How To Get A Job In The Whitsundays
Do you dream of working in paradise? With turquoise blue waters and tropical temperatures, the Whitsundays are an incredible place to live and work! Everyone has to work, and finding a job in a place this beautiful may actually have you looking forward to your job every day.
So you're wondering how to get a job in the Whitsundays. With the right resources and perseverance, you can easily find work in this heavenly corner of Australia. We'll break down the types of jobs you can find, where to find them, and other important requirements like visas and accommodation. Get ready to plan your dream life of working in the Whitsundays!
How To Get A Job In The Whitsundays
Getting a job in the Whitsundays is similar to getting a job anywhere else in Australia. You have to go through the same processes, but you get to do it somewhere warm and beautiful. Whether you're an Aussie local or you're an international traveler, switch up your life by applying for a job in the Whitsundays. Let's run through the step-by-step process of how to get a job in the Whitsundays, covering everything from brainstorming to applying to moving there!
Step 1: Visas
Before you can find a job in the Whitsundays, make sure you're allowed to work in Australia! This step obviously only applies to foreigners. But it is essential to make sure your visa allows you to work. Double-check your visa info on Australia's Immigration or VEVO websites. There are lots of different visa types, such as working holidays, student visas, partner visas, and more.
Even if you are allowed to work in Australia, make sure you know what the restrictions are. Some visas only allow a certain number of hours, and some limit the time you can spend with one employer. Before you apply for jobs in the Whitsundays, brush up on your visa requirements and leave time to apply for a new visa if needed.
Step 2: Planning
It's good to have a general idea of what you're looking for in the Whitsundays before you start applying for jobs. For those who don't know, the Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 tropical islands in the Coral Sea. If you want to work in the Whitsundays, your best bet is to find a job in Airlie Beach. This small tourist town on the Australian mainland is the hub for visitors to the islands. So here you'll have more work opportunities and accommodation options than out on the islands themselves.
If you really want to work on an island, you'll have to find work on an island that is actually inhabited, like Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, or Hayman Island. Or you can find work that gives you the opportunity to go out to the islands daily. Once you have an idea of where you would want to base yourself, start thinking about the actual industry and type of work you want to go for!
Types Of Jobs In The Whitsundays
There are so many different jobs in the Whitsundays that you can apply for! But remember, the Whitsundays are a stunning area and there may be lots of other people applying for jobs as well. Of course, you'd have a better chance of getting a job if you have experience in that area. But even if you're looking to branch out and try something new, here are some of the top industries in the Whitsundays that are often hiring.
Find a more in-depth description of jobs in the Whitsundays here.
- Tourism - Work as a tour guide, sales rep, or customer service rep for one of the many tour companies! This is a great way to explore the Whitsundays while you're working.
- Hospitality - Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars often need housekeepers, waiters, bartenders, receptionists, cooks, etc.
- Sailing - The Whitsundays are a hub for sailing! Having sailing crew experience is best, but the Whitsundays are a great place to learn as well.
- Maintenance - Handymen (and women) are always welcome in the Whitsundays! Boats and resorts always need trades to help keep things running smoothly.
- Farm Work - Whether you're completing your 88 days of working holiday regional work, or you just want to work in agriculture, there are some great farms in this area of QLD.
- Remote Work - Nowadays, remote work is more common than ever! Whether you live abroad and want to work for a Whitsundays company, or you have another remote job and you just want to live in the Whitsundays, there is nothing stopping you!
Step 3: Applying
Once you've got your visa and your industry picked out, start applying for jobs in the Whitsundays! The majority of job applications are online nowadays, so type up a great resume, get some references, and start sending applications around. Remember, the Whitsundays are competitive, so the more places you apply the better.
Seek, Indeed, Jora, and other classic job search websites will come in handy. You can also research different companies in the Whitsundays and apply directly on their websites, or check local and backpacker Facebook Groups. Or if you've already made your way to Airlie Beach, consider walking around and handing out resumes in person. Employers often respect people who apply the old-fashioned way and actually start a conversation in real life!
Step 4: Moving To The Whitsundays
The last step in securing your job in the Whitsundays is moving up there! You can also move up there before you get the job, particularly if you're planning on handing out resumes in person. But if you want the security of an actual job offer before you move to the Whitsundays, you can organize this step after you find a job.
Finding places to rent in Airlie Beach can be tough because it's such a hotspot and lots of people want to live there! Check your standard rental search websites like Real Estate and Gumtree. You can also check Facebook Groups or chat to local businesses about their recommendations. If you are going to work in a resort, particularly on a remote island, they may offer staff accommodation so definitely check that.
If you are planning on moving to Airlie Beach and still haven't found somewhere to live, you can find somewhere to stay short-term on Airbnb. Or you can stay in a hostel! Neither of those are ideal long term, but they can give you a place to stay while you find something else. Hostels are the cheapest option, and you may be able to score a work for accommodation deal at a hostel in the area.
The Best Time Of Year To Work In The Whitsundays
You can live and work in the Whitsundays year round, but September to January are peak tourism times in the area. So there may be more work available during those months! September and October have some of the best weather and sailing conditions, and it's whale season so there are more boats heading out daily.
December and January are some of the hottest summer months, but it's also holiday season! So tourism may ramp up during holidays and you might find more jobs. No matter what, you can find work in the Whitsundays if you really want it! Just be persistent and committed and don't give up if you can't find your dream job right away. Living and working in paradise is well worth the effort you may go through during the job search process, so just stick with it and you're sure to find something amazing.
