Moving to Australia from Ireland and not sure where to start? I have the perfect guide for you. I have everything you need to know before you go, including visa requirements, how to find a job, the best places to live, and top things you need to do once you arrive in Australia.
Over 21,000 Irish people have been granted a working holiday visa for Australia in the past 12 months, which is a record high. Anyone aged 18-35 is eligible for a visa which allows them to work in Australia for a year and explore the country as they please.
However, moving to Australia is not an easy decision to make, there is a lot to consider. So I have asked former Irish travel agent Kaitlin Murphy, AKA HolidayHun who is currently living in Australia, to compile all the information that is needed before your big move.
Moving from Ireland to Australia Tips for First Timers
Making the big move to Australia can be a little overwhelming, not to mention confusing, so here’s a list of things you need to do before you go.
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes! First things first; you will need a visa to enter Australia, whether you want to go on holiday or to work and live. You can qualify for certain types if you plan on moving over, so check this website to see your eligibility.
The majority of young people aged 18-35 will apply for the 417 subclass working holiday visa which grants you a year in Australia, and it’s pretty easy to get.
Skilled visas can also be popular if you work in an industry that Australia need more skilled workers for – for example Labourers, Nurses or Police officers.
The visa costs roughly €390 depending on the rate of exchange on the day.
Documents you need to apply for the visa
- Photo of your passport.
- Proof of funds ($5000 roughly €3000)
- Flight details if it’s booked
You don’t need a flight booked, but a rough date of arrival is ideal. Once your visa is granted, you have a year to enter the country before you need to purchase a new one.
My visa was granted within 20 minutes of applying which was super efficient. It can take up to 10 working days so don’t panic if it doesn’t come through straight away.
Note: You may have to have a medical exam if you want to work in healthcare or with children, so don’t leave it too late in case you need to do this. I suggest organising this 3-6 months before you plan to go.
Documents you will need to bring
Apart from a valid passport, you will need travel insurance. It will need to cover you for a one way ticket, so double check the terms and conditions on your policy, as a lot of companies will only cover you for a return trip.
Sort your International drivers licence if you plan to drive over in Australia. Make sure to organise this before you arrive.
Complete an online Qualification assessment to transfer your Irish college degree over to an Australian qualification if you plan to work in the same sector.
Print out copies of everything. Maybe I’m a little too organised, but I had copies of my passport, visa, insurance, birth cert and passport sized photos – its better to have them than not!
Moving to Australia from Ireland for first timers
Firstly, decide when do you want to go?
As I explained above, after you have been granted a visa, you have a whole year to move to Australia.
The majority of working holiday visa makers will arrive between November and March each year, to escape the European winter and enjoy Christmas by the beach.This usually means higher flight prices, less available jobs and accommodation for rent, so take this into consideration.
If you come in low season, May – October, you should have a better chance of securing a job and apartment promptly.
It is important to note the seasons in Australia :
- Spring: September, October, November (Transition months)
- Summer: December, January, February (Hottest months)
- Autumn: March, April and May (Transition months)
- Winter: June, July and August (Coldest months)
There are some sectors where you can organise a job in advance, but in most cases you can only secure a job and apartment when you arrive in Australia.
Letting agents wont even take you into consideration if you don’t view the property before renting, and most job contacts won’t call an overseas number, so you will need to secure your Australian sim card in your first few days.
Secondly, Where do you want to live?
Top Tip: Do some travelling in Australia first, and then decide where you like best. Of course you don’t have to do this, but I think it’s great to get to see places and then research suburbs to live, jobs that are available, etc.
Originally my plan was always to go to Sydney but after travelling around Australia I felt more at home in Melbourne. Melbourne was the vibe I was looking for, so I decided against Sydney and was really happy with my decision. Moving to Australia from Ireland is once in a lifetime opportunity – you have to stay where feels right.
If you’re used to big city living you won’t have any problems settling and getting used to the bigger Australian cities.
Sydney has the best of both worlds with a mix of city and beach, but tends to be super competitive for jobs and apartments due to its popularity.
I found Melbourne quite quirky and arty, and its transport system is one of the best in Australia – a massive tram/train network connecting the whole city.
Read: How to spend 3 days in Melbourne, My Top Things to do and Hidden Gems
Brisbane is becoming more popular recently, as the weather tends to be the best of the bunch, alongside Perth which has some of the best beaches in all of Australia.
If you are planning to do some fly in fly out work, also know as FIFO then head for the mines in Perth. Western Australia is super popular for families but it is recommended to have a car if you want to live in Perth and the surrounding areas.
If you want a sunnier climate nearly all year round, do some research on the towns and cities that are above the tropic of Capricorn that stand out for sunny skies.
Moving to Australia from Ireland Alone
A lot of young people make the move from Ireland to Australia alone which is amazing! It gets you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to make new friends. House sharing is a great way to make connections and it is definitely a great option when you first arrive in Australia.
Sports and activity clubs like Rugby, Football, Running or Tennis clubs are a fantastic way to make friends and meet others when you first arrive.
