How to Find Accommodation On A Working Holiday Visa in Australia

This blog post is all about how to find rental accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life.

Between the sunny beaches, laid-back culture, and promises of a better work-life balance, it’s easy to see why so many of us choose to take the leap.

But before you can start living the dream “Down Under,” you’ll face one of the most universally stressful aspects of relocating abroad: finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

I know, I know—it sounds daunting. But rest assured, everyone goes through this rite of passage, and if you tackle it systematically, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the best practices for securing accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in Australia, from assembling the right paperwork to exploring different resources like Facebook groups, Airbnb, subletting opportunities, and even pet-sitting gigs.

This blog post is all about finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Table of Contents

Why Finding Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa is Such a Big Deal

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s address why housing is often stressful in the first place.

You’re arriving in a brand-new country, possibly with no local references or rental history in Australia, so the usual checks might feel more complicated.

Plus, you don’t know the suburbs, the average costs, or the local quirks. It’s a lot to handle. But it’s also an exciting time to shape your new life abroad.

Here’s a structured approach to making the process of finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa smoother and less panic-inducing.

RELATED blog post to read: Australia Working Holiday Visa: Everything You Need to Know

1. Get Your Documentation in Order

This might sound basic, but before finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa, having your paperwork ready is essential. Especially if you’re trying to make a good impression on landlords or letting agencies.

What You’ll Likely Need to Secure Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa:

Proof of Income or Funds: Some landlords want to see that you can actually pay the rent. If you don’t have a job yet, you could show bank statements with sufficient savings or an employment offer letter if you already have one lined up.
ID: Your passport and, if possible, an Australian driver’s licence or international licence.
References: Letters from previous landlords or even a letter of character/reference from an employer can help.
Visa Details: Since you’re finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa, some landlords or agencies may want to confirm your visa validity. Have a digital copy of your visa grant letter or visa details.

If you’re going through a more formal letting process (like applying for a leased apartment), you’ll want as many of these details readily available in PDF format.

That way, if you find a property you love, you can apply on the spot.

RELATED blog post to read: Sydney Neighbourhoods: How to Decide Where to Move in Australia

2. Work Out Your Budget

Let’s be real: Australia can be pricey compared to many other countries.

Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane rents aren’t known for being cheap, though it often depends on the neighbourhood.

Before you commit to your accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa, have a clear idea of what you can comfortably spend.

A Rough Guide to Costs of Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa:

Shared Room in a Hostel: $150–$300 AUD per week (short term)
Room in a Shared Flat/House: $180–$400 AUD per week, depending on location and quality
Studio/One-Bed: $350–$600+ AUD per week, especially in major city centres

Remember, you’ll also need to factor in utilities (electricity, gas, and possibly water), plus internet costs. If you’re in a house share, those expenses might be split among flatmates, which helps keep costs down.

Tip: Write down your absolute maximum monthly rent, factoring in bills, and try to aim for at least 10–20% below that so you have a cushion. This flexibility will help you handle any unexpected expenses—like a bond (deposit) or the cost of buying small bits of furniture.

RELATED blog post to read: We’ve Moved to Sydney, Australia: New Location Unlocked

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Sydney Neighbourhoods: How to Decide Where to Move in Australia

3. Start Browsing Early to Get a Feel for Prices

Even before you touch down in Oz, start looking at property listing sites to get a realistic sense of rents and availability of accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

Websites to Explore for Sourcing Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa:

Use these sites to look at different suburbs around your target city—Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, wherever you plan to base yourself.

You’ll quickly see the average rents and the types of properties on offer (share houses, single apartments, etc.).

This early research helps you calibrate your budget and decide which areas might suit you best.

4. Join Facebook Groups for Your Area

Facebook might feel old school these days, but it’s incredibly useful for travellers trying to find accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

If you’re from Ireland or the UK (or anywhere else, really), consider joining location-specific groups, like:

You can also find groups specific to your interests—like yoga in Bondi, digital nomads in Queensland, or student groups if you’re taking classes.

