How to Make the Most of Your Australian Working Holiday

Elizabeth Murphy • November 8, 2015

With some of the strangest indigenous wildlife on the planet and some of the best surfing beaches in the world , it's no surprise that Australia attracts people who are craving adventure. A working holiday is often the perfect choice for those of us who dream of exploring unknown lands and want to gain work and life experience. If you have your working holiday visa sorted and your bags packed, you should probably try to plan some of your trip. Listed below are some useful tips you can keep in mind when heading to the land down under. These tips should help make your life easier and ensure you get the best out of your time in Australia.

Organise accommodation

You might think it's better to wait until you get to Australia to find a place to stay, but be warned! You might not have heard about the queues of backpackers forced to pay hefty sums to stay in hotels. Booking accommodation in advance is the best way to avoid this. Accommodation in Australia isn't cheap, especially in the cities, so you should research good value hostels before you leave. There are plenty of websites that can help – all you need to do is search! Make sure you read the reviews and find out what facilities they offer.

Get a TFN

Don't know what a TFN is? As a future working holiday maker, it's time for you to come to grips with some basic Australian tax terms. Anyone who works in Australia should provide their TFN (Tax File Number) to their employer within the first 30 days of employment. Your TFN is a unique number, and it prevents you from paying taxes at higher rates than you need to! It also helps you change jobs easily, and, once you have it, it's yours for life. So you should get one before you leave for Australia to save time when you get there.

File your taxes

Here is when most of you would stop reading, because tax topics are usually too boring. However, filing your taxes in Australia could give you a serious boost to your budget and bring in some extra money for travelling! How is it possible? If you're staying in Australia for more than six months, you could be entitled to a tax refund. The good news is that you don’t have to waste your time filling out complicated tax forms! You can rely on an authorised tax agent, such as Taxback.com , who helps thousands of working holiday makers obtain their tax refunds without even lifting a finger. All you need to do is register here and they do all the hard work while you continue your epic road trip and explore the spectacular landscape of Australia. Please keep these tips in mind and enjoy your Australian adventure!

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By Leanne Lazarus April 23, 2025
A strong safety culture is critical to reducing risk and promoting wellbeing in Australian workplaces. With 40% of workers exposed to moderate to high psychosocial risks, organisations must move beyond basic compliance to foster environments where employees feel genuinely safe and supported. In this blog, people2people’s Leanne Lazarus speaks with legal and safety experts Jonathan Mamaril and Nettie Herselman on how businesses can embed safety-first thinking into their culture. Discover practical tips for leadership, internal compliance, and strategic planning to build a resilient, engaged workforce. Is your organisation doing enough to protect both the physical and psychological safety of its people?
By Mark Green April 9, 2025
With 68% of Australian workers worried about potential redundancies, job security is now a top priority—especially in tech sectors across NSW and WA. In this blog, people2people’s Mark Green explores how employee preferences have shifted from salary-driven goals to long-term stability. As uncertainty grows, businesses must adapt by fostering transparent communication and building trust. We also share essential tips for leaders navigating redundancy conversations with empathy and strategy. Want to know how to retain top talent and protect your employer brand during uncertain times? Discover how to support your workforce and strengthen loyalty in today’s cautious job market.
By Mark Green April 7, 2025
As return-to-office mandates rise across Australia, many leaders face the challenge of balancing productivity with employee preferences. In this blog, Mark Green from people2people and Maja Paleka from MPC unpack the drivers behind these mandates, their impact on engagement and retention, and why forcing full-time office returns may backfire. With hybrid work models proving effective for many, forward-thinking businesses are seizing this moment to attract top talent and build trust-based cultures. We also share practical tips for leaders navigating this shift in 2025. Wondering how to future-proof your workplace without losing your best people? Read on to find out more.
By Suhini Wijayasinghe March 31, 2025
Millennials are now leading teams made up of both older and younger generations—but how do they bridge the gap between Baby Boomer values and Gen Z expectations? In this blog, we explore leadership in a multigenerational workforce with insights from Ramp Fitness co-founder Matthew Papalo. From building scalable systems to fostering community and wellbeing, discover how modern leaders are adapting to new workplace demands. If you're a millennial manager (or aspire to be one), this is your guide to leading with resilience, empathy, and innovation. Want to know the key to staying ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond?
By Aiden Boast March 26, 2025
Feeling stuck in your job? You’re not alone—60% of workers are staying in roles longer than they’d like due to financial concerns and fear of instability. Yet, 66% believe a career change could make them happier. In this blog, people2people’s Aiden Boast unpacks recent data revealing why so many professionals are hesitant to move on, despite growing demand for skills-based hiring and flexible work options. Learn practical tips for overcoming career stagnation, leveraging your transferable skills, and taking the first steps toward a more fulfilling role. Could now be the perfect time to rethink your career path? Read more to find out.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us