It’s never easy moving away from the comforts of the country you call home, and being Australia you’re guaranteed to be a long way from home wherever in the world you’re from. Hat’s off for making it this far!

You’ve touched down in Australia, the first concern might be where to lay your head the first night and then you have to contend with the inevitable jet lag. If you’re lucky enough to have any friends or relatives that you can call upon, that’s great, a familiar face can make this daunting experience feel a little more comfortable. It’s best to make arrangements prior to getting to Australia to save ‘dropping in’ on someone and putting them in an awkward situation!

The same goes if you’re free soloing, do a little research into local hostels, hotels, Airbnb’s or whatever you fancy prior to your arrival and book yourself in for a night or two, this at least gives you a destination to aim for when you leave the airport, preventing you from feeling completely lost. All the major cities in Australia have numerous hostels to accommodate a traveller like yourself, so it’s often a good place to start and meet new people, most likely in a similar position to yourself.

Once you’ve had a little time to gather yourself together after the long flight, and feel on top of the jet lag, it’s time to go about setting up your new life in Australia. Two key essentials to living a life in the 21st century (unfortunately) are money and phones. You may have travelled across the world, but the basics are the same!

First things first, get an Australian bank account set up. Commonwealth Bank, National Australian Bank (NAB), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), and Westpac Bank are the big four and you can’t go too wrong with any one of them, they all offer competitive rates and prices, do a little research to see which one suits you best, or pick the one with the prettiest bank card. Personally I chose NAB, they had zero fees for their current account and a stunning pink card, they have treated me well and I have no complaints. Head into a local branch with all the essentials (passport and visa) and go about getting an account set up (you may have to make an appointment and go back another time). To open a bank account you will require a Tax File Number (TFN), this can be obtained online or in a local council or government building and they get it done for you quite easily. Almost certainly you will need an address to register an account (same applies for a TFN), if you haven’t got the benefit of friends or family in the area then best use the address of your temporary accommodation (can be changed at a later date) and ask for the bank cards to be delivered to the branch. This will normally take at least a few days, but when it’s done you can spend your hard-earned savings without the need to carry wads of cash or incur extra international bank charges.

Now you have an Aussie bank, you can go about getting a phone contract sorted! Optus and Telstra are the two main operators, and both offer really good rates on calls, texting and mobile data from as little as $10 or $20 a month. If you wanted a little less commitment, and were thinking pay as go would suit you better then there is loads of options and you can pick up a SIM card from supermarkets or a local 7-11 shop for as little as $2. My top tip for phone contracts is that the best deals you can get here are on 12 month contracts, if you head to an Optus store immediately you may be able to get yourself one. I pay $47.50 a month for 80GB Data (very useful when farming) with unlimited texts and calls, plus I get free Optus Sport ($15 a month normally) which among other things shows all Premier League and Champions League football.

One other thing worth considering when you first arrive in Australia (especially if you went for some cheap travel insurance) is setting yourself up with Medicare which is the publicly funded universal health care system and may just come in handy during your time in Australia. Again this can be done online or over the phone, but it is sometimes easier going into a local government building and speaking to someone to help you through the process. Remember to take all your official travel documents and your passport!

Now you have the essentials you can begin your life in Australia, you can now work, travel or do both to your heart’s (or bank account) desire.

Without a doubt one of the best decisions I made when coming to Australia was to buy a car, yes, it costs money, can be hassle, takes up time and effort but seriously it’s all worth it! If you have the money to spend and are willing to put in the effort, it can revolutionise your experience Down Under, let me explain why and give you some tips to help you on your way.

If you want to see all of Australia far and wide then what can compare to doing it all under your own steam with the freedom and fun of your own vehicle! Who doesn’t love a road trip? You can fly to a lot of places, but that often works out being expensive and then you end up missing half the experience of travelling in Australia. I found lots of the good times and excitement was in the journey! The Australians have got one of the worst train networks I have ever seen, it’s practically non-existent as it seems to be more expensive than flying and slower than driving! The only remaining option is a long-distance bus or coach journey, but where’s the freedom and fun in that? I would say a bus/coach is only worth it if you’re in Australia for a short amount of time and looking to book on to an all-inclusive trip up the east coast. But what you see and what you get for the cost of these tours is not comparable to doing it in your own car, a used car is cheaper than you might think.

I’ve lived in most corners of Australia, metropolitan or rural, and my car has been with me every step of the way. Every time I want to move places I just pack the car up and go. The benefits of a car are endless, you’re not restricted to a suitcase every time you go somewhere new, all the extra gear you acquire on your travels can be kept until when you need it again. I’m talking tents, camping chairs, duvets, pillows, TV’s, whatever it is it can come along for the ride with you and if you’re lucky your travel companions too.

