In partnership with Queensland, Australia
There’s so much to see Down Under, it’s almost impossible to fit it into one trip. That’s why many Brits are looking at year-long working holiday visas to maximise their experience of Austalia, focusing on Queensland – a state that’s packed full of things to see and do.
Best destinations for a working holiday in Queensland, Australia
The biggest city in Queensland is its glittering capital of Brisbane, which sits alongside the undulating waters of the Brisbane River. You’ll find the reputation of this city within Australia precedes it, because it is known for blending the cosmopolitan charms of a large metropolis with the outdoor lifestyle the Sunshine State is known for. Over summer, temperatures average 29°C. Even in winter you can experience temperatures of 21°C, which can be an average summer’s day in some parts of the UK.
Other regions in the state include the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, known for their sandy coastlines and surfer hubs. Or head further north to Townsville and Cairns for a taste of the tropics.
Queensland is also blessed with incredible natural beauty. The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is celebrated globally for its diverse coral and marine life, as is the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth. And then there are the islands off the east coast, which boast giant sand dunes, sandy walking trails and the opportunity to snorkel with turtles in crystal-clear waters.
Working holiday visas for Australia
If you want to work while you’re in Australia, you need to make sure that you get the right visa before you leave for your working holiday in Queensland.
The most common visa is the working holiday visa (subclass 417). It’s available to British passport holders aged 18 to 30.
This visa allows you to visit Australia and work for 12 months. However, normally you’re limited to six months with any one employer.
If you want to stay longer, there are a few options. One is to find an employer willing to sponsor you. The other is to get a second working holiday visa. To do this, you’ll have to work for at least three months in a specific role. A full list of industries and areas are laid out here, but generally it’s regional work or a role that helps after disasters.
Jobs in Queensland, Australia
As well as the incredible range of tourist attractions on offer, the high minimum wage is another reason to consider a working holiday in Queensland, Australia. As of September 2022, the minimum wage in Australia is $21.38 (£12.55) per hour with 25 per cent extra for some casual employees. This is almost double the minimum wage for 18-20 year olds in the UK where the hourly minimum is £6.83 and noticeably higher than the minimum wage for 23 year olds and over, at £9.50.
There are thousands of job vacancies right now in a variety of industries, all across the state, so you aren’t hemmed in by one particular destination – from the islands to the Outback, beachside to the cities, there are an abundance of jobs available in Queensland right now. If you want to find out more the best place to head is Work in Paradise, to find the latest and current opportunities in Queensland that range from hospitality roles, to those in tourism and trades.
What to do on a working holiday in Queensland, Australia
A working holiday in Queensland, Australia, isn’t just about working. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the state and its incredible attractions.
- Surfing on the Gold Coast
- Sailing in The Whitsundays
- Snorkelling/diving on the Great Barrier Reef
- Island escapes
- Adventure activities (such as hiking)
- Watersports
- Road trips
- Bars and nightlife
- Nature and national parks
- Animal encounters
1. Surfing on the Gold Coast
One of the quintessential Australian holiday experiences is learning to surf. Where better to take to the waves than the Gold Coast’s aptly named Surfers Paradise coastal town?
Fully trained surf instructors will take you out for your first lesson or two, to make sure you learn the basics in a safe environment. Once you’ve got the hang of things, it’s time to grab a board and enjoy the waves off the rest of the east coast.
2. Sailing in The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a group of islands that encapsulate the idea of a tropical paradise. Turquoise waters, white sands and quiet beaches… with no one else but you as far as the eye can see.
To make it to this tranquil hideaway, you’ll need access to a boat. Head up north to Airlie Beach, halfway between Cairns and Rockhampton, and book a sightseeing tour. You and a small group of guests will be taken around the islands, with plenty of time to spend sunbathing and swimming on the best beaches.
3. Snorkelling/diving on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef ecosystem in the world, is a natural wonder that has to be seen to be believed. And what better way to see it than underwater?
Day trips out to the reef are available from a few places along the coast, but you’re most likely to find tour operators in Cairns. Whether you want to snorkel, dive or keep your feet dry, there are options available.
4. Island escapes
Queensland, Australia, has a whopping 8,293 miles of coastline with over 900 islands you can explore.
Hopping off the mainland for a few days is a must while on a working holiday in Queensland. Some of our favourite islands in this part of Australia, include:
- Hamilton Island. Easy to get to because of its airport, Hamilton Island is a serene getaway with all the mod cons. A small town centre is easily reached by golf buggy (the island doesn’t have any cars) from most resorts, and there are plenty of beaches to laze on.
- K’gari (Fraser Island). K’gari is UNESCO World Heritage listed and the world’s biggest sand island. Enjoy its white beaches and crystal lakes.
- Magnetic Island. A short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is home to a large collection of koalas, historic WWII buildings and everything you’d expect from a tropical island in terms of beaches, calm waters and palm trees.
5. Adventure activities
A working holiday in Queensland, Australia, isn’t all about jobs and beaches. If you want to do something to get your adrenaline pumping, there are near endless options in:
- Bungy jump at Skypark Cairns. From the standard jump (with optional water dunk) to giant swings and the ‘walk the plank’ option, it’s a great place to tick off a bucket list item.
- There are plenty of incredible hiking trails in the state, but for one with incredible views, consider trekking to the top of Mount Bartle Frere, the tallest mountain in Queensland, Australia, just outside Cairns.
