A hostel is a budget-friendly type of accommodation where travellers can book a bed in a shared dorm or a private room. Hostels are popular with backpackers and often include shared kitchens, social areas, and organised activities.

Are hostels in Australia safe?

Yes, hostels in Australia are generally safe and well-regulated. Most offer secure access, lockers, and staffed reception areas. Travellers should still take standard precautions such as securing valuables.

How much do hostels cost in Australia?

Hostel prices in Australia typically range from $25 to $60 per night for a dorm bed, depending on the city, season, and hostel quality. Private rooms are available at higher rates.

Do hostels have private rooms?

Yes, many hostels offer private rooms in addition to dormitories. These are ideal for couples or travellers who want more privacy while still enjoying a social environment.

Are hostels good for solo travellers?

Hostels are one of the best accommodation options for solo travellers. They make it easy to meet people, join group activities, and explore destinations with other travellers.

Do hostels include free WiFi?

Most hostels in Australia offer free WiFi, along with shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and common areas for guests.

Work & Travel

Working Holiday Visa Australia: eligibility, costs and how to apply

Planning a working holiday in Australia? Here’s what to know about visa types, eligibility, costs, documents, and how second and third-year visas work.

A Working Holiday Visa is one of the best ways to travel Australia for longer, pick up work on the road, and make your trip more affordable. It gives eligible young travellers the chance to stay for 12 months, do short-term work, study for a limited time, and travel in and out of the country while the visa is valid. Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program covers eligible countries and jurisdictions through two visa subclasses: subclass 417 and subclass 462. Your passport country is the main factor in determining which subclass, if any, may apply — you cannot usually choose between them.

This guide breaks down the main backpacker visa options, who the Working Holiday Visa suits, what documents you may need, what it costs, and what to know if you want to stay for a second or third year. Rules do change, so it is always worth checking the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.

Which visa is right for backpackers in Australia?

For most backpackers, there are three main visa paths to look at: a Working Holiday Visa, a Visitor visa, or a Student visa. The right one depends on whether you want to work, how long you plan to stay, and whether study is part of the trip. If a Working Holiday Visa may suit you, your passport country determines whether subclass 417 or subclass 462 is the relevant pathway.

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

The subclass 417 visa is the classic option for many backpackers with an eligible passport country. Home Affairs generally requires applicants to be aged 18 to 30 years inclusive at the time of application, although some partner countries allow applications up to age 35. It can allow a stay of up to 12 months, short-term work, up to four months of study, and travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid. Visa application charges can change. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you apply rather than relying on a figure from a blog post.

Home Affairs says UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate subclass 417 visas without meeting specified work requirements under arrangements that commenced from 1 July 2024, provided they apply using a UK passport and meet all other requirements. Separate UK arrangements also allow eligible UK applicants to apply up to age 35 inclusive for a first subclass 417 visa lodged on or after 1 July 2023. This is a specific exception for UK passport holders — check the official UK arrangements page rather than assuming the same rules apply to every nationality.

Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)

The subclass 462 visa is for a different set of eligible passport countries. It is not usually a choice between 417 and 462 — your passport determines which subclass, if any, you may be able to apply for. Home Affairs describes the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa as being for people aged 18 to 30 years inclusive at the time of application. Some nationalities may also need to meet extra requirements such as English language ability, educational qualifications, or a pre-application ballot before lodging a visa application. Visa application charges and any ballot fees can change. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator and the current subclass 462 requirements before applying.

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

If you only want to travel and do not plan to work, the Visitor visa can be a better fit. Depending on the stream and your circumstances, it can allow a stay of up to 12 months. Visa charges vary by stream and circumstances, so check the official Visa Pricing Estimator rather than relying on a single figure.

Student visa (subclass 500)

If the main reason for your trip is study, the Student visa is the more suitable option. It is designed for people enrolled in an eligible course in Australia. Visa charges can change and may depend on your circumstances, so check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.

Why a Working Holiday Visa suits backpackers

For most travellers doing a longer Australia trip, the Working Holiday Visa gives the most flexibility. You can move around, base yourself in different cities, take regional jobs, and build your budget as you go. It works well for backpackers who want more than a quick holiday and want time to settle into local life a bit.

You can usually work for the same employer for up to six months, although there are exemptions in some sectors and situations. You can also study for up to four months. That makes it a good option for people who want a mix of travel, casual work and short courses, without locking themselves into one place too early.

One point worth correcting from a lot of older visa guides: a Working Holiday Visa does not automatically give everyone access to Medicare. Some travellers may be eligible through Australia’s reciprocal healthcare agreements, but that depends on your home country and personal circumstances. For many backpackers, travel insurance is still essential.