Having some mates to split the cost of a car with is the most ideal situation to be in, then an investment of $1000 each when there is 3 or 4 of you can get you a pretty decent ride. Then all the running costs such as fuel, insurance and registration can be split as well making it easier for everyone. Then the next thing you find out is that an 8 hour drive is a breeze if there’s a few of you sharing the load.

In order for your newest 4-wheeled prized possession to be road legal it requires to be registered and at least have third party insurance, let me explain. The registration is what relates the car to the owner and to the state it is licensed, it costs in the region of $195 every 3 months however that can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the term of registration. Third party insurance is necessary as a minimum, it basically means the cost of the damage to someone else’s vehicle is covered in the case of an accident that is your fault, and all you have to cover is an excess payment (often $250 or $500 depending on your insurer and insurance plan). This is a legal requirement so if you’re in an accident that isn’t your fault the cost of the repairs on your car will be covered by the other individual’s insurance. This is to protect drivers on the road as repair costs can often escalate to much more than people can afford. There are many insurers across Australia, but it is important to do your research as some only cover the car in the state of registration, which is no good if you plan on travelling far and wide. From experience AAMI is great for all-round value (approx. $30/month) and you are covered country wide.

The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) is the national emergency breakdown service, and is highly recommended, if your car (as trusty as it may seem) has an issue in the middle of The Outback (or anywhere) it can be very expensive to get it towed back to a recovery centre. To avoid these costs then you need to be a member of the RAA, basic plans are in the region of $10-$15/month and is definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking to buy a car on the cheap!

Now, when it comes to buying a used car in Australia the options are limitless so here’s a few things to look out for and to bear in mind when on the search. A reasonable budget for initial cost I would say is somewhere in the $2k-$5k price bracket. This way you should avoid a car that needs to you take out a mortgage to pay for, and also avoid one that will fall apart 500m down the road. I know someone that paid $700 for a car and it broke down within an hour of driving, true story! However, you could spend $1k and it be your dream car and it lasts another lifetime, that is just the lottery of buying used cars.

I’m not a mechanic and if you’re reading this I take it neither are you! But before buying a car try to give it a good look over, inside, outside and underneath, ask to see details of recent services as this will give the best indication of what state the car is in or how well it has been looked after by previous owners. To fit into the budget I mentioned, you’re likely to be looking at cars with a very large number on the odometer, 240,000km to 310,000km is probably the sweet spot, much over 350,000km then inevitably the car won’t have much more to give! Take it for a test drive, check to see if the electrics work, the brakes feel good, listen to the engine (keep the radio off) as this is the best way to see what you’re getting for your money. If you have a mechanic mate then great, take them along to view the car, but unfortunately this is all the help I can give! From experience I have had great success/value for money when buying Japanese cars (Honda and Subaru more specifically) that are from 1996-2003. A top tip is to keep an eye out when on the road to see what the older cars are you still see regularly as these will be the trusty and reliable ones.

I can offer a better insight into what sort of car/vehicle you should get on your travels around Australia. 4WD can come in handy but is definitely not essential, 4WD’s often offer lots of space which is more essential as you can then fill it with people and luggage! People carrier’s and estate cars are often great for having lots of space, otherwise keep an eye out for a car with a roof rack as very useful for gaining extra space. If you’re feeling really creative and want to go full nomad then the converted minivans are the one, this way your travel and accommodation is sorted wherever you go.

Lastly, keep an eye on backpacker Facebook groups as there is often people leaving Australia and looking to sell on their much-loved cars and minivans, just keep in mind what I’ve mentioned previously. Now enjoy the travelling with all the freedom you desire!

After spending our first week at Hostel 109, Trevor the owner helped us organise ourselves and pointed us in the right direction. We jumped in our Honda CRV Sport and set course for McLaren Vale, our first experience of farm work would be grape picking and it was far from ideal. This is what we wish we knew then.

The majority of this information can be found on the Australian Governments Immigation website.

These are the main areas of specified work, Immigration expands further on these areas in the link above, you will find the list is fairly extensive. Below we have listed some examples of what the government views as eligible work and also what it does not.

Now there is a theme to these examples, primary work involving plant or animal cultivation is clearly eligible, however just working in this industry is not enough. Being a nanny on a farm isn’t enough, nor is providing wine tastings in a cellar door. Effectively the work must be related to the industry you are in, admin will not count, nor will doing the books for a mining company.

