Journeying Families Travel from Cairns to Sydney
Embarking on a family holiday in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) can be an exciting yet complex adventure. To help you navigate this journey, we present a structured approach to planning your trip, considering visa conditions, traveler type, available time, and destinations to visit.
### 1. Understanding the Working Holiday Visa Parameters
The WHV is designed for young travelers, typically aged between 18-30 or 18-35, who want to work while traveling. It allows a stay of 12 months initially, with the option to apply for second or third WHVs if you complete specified regional work. You can work to fund your holiday, but the visa is primarily for travel and work combined. However, if traveling with family, other visa options might be needed. If each adult in the family meets the age and visa requirements, they can apply separately[1][3].
### 2. Time Planning for the Trip
Plan your trip well in advance, allowing around 6 months for thorough preparation, including visa application, saving at least AUD $5,000 per person to support your initial stay, booking flights, and securing accommodation and work if needed[1][4]. Consider how much of your 12-month stay you want to dedicate to travel versus working. If you wish to stay longer, plan the specified regional work required to apply for extensions.
### 3. Type of Traveler: Family with Mixed Needs
Families traveling with children or older adults may face restrictions as children do not qualify for this visa. For families including eligible members, each adult can hold their own WHV and plan work and travel separately or together. Define your travel style—active backpacking, beach holiday, cultural exploration, or a mix—to align with everyone's interests.
### 4. Suggested Places to Visit in Australia
Australia is vast and diverse, with experiences catering to different traveler preferences. From iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne, to natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, there's something for everyone[4]. Plan your itinerary based on seasons and book special activities like diving or wildlife tours in advance.
### 5. Practical Travel Tips
- Make a list of "must-see" locations early and check for required bookings. - Balance travel with work commitments to sustain finances. - Consider transport options: renting a car, domestic flights, or public transport for flexibility. - Keep health and insurance arrangements up to date.
Remember, each family's holiday will be unique. The author's trip, for instance, spanned 4 weeks in 2024, with stops at Cairns, Mission Beach, Townsville (Magnetic Island), Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Islands), Agnes Water, Rainbow Beach, K'gari (Fraser Island), Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Sydney[1].
For more detailed insights into each destination, stay tuned for subsequent blogs. Safe travels!
[1] Smith, A. (2023). My Family’s Epic 4-Week Working Holiday Adventure in Australia. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.adventuresmith.com/australia-working-holiday/ [2] Australian Government - Department of Home Affairs. (2023). Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417 [3] Australian Government - Department of Home Affairs. (2023). Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-and-holiday-462 [4] Australian Government - Tourism Australia. (2023). Destinations. Retrieved from https://www.australia.com/en/things-to-do/destinations.html
- Given the family's unique needs, it would be prudent to consider other visa options, even if some family members meet the age and visa requirements for the Working Holiday Visa (WHV), as children typically do not qualify for this visa.
- Considering the family dynamics, planning a mix of travel experiences, such as both leisure activities for the children and cultural explorations for the adults, could cater to everyone's interests during the family holiday in Australia.
