJ sets, and drink specials. Looking for a more laid-back vibe? We’ve got you covered with an in-house cinema and daily hostel activities where you can meet fellow travellers. Plus, enjoy a tasty in-house menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options so you can fuel up without leaving the hostel.

    Nomads St Kilda, Melbourne

    Located in the iconic seaside suburb of St Kilda, you’re just a two-minute walk from the beach, surrounded by buzzing bars, local cafés, and even a colony of adorable little penguins. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the sand, grabbing smashed avo and an almond latte, or heading out for drinks along the Esplanade, you’ll be right in the heart of it all. Vibe and amenities: Expect good times from the moment you check in. Downstairs, Red Eye Bar is where the magic happens... think cold beers, legendary nights, and our world-famous musical boozy bingo. Challenge your mates to a game on the free pool table, enjoy exclusive drink deals, and meet travellers from all over the world. With a strong focus on great service, epic nights, and making connections, Nomads St Kilda delivers the full hostel experience.

  • The 5-day option is unguided, more independent, and you can start it on any day. You'll have your transfer, 4 nights' hostel accommodation, welcome orientation, 1-on-1 placement session, and 8 meal vouchers all sorted for you. This package is perfect for independent travellers who have maybe travelled in Australia before or who are just looking for the essentials to get set up to work in Australia.

    The 8-day option is fully-guided and is the best way to ease yourself into life in Australia. Along with 18-24 of your soon-to-be-best-friends/future flatmates/future life partner (maybe) it covers everything you can think of for your first week! Transfers, 7 nights' hostel accommodation, welcome dinners, city tours, beach hangs, national park trips, harbour cruises, party nights and more.

    Both options include the same pre-departure and 12 months' job inclusions. See the visa + cost section for more.

  • Yes! Everyone arrives in the same boat, so our arrival packages are perfect for meeting people. The 8-day One is full-guided and has up to 18 people on the Melbourne departure and 24 people on the Sydney departure – so they're the best option for solo travellers to guarantee a ready-made group of friends.
  • Australian Immigration requires you to have at least AUD $5,000 when you enter the country. Australia does have a high cost of living. The more money you can save before you go, the more flexibility you'll have to travel before starting work and the less pressure you'll be under to find a job.
  • Obtaining a working holiday visa for Australia allows you to work and travel at the same time. Which is a great way to see Australia as it is a huge and diverse country – with each state offering something different to the next. Working in Australia will also allow you to have a more authentic experience and build more lasting connections - living like a local, contributing to the economy, and making lifelong friends.

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