- Skydiving is another bucket list item that you can tick off on your working holiday. There are planes all over the world offering this experience, but not many with views of the Great Barrier Reef, the beautiful Whitsundays, Outback Australia or a prehistoric rainforest.
6. Watersports
You’re already spoilt for choice when it comes to surfing, sailing and scuba diving, but there are even more ways to enjoy the water in Queensland, Australia.
- For a quiet day on the water, go canoeing on Caliguel Lagoon. This peaceful spot will allow you to paddle to your heart’s content while enjoying the tranquillity of the water.
- Located in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, the Tully River is one of the best options for whitewater rafting in Australia. Spend the day bonding with fellow rafters while you tackle the river and, with some tour operators, you may also get a return ride to Cairns.
7. Road trips
Queensland, Australia, is a huge state – roughly seven times the size of the UK – so there’s lots of coastline and outback to explore on your down time, on a working holiday in Queensland.
- Gold Coast Hinterland (day trip): Although the Gold Coast is best known for its beaches, head inland an hour and you’ll see rainforest, waterfalls, mountains and national parks.
- Brisbane to the Outback (five days): Start in the big city and head out to complete wilderness. Experience authentic Australia by heading out to see red soil, country pubs and historic sites.
- Rainforest to Reef (one week or more): Start at Townsville and head north along the coast. You’ll take in beaches, rainforest and more as you drive. You can tailor the trip to how long you have, either turning around at Daintree or heading further up to Cooktown.
If you do decide to go on a road trip, remember to fill up at petrol stations whenever you can. It’s also a good idea to take lots of water with you.
8. Bars and nightlife
From quaint country pubs to pulsating nightclubs, you can find it all. In the 2022 Australian Bar Awards, two neighbouring Brisbane establishments on Burnett Lane won the state titles:
- Bar of the Year: Alba Bar & Deli. Known for its incredible food, its clever drink pairings and its laidback vibe, Alba Bar takes the best parts of bars around the world and brings them to Brisbane city centre.
- Cocktail Bar of the Year: Death and Taxes. Pick from one of the 1,000 spirit bottles that adorn the walls or let the mixologists dazzle you with something from the bar’s cocktail list.
Sante in Toowoomba also took the national title for the best regional bar, so is worth a punt, too.
Queensland, Australia, is also well known for the drinks it produces. Best known among these are XXXX lager (pronounced ‘four ex’) and Bundaberg rum. There’s also a burgeoning craft brewery scene, with an estimated 90 small-scale breweries operating in the state.
As well as having numerous options for a night out, these establishments are great for Brits looking for casual work while on a working holiday in Queensland, Australia.
9. Nature and national parks
Queensland is home to many different national parks and biospheres, the biggest of which isn’t far off the size of Northern Ireland. Ready to get into the great outdoors?
- Amamoor State Forest: An hour away from the Sunshine Coast, Amamoor has a great natural mix of rainforests, pine forests and eucalyptus forests. Soak in the different regions on daily hikes from the different campsites in the park. The forests are a great place to spot Australian birdlife and, if you’re lucky, wild platypuses.
- Daintree Rainforest: Over 135 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest is considered to be the oldest living rainforest in the world. Found on the northeast coast, just past the delightful seaside town of Port Douglas, this extraordinary place provides visitors a window into Australia’s ecological past. Discover the secrets of the rainforest by going on a river cruise or trekking along its hiking trails. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the rare wildlife that calls this rainforest home, such as the Cassowary, the Musky-Rat Kangaroo, and the Bandicoot.
- Springbrook National Park: A UNESCO heritage listed site, at Springbrook you can see the ancient world – an extinct volcano and fauna dating back to the dinosaur age – and hike through pristine rainforest and beside lush waterfalls.
10. Animal encounters
Australia is famous for its animals. If you want to get up close with kangaroos, koalas and more during your working holiday in Queensland, you’ve come to the right place.
- Currently owned by the Irwin family and previously run by the late Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast is one of the country’s biggest animal attractions. As well as the exhibitions, there are many animal encounters you can pay to take part in, including the option for a $3 (£1.75) bag of food to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies.
- Take a scenic cruise up the Brisbane River to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here you can see a large group of rescued koalas and other Aussie favourites. You can pay extra to hold a koala and get a photo taken, too. Queensland is one of only three states in Australia where this is allowed. Read up on how to ethically cuddle a koala in this part of Australia.
- There are plenty of coastal spots where you can book whale watching tours, but if you want the best experience go to Hervey Bay. This is where migrating whales stick around to raise their young in the winter, so you’re almost guaranteed to spot them between June and November.
- Head to Cape Hillsborough, only 50km north of Mackay, this nature tourist park offers visitors a chance to not only explore the rugged coastline and gorgeous coastal hiking trails of the region, but to get up close and personal with wallabies and kangaroos. Get up with the sunrise and you can meet both Eastern Grey Kangaroos and adorable wallabies, who come to the beaches of Cape Hillsborough at dawn to feed on the seaweed that washes up overnight. You won’t regret that early morning alarm.
Want to read more?
- Find out more about the best regions in Queensland to live and work
- On a budget? Discover how you can live big but travel cheap in Queensland
- Want to make the most of your holiday? Read about the best things to do in Cairns for first-timers
