{"id":421305,"date":"2025-02-28T11:11:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T10:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/?p=421305"},"modified":"2025-09-26T13:23:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T11:23:15","slug":"best-city-australia-whv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/best-city-australia-whv\/","title":{"rendered":"Which city should you start your Australian working holiday in?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWhere should I begin my Oz Working Holiday<\/a> adventure?\u201d This is a common dilemma for working holiday makers\u2014some have a city in mind but others find it hard to choose where to begin. We have a few tips to help you make your decision! Read on for a complete overview of Australia\u2019s major cities and their pros and cons.<\/em><\/p>\n

Congrats, you got your Working Holiday Visa<\/a> (WHV)! The next step is booking your ticket<\/a> to Australia. But where should you fly to? Australia is a big country and there are dozens of tempting options!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This article offers an overview of all of Australia\u2019s major cities and highlights their advantages and disadvantages for starting a WHV adventure.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNo matter where you choose to fly into, Pvtistes members can benefit from our deal with Ulysse<\/a> to get preferential fares with no change fee and one checked bag up to 40kg!\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

1. Sydney<\/h2>\n

\"\"
\nLet\u2019s start with Australia\u2019s most popular city, home of the iconic and worldwide famous Sydney Opera House. Sydney is a favourite among working holiday makers and it\u2019s easy to see why\u2014it has a lot going for it.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Sydney offers\u2026<\/p>\n

Lovely weather<\/h3>\n

With 300 days of sunshine and an average of 15 \u00b0C in winter and 26 \u00b0C in summer, you will be able to make the most of the city\u2019s beaches and water sports with great weather year-round<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A dynamic living environment<\/h3>\n

Sydney is a great place to live. If you\u2019re not used to big cities, it\u2019s the perfect compromise between nature and your typical urban jungle. With tons of restaurants, bars, activities, museums and more, you\u2019ll find plenty to keep you busy during your WHV adventure. Several popular beaches are relatively close to the city centre, including Bondi Beach and Manly Beach.<\/p>\n

Diverse job opportunities<\/h3>\n

If you are looking for work in hospitality, tourism, or construction, Sydney offers great prospects. There are also farm jobs in the surrounding areas. To help you look for a job in Australia, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A great place to meet other backpackers<\/h3>\n

Sydney is a backpacker hotspot<\/a>. It\u2019s a great place to meet travellers from all over the world, from foreign students to working holiday makers.<\/p>\n

However, keep these drawbacks in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

Hard-to-find accommodation<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not easy to find accommodation in Sydney\u2014hostels, rooms for rent and Airbnbs are all quite expensive, especially if you want a clean, comfortable place.<\/p>\n

One of Australia\u2019s most expensive cities<\/h3>\n

The cost of living in Australia is high, and this is especially true in Sydney. It costs a lot to rent and going out, among other things, is expensive. If you choose Sydney as your destination, you\u2019ll need to budget well<\/a> for the start of your trip.<\/p>\n

A highly competitive job market<\/h3>\n

In recent years, job hunting has become more challenging due to the influx of WHV travelers. If you arrive between September and December, expect high competition.<\/p>\n

2. Brisbane<\/h2>\n

\"\"
\nYou\u2019ll find Brisbane nearly 1,000 kilometres north of Sydney. This destination is becoming very popular with backpackers. Here\u2019s what you need to know about Queensland\u2019s largest city.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Brisbane offers\u2026<\/p>\n

Outdoor activities and a lot of fun<\/h3>\n

If you like sports and outdoor activities, Brisbane is the right place for you. No beaches here, but there is a fun artificial lagoon waiting for you.<\/p>\n

A cosy urban environment<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t want to live in a city as big as Sydney, Brisbane is a much more \u201creasonable\u201d size. You\u2019ll quickly get used to the different neighbourhoods and transportation options to get from one place to another.<\/p>\n

Diverse job opportunities<\/h3>\n

Like Sydney, Brisbane offers jobs in hospitality, tourism, and farming. Many farms are located nearby, making it a great option for those looking to complete their regional work for a second-year visa.
\nHowever, keep in mind this drawback\u2026<\/p>\n

A humid climate<\/h3>\n

Brisbane\u2019s humid climate can sometimes be tiring, especially if you\u2019re not used to tropical weather. The city is also prone to flooding in summer (November to February).<\/p>\n

3. Cairns<\/h2>\n

\"\"
\nCairns, Queensland\u2019s fifth most populous city is in the north-east of Australia. Located close to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has plenty to offer over other Australian cities.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Cairns offers\u2026<\/p>\n