All that being said, we don’t necessarily believe this is how things always work out when Immigration are assessing your application. Take the cellar door example, if you are working in the winery standing on grapes during the weekdays and on the weekends you are doing shifts in the cellar door, how will Immigration know? The primary evidence Immigration uses is your payslips, unless the payslip actually asserts that you work in the cellar door its our belief they will grant your application. The same actually goes for almost all industries, especially smaller businesses where you may be taking on multiple roles, speak to your employer and make sure the job title on the payslip is the one you need. Many employers don’t even specify a role on your payslip, if this is the case and you are working for a business with an eligible ABN then we believe Immigration will grant your visa no matter what you were actually doing.

The red zones are ineligible and regarded as urban. As you can see these urban areas are fairly small in comparison to the size of Australia. Tasmania is just at the bottom of this picture and its a fully rural state.

This image is a screenshot taken from The 88th Day app, available on iOS and Android. You can find the precise postcodes we used to draw these red zones that count at the bottom of this page.

In simple terms Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and The Central Coast are all ineligible in NSW. The whole of ACT is ineligible, Brisbane and Gold Coast in Queensland. The urban area surrounding Melbourne in Victoria and the urban area surrounding Perth in WA. As a general rule, if you drive for an hour outside of the city, you’re probably safe. Anywhere else in the massive country of Australia and you’re good.

One of the great mysteries, and sources of the most speculation when you’re completing your 88 days farm work is exactly how many of your farm work days will count. Rumours of a 35 hour cut off mark are rife throughout rural Australia as backpackers struggle to make the holy grail of a 7 day week. Here at The 88th Day we are in a fortunate position of being able to communicate with Immigration and we have a few discoveries to share with the working holiday visa makers of Australia.

This is probably the most contentious aspect of the government documentation and a quick disclaimer, our information is not official but we believe it is reliable and hopefully it helps settle a few minds.

Firstly Immigration don’t want to comment on whether there is a structure they are given to calculate days. We believe there must be one, how strongly it’s enforced, simply we don’t know. What we do know though is their bottom limit for a full time job is around 30 hours. Taken from the Immi website:

The example here states Maria works 30 hours a week for 6 months and she is granted the 3rd year visa. This is likely the minimum hours the Government will accept but we do believe there is some leeway. From this we think the Immigration day counting structure looks like this:

6 hours =< weekly hours < 12 hours = 1 day
12 hours =< weekly hours < 18 hours = 2 days
18 hours =< weekly hours < 24 hours = 3 days
24 hours =< weekly hours < 30 hours = 4 days
30 hours =< weekly hours = 7 days

The 88th Day have built a free App for IOS that will do these calculations for you as well as save your data week by week and give you a precise figure of how many days you have remaining.

Download The 88th Day app for iOS and Android.

The 88th Day App on iOS uses Apple’s Core Data system and on Android we use Realm’s database to keep hold of all your records on your device for however many companies you work for, however long it takes you.

The final piece of the puzzle is has by far the most grey areas. According to Immigration, for work to be counted as the full 7 days you need to work the same hours as you would if you are working hourly.

However we think its very unlikely Immigration have any idea how many hours you are actually working on a piece-rate agreement. Most payslips, the primary evidence Immigration uses, will only declare the weight of fruit the worker picked and the amount they were paid. No mention of days worked or hours worked are likely to be on these payslips. Basically we believe as long as you are being paid around $350 a week or more, you will have your visa granted. As long as the number of days you worked isn’t clearly stated as less than 5, you can always take the position that you were working full time, but unfortunately you were a slow picker.

You’ll find below a letter we have been shown from an Immigration minister, in which she states “Note that in relation to piecework, special provisions apply. Provided the working holiday maker is on a valid piecework agreement, and submits a copy with their visa application, then any day on which they have worked and been paid will be counted as a day.”

This is not an exact science, the regulation is deliberately unclear, the Government of Australia has introduced this programme for one reason and it states it here in the 2017 Ombudsman Report into the Working Holiday Visa.

“The 417 visa has introduced an uncapped labour source into the Australian market that fills a low-skill labour gap in the domestic workforce, particularly the specified work requirement of the 417 visa program which fills the labour shortage associated with food production in regional and rural areas”.

The reason we are all doing this specified work is because the government couldn’t get Australians to do this particular type of work, as long as the work is done and the government get their visa fees they don’t really care too much about the specifics of individual cases. Many visa applications are automatically accepted and even when investigations take place, normally only a sample of evidence is asked for.

