Ultimate job guide: Best tips how to find backpacker jobs in Australia? (6/2024)
Update Australia’s minimum wage and pay rate!
Breaking: From 1st July 2024 the new minimum wage (and therefore the hourly pay rate) will be $24.10 for everybody working in Australia. Adjust the pay rate for casual jobs accordingly (+25% load = $30.13).
Welcome fellow backpackers and working holiday starters!
This post will be packed and I highly recommend reading it all the way to the end if you want a backpacker job, especially in the city no-time! I will show you all websites and platforms I used during my working holiday in Australia where I earned more than $37000.
By the way, for typical pay rates go this blog post! There I covered typical backpacker jobs with pay rates!
I will show you all job agencies I know especially for the biggest cities Sydney and Melbourne where you can register and receive job offers. Furthermore, I will show you what’s important in the job market and how to find backpacker jobs alternatively!
As always, just the use the table of content on your left to look for specific information. It makes life so much easier :). Alternatively, try the search bar and most search categories on the right.
Important info for the job market in Australia
In Australia, maybe unlike in other countries, people used to communicate via old-fashioned SMS for job offers and formal communication. So make sure you have an Australian phone number when you put your details for the registration!
Overview of your working holiday journey
- Part 1 is all about visa requirements and eligibility for your working holiday in Australia (read before coming to Australia)
- >>Part 1.1 I lead you step-by-step with screenshots through the official working holiday visa application!
- Part 2 is all about relevant working terms to get started in your first days in Australia. I show you Australia’s minimum wage, what TFN, ABN, RSA, SUPER etc. is and where to apply in order to work legally in Australia.
- Part 3 is all about pay rates and work. I show you typical pay rates for all backpacker jobs. I show you my payslips, what I earned, and you can too in 2024! Furthermore, I show you all special occasions where you can earn more money!
- Part 4 is all about finding typical backpacker jobs and pay rates. I show you all relevant ways, platforms, and websites where you can find jobs and as well as typical pay rates!
- Part 5 is all about extending your working holiday visa in Australia and the required 88 days of specified work! (Farm work)
Questions? Let’s connect:
Beforehand: Do this to get started
- Register everywhere to be able to see full details and info (YES, it takes time)
- Prepare and upload your CV and/or put your ad you want to post with all relevant certificates, copy/paste into the description. See the second part of this series, if you don’t know which certificates I’m talking about.
- I know it’s easy and comfortable to just send out a SMS and ask, but if the employer says that you can call them, ALWAYS call! It’s a huge mistake not to call and ask. Trust me, you will save so much time and money in the end by just calling and asking if the job is still available! (I know it’s hard)
- AGAIN, ALWAYS CALL unless it’s explicit written that you should NOT CALL
- ALWAYS SAY that you have experience, at least 1 year at something. Doing some work at home counts already as one year ;)!
1. Job boards for backpackers
Backpackerjobboard – The Classic
Oldie but Goldie for backpackers and your first address to look for jobs is backpackerjobboardcom.au. Just choose your location first (e.g. Sydney or Melbourne) and take a look!
Like I said before, you need to register first to actually apply! They cover all big cities in Australia and you can even look for farm work and outback jobs if you want.
If you apply for 10 job offers, you should get at least 3 replies and/or interview appointments! SAVE! Too easy! It’s a perfect website to get an impression what jobs you can do in Australia and specialized for backpackers/working holiday makers! AND your future employer knows already that you don’t have much experience ;).
Check out this post here to get an overall view of typical backpacker jobs you can do while in Australia and what you can expect to earn!
Jobsbackpacker since 2022 – The better copy?
There seem to be various copies of backpackjobboard.com.au. One of them with relatively more job postings than others is jobsbackpacker.com.au.
I didn’t try it out yet but seem to be legit! Similarly to the latter platform you can look for jobs filtered by destinations and categories like 2nd year visa jobs, farm jobs, fruit picking jobs, retail etc. You got them all!
