Working around australia

Hi Matty,

I am doing a similar sort of thing, although I have heard many differing experiences, so will answer best I can based upon my experiences.

1) Can you camp/ hitchhike in Australia?
I have only hitchhiked one ride, late at night, but I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be able to hitchhike here. Everyone will tell you about Ivan Milat and that you shouldn’t hitchhike, but everyone tells me that I shouldn’t hitch in every country I go to and I have never had a problem. As for camping, there is so much space that it is very easy to stay hidden. Just make sure you have enough protection from the sun and enough water, otherwise you could die.
2) Jamie – I read you bought a 4×4 to travel, what sort of cost is it to do that?
You can pick up cars for $1,000, 4x4s for $2,500, and vans for $3,000+. I went for a 4×4 because it has enough space for a folding bed – unlike a car – and can go anywhere – unlike a van. This far it has been pretty awesome and by converting it to a ‘backpacker’ vehicle with a bed and everything else, I hope to sell it for slightly more than I bought it.
3) Is it possible to get work all year round and if so, where are the best places to search for that e.g. cities? country?
This is the impossible question and I have heard it so many times. I personally found that rural places are much better for finding work – however, to reach them, you need a vehicle. I am currently in Carnarvon and picked up a second job very easily last week. I have heard horror stories of people working on plantations for $15 an hour though.
4) Any other advice anyone has for travelling around or working in Australia.
Be proactive. If you want to work, then travel, work hard then go. Waiting around won’t get you anything, but if you are happy to do a few hours here and there, just to support your lifestyle, then do this. Thus far I have found Australia to be very lucrative as I get free accomodation where I work so most of my money is saved.

Good luck!