If you are feeling too overwhelmed before you leave home, why not book a welcome tour to meet some likeminded solo travellers in the same position. Welcome to Travel offer welcome tours in both Melbourne and Sydney which offer a tour of the city, as well as help finding a job and somewhere to live.
Let’s talk money… How much do you need to move to Australia?
This is going to depend on a few things but firstly, as mentioned above, it is recommended by the Australian affairs that you have at least $5000/ €3000 in your bank account to support yourself in Australia. If you want to travel first, I would advise around €8000/€10,000 to be very comfortable and enjoy yourself before settling somewhere.
Setting up an apartment can also take a massive chunk of your cash, so if you are coming over and planning on getting a job and apartment straight away, I would advise taking around €5000 minimum. It can definitely take a few weeks to get a job so bare this in mind. The Australians are laidback when it comes to hiring, you might be waiting weeks to even hear back from someone.
The working holiday visa is also only accepted by certain companies because of the ‘6 month rule’. Basically this means you can only be employed by the same company for 6 months and then you will have to move on to a different company. There are certain rules to get around this, but always refer back to the home affairs government website.
Ireland to Australia Flight Time
As you may be aware, the flight to Australia takes nearly a full day, taking 2 flights from Ireland. The best connection airports coming from Ireland with just one stopover are:
via Doha with Qatar Airways
via Abu Dhabi with Etihad
via Dubai with Emirates
There are cheaper alternatives with 2 stops via London, Paris, Amsterdam to Singapore, Thailand etc which can be useful if you are planning on stopping in Asia on the way. I found that Singapore Airlines offer the best value recently.
Another option would be to fly via the USA. This can be more difficult to arrange as connections are usually longer and you may need another visa. If you do want to travel this way, it is best to stay for a few nights too, to break up the journey and avail of cheaper airfares.
The best airports to connect through the USA would be San Francisco or Los Angeles as Aer Lingus offer direct flights.
5 Top Tips for Long Haul flights
1. Wear comfy clothing.
This is a given really, you don’t want to be uncomfortable for nearly 24 hours! Pack spare clothes to change half way and fresh underwear and socks and you will feel brand new.
2. Stay hydrated as much as you can.
This is harder said than done, as you will be going to the toilet more frequently! However, you will feel less jet lagged when you are more hydrated.
3. Put your watch on Australian Time as soon as you get on the plane.
Try and sleep at the right time to prevent jet lag, this means sleeping when they sleep. Bring an eye mask and ear plugs and pre book a good seat on the plane.
4. Charge devices and download shows in advance.
There is nothing worse than when the inflight entertainment has nothing you’re interested in. Download your favourite show on Netflix and maybe a new movie to pass the time.
5. Bring a book.
Screen time for nearly 24 hours isn’t healthy so maybe opt for a book instead or even a magazine.
What to do When you arrive in Australia
Amazing – you’ve made it to Australia! Now what? My 5 top tips should help.
1. Get a local Sim Card
For a sim card the best companies are Optus, Telstra and Vodafone. You can also get an E-sim if you prefer. Telstra seem to be the best coverage wise if you plan to be in the outback. Just bring your passport into the phone store and they will set it all up for you.
2. Set up a bank account
It is best to set up a bank account before hand. You can apply online and take your passport into the bank branch you selected. I’m with Commonwealth and find them good and their app is great. Other banks to consider ANZ, Westpac and National Australia Bank.
3. Set up your TFN (Tax File Number).
You will need this for your employer when you start working so this is super important to have. It can take up 10 working days so apply for it as soon as you land.
4. Book accommodation for the first few weeks
For somewhere to stay, I’d definitely recommend booking a few weeks in a hostel in Australia or Airbnb to find your feet and start apartment hunting. Once you are settled check websites like Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au for apartment hunting.
5. Join Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are invaluable for job advertisem*nts, apartment hunting and also to make friends. I’ve selected some here that I recommend you join when you arrive in Australia.
Irish around Sydney/ Melbourne/ Perth/ Brisbane / Gold Coast
Fairy floss real estate (for rentals and apartments)
Sydney/ Melbourne/ Brisbane Working Holiday Girls
Croissant Run Club Sydney / Melbourne
A Wellness Wanderer for coffee meet ups as well as walks & jogs for both girls and boys
Cost of living in Australia compared to Ireland
Personally I don’t think Australia is as expensive as everyone makes it out to be. I found prices similar to Dublin or London. Food shopping and eating out I think are very similar to Ireland, where as rent and drinking can be slightly more expensive depending on the location.
The wages are a good bit higher in Australia than in Ireland. The minimum wage is $23.23 per hour which is the equivalent to roughly €14 an hour. The majority of jobs I’ve come across start at $30/$35 an hour which tends to be normal, especially in the bigger cities and also regional farm areas.
Nurses earn roughly $40/$50 per hour and teachers around the same with casual relief teachers on temporary contract making around $500 per day.
Weekend and public holiday rates are also great for the hospitality industry as a Sunday rate is time and a half and public holidays are double pay.
Fly in fly out work also know as FIFO is an amazing way to save with wages starting form $57 per hour. You don’t have any living expenses as they pay for your accommodation and food.