Gumtree – The eBay of Jobs
Another very popular website among backpackers and a must-visit site is gumtree.com.au. In addition to searching for jobs in your desired city, you can also post a job ad for free.
If you want my proven CV and how I’ve written the job ad, contact me here or via Instagram and I will send it too via email FOR FREE!
When describing yourself, highlight your skills, qualifications (certificates!), the type of work you are seeking, and the expected payment.
If done correctly, you may receive a call or text message within the next three days for sure. Typically, they will ask you about your availability and if you can work the next day or attend an interview.
Next, it’s important to be cautious as Gumtree is popular among backpackers and students, making them a target for scammers and fake job offers. Especially female users may receive dubious offers, so be extra cautious!
Make sure you have an updated Australian phone number that also supports WhatsApp. English proficiency required on gumtree is generally less essential compared to other platforms.
I can provide you with proven templates and further assistance if you choose to consult with me. This will help you create an effective ad that aligns with Australian employers’ expectations and preferences.
Apart from job postings, Gumtree can also be used for buying and selling items like in eBay, searching for cars, and more.
If you are interested in cash-in-hand jobs, Gumtree and Backpacker Job Board are ideal choices. These platforms are known for offering such jobs, with Gumtree allowing you to specify your preference for cash payments in your ad. Cash-in-hand positions tend to be popular among backpackers, so quick action is often necessary on Backpacker Job Board.
I recommend checking these websites at least twice a day while job hunting. Feel free to reach out if you would like personalized consultation on navigating these platforms effectively.
Indeed, seek, jora – “Better jobs”
Also, well-known in Australia, while less backpacker-friendly, are Indeed, Seek, and Jora. These job websites usually offer “better” jobs and don’t specialize on backpackers. Also, these platforms, typically demand more experience. It’s definitely worth trying out any of these websites, especially if you have prior experience in a specific sector.
Indeed, in particular, is growing bigger and bigger. You can already find Indeed in Germany since September 2020.
When registering on these websites, make sure you don’t make any mistakes when introducing yourself. Correct spelling and grammar are essential to present yourself professionally to potential employers. Just use ChatGPT, it’s free.
2. Casual job platforms with On-demand apps
Sidekicker
In my opinion, by far the best platform with app to find casual jobs is sidekicker. Meanwhile, they partnered with “seek” from see above.
Once you registered with them and had your interview, you will receive all your preferred job positions right into your smartphone! Furthermore, unlike in Gumtree, it’s ensured that just proven employers can send you job offers and you will get paid at least minimum wage!
Moreover you need to apply for every single post manually and quite fast as the jobs are very popular!
Same here, if you book me for consultation, I will help and show you everything you need to know! Including my proven templates, and what you must write in your application to increase your probability to get selected!
Airtasker
A slightly different approach takes the platform Airtasker, where everybody can apply for posted jobs/tasks! No need to go to an interview beforehand in Airtasker!
All people can post “tasks” here – private people and businesses! Moreover, there are tons of categories and subcategories for different tasks.
Again just register put all your details and start looking for different “tasks” in your area! There’s literally no limit for what you can do. It’s definitely a must-try, especially if you are very good at something or have a hobby! Keep in mind though, the competition is intense as many people can use it without further requirements like the interview in Sidekicker.
Similar to Sidekicker, you need to apply for every single job posted, but you have much more choices! And you can also be flexible on the payment in case you think it’s too low! The thing is you compete with more people which eventually accept less money! Best, you should just try it out to get an idea.
Keywords to put in the search bar
It might be clear until you will really try it out and see the difference! You will find better suited jobs for you if you actually put some keywords in the search bar! By the way, same here for my blog if you’re looking for special information ;).
Just make sure to select the location beforehand. I will show you some typical keywords for the Australian job market.
Of course, it depends on what job you’re looking for… Here are some popular keywords:
“genereal labourer” +location e.g., CBD (Central Business District=City Center)
“labourer”
“event labourer”
“event helper”
“kitchen hand”
“bar”
“runner”
“restaurants/hotels/hotel/reception work”
“allrounder hotel/bar/restaurant”
3. Agencies and Recruitment companies
I personally registered with almost all agencies in the list below and you can too! Agencies are just intermediates between you and your employer and are very popular in Australia for getting jobs among working holiday makers, backpackers and even students.