Easy access to must-see environments<\/h3>\n

Cairns is close to many of Australia\u2019s must-see natural wonders<\/a>, including the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest. A visit to Cairns is a guaranteed change of scenery!<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDo you feel like traveling? Discover our Top 5 most beautiful islands in Australia<\/a> (and of course, the Great Barrier Reef is on the list).\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

A peaceful place to live<\/h3>\n

Cairns is one of Australia\u2019s major cities, but it\u2019s still relatively small compared to Sydney and Melbourne, for example. If you like peace, quiet and nature, living in Cairns is the perfect compromise.<\/p>\n

However, keep in mind this drawback\u2026<\/p>\n

A stop rather than a destination<\/h3>\n

Cairns may not be a great place if you\u2019re planning to settle down for most of your WHV. Indeed, the job search can be more difficult than in other cities. Backpackers typically start their WHV adventure in Cairns then embark on a road trip<\/a> along Australia\u2019s East Coast and eventually settle in another city to find work. Cairns is relatively small so travellers tend to move on quickly.<\/p>\n

4. Darwin<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Darwin, the largest city in northern Australia, is in the Northern Territory. It\u2019s (relatively!) close to Southeast Asia\u2014like many Australians, you could easily take a side trip to Bali, for example.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Darwin offers\u2026<\/p>\n

A festive atmosphere<\/h3>\n

Despite its small size, Darwin is a party town. The city\u2019s main street is lined with hostels and bars. If you like partying, meeting new people, and living in a small town, go for it!<\/p>\n

A solid job market<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s relatively easy to find a job in Darwin.<\/p>\n

Easy access to Indonesia<\/h3>\n

Darwin is a short two-hour flight to Bali so this is a great opportunity to discover another country and continent during your WHV.<\/p>\n

However, keep these drawbacks in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

A typical tropical climate<\/h3>\n

Darwin\u2019s climate is tropical with a dry season from May to September and a wet\/rainy season in summer. This is something to keep in mind when making your final decision, depending on your departure date. During the Southern Hemisphere summer months, the weather can be warm and sunny, as well as rainy and flood-prone. This time of year is known as the \u201cwet season.\u201d<\/p>\n

A concentration of predators<\/h3>\n

Before booking a one-way ticket to Darwin, you should know that the area is famous for its marine crocodiles and other reptiles. Of course, these animals can be found all over Australia, but there are many of them in this region. Fortunately, you shouldn\u2019t come across many during your trip. We tell you more about some of the dangerous wildlife you could encounter in Australia here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A tiny town<\/h3>\n

Like with Cairns, few working holiday makers will spend their entire year in Darwin. The city, though festive, is small and you quickly get the hang of it. It\u2019s more of a stop on the way for many backpackers.<\/p>\n

5. Alice Springs<\/h2>\n

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\nAlice Springs lies in the middle of the desert, close to one of Australia\u2019s most famous landmarks\u2014Uluru. It\u2019s probably one of the most remote places in Australia. Looking for a unique adventure during your WHV? Remote, spiritual and fascinating Alice Springs may be just what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Alice Springs offers\u2026<\/p>\n

A unique experience<\/h3>\n

Being in the middle of the desert, right in the centre of Australia, can be a dream come true. If you\u2019re looking for remoteness, unique landscapes and a back-to-basics experience, Alice Springs is the place for you.<\/p>\n

A great job market<\/h3>\n

With its unique geographical location, Alice Springs is not usually backpackers\u2019 favourite destination. As a result, competition is low, so it\u2019s relatively easy to find work in this part of Australia. This can be interesting if you\u2019re looking to make a quick buck at the start of your WHV.<\/p>\n

However, keep these drawbacks in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

An extreme climate<\/h3>\n

Temperatures are extreme in Alice Springs\u2014let\u2019s not forget it\u2019s a city right in the middle of the desert. On average, temperatures range from 36 \u00b0C to 45 \u00b0C in January and can drop as low as 19 \u00b0C in July.<\/p>\n

Rising crime rates<\/h3>\n

Backpackers settling in Alice Springs should be aware of, and follow, the state guidance regarding public safety. These include basics like not walking alone at night and not leaving valuables exposed, due to reports of theft and mugging. There have also been instances of temporary curfews after dark issued to try and cut down on the rise in crime. Remember, however, that any major city will have issues with crime and it should not put you off travelling as long as you are careful and sensible.<\/p>\n

Total isolation<\/h3>\n

Alice Springs may be a difficult place to stay in the long term. It\u2019s an interesting destination but it\u2019s not necessarily everybody\u2019s kind of lifestyle. In addition to its remoteness, it\u2019s important to bear in mind that life in Alice Springs is more expensive. It\u2019s not a great place to find a good deal on a van, for example.<\/p>\n