These groups often have daily posts about rooms for rent, subletting opportunities, or people looking for a new flatmate.

Pro Tip: React fast. Good listings go quickly. If you see a post offering a room at a decent price in your dream suburb, message them immediately.

Many people looking for accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa want the same thing—affordable, decent housing—so the competition can be fierce.

RELATED blog post to read: Relocating to Australia? Make Your Transition as Smooth as Possible

Useful Links & Resources

✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.

📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Australia with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.

👩🏻‍💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.

5. Visit Before They’ll Let You Sign

One significant difference in Australia is that it’s common for landlords or share house tenants to want to meet you in person before finalising any arrangement.

This isn’t just about seeing if you have the cash; it’s also about checking if you’re a good fit.

Share houses, especially, feel more personal—people want to know their new roomie won’t be a nightmare to live with.

So, if you see an ad you love, be prepared to attend an inspection or a “meet and greet.”

For more formal rentals, real estate agents typically hold open inspections on set days, and you have to line up with everyone else.

It’s competitive, so arrive early, look presentable, and have all your documents ready to go (a folder with printouts can make a great impression).

6. Consider Using an Agency (For a Fee)

If the stress of house hunting and finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa is too much, or you’re pressed for time, another option is to use a relocation or property-finding agency.

These agencies can sort out your preferences, budget, and location requirements, then do the legwork for you—sending you property suggestions or even negotiating on your behalf.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Saves you time and headache, local expertise, possibly better negotiation power.
Cons: Costs money, which can range from a flat fee to a percentage of your monthly rent.

Think of this as a last-resort if you find the whole process overwhelming.

Most WHVers manage to find a place without this service, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it.

7. Use Airbnb for Your First Few Weeks

Airbnb is a lifesaver for short-term stays while you get your bearings and try to find your permanent accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

If you’re not sure which suburb you want to settle in, or you just need a place to crash while you go to inspections, Airbnb offers flexibility.

Benefits: Flexible booking, decent privacy, a local host who might have tips about the area.
Drawbacks: Can be pricier than a share house or hostel. Also, you’ll likely want something more permanent soon.

Sometimes, if you love the Airbnb and get along with the host, you might be able to negotiate a longer stay at a reduced rate. It never hurts to ask!

You can see the Airbnb we lived in, in North Sydney when we first arrived to Australia in one of my weekly YouTube vlogs before we moved into our Bondi accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa:

8. Subletting Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia

Australia, especially larger cities, has a thriving subletting scene.

People who travel for a few weeks or months might rent out their room short-term, which can be ideal if you’re flexible and want a place without a long lease commitment.

How to Find Sublets

Facebook Groups: Again, these are gold. People regularly post sublet offers like “I’m going home for Christmas; my room is free for 4 weeks.”
Gumtree: Australia’s version of Craigslist. You’ll find everything from used furniture to short-term lets.
Word of Mouth: If you meet people in hostels or through social events, ask around. Many sublets happen informally.

Subletting can be a great way to live in a nicer area than your budget might usually allow.

Plus, you’ll often skip the formalities of signing a contract or paying a large bond—though do be cautious and ensure you’re dealing with someone trustworthy.

9. Pet Sitting in Exchange for Free Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa

One slightly unconventional route is pet sitting or house sitting.

Many Aussies go on holiday and don’t want to leave their pets alone or pay hefty kennel/cattery fees, so they look for responsible sitters to stay in their home.

Platforms: TrustedHousesitters, Mindahome, Aussie House Sitters.
Pros: Free accommodation in potentially nice homes. Great if you adore animals.
Cons: Requires commitment. You might need to be around a lot to feed the pets, walk the dog, etc. Also, it’s temporary housing, so be prepared to hop around.