My final advice to you is this, do as many hours per week as you can, but don’t get overly hung up if you’re not always getting 30 hours a week. If time runs out and our calculator [iOS & Android] says you haven’t quite got the 88 days yet, do not worry. We think as long as you have 13 payslips, the likelihood is your application will still be granted.

Finally if all this is making you feel extra nervous about getting your days, sign up to our service and we will make sure you get a good hourly job with reliable hours.

Below we have quoted information we have received from Gale Lalor, Acting Assistant Secretary, Immigration and Citizen Services Group. To sum up what she is saying, effectively if your employer believes you are working full time for them, then there is no minimum hours for a full day.

“To meet the three months specified work requirement, applicants must work for the same number of days that a full-time employee in that job would normally work in a three month (88 calendar day) period. Note that the work does not have to be full time, or be performed in a continuous period.

All WHV workers, not just those working full time, can count rest days as part of the 88 calendar days. Put simply, in most circumstances, applicants can include two notional rest days in the 88 calendar days for every five days worked.

The department recognises that there is a range of circumstances affecting what constitutes a normal full day in each eligible industry, especially in the agricultural industries. For this reason, the policy does not prescribe the minimum hours for a normal or ‘full’ day.

As a general guide, if the employer reasonably considers that an applicant has completed a normal full day of work for that industry, then the departmental decision maker may be generally be satisfied to count that day of work toward the three months requirement. Note that in relation to piecework, special provisions apply. Provided the working holiday maker is on a valid piecework agreement, and submits a copy with their visa application, then any day on which they have worked and been paid will be counted as a day.”

The simple answer is anywhere rural will do, there are over 9500 registered farms in Australia and almost all of them will count. But we know many of you won’t have any clue about rural Australia so here is a short list of places we know well.

South Australia - McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Adelaide, Gawler, Mount Gambier, Berri, Renmark, Murray Bridge, Penola

Victoria - Mildura, Shepparton, Robin Vale, Bright, Cobram, Beechworth

New South Wales - Griffith, Hillston, Batlow, Forbes, Orange, Tumut, Young, Wee Waa, Moree

Queensland - Bundaberg, Gatton, Murgon, Childers, Gayndah, Rockhampton, Bowen, Innisfail, Cairns

Western Australia - Mundaring, Bussleton, Margaret River, Manjimup, Lakeland

Northern Territory - Darwin, Katherine

Tasmania - Smithton, Devonport, Ulverstone, Burnie, Deloraine, Launceston, Scottsdale, Richmond, New Norfolk, Huonville

All of the above areas have various different forms of specified work, visit The Harvest Trail for a full list. We picked grapes in McLaren Vale, Apples in Shepparton and packed potatoes in Barossa Valley. Barossa Valley was the pick of the 3, we got pretty good hours and the pay was hourly. McLaren Vale grape picking is a farce to be honest.

Like with most things the place to start is Google, a generic Google search will throw up numerous websites advertising all sorts of rural farm work, there is the larger job advertising sites such as Indeed or Jora however this is where everybody looks and you’re likely to be competing with a large number of backpackers! Similarly there is the Backpacker Job Board which can be helpful but often is often the same story.

If you are prepared to be a bit more proactive, check out the Harvest Trail which gives insight into the fruit and veg that is in season in each state of Australia so can inform you where there is likely to be work for the more seasonal produce. Many jobs are available through working backpacker hostels which are set up in rural areas where there are often jobs available, they all operate on a first come first serve basis and require you to stay at the hostel to secure the work so you have to venture there and find out.

Some of the most insightful information with regards to farm jobs is spread through word of mouth, so when you are out and about with fellow backpackers chat to them as there’s a good chance they’ve completed their 88 days and willing to help. Similarly there are useful Facebook groups that offer a similar service as well as job postings from farmers themselves. The one thing to watch out for is a scam, as unfortunately there are people out there trying to take advantage of the many backpackers travelling throughout Australia. Always do your research and keep your wits about you!

My tip would be try and go to the unpopular places, at unpopular times. Every backpacker in Australia wants to be in Queensland, picking Avocados in the sun during the winter. If you move to Bundaberg or Childers in July, you’re probably not going to get much work. Do your research and pick up the phone, most farmers don’t do computers, we are based in South Australia because we get the most jobs for backpackers here. Plus you can live right in Adelaide and still get your days.

Anyone who works in recruitment will know there are certain techniques we can use that don’t work for individuals looking for jobs, approaching a CEO in a pub you know he drinks in or attending industry events gives us a major advantage. We also use LinkedIn but I’m not sure how well that would work for individuals, that said we do see business pages searching for workers fairly regularly. We have also found great success with techniques anyone can replicate, our Head Of Recruitment Tom Little has some top tips for you.

