Some Basic Noob Questions About Australia

Posted by: PorllM

Some Basic Noob Questions About Australia - 01/16/15 07:43 AM

Hi there! I'm new to the forum so sorry if this is in the wrong place or if it's a stupid question!

Me and my friend (we're from the UK) are in the process of saving up to go travelling, probably at the start of next year. Our current plan is bus to Amsterdam, then fly to Moscow, and take the TransSib to Beijing. From there we will travel down to Australia, stopping in Thailand and possibly a few other countries in the area on the way.

In Australia we are planning to do harvest work for a while in order to get extra money to see Australia, and possibly travel elsewhere afterwards if we are able to save enough.

Are harvest jobs still in plentiful supply in Australia, and fairly well paid? There are many sites about this on the internet but they all seem to be a few years old, up to date information is pretty hard to come by. Also I assume I'd have to sort out my Visa while still here in the UK? If that's the case, would it have an expiry date or certain amount of time I'd have to arrive in Australia by?

Also, last but not least, apparently you have to have 2-3k in AUD to be allowed into Australia on a work visa, but I've heard from several people that this isn't enough. How much would you suggest would be needed in order to be fairly comfortable for a while and to find a job etc?

Hoping to hear from people who have done something similar but of course any advice would be appreciated!
Posted by: aimless

Re: Some Basic Noob Questions About Australia - 01/16/15 01:11 PM

I would point out that this forum is dedicated to backpacking in the form of wilderness trekking and primitive camping, far from roads, towns, grocery stores and all other structures of civilization. While there may be a few members here who have also done inexpensive international travel of the sort you propose, the expertise of the participants here is generally focused on topics rather far from those which might interest you. You would probably receive more assistance on a forum more interested in the type of backpacking you are planning.

Incidentally, you are far from alone in making the mistake you did; newbies attempting cheap international travel come here to ask questions rather often. Occasionally we are able to answer their questions, but usually not.

It sounds like you are planning an interesting adventure. Good luck.
Posted by: PorllM

Re: Some Basic Noob Questions About Australia - 01/16/15 07:29 PM

Apologies for that! Thanks for setting me straight.
Posted by: Roastduck

Re: Some Basic Noob Questions About Australia - 01/16/15 07:46 PM

The subreddit r/Backpacking deals a lot with trips like you're planning. Check them out!