With agencies, you will get all working rights and at least get paid minimum wage of course, but usually you get paid more. Sidekicker is also a kind of recruitment company for all kind of positions.
The agencies I show you are especially relevant for casual construction and event workers (I prefer much more events than construction). Most of them are suitable for girls too, but make sure that you’re OK to make your hands dirty!
Once you’re registered, they typically send you jobs per SMS with all details and you agree or deny the job. Once you’re selected, your employer will tell you personally onsite if you needs you longer (for the next days).
With some agencies and recruitment companies, you need to work on ABN. But if you’ve read my posts you know what it means. If not, click here for info on working on TFN and ABN.
Look for “Registration” “jobs” or similar on their websites. Send an e-mail if you can’t find where to apply ! Nowadays, everything changes so fast, some links might not work anymore. If that is the case, just put the name below in google + ”Australia” for proper link. (Stand:Jund 2024)
Guys! I was afraid of spamming google, so copy and paste the links, please! Not all will be hyperlinked!
General agencies
More suitable for events, concerts, exhibitions, trade fairs, congresses, warehouse labour etc.
www.megacrew.co
www.showcallcrewing.com.au
www.showsuppport.com.au
https://www.harrythehirer.com.au/
https://www.australianstaffingagency.com.au/blue-collar-recruitment/
https://www.zoomrecruitment.com.au/
https://www.pattishire.com.au/
https://www.talentconnection.com.au/
Hospitality
More suitable for construction labour
http://www.etmholdings.com.au/
https://thedragongroup.com.au/
https://workmatesaustralia.com.au/
If you still couldn’t find a job in max 1 week after registration, then I don’t know :D.
Comment down below if you have more questions and I will come back to you and try to help you!
Also consider my consulting services where I explain you all more detailed, give you tips & tricks and answer all of your questions!
4. Job for Everybody: Uber Eats Delivery- The hardcore badass way
Working as delivery driver with Uber Eats takes some time takes, because you need to get accepted from the company first before you start.
Check this post first for information about costs and registration for Uber eats!
Besides having a save job with Uber Eats you can take advantage and just ask restaurants where you pick up the food anyway or pass by if you see some restaurants, café’s and bars!
If you want to do it the hardcore badass way, register with all food deliveries provider and then still ask all restaurants for vacancies! Besides Uber Eats you can register with Deliveroo Australia and Doordash Australia or similar competitor!
Once you registered, you should be busy with food delivery alone! But if you like to change your work, again, just ask all construction sites, restaurants or bars you pass by while doing deliveries!
Check here what I earned and you can too, doing Uber Eats!
5. Work/Volunteer in hostels or try something you
Check out my post here where I did it the badass way and lived in Sydney absolutely for free for a certain period of time.
It’s a good option if you want to save money meanwhile looking for a job. There’s all info you need to work in hostels for accommodation! If you already want to look before coming to Australia you can check the following websites specialized for volunteering. Sometimes you can even find paid jobs:
For working in organic farms among other opportunities you can search in:
Pro Tip
It’s better (and faster) to ask personally at the reception if they are looking for new people to volunteer. Hostels have high turnover of people, so sometimes you just need to wait just 1–3 weeks till you can start! That’s why I recommend you to stay longer in one certain hostel, but at least 1 week! Book your hostel here and ask right away!
The longer you volunteer at the same place, the better the job will get. For instance, you start as cleaner and get “promoted” as receptionist!
Connect, connect, connect
Connections are priceless! To be honest, that’s for me the main reason to volunteer! In the second place is the free stay of course.
During your volunteer time in a hostel, you will make dozens of connections, be it with coworkers or guests. It’s not getting any easier making connections (and best friends) in your hostel than through volunteering. And people know many stuff and rumors! They will provide you with free information what job they are doing and you can too! 😉
Check the “black wall” in hostels
In some hostels they have wall for job announcements and other ads for backpackers (trips, job training). Keep on eye on this board/list as it’s mostly first come – first serve. Sometimes even random people visit hostels to get short term duties done. In this way I found a casual 1-2 day job at the start of my working holiday back then.