The 88th Day app on iOS & Android is the place to start, its free to download and we have put 1000s of hours into making it the most convenient way to browse through almost 3000 eligible employers in all 6 states plus the Northern Territory. You can access the phone numbers, email address, websites, locations and information regarding the different types of work and when its best to apply. Everything you need to secure yourself work that leads to a second year visa here in Australia. We worked through the entirety of the governments rural postcode policy, so you can apply to employers safe in the knowledge they are based in rural postcodes. You will notice the huge green region marked on our map, this is area in which we provide share house accommodation. If you are willing to move to South Australia then take a look at our accommodation page and we can make sure you have a nice place to stay while you complete your farm work.

Yellow/White Pages - Type the correct terms into these pages and you will find a long list of businesses in the industry. I find most of the pages contain at least an email but what you’re looking for is a phone number. Call the number and you will likely find yourself speaking to a receptionist, find out how the factory/farm does their recruitment. Often they will use a recruiter or a labour hire company, ask for their details and contact them. Sometimes though these businesses can be quite old fashioned and will rely on CVs that are handed over in person, if this is the case get yourself down there with an updated version of your CV.

Directories - Many farms and factories can be difficult to find using conventional methods, often they have very poor websites and search engines wont find them. These are the ones you want to find, while the average backpacker browses Gumtree and Facebook you can get on the phone to these businesses directly. Use broad terms to describe food, if you know the area produces tonnes of lemons, oranges and limes find the directory for citrus producers in that area. Most producers will be part of a group, find the website for the group and on there you will find details of individual companies.

Aussie Farms - This method is a little unethical I will admit, if you are unwilling to work with meat then this will not interest you. Some of the best hourly paid jobs you can complete your specified work with are in the meat industry. Vegan activists have done me a huge favour in creating this repository listing over 3000 farms and packing facilities, we have mined it extensively to find jobs for backpackers. It’s free and open source, use the details on the site to contact the companies directly, but I probably wouldn’t let on where you found them.

Use these methods correctly and you will find yourself a good job, my advice would be to get off Gumtree and Facebook, it’s easy to apply through these links and often farms are inundated with responses. Get off your arse and meet the employers face to face, you aren’t applying to work in a tech firm, consider what farmers are normally like and what would make you desirable to them.

Award Pay Work – Without doubt the best way to do your 88 days is with a reliable hourly paid job, the high minimum wage in Australia means most of these jobs pay over $800 a week. Download The 88th Day app if you’d like one on either iOS & Android, it’s our specialty.

Piece Rate Work – This work refers to the payment scheme used by many farms, paying workers by the weight of product they pick. Make no mistake some workers make great money, however the majority doesn’t. Farmers regularly skew the system, so only the top 25% of workers make minimum wage. This top 25% of workers are rarely backpackers and almost always experienced pickers who have made careers out of picking fruit. Be honest with yourselves, do you think you’re going to be faster than a 35 year old Tongan with 20 years experience?

Another factor to consider is that piece-rate work is outside 99% of the time and work relies on the weather. If it rains you’re not working, fruits not ripe? You’re not working. Harvests are unpredictable and work is not evenly spread. Piece–rate work will get you days, but its unlikely to save you much money.

Most importantly you need all the proper documentation that proves you are eligible to work in Australia, it’s recommended to print a hard copy of your visa grant notification, a copy of your passport, then details of your Tax File Number (TFN) and bank details so that you can get paid! Otherwise have an email file of screenshots on your phone of these important documents as getting organised can make life a lot simpler a little down the line.

Next up you need to get yourself kitted out and ready for work on a farm or factory, your work attire is likely to get dirty, ripped and smelly! Buy some cheap t-shirts, long sleeve tops (easy sun protection), trousers and suitable footwear. Shops such as Kmart and The Reject Shop are your best bet as you can sort yourself from head to toe for about for $20-$50. It may not be the latest fashion, but definitely purchase some hi-visibility clothing as is a standard requirement for a majority of rural workplaces around Australia. Consider what else might come in handy with more specific jobs roles, such as gloves or an extra large sun hat.

To maximise your chances of finding work it is recommended to buy a car, it may seem a hefty investment but definitely worthwhile if you’re travelling in a group. Due to a majority of the jobs you’re looking for being in rural areas, having a car really does massively improve your chances of finding work quickly as those with independent transport are much more appealing to the farmers, it’s a harsh reality. On the plus you have a car and the whole of Australia at your disposal once your work is done!