Basic eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa

The exact rules depend on whether you are applying for subclass 417 or subclass 462, but the broad requirements are fairly similar. Applicants generally need to hold an eligible passport, meet the age limit for their visa subclass and nationality, and apply through the Department of Home Affairs. For subclass 462, some applicants also need to meet extra education, English or ballot requirements.

In practical terms, most backpackers should check these points first:

Age

For subclass 417, Home Affairs generally requires applicants to be aged 18 to 30 years inclusive, although some partner countries allow applications up to age 35. For subclass 462, Home Affairs describes the age requirement as 18 to 30 years inclusive at the time of application. Age limits can differ by passport country, so check the official requirements for your nationality before applying.

Passport country

The Working Holiday Maker program includes separate eligible country lists for subclass 417 and subclass 462. Your passport country is the main factor in determining which visa subclass, if any, you may be able to apply for — not personal preference.

Genuine travel funds

You should be ready to show that you have enough money to support yourself at the start of your trip, and enough money for onward travel or a ticket home if needed. The exact evidence requested can vary, so it is smart to have recent bank statements ready before you fly and before you apply.

Health and character

Depending on your travel history, intended work, and personal circumstances, you may need health checks, police certificates, or both. This is especially relevant if you have spent time in countries with higher health risks or plan to work in settings such as healthcare or childcare.

What documents you may need

Most applicants will need a valid passport and an online ImmiAccount to start the process. Depending on your case, you may also be asked for identity documents, financial evidence, health documents, police checks, and evidence that you meet any extra subclass 462 requirements.

It is also worth making sure your passport will stay valid for the full period you expect to travel. Even where a six-month validity rule is not specifically listed as a visa condition, travelling with a nearly expired passport can create unnecessary problems with flights, entry, and identity checks.

How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa

Applications are made online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You need to choose the correct visa subclass, complete the online form carefully, upload any requested documents, and pay the visa application charge. You should not travel assuming the visa will be sorted on arrival.

Before you apply

Check your passport country, age limit, and whether you fall under subclass 417 or 462. If you are applying for subclass 462 and your country is part of the ballot system, you may need to register first and wait to be selected before you can lodge a visa application.

During the application

Make sure all the details match your passport exactly. Upload clear documents, answer the health and character questions honestly, and keep an eye on your ImmiAccount in case Home Affairs asks for more information.

After lodgement

Processing times vary. Some Working Holiday visas can be decided quickly, while others take longer depending on nationality, checks, and demand. It is a good idea to apply well before your planned departure date rather than leaving it to the last minute.

Working while travelling in Australia

The main point of the visa is still a holiday, but work is allowed and is a big part of how many backpackers make the trip affordable. Jobs in hospitality, tourism, events, harvest work, construction, and other short-term roles are common choices depending on where you are travelling.

The key rule to know is the six-month employer limit. In general, Working Holiday Makers can only work for the same employer for up to six months, but there are blanket exemptions for some industries and situations, including certain work in agriculture, tourism and hospitality, and natural disaster recovery.

Can you stay for a second or third year?

Some backpackers may be able to apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa, depending on passport country, visa subclass and individual circumstances. For many travellers, a later Working Holiday visa may depend on completing specified work in eligible industries and areas, but the rules are not the same for everyone. The old idea that only farm work counts is too narrow. Agriculture is still a big one, but specified work can also include other eligible sectors under the current rules.

Some travellers may need to complete specified work before a second or third Working Holiday visa can be granted, depending on passport country, visa subclass and individual circumstances. Home Affairs publishes separate specified work rules for subclass 417 and subclass 462 — check those official requirements before relying on any job for a future visa. Home Affairs says UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate subclass 417 visas without meeting specified work requirements for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2024, subject to meeting all other requirements. This is a specific UK passport holder exception — see the official UK arrangements page rather than treating it as a general rule for all nationalities.

If you are planning specified work for a future visa, you can use our 88-day calculator to estimate progress only. Always confirm the current Home Affairs specified work rules before relying on any role.

Other visa options if you want to stay longer

If a Working Holiday Visa is not right for you, or you want to stay beyond what the program allows, you may need a different visa altogether. A Student visa can suit travellers who want to study longer than four months. Skilled and employer-sponsored pathways may be more appropriate if your main aim is long-term work rather than travel.

Official links to check before you apply

For current rules, costs, and country eligibility, use the Department of Home Affairs pages below rather than relying on older blog posts:

This guide is general information only and is not immigration, legal or tax advice. Visa rules, costs and eligibility can change. Always check the official Australian Government website before applying.

Australia’s Working Holiday Visa is still one of the best visa options for backpackers who want time to travel properly, earn along the way, and keep their plans flexible. Get the right subclass, check the latest rules for your passport, and sort the paperwork early. It makes the first few weeks in Australia much easier.