How You Can Get Paid to Make Memories This Summer

It’s time to escape from the city.

This post is presented in partnership with the Government of Western Australia.

So, you’re looking for a way to broaden your experience, meet new people and discover new places. What if we told you there was a way to do all three, while also earning some dollars this summer?

With summer coming up, it’s the perfect time to grab some mates, join the paid escape and work and wander in regional WA.

You’ll have the opportunity to work hard and play hard, help farmers and other regional employers, do things you’ve never done before and visit places you’ve never been to.

On top of that, you’ll also experience living in the country, develop new skills that’ll help you in your career long-term, meet fantastic people and above all else… earn some sweet cash while you travel.

Image: Supplied.

Traveller Caitlyn Kelly tells Student Edge over the phone how she decided to take the leap and join in on the paid escape, which ultimately led her to working on a carrot farm in Lancelin—a small fishing and tourist town located 127 kilometres north of Perth.

On the farm, Caitlyn works in the packing shed "getting the carrots ready for prepack and grading, checking for good carrots and bad carrots" and more. 

As Caitlyn explains, working in regional WA wasn’t something she ever planned to do. She had just graduated from high school and wanted to do something different; something that would give her new skills. She found out about the opportunity when her mum tagged her in a post on social media.

"My mum tagged me in a post on Facebook about the Harvest Trail," she says.

"I thought that [working at the carrot farm] could be good fun, so I applied and got the job.

"It’s actually been so much more fun than I expected. You get to meet new people, see new places and get experience."

Image: Supplied.

Of course, you’ll do more than just work when you explore regional WA. With iconic destinations, loads of hidden gems and a peaceful and relaxed vibe, you’ll make memories to last you a lifetime on your days off.

For example, Caitlyn spends her days off at the beach, swimming, sandboarding, and fishing.

"I drive to Jurien Bay. It’s not too far to go to those nice beaches," she says.

"You can go fishing, there’s a nice pub and you can go sandboarding, which is something different."

While working a job in regional Australia is work, the experience, locations, and chances to upskill are so vast and exciting.

If you’re keen to work and wander out yonder, you can check out a range of short to long term positions on websites including Studium, SEEK, Harvest Trail, Backpacker Job Board, Gumtree, Rural Enterprises and The Job Shop.

Not sure if you could afford it? Financial support may be available to help you pay for your travel and accommodation. According to the WA government website, if you relocate more than 100 kilometres from your home, you could be eligible to claim a $40 per night accommodation rebate for up to 12 weeks! On top of that, you may also be able to claim travel costs to relocate.

Image: Supplied.

As Caitlyn tells us, there’s nothing better than being able to work and enjoy all the extraordinary natural gifts regional WA has to offer.

Well, doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to spend summer?

What are you waiting for? Search work and wander.

Header Image: Supplied