You might think it’s easy to get a job and find accommodation in Sydney due to its sheer size and endless options – but don’t get ahead of yourself. Many people make the mistake of landing in Sydney and getting caught up in the lights, music and nightlife culture and all of a sudden realise their bank account is nearly empty. Set your priorities straight and don’t fall into the trap of spending money when you are not making an income. Until you find a job, set yourself daily budgets and save money where you can until then. Check out Lainey Quinn (Little Miss Sunray)’s guide below on how to start a new life in the Harbour City.
Finding a Job in Sydney
The first place to start is to spruce up your CV so it will make you stand out against the other competitors. It might be a big city with lots of jobs but remember there are hundreds of other people looking at the same jobs as you on an hourly basis. Make sure your CV is clean and professional looking and has your Australian mobile number on it. Browse the various websites and Facebook pages that many backpackers will get jobs through. Here are five of the best sites I would recommend for finding a job in Sydney:
https://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au
https://www.taw.com.au/
The Sydney Bartender Exchange
https://www.seek.com.au
ETM Australia
There are lots of industries that accept applications from backpackers on working holiday visas, including sales and marketing, retail, hospitality and construction. Due to the booming construction industry, it’s easy for men to get jobs once they obtain their white card and any other necessary tickets. Women can also get jobs in the construction industry but there aren’t as many jobs on offer. Female backpackers tend to get jobs as traffic controllers, which also requires a white card, but the job pays well, and hours are flexible. There are plenty of jobs in sales and marketing and there are constantly signs outside restaurants and cafes looking for bartenders and waitresses.
Bear in mind that travellers on a working holiday visa can only stay with the one employer for up to six months at a time. That is, unless you work your socks off and get sponsored, then you can stay for as long as you like and maybe even apply for Australian residency.
Finding Accommodation in Sydney
Due to the sheer size of Sydney, there are plenty of options for accommodation that suit all types of budgets. Do you want to live in the heart of bustling Sydney CBD within arm’s reach of all the clubs, bars and shops? Or perhaps you prefer the serenity and beauty of romantic Bondi Beach? Either way, the options are endless and you will have no problem finding somewhere to rest your head after a day of applying for jobs. If you are looking for accommodation in the centre of the city I would recommend Wake Up or Hump hostel – and if you opt for a haven in Bondi Beach stay at the Village Hostel.
Prefer to keep searching? Check out these top three links:
Sydney Flatmates/House share/Roomshare/Accommodation
Sydney Flat & Flatmates, House Share & Lease Transfers
Prices vary depending on which suburb you decide to live in, but a hostel will usually cost between $150-$200 per week for a shared room and rent prices are double that. For a private room in a shared house in Bondi Beach, expect to pay around $350 per week and the bond is usually three-four weeks rent.
For those who opt for less expensive suburbs in Sydney, the rent prices will drop dramatically, but do remember that travel costs from these suburbs into the city or to work could set you back at least $100 per week.
What to do if you start running out of money?
Do a bit of online hunting and see if there is any cheaper accommodation that you could stay in. Start to ration what you buy and start a new life of microwaved noodles and Tim Tams. Try not to get tempted by the incredible selection of clothes shop in Sydney CBD and maybe stick to chilling out in Bondi Beach for a week or two and just relax on a budget.
The Author
Lainey Quinn is an Irish travel blogger currently living in Sydney, Australia. She started her travels off in Cuba where she then headed to the Land of Oz. After travelling the East Coast and completing five months of rural work as a banana peeler in Queensland, she is now working as a Digital Marketing Executive in Bondi Junction. Check out her travel blog or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.
Top Things to Do in Sydney this Winter
Don’t let the cold weather in Sydney turn you off venturing outside, there is so much to see and do this winter. Check out Lainey Quinn’s top seven things to see and do in the wintery Harbour City in 2018:
- Winter isn’t the same without a bit of ice skating. Grab your coat and head to Bondi Beach where the city’s only seaside open-air ice rink will be open as part of Bondi Winter Magic, taking place from 28th June – 29th July 2018.
- Vivid Light Festival will be illuminating Sydney again for the seventh year in a row and attracting tens of thousands of people to the city. Head to this spectacular event between 25th May – 16th June and enjoy the magic.
- Opt for a chilled night and head for Event Cinema in Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction. Afterwards, treat yourself to a pizza from Bondi Pizza and get a sneaky dessert from the Chocolate Bar.
- If the budget allows for it, head to one of Sydney’s famous outlets and get your shopping game face on. Some of the best outlets include DFO Homebush and Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre and are very easy to reach using public transport.
- Go for a romantic walk around the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au), get a hot chocolate and watch the Sydney Harbour glow in the dark.
- Grab your wetsuit and hit the waves at Bondi Beach, Bronte Beach or Coogee Beach. Don’t let the cold weather put you off getting your toes wet and, whatever you say, it’s not as cold as the 40 Foot on Christmas Day back in Ireland!
- If you have been following the Bledisloe Cup Festival, don’t miss arch-rivals Qantas Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks face off at ANZ Stadium on 8th August 2018.
