Hey there, globetrotters! Calling all working holidaymakers in Australia! Are you living the dream, exploring the wonders of the Outback, surfing the legendary breaks, and soaking up the sunshine on Bondi Beach? That’s fantastic! But have you started thinking about extending your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) yet?

For those who haven’t, here’s a heads up: to snag that coveted second year exploring this amazing country, you’ll need to complete 88 days of regional work. While 88 days might seem like a breeze, leaving it to the last minute can be a recipe for stress and disappointment.

In this blog, the friendly crew at Wander Inn Bunbury Backpackers, your one-stop shop for all things backpacking in Western Australia, will explain why planning your 88 days early is the golden rule. We’ll also share some handy tips to make fulfilling this requirement a smooth and rewarding experience.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Procrastinate on Your 88 Days

Sure, Australia is all about laid-back vibes, but when it comes to your WHV extension, procrastination can be your worst enemy. Here’s why:

Limited Farm Work Opportunities:  Regional Australia thrives on backpacker labor, especially during harvest seasons. Popular fruits like mangoes, grapes, and berries all have specific picking windows. If you wait until the last minute, you might find many farms have already filled their workforce quotas. The earlier you start looking, the wider your choice of locations, roles, and farm experiences.

Finding the Right Fit: Not all farm work is created equal. Some involve long hours under the sun in physically demanding roles, like cattle mustering or cane toad removal. Others offer a more relaxed pace with tasks like tending to livestock or assisting with winery operations. Take your time to research different farms, job types, and locations to find something that suits your interests, skillset, and fitness level. Consider factors like accommodation provided, salary offered, and potential for learning new skills like shearing sheep or operating heavy machinery.

Accommodation Hustle:  Many regional areas have limited accommodation options, especially during peak seasons. Booking your farmstay or hostel well in advance ensures you have a comfortable place to rest your head after a long day’s work. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep when you’ll be putting in long hours!

Visa Application Stress:  The WHV application process can be time-consuming, involving paperwork and potential medical checks. Leaving yourself a buffer between completing your 88 days and your visa expiry date avoids any last-minute panics. This buffer allows ample time for processing your application and receiving your extension before your current visa expires.

Peace of Mind: Planning early gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your travels fully without the looming pressure of finding regional work. You can explore different regions of Australia, make new friends, and truly immerse yourself in the experience without the stress of a ticking clock.

Planning Makes Perfect: Tips for a Smooth 88-Day Journey

Now that you know why planning is key, let’s dive into some practical tips to make fulfilling your 88 days a breeze:

Research Early: Start researching farm work opportunities as soon  as you land in Australia. Explore online job boards like Gumtree, SEEK, and Working Holiday Visa Backpackers Australia. Talk to fellow backpackers, hostel staff who often have connections with local farms, and connect with a WHV hostel (Working Hostel) like Bunbury Backpackers.

Be Flexible: While having an ideal location or farm type in mind is great,  be open to different options. Regional Australia offers a diverse range  of farm experiences, from fruit picking and cattle stations to oyster farms  and vineyards. Embrace the flexibility, and you might discover a hidden gem  you wouldn’t have considered otherwise! You could find yourself learning new  skills like shearing sheep or operating heavy machinery.

Network, Network, Network: Chat with other backpackers, hostel staff, and locals in pubs or cafes. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a goldmine for finding reliable farm work opportunities. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations and ask around – the backpacking community is generally friendly and helpful.

Plan Your Logistics:  Factor in travel time, accommodation costs, and any equipment you might need for the job. Remember, regional areas often have fewer amenities, so plan accordingly. Research public transport options or consider carpooling with other backpackers. Pack appropriate clothing and footwear for the type of farm work you’ll be undertaking. Sun protection, sturdy boots, a reusable water bottle, and a hat are essentials. Consider items like insect repellent depending on the location and season.

Embrace the Experience: Your 88 Days of Aussie Adventure Await!

 Look at your 88 days of regional work as an opportunity for adventure and personal growth.  Here’s how to make the most of it:

Immerse Yourself in the Culture:  Regional Australia offers a unique glimpse into Aussie life beyond the big cities. Embrace the opportunity to learn about local customs, try traditional foods, and connect with rural communities. Attend local festivals, visit country pubs, and strike up conversations with friendly locals. You might even be invited to a farm BBQ or a community sporting event – these experiences will create lasting memories.

Learn New Skills:  Farm work isn’t just about picking fruit or feeding livestock. It’s a chance to develop valuable skills that can benefit you in the future. You might learn basic mechanics by fixing fences, discover a talent for animal husbandry, or gain experience operating heavy machinery (with proper training, of course!).

Boost Your Fitness:  Many farm jobs involve physical activity, which can be a great way to improve your overall fitness level. Spending your days outdoors in the fresh air is a bonus! Embrace the challenge, and you might surprise yourself with your newfound strength and stamina.

Make Lifelong Friends:  The backpacking community is tight-knit, and working on a farm alongside fellow travelers is a fantastic way to forge strong friendships. Share meals, swap stories under the starry night sky, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel on Weekends: With some planning, you can use your weekends to explore the surrounding area. Many regional towns boast hidden gems like national parks, stunning coastlines, or charming historical sites. Pack a light bag, grab a few friends, and hit the road to discover the beauty of regional Australia.

The Benefits of Working Holiday Visa Extensions

Extending your WHV goes beyond just ticking a visa box. Here are some additional perks to consider:

Earn and Save: Working allows you to build your travel fund and extend your Aussie adventure. The money you earn can cover travel costs, accommodation, and those quintessential Aussie experiences you’ve been dreaming of.

Enhanced Resume: Completing regional work adds valuable experience to your resume. It demonstrates your willingness to work hard, adapt to new environments, and learn new skills – all attractive qualities to potential employers.

Travel Deeper: With more time in Australia, you can delve deeper into the diverse landscapes and cultures the country offers. Explore the tropical paradise of Queensland, discover the rugged beauty of Tasmania, or embark on a road trip through the iconic Outback.

The Takeaway: Plan Your 88 Days and Unlock a World of Opportunity

By planning your 88 days of regional work early, you’re setting yourself up for a truly enriching experience in Australia. Don’t wait until the last minute – start researching farm work opportunities today! With a little planning and an open mind, your 88 days can transform into an unforgettable adventure filled with personal growth, cultural immersion, and lifelong memories.

 

Contact Wander Inn Bunbury Backpackers Today!

At Wander Inn Bunbury Backpackers, we’re passionate about helping backpackers make the most of their time in Western Australia. Whether you need help finding farm work opportunities, planning your regional adventures, or simply want a comfortable place to stay, our friendly staff is here to assist you. Contact us today and let’s make your Aussie dream a reality!

Booking Link: Wander Inn Bunbury Backpackers

If we have no beds available for you online, please send us an email and we may have a few beds that we have for someone just like You!

Email: book@bunburybackpackers.com.au

We may take a few days to reply to your emails because we are super busy most of the time and there is much work in the area and Bunbury is an awesome place to stay!