Working holidays Australia

Canadians aged 18-35 require a subclass 417 visa to do a working holiday in Australia. This allows you to work and travel for up to 12 months. When you're in Australia, you'll have the option to extend your stay for up to three years via two additional 12-month visas. However, this is dependent on completing 'specified' work – see the next FAQ.

SWAP process your first 12-month visa for you, with all extensions done independently in-country.

Planning a gap year can take 6+ months to save up for and organize. However, as Australia visas can be issued faster than other working holiday visas – typically 1-3 days unless there are complications with your application – you can book Work Australia more spontaenously than other SWAP programs.

That said, some of our Sydney and Melbourne departure dates can sell out months in advance – so if you have your heart set on a certain date, we'd recommend booking ASAP.

Your 4 nights or 7 nights of accommodation are at Nomads hostel. From run clubs to bingo nights, both hostels have daily and evening activities that you can join to meet other backpackers. Accommodation is in 4 or 6-bed dorms with en-suites, privacy curtains and USB ports. Want extra nights or an upgrade? Let us know.

The Work + Travel Company are also based in Nomads – so super easy to dive in and chat to the team about current jobs.

Nomads Sydney

Housed in a stunning heritage-listed property with beautiful exposed brickwork, we’re perfectly positioned beside Town Hall station, making it easy to explore all that Sydney has to offer. Whether you're hopping over to Darling Harbour, strolling to the Opera House, wandering through the Rocks Precinct, or taking in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you'll be just steps away from Sydney's most iconic spots. Vibe and amenities: When you're ready to chill, unwind at the Scary Canary – our legendary bar with nightly events, live DJ sets, and drink specials. Looking for a more laid-back vibe? We’ve got you covered with an in-house cinema and daily hostel activities where you can meet fellow travellers. Plus, enjoy a tasty in-house menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options so you can fuel up without leaving the hostel.

Nomads St Kilda, Melbourne

Located in the iconic seaside suburb of St Kilda, you’re just a two-minute walk from the beach, surrounded by buzzing bars, local cafés, and even a colony of adorable little penguins. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the sand, grabbing smashed avo and an almond latte, or heading out for drinks along the Esplanade, you’ll be right in the heart of it all. Vibe and amenities: Expect good times from the moment you check in. Downstairs, Red Eye Bar is where the magic happens... think cold beers, legendary nights, and our world-famous musical boozy bingo. Challenge your mates to a game on the free pool table, enjoy exclusive drink deals, and meet travellers from all over the world. With a strong focus on great service, epic nights, and making connections, Nomads St Kilda delivers the full hostel experience.

Our in-country partners, Work + Travel Company (WTC), are on-the-ground experts at all things working in Australia. And typically place travellers into backpacker roles within the first two weeks of our packages.

They're their own labour hire and recruitment agency, so can actually place you in positions from their nationwide employer network and pay your wages into your Australia bank account. 21 days before you go, you'll get access to their members-only area packed with work and travel information for your working holiday and the online Backpacker Jobs Board – where you can find nationwide jobs. You'll have a 1-on-1 with the team when you arrive to figure out your needs, plus the WTC team are based in the hostel to help you find your role. This level of support lasts for 12 months.