5 of the Best Work Opportunities in Australia

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Australia’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and exciting, opportunity-filled cities continue to draw visitors year after year.

From pristine white sand beaches to futuristic museums, Australia offers memorable experiences that combine modern urban culture with vast landscapes and rich history.

people walking down a beach
Fishery Bay, Port Lincoln

The country takes pride in having the second-highest Human Development Index (HDI) in the world, considering standards of living, literacy rates, education levels, and quality of life.

Students worldwide are drawn to it because of its promising career prospects and exceptional work-life balance. 

According to a recently conducted analysis, searches for ‘jobs in Australia’ in the United Kingdom have increased by 50% in the past year as more Britons seek opportunities overseas. This is obviously aided by international students and recent graduates looking for work abroad and choosing Australia because of its tourist-friendly working holiday visa programme.

With the overflow of opportunities, working in Australia is guaranteed to be a life-changing experience. In fact, let us explore further five incredible work opportunities in Australia:

Barista Jobs

Coffee on high top bar with view of mountains inin Coles Bay - Tasmania, Australia
Like a view with your coffee? (Coles Bay Tasmania)

The hospitality industry in Australia is thriving, which means that businesses are constantly searching to get more people on board.

It is also worth mentioning that cities such as Melbourne have a vibrant coffee culture, and with about 95% of the cafes being privately owned, it is considered Australia’s largest coffee centre.

Australian coffee is one of the things I miss most about Australia. My strike rate of finding good coffee in the USA is 20%. I am not kidding. And I’m pretty sure you’d find good coffee in an Australian McCafe 100% of the time.

Australia has one of the best coffee cultures in the world. So, if you are a coffee fan, love aesthetic cafes, and are good at interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, working as a Barista might be the next best gig for you.

two cups of coffee on table
Now that’s how you make a coffee!

From preparing and serving cappuccinos, espresso, and all sorts of hot beverages, baristas usually work shifts in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

Spend your days interacting with customers, brewing aromatic coffee, and immersing yourself in Australia’s rich coffee culture.

In your free time, take advantage of Australia’s beautiful climate by strolling along the city’s lively, exciting streets. Weekends bring a plethora of opportunities for fun and relaxation, from hikes with stunning panoramic views to scuba diving.

Au Pair Jobs

two girls looking at Uluru during Sunrise
UIuru Sunrise

Working as an Au Pair is ideal for anybody who appreciates caring for children and enjoys assisting them with their daily tasks. This kind of experience allows travellers to exchange cultural viewpoints while fusing their passion for adventure and love for kids.

It is pretty effortless to become an essential member of a loving host family while working as an Au Pair. Spend time caring for the kids by cooking healthy meals, taking them on picnics at a local zoo, or helping with their homework.

Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House or the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on your days off, or just lounge around on one of the country’s many world-famous beaches to make the most of your working holiday in Australia.

Ski Resort Jobs

man with baby on back and holding girls hand walking up trail on Mt Kosciusko
Hiking Mt Kosciusko

A job at a ski resort in Australia’s beautiful snow-capped mountains is a tremendous opportunity to witness a different side of the country.

One of the many ways to work at a famous resort is as a chalet host, where you’ll be responsible for housekeeping, guest services, and ensuring everyone has a great time.

For those with remarkable cooking skills, a job at one of the many boutique restaurants is an excellent opportunity to hone their culinary skills while learning about local cuisine.

Other job opportunities at ski resorts include snowboard instructor and housekeeping assistant. Spend your free time experiencing stunning landscapes via a snowmobile or attend one of the many winter festivals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Island Resort Jobs

white beaches and aqua water of Rottnest Island with lighthouse in the background
Rottnest Island

Australia has over 8000 islands that are home to some of the most stunning white sand beaches. For those who enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, working on an island is like living in a tropical paradise.

Opportunities abound in the areas around the Great Barrier Reef and other Australian island locations like Lord Howe and Rottnest.

Waitressing, bartending, front desk work, kitchen help, and scuba diving instructors are just a few of the readily available jobs on the islands.

Aside from the beautiful weather and beaches, there are other advantages to working on an island.

On your days off, indulge in exciting activities like experiencing the magnificence of over 30 species of cetaceans, more than 1,500 species of fish, and six species of sea turtles on a snorkel or scuba dive.

When you pursue such an exciting and rewarding professional path, the notion of work-life balance will take on a whole new meaning. Trust us in that one! 

Fruit-Picking Jobs

glass of red wine on fence post with views of vineyard

Among Australia’s major industries, agriculture ranks tenth in terms of employment. There are plenty of work opportunities in vineyards, strawberry fields, and apple orchards that will allow you to experience Australia’s incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Working on a local farm is a dream come true for people who love spending time outdoors and desire a job that brings them closer to nature.

Taking up a fruit-picking job is a great way to see the Australian countryside and is an excellent opportunity to have a working holiday and meet new people from various walks of life.

Several fruit farms within a one-hour drive of Melbourne provide a convenient option for those looking to explore the city on their days off.

Our favorite wine regions in Australia are the Barossa Valley, South Australia, Margaret River, Western Australia; and Hunter Valley, NSW.

How to Find a Job or an Internship in Australia

women laughing at winery

Looking for the right job opportunities that align with your vision can be a daunting task. With one Google search throwing millions of options at job seekers, spotting a genuine opportunity can be somewhat challenging. 

A platform like Global Work and Travel offers authentic work and internship opportunities that open new doors and bring you one step closer to achieving your goals.

Founded in 2008, the company has helped almost 70,000 travellers explore and land their dream job by volunteering with leading companies.

Global Work and Travel’s student internships allow scholars worldwide to seek excellent volunteer opportunities in major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and Gold Coast.

You’ll be assigned a trip coordinator and a personal mentor who will help you throughout the visa application process, review your resume, and practise for interviews in order to secure the best position for you. 

Upon arrival, the company offers unrestricted access to local support agents who can answer questions and provide guidance as you settle in. Every trip ends with a completion certificate, making it a fun and career-boosting experience.

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5 of the Best Work Opportunities in Australia

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