For a short term (e.g., your first few weeks in Australia), this can save you heaps of money while you sort out more permanent accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

RELATED blog post to read: 12 Convincing Reasons to Move to Australia in 2025

10. Top Tips for Success

Be Organised

Have your documents (like ID, references, proof of funds) neatly compiled in a folder or easily accessible on your phone. Landlords and flatmates appreciate someone who’s clearly on top of things.

Have a Game Plan

Are you set on living by the beach, or are you open to inner-city suburbs?

Make a list of non-negotiables (e.g., must be near public transport, have your own room) vs. nice-to-haves (e.g., backyard, dishwasher, in-house laundry).

Start Looking Straight Away

Don’t wait until you’re in Australia to begin your search. Start online, join those Facebook groups, and message potential housemates or landlords in advance.

Even if you can’t lock something down before landing, you’ll have a sense of what’s out there in terms of accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa.

Be Flexible

You probably won’t find your dream penthouse near Bondi Beach at a bargain price in your first week.

Adjust expectations: maybe you’ll start in a more modest place, then upgrade once you’ve got a job and local references.

Meet Potential Flatmates

Try to chat with them beforehand, either via FaceTime or in person. Chemistry matters—a good vibe means you’ll enjoy your time at home, rather than dreading it.

11. Welcome to Travel: A Handy Shortcut

If this all sounds overwhelming, you might consider Welcome to Travel—a specialised tour designed for travellers (especially WHV holders) to Australia.

They take care of initial accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa, help you navigate bureaucracy (like opening a bank account, getting a Tax File Number), and show you the highlights of whichever city you’re in.

Perks:

Stress-Free Arrival: You’re not rushing to find a flat on day one, because accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa is sorted for the duration of the tour.
Local Insights: They’ll take you around various neighbourhoods, helping you decide if you’re more of a Bondi Beach type or a Surry Hills type.
Social Circle: You’ll meet a group of like-minded newcomers who might also be searching for accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa. You could end up buddying up with someone and renting a flat together.

I have a discount codes for their packages which I’ll add in below:

$50 AUD discount for any Welcome tours: ORLAGHCLAIRE
$100 AUD discount for the 30-day Welcome to Travel East Coast tour: ECORLAGHCLAIRE
$150 AUD discount for any of the Welcome to Travel Travel Packages: PKGORLAGHCLAIRE

RELATED blog post to read: Welcome To Travel: Reasons To Tour Australia When You Land

12. Keep Adding to Your Toolkit

There are countless ways to find accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Be open to multiple channels: local community boards, hostel noticeboards, or even random conversations with Aussies who might say, “Oh, my mate is looking for a housemate!”

The more active you are, the more leads you’ll generate.

Embrace the Process

Yes, finding accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia can be stressful, but it’s also a rite of passage that pretty much everyone on a WHV experiences.

Take it step by step:

Sort your docs.
Decide on your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
Watch the market (Facebook, Domain, Realestate.com.au).
Don’t be afraid to jump on opportunities.
Visit in person if you can.
Be flexible and keep your sense of humour handy.

Once you land that place—whether it’s a short-term sublet or a 12-month lease—and start filling it with your new Aussie life, you’ll realise it was all part of the adventure.

Soon enough, you’ll be showing newcomers around and giving them your own insider tips on how to find a great flat.

Quick Recap for Securing Accommodation on a Working Holiday Visa

Documentation: ID, references, proof of funds, visa details.
Budget: Know what you can afford, factoring in rent + bills.
Early Research: Check Domain, Realestate.com.au, Flatmates.com.au.
Facebook Groups: Join location-specific or nationality-specific groups. Be quick to respond to listings.
In-Person Inspections: Landlords/agents often require a meeting before signing.
Agencies: Paid option to reduce stress.
Airbnb: Good for short-term stays while you search.
Subletting: Big in Aussie cities—flexible and potentially cheaper.
Pet Sitting: Free accommodation in exchange for looking after someone’s pets.
Welcome to Travel: Hassle-free arrival, potential new housemates, and a discount code available.
Top Tips: Stay organised, plan ahead, be flexible, and embrace the process.

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