Securing a job through a working hostel can have its benefits, such as accommodation being secured as well, however more often than not you are paying a lot in rent for accommodation with very few amenities whilst being crammed in a room full of bunk beds. But until The 88th Day came along it was the most viable option and it’s always very social as there’s a lot of backpackers all doing the same.

Otherwise if you have a bigger budget then private rental is a possibility through either lease agreements (6 months minimum) or Airbnb, but expect to pay quite a bit more!

The other end of the spectrum is finding a local campground to pitch a tent, or if you’re travelling in style then a campervan or converted mini van will do the trick! If this is the case find a local gym to join and make use of the showers when you can to maintain a relative degree of hygiene.

Obviously we are biased but we believe The 88th Day is your best bet with regards to finding accommodation and South Australia is a fantastic place to complete your days. Using our app, available on both iOS & Android, you are free to choice the type of work you would like to do, picking from over 600 eligible employers in the Adelaide region . We offer the social experience of backpacker hostels but without the overpriced and cramped rooms you see in so many places. All of our share house have 3 bedrooms, each with 2 bunkbeds, 4 lockers and plenty of room for extra storage. The living spaces contain everything you need, a large full kitchen with 2 fridges, all standard appliances and plenty of prep space. Each house has free wifi and every living room has plenty of sofa space and a large smart TV, with lots of seating outside so you can enjoy the Aussie sunshine. Sign up and we will get in contact with you to discuss a move in date, let us know if you’re a couple of in a group because we will make sure you’re all in the same house.

Once you’re up and running and working towards completing the 88 days, it is important to keep records and document your time working as this is all evidence that proves you did the specified work required for a second year visa, and being able to supply this information is likely to be the difference between staying in Australia or not!

The main things to keep hold of are the ABN and contact details of your employer as well as every payslip you receive, keep track of important emails regarding your payslips, and if you receive paper pay slips make sure you get a photo of it before it disappears into the unknown. These are essential to getting your visa approved so if your employer is holding them back or not providing them in the first place make sure you chase them up immediately as it’s a lot easier than doing so 6 months down the line whilst on the other side of Australia!

Whilst you’re at work and on the farms take photos of you, your mates and your surroundings, it’s great to do so firstly so you can savour the memories and the experience of completing the 88 days, but more importantly its further evidence that could come in handy when submitting your application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Use The 88th Day App on either iOS or Android to track your days and save those vital payslips for when the moment to apply comes.

Put simply, a big fat yes is the most appropriate answer. This question however, just like the farm work it entails, is a complicated one. A yes or no does not do it justice, let me explain.

For a very fortunate few, the 3 months rural farm work in Australia is the fondest memory of their time down under. The stories that make it into backpacking folklore, a couple that within a week of getting to Australia found themselves herding llamas on a quad bike earning $25/hour staying on a family farm with free accommodation and breakfast in bed each morning. That’s easy farm work if there is any, unfortunately there is very little of that going in the vast country that is Australia. These people really are the lucky ones that found themselves in a scenario that seems a mere myth or fairy tale to the rest of us backpackers who are breaking backs, whilst suffering from severe dehydration and sun stroke to make the extra dollars out on a vineyard.

There is such a variety in the type of work eligible for that illusive second year visa, many different locations, wages, and aspects of each job that would determine whether it’s an easy time, or straight up toughest 3 months of your working life.

What makes it hard? Chances are the job will involve manual labour of some kind, and for most people, particularly those that aren’t physically fit or used to laborious working days, then it will certainly be hard. Your body will ache from top to bottom after two days and getting out of bed at 6am the third day will be equivalent to climbing Everest. I reckon a free visa situated at the summit of the tallest mountain on Earth would motivate a few backpackers to attempt the climb, given the desire for that second-year visa by some! The same motivation drives you on to another day towards the 88th. Remarkably, the only thing that’s certain is that it can only, and often does, get easier!

Not only can farm work be hard physically, it can become a mental challenge too. Maybe you aren’t testing your physical capabilities each day at work but find yourself working in a factory of sorts doing one of the dullest jobs you can imagine, for example grading potatoes. No music allowed, the soundtrack is the constant whirring of machines and your company is someone not able to speak your language, leaving yourself with your own thoughts for 40 hours a week for 3 months whilst only being able to observe a million potatoes flying past you quicker than you thought was possible.

Another aspect that can be difficult for some, is the fact that you’re out in the sticks of rural Australia, miles from any real civilisation with not much for entertainment. The one thing I can say is to try and make the most of the unfamiliar situation you are in, find new ways to entertain yourself and most importantly get to know the others that are around you, make new friends, chances are it’s an alien experience for them too. And remember, it’s only temporary!

