Coming to Australia in a Gap Year

Key tips for planning your gap year in Australia

• Travelling within Australia is generally easy and mobile apps for transport and trip planning can help make exploring more straightforward
• The working holiday maker programme visa (subclass 417) is a popular choice for gap year candidates
• If you plan to work during your stay, an Australian Tax File Number is a must
• Setting up a bank account should be a priority, and you can apply in just a few minutes for an everyday account
• Consider features such as the ability to withdraw cash and transfer money and access to a debit card
   

The appeal of a gap year in Australia

Every year, a multitude of young travellers from around the world set their sights on the captivating land down under — Australia. It's no surprise that Australia ranks high on the gap year wish list of many millennials.

 

With its 10,000+ mesmerising beaches, iconic cityscapes like the Sydney Opera House, vibrant culture, and a laid-back lifestyle blessed with blissful weather, Australia is a dream destination for travellers.

 

Whether you seek a thrilling adventure, a cultural immersion, or a chance to grow and learn, Australia has something in store for everyone. From exploring its diverse landscapes to experiencing the hospitality scenes of bustling cities, there's an adventure waiting for every spirited soul.

 

As well as adventure planning, there’s some important admin planning to do, too. From setting up a bank account to getting a tax file number, we’ve put together a list of some of the things you'll need to know if you’re planning a gap year in Australia. 
 

Travel within Australia 

Australia is considered a generally easy place to get around thanks to well-developed transport infrastructure including extensive road systems, domestic flights, trains, buses, trams and ferries. Major cities are connected, making it easy to travel between them, and mobile apps can help provide real-time information on transport timetables, routes and fares. This makes planning efficient and exploring simple and accessible.

 

There are also tourist information centres in most cities and tourist areas, so information is readily available, and the needs of travellers are well considered. 
 

Visa requirements 

One of the first steps to planning a gap year in Australia involves understanding the visa process and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The working holiday maker programme (Subclass 417) is a popular choice among young individuals aged 18-30 from eligible countries.

 

This visa allows you to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year, presenting a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Australian culture while supporting the journey through paid work.

 

To ensure a smooth process, familiarise yourself with the rights and conditions associated with this visa by visiting the Australian Government Department of Immigration website.
 

Work in Australia

Opportunities abound for young workers who choose to work during their stay in Australia. Cities and regional areas both have work options across many industries including hospitality, farming, construction, tourism and agriculture.

 

Regional work, in particular, can offer diverse work experiences. Think Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef, or working as a ‘jackaroo’ in the Outback. Then there’s bushfire recovery work in designated disaster areas (which also counts towards required farm work if you’re looking to extend your working holiday visa).

 

When it comes to choosing where to work, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Research job markets, update your resume, look at online job sites, and don’t underestimate the power of networking!

 

Regardless of what you decide, make sure you’ve got the right Visa that permits you to work in Australia. 
 

Apply for a Tax File Number

If you plan to work during your stay, obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN) is essential. Issued by the Australian Tax Office (ATO), a TFN is your unique identifier for all tax-related matters in Australia. It’s similar to a National Insurance Number in the UK or a social security number in the US.

 

You might be asked for a TFN to file a tax return, or when dealing with finance or government institutions. It’s important to note you can still open an everyday account with Westpac without a TFN.

 

The process of obtaining a TFN is straightforward, and the application form can be completed online.
 

Organise an Australian bank account 

Once you arrive, a priority should be to open a bank account in Australia.

 

Everyday banking looks different for everyone, but for non-residents, you’ll probably want the ability to get paid, withdraw money and pay for goods using a debit card or a digital wallet. You might also want to transfer money home or receive payments from home.

 

Whether your goal is to spend money, save money, or do a combination of both, there are bank accounts to suit everyone.
 

An everyday banking account 

Once you arrive in Australia, you can open a Westpac Choice account online or in a local branch in just a few minutes. If you open online, you may still be required to visit a branch to verify your ID.​

 

Westpac Choice is an everyday bank account that allows seamless international transfers, access to your funds through ATMs and debit cards, and no monthly fees for the first 12 months if you've recently arrived in Australia. The bank may need to verify your ID in person, so it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with your local branch. 

 

For a list of documents that we accept, refer to Identification Checklist. (PDF 657KB)
 

Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with digital wallet options like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay that can be linked to your account for convenient transactions.

 

Additionally, if you’re planning on studying in Australia, you’ll pay no monthly account-keeping fees as long as you’re a full-time tertiary student.
 

A savings banking account

If saving money is part of your gap year plan, there are plenty of savings accounts options. The Westpac eSaver is an online savings account with introductory bonus interest, unlimited withdrawals, and 24/7 access, all without the hassle of account keeping fees.
 

A prepaid travel money card

If you plan on travelling abroad once you’re based in Australia, the Worldwide Wallet could be for you. This is a prepaid travel money card that makes managing travel money a breeze.

 

You can order a Worldwide Wallet online, activate your card in Online Banking, and transfer Australian dollars to your card and convert it into your choice of up to 10 currencies. There are no international transaction fees, no load or reload fees, and no ATM withdrawal fees** at Global ATM Alliance partners.* 
 

It’s important to note that you’ll still be able to spend in currencies not listed in your chosen 10, and avoid Westpac’s 3% foreign transaction fees. 
 

To sum up

From the golden beaches to the heart of the Outback, each day brings a new adventure and a chance to discover the diverse beauty of Australia. So, sort out your life admin such as bank accounts, tax file number, and work options, and embrace the unknown, follow your curiosity, and let the wonders of Australia redefine your outlook on life. Your gap year awaits — make it extraordinary!