Regional / Farm work in Australia
To be eligible to apply for a second or third year Working Holiday subclass 417 visa, you must have completed a minimum period of “specified subclass 417 work” also known as regional/farm work.
The following industries and areas are approved for specified work:
- Tourism and hospitality in northern or remote and very remote Australia, from 22 June 2021
- Plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia
- Fishing and pearling in regional Australia
- Tree farming and felling in regional Australia
- Mining in regional Australia
- Construction in regional Australia
To be eligible for a second year visa, you must have carried out at least 3 months of specified work – 88 calendar days to be precise, including weekends or equivalent rest days during your period of employment.
To be eligible for a third year visa, you must have carried out at least 6 months of specified work. 179 calendar days, including weekends or equivalent rest days during your period of employment.
You don’t need to do your 3 or 6 months of specified work all in one go, or all with the same employer. You are free to spread the work over the stay period of your current visa. You can also undertake specified work for longer than the required minimum period maybe if you would like to save extra cash.
Shipping from Ireland to Australia & Irish favourites
If you are craving the taste of home or afraid you’ll miss your favourite Irish foods – fear not!
Taste Ireland & Paddy Box to the rescue! For all the Irish firm favourites from Tayto crisps, Barry’s tea bags and Club Orange you can get your favourite food and snacks delivered right to your door in Australia. Major cities also have Irish pubs for the cult classic roast dinner or spice bags.
Shipping to Australia
Whether you are shipping a suitcase or just a box from home here are a couple of companies who offer this service, but note it can be pricey.
- DHL
- DPD
- Parcel Direct
- An Post
- Send my bag
Living in Ireland VS Australia
The Pros and Cons of living in Australia
Pros
- The weather is arguably the main attraction. The majority of the year has nice dry weather, with the exception of Melbourne and Sydney where it can get a little chilly in winter.
- There are great value internal flights to see some other parts of the country. Jetstar is the equivalent of Ryanair so keep an eye on flight sales to grab yourself a bargain. You can fly from Melbourne to Sydney for as little as €100 return.
- Work life balance. I don’t particularly agree with this one but some jobs are great and offer 4 day weeks or half days on Friday.
- Making friends is easier than at home especially being in your 20s. Everyone in Australia is in the same boat looking to make new connections.
- Wages are notably higher here.
- The laidback Aussie lifestyle. Nobody is in a rush to go anywhere and nobody is worrying about the future. It’s really chilled.
- There is no language barrier.
Cons
- It is very far away from Ireland – it takes a whole day to get home if you need to unexpectedly.
- The 11 hour time difference is hard to get used to, especially when your trying to call home.
- The cost of living is high for some people, even though personally I do think it’s similar to Dublin/London prices.
- Extreme climates – Summer days can reach up in excess of 40 degrees and the country is also known for bush fires.
- Christmas in summer – this is very strange! It’s weird seeing Christmas trees and decorations up when it’s 30 degrees and sunny!
- Visa limitations – It can be frustrating that you can only work 6 months with one company, especially if it is a job you really enjoy.
FAQ
Below are a list of frequently asked questions by those planning on moving from Ireland to Australia.
Can an Irish person move to Australia?
Yes! On a working holiday visa or skilled work visa. Check visa options on the home affairs website.
How much money do I need to move to Australia?
- Recommended by the Australian Government: €3000
- Getting set up straight away with an apartment and job: €5000
- Travel for a few weeks before settling: €8000/€10,000
How to get a job in Australia from Ireland?
Websites like Seek & Indeed are used widely just like home. Recruiters are super popular over here so find some local ones and email them your CV and they can put you forward for any jobs they may have available. The majority of people I know are employed through recruiters, including myself.
Some popular recruitment agencies are Randstad, Smaart , Morgan McKinley, Hays, Robert Half, , People2people and Sharp & Carter.
Is it better to live in Ireland or Australia?
This is a personal preference, and also depends on your outlook on life! If you like a sunnier climate and laid back lifestyle, then definitely Australia. Wages are higher in Australia as well as a better work life balance. Ireland will always be home, so get out and explore beautiful Australia while you can!
Where do most Irish live in Australia?
These are some of the most popular places for Irish to live all around Australia.
Sydney– Eastern suburbs like Coogee, Bronte, Randwick or Bondi
Melbourne– St Kilda, Southbank or South Yarra
Perth– Scarborough
Brisbane– Coorparoo, Southport or Ashgrove
How long can an Irish person stay in Australia?
For a working holiday visa you can stay for 1 year with a possibility of extension if you do 88 days regional work within your first year to qualify for a second year visa.
Why do people move from Ireland to Australia?
There are so many answers to this question, but with visa applications at a record high, there is no doubt that we are craving new experiences, adventure and a better lifestyle.
Higher wages, more career opportunities, better weather and stepping out of your comfort zone is probably on the list too!
I hope my ultimate guide to moving to Australia from Ireland has helped you plan this once in a lifetime opportunity. Make sure to follow me on Instagram when you arrive, where I share lots of tips and guides about all the cities that I visit.
Kaitlin
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, entry requirements and eligibility can change at any time. Always check the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Ireland.ie for the most up to date information if you are planning on moving to Australia from Ireland.
Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