I know this hasn’t painted a pretty picture for you, but one thing to take away from it is to be prepared for anything, and an easy time is not one of them! Keep your fingers crossed for the llama farm as that’s perhaps all you can do. Remember why you’re doing it, get through 88 days and another year Down Under is all yours to enjoy!

Be on your toes – Always be prepared to take better roles if they are offered to you, many farms will have both piece rate work and hourly paid jobs. If an hourly paid job becomes available, don’t be shy, be the first to speak to your farmer about it.

Keep an ear out for news on the farm – Things can change quickly when it comes to harvesting fruit and veg. Often it’s not in the farmers interests to inform the staff that the season is coming to an end. Listen to your fellow workers and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Be willing to get in the car and leave – Don’t get stuck in a working hostel paying $200 a week, staying in a room with 20 other backpackers if you’re barely working 10 hours a week. Remember it speeds up the process massively if you’re working full time and those jobs are out there, we help people like you find them everyday.

Stand together with your fellow backpackers – Farmers have proven time and time again they don’t always have backpackers interests at heart. Stand up for each other, backpackers may come from all over the world but we are all connected through this process.

Maybe these 3 months aren’t quite how you imagined spending your time in Australia, however that doesn’t mean they can’t be a fantastic few months.

Day Trips – It may feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great activities within driving distance. Make the most of your weekends and your hard earned cash; rural Australia has world-class beaches and landscapes, take a drive!

Explore local produce – Many of our jobs are located close to top draw wineries, cheese and chocolate producers, not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

In-house entertainment – Head to the nearest charity shop/reject store and pick up some old fashioned entertainment. Board games, cards (learn to play shithead) and books are all great ways to spend your time on weeknights. If you’re staying with The 88th Day, give our accommodation team a ring and they will be happy to pick you up a few things, we love adding items to our share houses!

Exercise – Maybe this isn’t the entertainment everybody’s looking for, but the truth is the 88 days you spend farming is a great time to get fit. Local teams are always looking for extra bodies and most towns will have reasonably priced gyms.

Make bank - This may be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many backpackers finish their farm work with less than they started with. Having an hourly paid job with reliable hours is your best bet, if you have a constant income of $800 a week, saving money in these rural spots is easy. 13 weeks farm work is long, by the end you’ll be sick of your job and you’ll just want to stay in bed. My advice is book a holiday for the end of your farm work, the light at the end of the tunnel will give you the boost of motivation you need, plus you deserve it!

Freebies – Make the most of the goodies from work, many farms and factories will have excess stock, take advantage! Who turns their noses up at free food and wine?

Cook communally at home – Whether you’re in one of our share houses or living in a hostel, cooking at home as a group is a great way to count the pennies. Backpackers come from all over the world, encourage everyone to show off their skills in the kitchen.

Goon/Hollandia – Ok, we aren’t advocating for binge drinking. But jeez this is a cheap way to get drunk.

Ride sharing – Help the team out! Not everyone has cars and splitting the petrol costs such a simple way to count the cents.

So you made it! Congratulations, just 10% of WHV holders in Australia manage to complete their 88 days. What you have achieved is special, its a journey that only a select few can say they’ve experienced. Now its time to reap the rewards of all your hard work.

The process – Very similar to how you apply for the 1st visa, follow the links to start your application for the 417 Visa.

462 Visa application link.

The only difference is you will be asked for details regarding your specified work. The company name and details such as the ABN and address will be required, it is also possible for you to upload your pay slips at this stage, we recommend you do so.

When to Apply?

This depends on how you plan to spend your time, if you expect to run your years consecutively then you should be looking to apply as soon as possible, its impossible to predict how long applications will take to be granted but it usually takes at least a month.

If you are planning on leaving Australia after your 1st visa ends and then coming back at a later date, DO NOT apply for the 2nd year visa while the 1st is still active. If you apply for a 2nd year visa during your 1st year, when the visa is granted it will automatically start the day your 1st visa ends.

Use our calculator on The 88th Day App available for iOS and Android to check whether you make the 88 day limit, we have used figures given to us by immigration and we are confident it’s the best guideline available. If our counter hits 0 you are good to go!

First of all, calm down, if you’re fretting about the venomous snakes and poisonous spiders in Australia, then I’m guessing you haven’t been to Australia before. You certainly don’t have to be Bear Grylls to survive a couple years Down Under, let alone doing 3 months farm work in the rural areas.

