Your options
| Type | Typical cost, per week | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel | A$90 to A$160 [VERIFY] | Your first few days, meeting people fast |
| Share house | A$150 to A$300 [VERIFY] | Settling in for a few months |
| Homestay | A$180 to A$290 [VERIFY] | Extra support if English is still developing |
| Own rental | A$300+ [VERIFY] | Once a job and longer-term plan are settled |
A hostel or share house is the normal first stop, don't feel pressure to commit long-term on day one.
How far ahead to book
Book your first 1 to 2 weeks before you land, so you're not job hunting for accommodation and a job at the same time. Beyond that, plenty of people find a longer-term share house in person once they've had a few days to see a suburb, meet people, and get a feel for where they actually want to live.
What to check before you book
- Distance to public transport and your likely job area
- Whether bills are included in a share house listing
- Cancellation policy, in case your plans shift
- Reviews from other working holiday makers specifically, not just general travellers
Don't wire a bond to someone you've never met. Share house scams targeting new arrivals are common. Video call before you commit, and be wary of any listing that pressures you to pay a bond before you've seen the room, even virtually.
Sydney or the Gold Coast
See the full choosing a city guide for how rent and job markets compare between the two.