How to Plan the Ultimate Working Holiday in Western Australia

West is best.

This article is presented in partnership with The WA Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Looking for a change in pace and scenery? When it comes to Western Australia, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a chill-at-the-vineyards type of person, a coffee fanatic, or feel your best catching waves on a surfboard, WA is the perfect destination.

But you want to make money too, right? Lucky for you working holidayers, there’s an abundance of part-time and casual work in WA across a range of hospitality industries.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding work and living the lifestyle you want in WA, depending on what you’re searching for.

Head south-west.

If you want to see the lush vegetation, thriving food and wine industries and expansive pastures of WA, you absolutely must head to the south-west.

Make plans for a day trip around some of WA’s most coveted wineries!

 

 

 

 

 

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And if you feel like the laid-back environment is for you, why not pick up some work down there? Whether it’s helping out in the vineyards themselves or serving up the vino to other happy holidaymakers, there’s plenty of work to go around. Find the perfect combination of working and living your best life.

Nosey up north.

For beaches and a coastal lifestyle like you’ve never seen before, trace up the northern lines of WA and check into Geraldton, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, or keep going all the way up to Broome.

Go for a camel ride, learn about Indigenous heritage, kick it back at beach resorts and stay in your swimwear all day long.

In terms of work—where there’s holiday patrons, there’s staff for them. Go for a classic pub or bartending job at some of the resorts or get creative and apply for some outback adventuring gigs. You never know what you’ll find.

Get amongst the café scene.

There’s one thing you’ll never have trouble finding in WA, and that’s a fantastic café to sit and sip in after your morning swim or Sunday sleep-in.

But what’s even better about the sheer number of bustling cafes that line the streets of the CBD, suburbs and surrounding regions, is that there’s always a barista, all-rounder, chef or waiter in demand.

Fancy making coffees by day, chatting with the laid-back people of WA, then clocking off and exploring the state in the arvo? There’s an arrangement that’ll suit you.

Pick up the surfing lifestyle.

It’s true: Perth has the best beaches.

You can keep things metropolitan and still go for a surf at absolutely stunning beaches before or after your shift.

Not keen on surfing but still want to get around the summer vibes? Perth has some of the best beaches in the world, including the iconic Cottesloe beach.

There are jobs to be had right amongst all the action, such as surf lifesaving, swim teaching, or waiting at some of the bars and cafes overlooking the best surf spots.

Explore the nightlife.

So, you’re a night owl. Good news - there’s plenty to do after hours, especially in the city of Perth.

Western Australians love their food and drink, with all sorts of cuisines and bars dotted across the city.

And there’s a range of both snazzy and affordable hotels in the CBD—all of which are in need of front staff and guest services workers.

Get adventurous.

If you’re an adventurous, outdoorsy and active person, there’s still so much to be done in the beautiful regions of WA.

Go for a sweaty workout with a spectacular view at King’s Park, explore the caves of the south-west, or head to Rottnest Island to take a quokka selfie and cycle around the beaches on the weekend.

You can work on Rottnest Island and live your best summer life a 30-minute ferry ride from the stunning portside town of Fremantle. Whether it's a job in a restuarant, cafe, or even life-saving, there's something for everyone.

Whet your appetite for all things west yet?