Work and play in Western Australia

Do you want to take a gap year in Australia but don’t have the cash? Western Australia might be the answer you are looking for. Tourism Western Australia has launched an online campaign designed to inform 18-30 year olds of the great job opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector as well as the amazing holiday experiences in Western Australia.

Visitors to the dedicated microsite - westernaustralia.com/workplay can find information on what kind of work is available, watch videos of Working Holiday Makers currently in Australia, register their interest in working for a number of employers and even search for a job. Plus they can find out about the diverse holiday experiences Western Australia has to offer from swimming with dolphins to 4 wheel driving through the rugged outback.

There is also a weekly prize draw to win a WA Travel Pack including a Lonely Planet Guide to Western Australia, an ipod nano and a Crumpler bag – just what you need to get your Australian adventure started.

Western Australia’s economy is thriving due to a natural resources boom but is experiencing a labour shortage in the tourism and hospitality sector leaving plenty of well paid jobs for anyone travelling on a Working Holiday Visa.

Brits aged 18-30 can work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months on a Working Holiday Visa, working for up to 6 months for each employer. There is also an opportunity for travellers to apply for a second 12 months visa if they do three months seasonal work.

Travellers on a Working Holiday Visa have the opportunity to work in some amazing places from a bustling cafe in tropical Broome to a boat charter along the Swan River in Perth or even as front office staff at a luxury property in the Margaret River wine region.

Christie Lord, Market Development Manager, Tourism Western Australia said:

“The skills shortage in the hospitality sector in Western Australia presents a fantastic opportunity for Working Holiday Makers to immerse themselves in Western Australia while enjoying paid employment at some of the tourism industry’s top establishments.”


Australia is part of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa scheme. The visa allows you to stay up to 12 months from the date of first entry to Australia, regardless of whether or not you spend the whole time in Australia. Applicants from the UK who are aged between 18 and 30 years and without dependent children are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa. For further information visit Westernaustralia.com/workplay.