Hi, I'm 22 from the UK, travelling to Australia on my own in November, probably with the BUNAC organisation. Does anyone have any advice or tips as this will be the first time backpackin and travelling on my own. Also is anyone else plannin to go out at the same time, also with BUNAC?
Thanks
Reply to this Hi. I am actually 22 from the US and plan on doing the same thing in mid October. I have not heard anything about BUNAC as well, so I would be interested to find out more! I have heard it is harder to find work in Australia rather then New Zealand, have you heard anything about this? Also what cities are you considering in Australia?
Reply to this Hi Leah, I'm going on my own so thought I'd go with BUNAC as it will make my trip easier by sorting out my flights (stopovers and returns flights etc) and visa and hopefully a good way of meeting new people. Yeah I've heard it can be hard to find jobs in Australia but seems that hospitality is the main area for work and I think you just need to be lucky. What sort of work are you looking for?
I'm planning to stay in Sydney for 3 months so will there for Christmas and New Year, then probably move onto Melbourne. I'm not too sure about Adelaide so will see when I'm there. I also want to travel up to Alice Springs for a short while before finishing in Brisbane where I have family nearby. I think it could all change when I'm there but that is my basic plan. What cities are you considering?
Am I right in thinking that the visa for Americans is not for 12 months or am I wrong?
Reply to this Hey guys. I live in South Australia. Working in Adelaide as a visitor can be a bit tricky. Yes, bar work is your best bet for a job. Lots of Adelaide pubs would be interested in hiring. Also, there is work outside of adelaide picking grapes & cherries etc. It depends on what time of year picking happens though, im not the expert on that though, sorry.
Maybe try our forum at http://www.socialhighway.com.au and ask the guys there for more information. They might be a bit more helpful!
Cheers,
SocialHighway
http://www.socialhighway.com.au
Reply to this Hey,
I am very keen to get bar work in Oz, particularly in Melbourne. Does anyone know; can this be arranged cash-in-hand, to avoid the problems obtaining a working visa? How difficult is it to get work? I've got bar experience - is that worth anything?!
My other alternative is childcare. I've got extensive experience in the UK. Does anyone have any ideas how I might get in touch with families looking for help with their kids?
Any relevant websites?
I arrive in Australia at the beginning of September.
I'd appreciate any help!!!
Thanks.
Reply to this Hey Lady Rach - What's the problem with getting the WHV - apply on line. Easy.
Mick Mac - if you're going to be in Sydney over Xmas and NY try and find somewhere to stay (not a hostel) as soon as you get there - the hostel I was in went from $27 per night to $99 pernight for a bed in an 8 bed dorm over the holiday period. I don't know anything about Bunac, what they charge or what service they offer but it's so easy to do yourself - apply for your visa online and you'll meet lots of people in hostels when you're out there who'll all be in the same situation and able to give you tips. Beware though that November onwards is a bad tome to be looking for work. December and Jan are essentially the holiday period so temping work is hard to get because offices are slowing down.
Reply to this 
