Working holiday to Australia

[acw]

I'd like to do a working holiday to Australia next summer.  Has anyone been with BUNAC?  Or another company?  What were your experiences (with the company)?  Is it worth going through a company or not?

I will ask later about tips for sightseeing and activites, for now I am interested in the best way to get there. 

Thanks in advance!

[mbrenn]

I went traveling in Australia and worked along the way. I wasn't with a company but managed to find work easily enough. It depends on where you are going and what kind of work you want to do.Fruit picking etc is always a popular job especially if you know whats in season and where to go. I found Sydney a little harder to find work, but there was this great place where they advertised all jobs aimed at travellers. It was really useful. (I'll find the address if needed).

I suppose if you need guaranteed work, a company would be the best bet. I saved a lot before I went so if I was ever without a job for a few weeks I had money to fall back on.

[jno]

remember northern summer is southern winter... well of course you do...

[acw]

Yeah jno I know!  Problem is that I finish my masters in September, and in Sept 06 I hope to be starting my LPC at law school  Given that I need to save up enough money first (esp after mbrenn's fab advice) I figured the earliest I could go would be April or May.  If I go with a friend we'd have to wait til June, though I guess she could join me out there.  Mind you - having just spent winter in Hamburg, I'm sure I could survive a winter in Oz! 

Thanks though - it's amazing how often I need to be told the bleeding obvious! :p

[saintee]

I travelled to New Zealand with BUNAC and they are well worth the money.  They organise the whole trip over and back but you are entirely free to do what you want in between going and coming home.  They don't intrude on what you are doing at all however are always there for advice or assistance if and when you need it.  They will also store excess luggage for you and provide a mail forwarding service.  If you want more information, just ask.