Here’s some facts and figures to keep in mind; firstly, nobody in Australia has died from a spider bite since 1979 (which is when an anti-venom was introduced), that’s a record waiting to be broken but realistically the chances of that being you is so unbelievably insignificant it’s not worth worrying about. The snakes however, largely thanks to the super deadly Brown snake, are slightly more reason for concern. There were 35 recorded deaths between 2000 and 2016, 23 of which were because of the Brown snake. In the grand scheme of things that’s very little, the deadliest animal in Australia is actually a horse causing on average 8 deaths per year!

You’re more likely to be killed in the taxi from the airport than from the deadly snakes and spiders once you get to Australia.

Saying this, there is no denying the fact that these dangerous animals exist in Australia so there are a few strategies whilst farming to best protect yourself. If you are out in the fields picking fruit or working the vines, then it is recommended to cover yourself up, long sleeves, light trousers and gloves are the best way to protect yourself from any unexpected creepy crawlies in the bushes. This also does wonders for protecting you from the sun, which in the height of summer is just as dangerous!

You probably won’t come across many snakes; in 18 months in Australia, through farming and travelling the east coast I have seen a total of three snakes. One wasn’t venomous, another was a baby snake it seemed (1ft long), and the other admittedly was venomous, but realistically I was in no danger as I saw it well in advance and there were capable local hands close by to deal with it! The snake didn’t lay an eye on me and decide to go after me either, they are almost certainly trying to mind their own business, keep a safe distance and you’re in no danger!

The best advice to avoid the snakes, don’t go looking for them and watch where you’re walking particularly in rural areas. Typically, in areas where snakes/spiders are known to be, there is lots of signage with pictures and tips of how to remain safe. This way you should make it through your time farming without too many worries!

Hopefully after finishing your farm work you have saved plenty of money to travel the delights of Australia, its fair to say I’ve lived in some of the best bits myself. Here are my top tips for you.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this marathon post, finding good quality information isn’t easy for backpackers. Everyone is welcome to share any part of this guide, keep each other safe and best of luck.

There is often a lot of confusion around hours worked and days counted in a week, 35 hours is regarded as the minimum required to obtain a full working week be granted 7 days work. Immigration denies there is any cut off at all, they claim that as long as the employer views the work your completing as full time all 7 days in a week will count. I see no reason why a 30 hour week of working 6 hours a day Monday to Friday cannot be counted as 7 days if this is the industry standard for this role. Check out the Home Affairs website where it depicts an example of someone working 30 hours a week for 6 months is granted a third year visa. If this general rule is followed the work can be completed over multiple sessions on different farms around Australia.

Quoting Gale Lalor, Acting Assistant Secretary, Immigration and Citizen Services Group.

“The department recognises that there is a range of circumstances affecting what constitutes a normal full day in each eligible industry, especially in the agricultural industries. For this reason, the policy does not prescribe the minimum hours for a normal or ‘full’ day.

As a general guide, if the employer reasonably considers that an applicant has completed a normal full day of work for that industry, then the departmental decision maker may be generally be satisfied to count that day of work toward the three months requirement.”

By far the most popular job role to obtain a second or third year visa in Australia is fruit picking, this is by no means the only job role that satisfies the specified regional work, there is just a hell of a lot of fruit that needs to be picked in Australia. Other jobs include feeding and herding cattle, construction, landscaping plus many more so check out the Home Affairs website for all the details. Be wary of geographical location as this can have an impact on the whether the job is eligible or not, it has to count as a rural area, get all the details on the Home Affairs website.

If you’re lucky some jobs will come hand in hand with accommodation which will solve many of your problems, however really only the case if you’re working on smaller farms in particularly rural areas. There is a fairly large number of working hostels that offer jobs on local farms on arrival, but this is often expensive for what you’re getting, but sorts a job and place to live nonetheless. These are often are situated in the areas where a large number of jobs are offered in peak seasons for fruit and vegetable related jobs.

The things that catches a huge number of people out is thinking they can complete 88 days of farm in 3 months, in reality this is far from the truth. This can be the case if you are extremely fortunate, however always factor in extra time to allow for travel, the job to start of unexpected days off. In some job roles such as fruit picking, significant delays can occur if fruit isn’t ripe or the weather isn’t right, so to be on the safe side get cracking with your farm work earlier than you think.

Lastly, when you secure a job you might think your 88 days are in the bag, it’s just a matter of time. Again this is definitely not true, don’t forget you are doing a job and getting paid for it by someone for which this farm work is their livelihood so will not keep you on if you perform lower than their expectations. You could end up fired before you know and then you’re back to square one looking for a job!

Always keep your wits about you when completing your 88 days, be aware of what is happening around you and always watch out for scammers!