Posts tagged Australian

Question: Australian gap year. Enlighten me! =D?
Ok so i’ve been researching it for a few hours now but can’t seem to get the full picture. Answers from those who have had prior experience is preferable thanks xD

First of all; money! I have around 4k saved up now (it wasn’t handed to me on a plate by mum and dad, I earned it through part time work xD ) and I wont be going to oz for another year which leaves plenty of time to save up more. My target is around 5k to 6k…is that going to be sufficient considering I’ll be doing a few hours of work a week (A FEW, I do want to enjoy myself after all lol) Also, what should I budget on food, accommodation and travel per week?

Secondly; work. I’m planning on doing some fruit picking but I have a few questions:
How many hours will I work on an average day and for how many days in a week?
Do work hours leave sufficient time to explore australia and do things in the afternoon?
How much can I realistically expect to earn in a week? (Considering I am of average fitness so i’d be hauling an average amount of fruit n’ veg)
What is the easiest/most profitable fruit or veg to pick?
Are spiders and snakes a frequent issue during picking?
Anything else I should know?
Are there other jobs that pay better with reasonable hours?

Finally; travel. Obviously I want to explore all the wonders of oz but I don’t imagine that being too cheap.
How much is public transport?
Is it worth buying an old banger to get me around? (How much is insurance and what should I expect to pay for a reliable car?)
How often should I travel different areas?

That’s about all I can think of for now, any additional info I might need would be fantastic. Thanks in advance for any answers! =D
gap year travel insurance

Best answer:

Answer by Mel
Firstly, to come on a working holiday you need to have a minimum of AU$ 5,000 they won’t let you in without it. So keep on saving. I’d try and have as much as possible so you don’t ‘have’ to work as much.

Hostel/Backpackers accommodation is usually around $ 40 – $ 60 a night.

Fruit picking varies, some will only give you bed and board, others will pay you others will do a combination. You are usually paid per tub you collect, not per hour.
I wouldn’t think you would get snakes or spider, but you may get a few tiny harmless spiders, you do wear gloves so just shoo them away.
I can’t say I have heard of vegetable picking, it’s usually done by machine. Fruit picking wise I would think grapes would be easier work.
If you think you may want a 2nd working holiday visa, you need to complete a minimum 3 months regional work.

You’re working part time now so obviously you have some experience. I would assume that is in retail or hospitality, you could do this work here also. Just remember you can’t work for an employer for more then 6 months. Bar work pays a lot better and would only be a couple of shifts per week. This would be easiest only in city areas though.

Australia being so big you would need to allow for some flights, especially if you want to visit the outback. Flights are $ 100 – $ 250 one way usually. There are buses where you can hop on hop off. I wouldn’t buy a car as to have one you really trust to not break down in the sticks will cost you. Public transport is fine and would probably cost much the same.