Why Australia is the Best Destination for a Working Holiday Visa

If the idea of moving to the other side of the world for several months, or even a few years, excites you, know that if you’re a Canadian between the ages of 18 and 35, you can take advantage of a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in more than 30 countries, including Australia. In fact, Australia is one of the most popular destinations for young Canadians seeking an unforgettable travel and work experience abroad.

Having done a WHV in Australia myself and caught the travel bug thanks to this incredible adventure, here are 12 reasons why I'm convinced that Australia is THE best destination for a WHV!

1. Experience a Total Change of Scenery

Given that it’s almost a 30-hour flight to get to Australia, you might as well stay for a while with a WHV!

Everything in Australia will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world. Whether it’s crossing paths with kangaroos and koalas or seeing the water swirl in the opposite direction when you flush the toilet, every little discovery will remind you that you’re living a completely different adventure.

2. Escape the Canadian Winter

Since the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, plan your departure just before the Canadian cold sets in to enjoy an endless summer. Imagine: beach and sun for a whole year, thanks to your WHV!

Just be careful of the sun, as the ozone layer is thinner in this part of the world, and the UV rays are particularly strong! Even with my dark complexion, I couldn’t avoid a sunburn.

3. Explore a Country Tailored for Backpacking

If there’s one country where backpacking is a breeze, it’s Australia. You’ll find tons of hostels ready to welcome you before you settle down somewhere for a longer period.

‍Getting around between the big cities is also super easy with buses, trains, and low-cost domestic flights. And if you don’t know where to start, don’t panic! Most hostels offer group tours to help you discover the country during your year abroad.

4. Apply in Just a Few Easy Steps

Everything is done online and generally, you can expect a quick response. When I applied for the WHV in Australia, I received my visa in less than 48 hours! It’s really amazing how efficient the process is.

Once you arrive, your visa is directly linked to your passport, so it’s super easy to manage!

5. Join a Thriving Community of Backpackers and Expats

Australia attracts young travellers from all over the world who, like Canadians, have the opportunity to do a WHV there. You’ll find plenty of Facebook groups to guide you through your process and help you integrate into the country.

‍Hostels are also a goldmine for meeting other travellers like you. It’s the perfect place to exchange information about hiring employers, find roommates or share good deals, like the restaurant that offers its menu at 50% off during happy hour.

6. Benefit From an Exchange Rate Very Similar to the Canadian Dollar

The Australian dollar is worth slightly less than the Canadian dollar, but the difference is so minimal that you won’t have to do complicated calculations with each purchase.

‍This will save you the mental gymnastics every time you want to know how much something really costs you!

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7.  Find Work Easily

There is a good job market for travellers on a WHV. Given the six-month limit with the same employer, several sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and fruit picking are constantly recruiting. Specialized jobs are also in demand, but you may need to have your professional qualifications assessed.

To have a job that left me more time to travel, I worked for a server agency in Sydney, where I was hired as a cocktail waitress. Most of my colleagues were also young adults on a WHV with whom I created incredible bonds.

8. Earn a Very Good Salary

It's true, the cost of living in Australia is a bit higher, but to compensate, you'll benefit from a minimum wage that is much more attractive than in Canada. We're talking about around $24 an hour, compared to $16.55 in Ontario.

The best part of the WHV is that you can work legally, allowing you to fund your travels without burning through all your savings.

9. Keep the Adventure Going by Extending Your WHV for an Additional Year

Have you fallen in love with Australia and want to stay longer? Congratulations, you’re not alone!

Luckily, Australia offers a program that allows you to work in a specific field, such as agriculture or fishing, for at least three months. By doing this, you will be entitled to an additional year of WHV in Australia!

10. Integrate Into a Culture Very Similar to That of Canada

If the WHV is your first solo travel experience abroad, as it was for me, you’ll be happy to learn that there isn’t really any culture shock. Integration is therefore easy and you’ll quickly feel at home. Australians are incredibly welcoming, and if you choose to live in vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, your social life will be buzzing.

The best part? There’s no language barrier to worry about. Living in an English-speaking country makes it easy to dive into conversations and connect with people.

11. Maximize the “Travel” Portion of Your WHV

Just like Canada, Australia is a vast country to explore. Being able to work allows you to save money while discovering a region before dusting off your backpack to continue your adventures across this vast territory.

‍Take a moment to familiarize yourself with Aboriginal culture, which is fascinating and rich in history.

12. Have a Bunch of Unique Adventures

There are so many things to do in Australia during your WHV! Diving in the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsunday Islands was an unforgettable moment for me during my WHV when I tried scuba diving for the first time in my life.

Don't miss out on visiting Uluru, a sacred site that will immerse you in Aboriginal culture, while offering you breathtaking landscapes, especially at sunrise or sunset.

And if you're an adrenaline junkie, why not try surfing world-famous waves at Bondi Beach or Byron Bay?

A WHV in Australia Will Give You the Travel Bug!

Speaking from experience, it takes real courage to move to the other side of the world and step into the unknown, but the rewards are unforgettable—an experience that will leave a lasting, positive impact on your life. During your WHV in Australia, you will live moments that few people will ever get to, unforgettable encounters, and extraordinary adventures along the way.

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Before you leave, don't forget that you will need travel insurance adapted to your Working Holiday Visa. Get a quick quote with soNomad to enjoy the most affordable solution for your Working Holiday Visa to Australia!

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