Learn English in no-time
Especially for non-English countries, you can really improve your English in turbo! Even if you don’t speak even a word (trust me it’s very common) you will improve dramatically in the first weeks of volunteering!
6. Ask around in the city
Walking around the city, and asking personally if there are some vacancies, it’s a very good idea actually!
Just make sure to bring your CV and look like you are able to work right away! For instance, if you’re looking for hospitality make sure to wear all black (pants, shoes, shirt, dress etc.) and smile!
If you are looking for construction jobs, then bring your whole PPE (high-visability-shirt and steel cap shoes, helmet) to show that you’re serious. Bring a backpack!
There’s a high probability that you will be asked for a trial first (usually 3-4h), if you show up ready to work!
Another tip is that you go to internationally well known restaurants chains etc. where the owner/manager and or the stuff speaks your native language (Brazilian, French, German, Italian etc.). Typically, these establishments prefer to hire people from the country the company has its origin. For example, beer gardens for Germans, and Italian/French restaurant names and chains.
7. Post in Facebook Group
You prefer taking Initiative? Then look for FB groups, either post a job announcement yourself (combine it with gumtree as it will be the same) or look for proper job offers!
For keywords, just put “location yx + job” and several FB groups will show up! Oh and don’t forget to join my FB community where I post updates about minimum wage, best approaches etc.
Join Here!
Final thoughts an Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a job in big cities during your working holiday in Australia doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right approach and resources, you can secure employment in no time. Explore various job platforms like Backpackerjobboard and Gumtree, and consider signing up with agencies like Sidekicker for casual work opportunities.
Utilize on-demand apps like Airtasker for flexible tasks. Additionally, don’t hesitate to inquire at hostels or walk around the city to ask about vacancies. Remember to tailor your job search to your preferences and skills, and always be proactive in your approach. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to funding your Australian adventure!
Happy travels and see you soon!
Eduard from Clueless? Travel!
Overview of your working holiday journey
- Part 1 is all about visa requirements and eligibility for your working holiday in Australia (read before coming to Australia)
- >>Part 1.1 I lead you step-by-step with screenshots through the official working holiday visa application!
- Part 2 is all about relevant working terms to get started in your first days in Australia. I show you Australia’s minimum wage, what TFN, ABN, RSA, SUPER etc. is and where to apply in order to work legally in Australia.
- Part 3 is all about pay rates and work. I show you my payslips, what I earned, and you can too in 2024! I show you all special occasions where you can earn more money!
- Part 4 is all about finding typical backpacker jobs and pay rates. I show you all relevant ways, platforms, and websites where you can find jobs and as well as typical pay rates!
- Part 5 is all about extending your working holiday visa in Australia and the required 88 days of specified work! (Farm work)
What’s next in your journey?
For working holiday starters:
- Apply for the working holiday maker visa subclass 417 (usual approval time 5 min – 14 days) or 462 (usual approval time at least 14 days due to further requirements)
- Provide further details if necessary to get the application going (health examination etc.) in your immigration account (ImmiAccount)
- Get credit cards, especially a WISE account (Australian bank account) and check passport validity! (min. 2 weeks – 1 month before you plan to flight)
- Book your flights (AFTER received approval letter from immigration)
- Packing list 2024 (Coming soon)
- Get travel insurance before you fly (SavetyWing or Heymondo)
- Get an Onward ticket ALWAYS! (24-48h before your flight, evidence of leaving the country you enter). For working holiday Australia visa holders, it’s NOT necessary.
- Book your accommodation via hostelworld to get to know people quickly. I recommend the first two weeks at the same spot
- Job hunting and other bureaucratic stuff (once in Australia)
- Open up your US LLC to get your Freelancer business started!
- Sign up to my Newsletter to get a smarter traveler and stay up-to-date
