A backpacker’s best friend, besides a can of VB, is of course their job agent. Keep your funds topped up by working your way around the great state of Western Australia. There is plenty of work available around the state. 

Jobs that are generally popular with backpackers include:

• Waiting, waitressing and bar tending
• Labouring work
• Retail work
• Nursing
• Child care
• Cleaning
• Office work (temping)
• Fruit and vegetable picking
• Fishing (crayfish, lobster, prawns, scallops)

Fruit Picking in Western Australia

Fruit picking has always been a means of quick cash for the struggling backpacker. The Department of Immigration also allows you to apply for a second working holiday visa if you complete three months of fruit picking or other seasonal work.

Fruit Picking Calendar 

Helpful Hints for Finding Work in WA

• Make sure you are contactable. The best way to do this is to purchase a mobile phone and Australian sim card. 
• Make sure you have plenty of copies (hard copies and a saved copy that can be emailed) of your resume with your contact details provided.  
• Register with online employment services such as: www.thejobshop.com.au, www.travellersclub.com.au/, www.seek.com.au and www.mycareer.com.au   
• The Job Shop have offices in Perth and Kununurra; 224 William Street, Northbridge and Shop A2, 2 Banksia Street, Kununurra.
• The Travellers Club are part of the Travel and Recruitment Services and have an office in Perth at 92-94 Barrack St.
• The Harvest Trail Website provides jobseekers with important information about harvest work opportunities, working conditions, transport and accommodation options in the key harvest areas around Australia. For the latest up-to-date information on harvest labour opportunities please call the National Harvest Labour Information Service on 1800 062 332 or visit www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail .
• Always check the local papers for classifieds. 
• If applying for qualified skill jobs such as nursing, please ensure you bring proof of your qualifications.  
• Don't be afraid to revisit or keep in touch with prospective employers or agencies.
• You will need to open a bank account
• Be honest and fair to employers by letting them know how long you are available for and give them notice when you plan to leave. It is important to be considerate in this way, you are helping future Working Holiday makers.

Real Travellers Working in Western Australia

Vicky Austin is from the south west of England and is now a Junior Sous Chef at the Cable Beach Club Resort in Broome.

Listen to Vicki talk about her experiences living and working in Western Australia.