6. Perth<\/h2>\n

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\nPerth is the capital of Western Australia and one of Australia\u2019s most isolated cities. It\u2019s a great starting point if you\u2019re planning a road trip on the West Coast, and the city has a lot to offer.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Perth offers\u2026<\/p>\n

Great weather<\/h3>\n

Perth\u2019s temperatures are simply perfect. In fact, it\u2019s the sunniest city in Australia. With its Mediterranean climate, Perth is a pleasant city to live in all year round. During the summer (December to March), the weather is always the same\u2014clear skies and temperatures above 30 \u00b0C and, during the winter, the climate is rather mild, around 15 \u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Sightseeing in and around the city<\/h3>\n

Living in Perth means being able to enjoy all the beauty of Australia\u2019s often overlooked West Coast, which is among the most beautiful places in the country. There are many places, neighbourhoods, national parks and nature reserves to discover in this region (including Rottnest Island, where you can meet quokkas<\/a>). If you love nature, hiking and beaches, this is the perfect destination for you!<\/p>\n

Work opportunities<\/h3>\n

Perth is a great place to work in a wide range of industries, including catering, hospitality, service and construction. Located close to the Outback mines, you can also find work on solar farms, although competition can be tough.<\/p>\n

Something extra<\/h3>\n

Since 2024, direct flights from Paris to Perth are available. Traveling to Australia has never been easier (and faster), making this an attractive option.<\/p>\n

However, keep in mind this drawback\u2026<\/p>\n

Isolation<\/h3>\n

Perth remains a relatively remote city. Everything is far away, including all the other major Australian cities!<\/p>\n

A Less Diverse Market for Campervans<\/h3>\n

On the west coast, 4×4 vehicles (both equipped and unequipped) dominate the market. If you are looking to buy one, you\u2019re in the right place. However, campervans are less common in this region. It is often easier to find good deals on the east coast, where campervans are much more popular.<\/p>\n

Beware of scams! The regulations in Western Australia differ from those in other Australian states, and scams related to vehicle purchases are more frequent. Stay vigilant.<\/p>\n

7. Adelaide<\/h2>\n

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\nAdelaide is a pleasant city that is often overlooked by working holiday makers. The capital of the state of South Australia is the country\u2019s fifth largest city and according to The Economist\u2019s Global Liveability Index, Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Adelaide offers\u2026<\/p>\n

A pleasant city<\/h3>\n

Adelaide is renowned for being a very welcoming, friendly and safe city. If you\u2019re looking for a peaceful city with nature and direct access to the ocean, Adelaide is for you!<\/p>\n

A great geographical location<\/h3>\n

Adelaide can be an ideal starting point for the Outback and Uluru, or for visiting other cities like Melbourne.<\/p>\n

However, keep these drawbacks in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

A challenging climate<\/h3>\n

Summers can be very hot in Adelaide, with temperatures above 40 \u00b0C. If you\u2019re not a fan of heat and a dry climate, this is a destination to avoid in the hottest months.<\/p>\n

A quiet town<\/h3>\n

Few working holiday makers decide to settle in Adelaide, a city nicknamed the \u201c20-minute-city\u201d because it takes about 20 minutes to walk across it. It\u2019s probably too quiet for some and not many working holiday makers praise it, unlike other Australian cities.<\/p>\n

8. Canberra<\/h2>\n

\"shutterstock_2253856853
\nThe capital of Australia, Canberra is an up-and-coming young city, growing in popularity with backpackers and Australians alike. Working holiday makers can benefit from…<\/p>\n

Lower cost of living<\/h3>\n

Compared to some of the heavy hitters on this list, such as Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of living in Canberra is generally lower and wages comparatively higher. Everything from the price of groceries to eating out at restaurants is cheaper in Canberra. You could potentially make some great savings by spending some of your WHV living here.<\/p>\n

Proximity to NSW<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s only a three-hour drive from Canberra to Sydney and even less than that to the NSW coastline. This makes Canberra the perfect base for weekends away in its neighbouring state.<\/p>\n

Lots of culture<\/h3>\n

For a small city, Canberra has plenty going on. It\u2019s packed full of museums, art galleries and fine dining. It\u2019s also home to Parliament House, the meeting place of Australia\u2019s federal government.<\/p>\n

However, backpackers should be aware…<\/p>\n

Geared towards locals<\/h3>\n

Compared to Australia\u2019s bigger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Canberra doesn\u2019t really have a backpacker culture and has more locals living there. As a result, you may find it harder to pick up short-term work opportunities or even to make friends with like-minded people.<\/p>\n

