Work and Holiday in Australia!

So you're an American, and you want to hit up Australia for a year of adventure? I applaud you! You're in for a roller coaster - but you know, roller coasters are exciting!
I get so many people asking me questions about my travels to Australia, so I figured this is a great place to share.  I'm here to tell of my triumphs and failures, and some ins and outs of getting around the land down under.

Understand your visa.

I wish I'd known that I couldn't extend my visa before I did three months of farm work. This was my biggest error. There are 2 different visas that are basically the same: The Working Holiday visa and the Work and Holiday. Being Americans, we get put on the latter. The only difference between the two, is that the countries on the working holiday can extend their visa for one more year by doing 88 days of specified regional work, where as the countries put on the work and holiday cannot.  It's kind of confusing on the government's website, so just take my word for it.  When your year is up, you're out. So unless you like farming, don't bother.

Timing

Coming in October/November is a good idea, as many places will be hiring seasonally.  Seasonal work in Australia offers better money - you'll get more hours, and better pay on holidays.  For me, working at a designer clothing store, on a normal day I'd make minimum wage - $20/hour.  On Saturdays it was $21, Sundays $29, and on holidays (Boxing Day and New Years, all stores are closed on Christmas day in Australia) I made $40.  Employers will be much more likely to hire you as a foreigner over the holidays as well.  There are many places that straight up told me that they do not hire backpackers, because we come and go so much, and they need employees for longer than 6 months.  Some of these places are many retail clothing stores, and several chain coffee shops like Gloria Jeans and Starbucks.

Come with work experience

It's much easier to get a job, especially in a foreign country, when you already have the experience on your resume.  So if you want to work in a cafe, start by getting cafe experience in America.  Same goes for retail - or most industries, really.  Especially when you are only aloud to work for 6 months at one employer in Australia, you are much less likely to be hired if you aren't already trained at a job.

Getting a job in Australia

The whole process of finding work in Australia is slightly different than America.  In retail and hospitality, first impression is key: the resume. Then comes in interview, then the job trial.  The interview process was much shorter, and there were less questions reguarding personality than jobs in America based on my experience.  How I found work, was by simply handing out resumes and getting a call for an interview, rarely did I fill out a lengthy application online.  After the interview, if it was successful, they'll have you in for a job trial.  What this means, is that you spend an hour or two getting thrown right into the job, to see how well you do, if they like you and will hire you or not.

Think like an Entrepaneur.

Traveling will help you think outside the box.  Create opportunities for yourself out of nothing.  If you're a musician, or have some other entertainment good for the streets (drawing/painting, ballooning, dancing, etc.) try some busking out in the cities. Just be warry of the areas that require permits.  In Brisbane, you must attend an audition for certain busy areas like South Bank and Queen Street. If you are accepted, you'll get a free permit.  Do your background research.  Use google.  Sometimes opportunities will just land in your lap unnexpectedly.  Someone might want to take lessons from you in English, or in music.  Post ads on gumtree.  Build relationships. Share knowledge and culture.  Get into the community where you're at.  Hang out with backpackers!  Traveling is a special kind of networking skill you'll learn, and it'll help you in your whole life. You'll learn to appreciate the little things.

Hosteling

Hostels are a great place to work part time for free accomodation.  As with most jobs, I'd reccomend going and showing your face to the front desk. Be friendly and open, and let them know your needs and also how you can serve them.  It's great when you're looking for work and can't really afford a place to stay yet.  YHA Hostels are a great option - they offer private staff rooms.

Beware of gumtree scams

Gumtree is the craigslist equivalent in Australia.  So beware of scams! If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.  If they cleverly ask you to send a deposit, don't do it!  Do your background research before sending ANY money, if it looks fishy, trust your instincts.  But at the same time - gumtree is a great place to find free things, couches to surf on (once again, do your background checks!), jobs in the area, or rides with other backpackers. 

Travel with other backpackers

Like I said above, many backpackers will post on gumtree saying that they're driving from one location to another across Australia, and if they've got an empty seat, they'll take you along, just pitch in for some petrol cost. This is an amazing way to get to know people from all over the world, and to save on travel expenses.  Once again though, trust your instincts.  If you don't feel safe with certain people, don't ride with them.

Public Transit

Within the cities, Brisbane in particular, you'll get a "go card". You touch on at your start point at the train station or on the bus, and touch off at your destination.  They charge based on the distance you travel.  You can re-fill your go card either at the help desks at the train station, or using the vending machines.  Each city has a different system, and with practice you'll learn how to work it.  In Brisbane, always come at least 10 minutes early to a bus stop.  Sometimes they come early and simply drive by - sometimes they are 15 minutes late. It all depends on traffic. You'll have to wave your bus down, otherwise they'll think you're a pedestrian and drive right by you! What a bummer.  Also be sure you know your stop, because you'll have to push the request to stop button before getting off - or else once again, the driver will drive right past your end destination!

Getting a drivers license

It's pretty easy if you've already got one in America. You can drive with your American license for the first three months, but after that time you'll have to apply for an Australian license.  All you've got to do is fill out the application form depending on which state you have your residency in Australia at the time. Visit http://www.australia.gov.au/content/drivers-licence-application.  Go to your nearest Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, and bring with you your current overseas license, proof of residency (a bank statement would work), your application, and pay the fee.  They'll take your picture, and send you your new license. Piece of cake!

If you've got other questions, please shoot me an email or comment below. If you've traveled, share your experiences as well!
I wish you the best journey to Australia.  May it be full of triumph, discovery, sharing, and exploring. I trust your mind will be blown by this beautiful nation.

Happy travels, backpackers!
xxYour Songburdxx