Journeying Families Travel from Cairns to Sydney

Exploring Australia on a Working Holiday Visa: A 4-Week Journey

Planning a trip around Australia while on a Working Holiday Visa? Here's a firsthand account of a 4-week adventure that might inspire you.

The author's itinerary took them from the sun-kissed beaches of Sydney, up north to the vibrant cities of Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie, then west to Byron Bay with a brief stop at the bustling Gold Coast, before heading inland to the picturesque Sunshine Coast, Rainbow Beach, Agnes Water, and K'gari (Fraser Island). After a detour to the stunning Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach, they journeyed south to the tropical paradise of Mission Beach, and finally, back to the cosmopolitan city of Cairns.

Spring in Australia, from September to November, marked the beginning of the author's journey. However, it's essential to note that the seasons are almost opposite to those in Europe, with summer from December to February, autumn from March to May, and winter from June to August.

The author initially chose to rent a car for their trip instead of a camper or van, but a large car became necessary when their best friend joined them after two weeks. For accommodation, they relied on AirBnB and Booking.com for booking motels and self-catering hotels. Hotels can also be booked via Trivago.

The trip itinerary was flexible and changed during the journey, with a mix of city visits and road trips. Researching the average weather in the region you want to visit is advisable to ensure a comfortable travel experience.

It's worth mentioning that Cairns is pleasantly warm in winter, with temperatures between 20-30°C and little rain. The flight from Europe to Australia is at least 24 hours long, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

When it comes to family visits, it's crucial to remember that family members generally require a separate visitor visa, such as the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa – Sponsored Family Stream. As a WHV holder, you cannot sponsor family members yourself; the sponsor must be a settled Australian citizen or permanent resident aged over 18 with financial capacity to pay a security bond if required.

Begin visa application early due to processing times ranging from 3 to 6 months for family visitor visas. Help your family prepare documentation establishing their intent to visit temporarily, strong ties to their home country, proof of sufficient funds, and travel history, as this supports the visa application. Ensure your family members meet health and character requirements, including completing any required medical exams and police checks after official requests from immigration authorities.

Since the WHV lasts for typically 12 months, plan family visits accordingly to coincide with your stay to maximize time with them. Advise family visitors that they cannot work on their visitor visa but can enjoy tourism, family visits, and short study or courses up to 3 months. Prepare accommodation and travel plans within Australia to facilitate their visit and provide evidence of arrangements if requested during visa application.

In summary, while on a Working Holiday Visa yourself, your family members should apply for visitor visas sponsored by eligible Australian residents, and careful early preparation of documentation and timing is essential for a smooth visit arrangement.

Lastly, the author suggests being cautious with spontaneous bookings during the main season (December to January) due to difficulty in availability. They also advise that less can sometimes be more, suggesting that rushing from event to event may result in less enjoyment and taking in of sights.

A great time can be had regardless of the length of your stay. Whether you have two weeks, three, or even four, Australia offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Happy travels!

[1] Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (n.d.). Visitor visa (subclass 600) - sponsored family stream. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visa-600 [2] Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (n.d.). Health requirements. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/health-requirements [3] Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (n.d.). Character requirements. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/character-requirements [4] Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (n.d.). Visitor visa (subclass 600) - visa conditions. Retrieved from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-conditions/600

When embarking on a Working Holiday Visa journey in Australia, one might also consider embracing a different lifestyle, such as living temporarily in various cities and towns. For example, moving from the lively cities of Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie, to the laid-back vibe of Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast, or even the outdoor adventures of Rainbow Beach, Agnes Water, and K'gari (Frzer Island).

During the trip, the author made sporadic travel plans to accommodate their other commitments, like visits to family and friends in Cairns, and exploration of the Whitsunday Islands. This approach to travel allowed for a unique and personalized experience of the Australian lifestyle.