Travel Info

Work and Play in Queensland

Queensland is the perfect backpacker destination: there’s surf and sun, reef and rainforest, thrills and spills, world-famous sights and hidden gems, reliable infrastructure and adventures waiting around every corner... in short, everything you could wish for!

One of the best ways to discover Queensland is with a Working Holiday Visa (class 417), which is intended to allow young people who are not residents of Australia to work legally and earn money so that they can extend their travels. The programme allows passport holders from eligible countries, aged between 18 and 30 to visit Australia for up to 12 months. For more information and further requirements visit www.immi.gov.au

Once you’ve been granted your visa, you can start planning! We’ve made a useful backpacking fact sheet available which summarises all the key things you need to know about the WHV as well as listing a few useful websites. There’s also a neat backpacker guide chock-a-block full of useful tips and advice available from this link. 

We’ve also teamed up with Tourism Australia to bring you some videos of young people enjoying travelling and working their way around Queensland. Check out their stories and be inspired...

Marloes, Fraser Island

The world’s largest sand island, Fraser is known for its unique ecosystem and the self-drive 4WD tours available. Camp outside on the beach, take in the stunning coastline from Indian Heads lookout and swim in the stunning waters of Lake McKenzie, or discover any one of the over 100 freshwater lakes on the island.

 

Erica, Cairns

Cairns is the capital of the Tropical North and as such has got a vast array of lush, sunshine-soaked adventures awaiting. It’s where Reef meets Rainforest and two World Heritage areas converge- the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Dive amongst colourful tropical marine life, go hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, zip-wiring through the canopy, jungle-swinging amongst the trees, jumping out of planes... the list goes on!

Lisa, The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are the place where 74 tropical islands lie in the vibrant Coral Sea, soaked by sunshine and surrounded by stunning underwater wonderlands. They’re also synonymous with sailing- go on a group charter and party while the sun sets or private hire a boat and experience the serenity of having the sea all to yourself. When you’re in need of grounding, relax on the many gorgeous islands and choose from a wide range of outdoor activities.

Tanyn, Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is famous for fun and it with its beautiful sandy beaches and great variety of adventures to choose from, it certainly lives up to its name! Go surfing, splashing and swimming, explore the subtropical rainforest mountains in one of the many Hinterland National Parks or find out why Surfers Paradise remains a perennial favourite amongst backpackers.

 

Dan, Goomeri
 
Think of Australia and you’ll think of the Outback. Wide open horizons, clear skies, true Outback Aussies and adventures on horseback. There are working cattle stations dotted all over the state and they offer fantastic opportunities to experience genuine Outback life. Short trips are also available so you don’t have to be a wrangler in order to enjoy the region.

 

Kelly, Brisbane
 
Brisbane is the cosmopolitan, relaxed and sun-kissed capital of Queensland. It offers the perfect mix of outdoors activities and city-life experiences. Kayak on the river, enjoy art installations and performances, watch the sun rise after a night in Fortitude Valley and pick from any of the countless al fresco cafes and restaurants for delicious food. There is a comprehensive and fun backpackers' guide to all things Brisbane including hot tips on what to do in the city, where to go if you're on a shoestring budget and great day-trips around the region.

 

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