9. Hobart<\/h2>\n

\"shutterstock_633414623
\nTasmania (affectionately known as Tassie) is a popular spot with backpackers wanting to explore rugged scenery or complete specified work for further WHVs<\/a>. Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a popular starting point for exploring the rest of the island. WHV-makers wanting to stay long-term in Tasmania can benefit from…<\/p>\n

Surrounded by nature<\/h3>\n

Hobart (and Tasmania in general) is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You have Mount Wellington, the River Derwent and Bruny Island on your doorstep, providing ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and sailing.<\/p>\n

Lively culture<\/h3>\n

Hobart has a reputation for friendly locals and alcohol aplenty, from fine wines to breweries and bars with live music. There\u2019s a big farm-to-table focus on the food and drink produced in Hobart, which means you\u2019re always in for a high-quality night out.<\/p>\n

However, some real cons of moving to Hobart are…<\/p>\n

Unpredictable weather<\/h3>\n

Much like its relative neighbour Melbourne, Hobart is notorious for chilly winters and summers where you could have sunshine one minute, sideways rain the next. If you were dreaming of year-round hot weather in Australia, Hobart is unlikely to be the city for you.<\/p>\n

Isolation<\/h3>\n

Tasmania is isolated from the rest of Australia and it can take over 12 hours to travel from the mainland (if you take the ferry from Melbourne). Hobart is also far away from many other main attractions on the island, at a four-and-a-half hour drive from Cradle Mountain, five hours from Stanley and three hours from Freycinet. Hobart suffers from the same problems you will find in any isolated city, such as less job opportunities and limited choices for affordable shopping.<\/p>\n

10. Melbourne<\/h2>\n

\"\"
\nOur tour of Australia ends in Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria and among many working holiday makers\u2019 top choices to settle<\/a> (the Sydney\/Melbourne debate<\/a> never ends when it comes to deciding which is the best city!). Melbourne is a city of around 5 million, with cultural influences from all over the world\u2014Chinese, Italian, English, etc.<\/p>\n

For working holiday makers, Melbourne offers\u2026<\/p>\n

A vibrant city life<\/h3>\n

If you love big-city dynamics, lively neighbourhoods and cultural diversity, Melbourne is the destination for you! In some ways, it\u2019s similar to Sydney, with built-up areas but a more bohemian atmosphere and an ever-present natural environment.<\/p>\n

An employment-friendly region<\/h3>\n

Melbourne is located in a large agricultural and gastronomic region, which can be an interesting place to find work. There are also many factories close to the city. If you want to find work quickly, Melbourne could be a good option.<\/p>\n

However, keep these drawbacks in mind\u2026<\/p>\n

Unpredictable and cooler weather<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s pretty cold in Melbourne and the weather changes quickly. The day can start with very low temperatures, then warm up in the early afternoon, with showers in between. If you love sunny cities, you may be disappointed.<\/p>\n

An expensive city where housing is in short supply<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not easy to find housing<\/a> in Melbourne, especially if you don\u2019t want to spend too much money at the start of your WHV. Living in Melbourne is relatively expensive. Once again, the cost of living is very similar to Sydney.<\/p>\n

Other determining factors<\/h3>\n

Still undecided? You can also make your final decision based on these three important factors.<\/p>\n

Airfare prices<\/h3>\n

You can choose where you will start your WHV in Australia based on plane ticket prices. And if you\u2019re planning to travel around the country, your arrival city won\u2019t matter much\u2014you can go wherever it\u2019s cheaper to fly onto.<\/p>\n

Surrounding areas<\/h3>\n

Backpackers who are more attracted to the wild and quiet West Coast tend to arrive in Perth, the only major city on this side of Australia (Darwin can also be a good starting point for a trip down to Perth). On the other hand, there are plenty of options to choose from for the East Coast!<\/p>\n

Job market<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking to work on a farm, make sure to research the harvest seasons to arrive at the right time. For jobs in hospitality and tourism, consider the peak tourist seasons when demand is highest. Lastly, identify the regions that hire the most within your field to maximize your chances of quickly finding a job.<\/p>\n

Good preparation will ensure you are in the right place at the right time!<\/p>\n

Has this article helped you make your choice? Tell us in the comments where you will start your WHV in Australia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cWhere should I begin my Oz Working Holiday adventure?\u201d This is a common dilemma for working holiday makers\u2014some have a city in mind but others find it hard to choose where to begin. We have a few tips to help you make your decision! Read on for a complete overview of Australia\u2019s major cities and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":387526,"featured_media":401465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[906,899,614],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-421305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-prepare-your-trip","category-cultureactivities","category-tourisme-en","pays-australie-en"],"acf":[],"comments_count":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/421305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/387526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=421305"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/421305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":449445,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/421305\/revisions\/449445"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/401465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=421305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=421305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pvtistes.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=421305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}