Resources
Your travel planning process starts here – but more personalized support is only a few clicks away. We help turn your process questions into a solid plan.Â
Send us an email: workabroad [at] interexchange [dot] org or schedule a free virtual call. Contact us to get a free and actually extremely helpful travel planning guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the arrival dates for 2026?
Orientation activities run throughout Wednesdays – Fridays, so we suggest that you arrive by Tuesday morning to allow time to settle in!Â
Upcoming 2026 Arrival Dates:Â
November: 10, 17
December: 8
2027 Arrival Dates:Â
January: 5, 12, 19
February: 9, 23
March: 16
April: 13
May: 18
June: 15
July: 6, 13, 20, 27
August: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September: 7, 14, 21, 28
*Please note that December orientation arrivals are intentionally limited prior and during Christmas Day through New Years. Many Australians go on their vacations and holidays at that time, so hiring typically slows and pauses during that period. It is recommended to arrive prior to or before late December.
For Aussie Autumn/Winter between February – June, arrivals are grouped to 1-2 cohorts per month as there are fewer arrivals overall.Â
What is the Australian Work and Holiday Visa and how does InterExchange help?
The Australia Work and Holiday Visa lets young adults (ages 18–30, and up to 35 for select nationalities) live, work, and travel in Australia for up to a full year. The visa itself requires an independent application and government fee but otherwise offers no practical support for visa holders.Â
- Real Pre-Departure Prep: Practical tips and step-by-step guidance to navigate the visa process and flight planning. (Email us for a free guide to get you started!)
- A Soft Landing: Airport pickup, initial hostel accommodation, and local orientation and social events.
- Life Essentials Set Up: Hands-on help setting up your Australian bank account, Tax File Number (TFN), and local SIM card.
- Job & Housing Assistance: Aussie-style resume optimization, job-search resources, and vetted accommodation leads to get you earning and settled quickly.
- Community & 24/7 Support: Friendly in-country staff available via phone, email, or in-person, plus an instant network of fellow travelers.
- Travel and Tours: Upon arrival, our program includes a range of nearby tours and social activities. Our team supports you with planning and bookings for in-country travel, or even to local nearby destinations such as to New Zealand or Asia!
Where can I travel?
While our program begins in Sydney, many travelers end up in rural areas for agriculture work then move on to other towns or cities. There’s no limit to where you can go!
Sydney is an incredible global city. Starting there, you’ll get not only the best rates on international flights – you’ll also gain an introduction to Australia’s greatest landmarks and cultural offerings. Some travelers prefer to stay in Sydney for the majority of their time, but we’ve had participants end up staying as far as Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin!
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What types of jobs are available?
Most jobs on a working holiday tend to be seasonal positions such as hospitality, retail, office temping, manual labor, fruit picking, retail, Au Pair roles, and event set-up. Jobs can range from one day to several months at a time, but most employers seek a 3-to-6 month commitment from prospective employees. Most travelers visit our Jobs Desk within the first few days and average gaining a role within 2-4 weeks of arrival in-country. Our local team has a jobs board and text/chat group alerts so you won’t miss opportunities!
While there are certainly busy and slow seasons, Australia’s vast land and robust backpacker tradition means great chances for finding both work and adventure year round. The most successful travelers keep an open mind and take opportunities as they arise – as one opportunity often leads to the next!
How do you help me find a job?
Our jobs support begins before you depart.Â
Pre-Departure: Foundational job-readiness checklists and local hiring tips included in your handbook.
Arrival Orientation: In-person walkthrough of regional job markets, safety standards, and employer expectations.
Dedicated Support: Direct access to our Jobs Desk and personalized 1-on-1 consultations for resume tailoring and interview prep.
Arrival Strategy: We recommend travelers give yourself 7-14 days to adjust to your new environment before starting work: Your first few days are just to orient yourself. Then, check out different neighborhoods and commutes. Throughout your travels, you can check-in with local advisors who can help you plan your next job or travels job.
Can I get a job placement before I travel?
We recommend securing your role once you arrive in Australia. Most Australian employers hire on the spot through in-person interviews and immediate trial shifts, which often leads to better pay and work you actually enjoy. Arriving first also gives you time to settle in, adjust to the time difference, and explore your surroundings. We recommend budgeting a safety net for your first 2 to 4 weeks while you attend orientation, set up local accounts, and lock in your role.
How long will it take me to find a job?
Sometimes it can take 2-4 weeks to land your first job and varies greatly based on individual. Securing employment anywhere depends on previous experience, attitude, and the degree to which you utilize the job support available to you.
Since this program is also about supporting cultural exchange and a chance to experience Australia (not only a working program) we recommend budgeting for at least a month of costs upon arrival so you have the chance to settle in before jumping into work. Please note that some employers pay bi-weekly but some may pay monthly.
How much will I earn in Australia?
Australia’s minimum wage is AUD $26.44/hour as of 2026. Based on Australia’s laws, individuals under 21 can be paid less but as there is a high demand for seasonal employees, there are normally many opportunities to earn upwards of the minimum wage.Â
How do I find housing?
Our support team in Australia will help you plan housing after your pre-booked program accommodation ends. Many travelers choose extra nights at the hostel, or booking short-term accommodation. Sydney has hostels in multiple suburbs so you can see multiple parts of the city before you decide on where to settle.Â
While traveling around the country, hostels will be a great option for an intro to each locale: not only are hostels an affordable option, they have the best insights from staff and local travelers on where to go. If you are planning on settling into a city for a few months, you might want to arrange a place for a longer stay.
Many shared rooms in apartments rent week to week or month to month, so you don’t have to sign into anything for too long.Â
How much does housing typically cost?
For major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, it’s recommended to budget between $200-350 weekly. Rents are often paid weekly, and accommodation prices vary by location, season, and housing type of shared room vs. single room.
When is the best time to travel?
We support travelers year round, but the majority of travelers arrive in September/October for starting work in hospitality ahead of the high travel season. Another great time to arrive is January/February, which is the best time to land work for fall harvest in agriculture. Â
It is not recommended to arrive right before the December holidays if you are looking to start working quickly. This is because many jobs fill before the tourism high season is in full swing.Â
See arrival dates at the top of this page, which fall on Tuesdays. For most participants flying from North America this means you’ll depart on a Sunday or Monday for the Tuesday arrival. If you arrive a day or two earlier, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation for you.
How does the application process work?
Our online application is free to start and easy to complete. Once we get your application, we’ll send you instructions for next steps for the getting your Work and Holiday Visa and help you plan your travel date. To lock in your arrival package you’ll pay a $100 deposit that counts toward your program fee.Â
Can I leave Australia and re-enter?
Do I have to stay in Australia for 12 months?
Can I extend my Work and Holiday Visa?
Can I work for the same employer the entire time of my stay?
On the Australian Work and Holiday Visa, you can work for employers for up to a year or the duration of your visa validity. Keep in mind that many jobs will be seasonal (3-6 months), which creates great opportunities to travel before starting another job!
