Perth is rocketing in popularity with working holidaymakers, and for good reason. More and more travellers are quickly realising that west is best, with Perth offering an unbeatable mix of stunning beaches, laid-back vibes, and plenty of opportunities to explore and work.
While it may not be as well-known as Sydney or Melbourne, Perth is the perfect destination for backpackers on a working holiday visa who want to experience the real Australia without the crowds.
This guide covers everything you need to know about making the most of your working holiday in Perth, from where to live and how to find work, to the best spots for your well-earned days off.
Understanding the Working Holiday Visa
First things first, if you’re planning to move to Perth on a working holiday you’ll need the right visa, and Australia offers two main options: Subclass 417 and Subclass 462. If you’re from the UK, Canada, or parts of Europe, the 417 visa is your go-to. For those from the US or some Asian countries, the 462 is for you.
The basics for eligibility are pretty simple: you’ve got to be between 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on where you’re from) and have a passport from an eligible country. You’ll also need to show proof that you’ve got enough funds (around AUD $5,000) to support yourself when you land.
Once you’ve got your visa sorted, you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months, working for any employer for up to six months at a time. If you want to stay longer, there’s a second-year visa, and even a third year. Just check the requirements first, as some nationalities are required to do regional work, like farm or hospitality jobs, to qualify.
The visa application is straightforward and costs about AUD $510. You can apply online, and with all your documents ready, it’s a pretty smooth process.
Cost of Living in Perth
When it comes to the cost of living, Perth lands somewhere in the middle compared to the bigger cities like Sydney and the cheaper cities like Darwin. Rent will likely be your biggest expense, especially if you want your own space.
A private apartment will set you back around AUD $500 a week, but if you don’t mind sharing, you can find rooms in shared houses for about AUD $200 a week.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that there’s a pretty extreme housing shortage in Perth at the moment, so you may have to be flexible when it comes to what you’re looking for to secure accommodation.
Utilities like electricity and water will add another AUD $30 to $50 per week, and groceries should cost you around AUD $80 to $100 weekly. Perth has a solid public transport system, so if you’re relying on buses and trains, expect to spend about AUD $30 to $50 each week on a travel pass.
If you’re looking to keep costs low, shared accommodation is your best bet. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also meet other people in the same boat, which makes settling in a lot easier.
For food, discount supermarkets like Aldi, and Perth’s beloved local chain Spudshed, will help stretch your dollars further. As for entertainment, Perth has plenty of free or cheap activities, from lounging on the beach to exploring national parks.
Best Areas to Live in Perth on Your Working Holiday
Choosing where to live in Perth depends on what kind of vibe you’re after. Each neighbourhood has its own personality, and they all offer something different, whether you’re after city life, beach vibes, or something in between.
- Fremantle: Freo (as the locals call it) is perfect if you’re into a more artsy, laid-back lifestyle. It’s full of cool cafes, art galleries, and live music, and there’s always something going on. Plus, it’s right by the beach, so you’ve got the best of both worlds – culture and sun! It’s super popular with working holiday makers thanks to the many hospitality jobs in the area, so you’ll fit right in.
- Subiaco: Subi is a little more upmarket, known for its parks, markets, and boutique shops. It’s quieter than the more lively neighbourhoods, but it’s still central, which makes it a solid option if you’re after a more chilled-out neighbourhood. The rent might be a bit higher here, but the extra peace and quiet could be worth it.
- Scarborough Beach: If beach life is your priority, Scarborough is the place to be. You’ll be right by the ocean, and there’s always something happening – whether it’s surfing, beach volleyball, or just hanging out at the local cafes. It’s a bit further out from the city, but public transport connects you easily, and there are loads of Irish and British backpackers who live here, so you’ll find plenty of potential friends living nearby.
- Perth CBD: Living in the heart of the city puts you close to everything – work, rooftop bars, restaurants, and public transport. The rent can be a bit on the higher side, but the convenience of having everything right at your doorstep is hard to beat. If you’re all about minimising travel time and staying in the thick of things, without the expense of needing a car to get around, the CBD is a great option.
- Leederville: If you want to be close to the city but still want some laid-back vibes, Leederville is where it’s at. This place is packed with trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s got a buzzing nightlife, and the location means you’re never far from work opportunities or public transport. It’s perfect if you’re looking to work hard and play hard.
Do You Need a Car in Perth?
The short answer? Yes, having a car in Perth makes life a lot easier. While you can get by without one – thanks to the Transperth system of buses, trains, and ferries – it’s worth knowing that Perth is incredibly spread out. Public transport is available, but buses and trains aren’t always as frequent as you’d like, especially outside the city centre.
If you’re staying close to the CBD or along a train line, you’ll manage fine for work, but when it comes to spontaneous plans with friends or heading to the beach, things get trickier and more time-consuming.
Having a car means more freedom, and you’ll find it especially handy if you’re doing any remote or regional work, where public transport doesn’t reach. Plus, driving gives you easy access to some of WA’s best road trip destinations!
It’s an upfront cost, but the added convenience is often worth it.
Recommended blog: Create your own Perth to Exmouth Tour.
Job Opportunities in Perth
FIFO
Perth is known for its FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) jobs, which are a great way to earn good money quickly. FIFO jobs involve flying out to remote mining sites, working for a few weeks, and then flying back to Perth for some well-deserved time off.
These are probably the most ideal working holiday jobs in Perth because you have plenty of downtime to explore. The work can range from manual labour to catering and cleaning, or, if you have a skilled trade, the mines are always looking for welders, electricians, and other labourers.
If you’re interested, check out our dedicated posts on what FIFO jobs are like and how to get them.
Hospo & Retail
For other popular jobs in Perth for working holiday visa holders, like hospitality and retail, it’s all about who you know.
Perth is a tight-knit city, and a lot of the best job opportunities come through connections. So, chat with everyone you meet – whether you’re staying at a hostel, grabbing coffee at a local cafe, or hitting the bar after work. The more people you talk to, the more likely you’ll stumble upon a great job lead.
Another fantastic option is working on Rottnest Island. If the idea of escaping the city to work on a stunning island appeals to you, Rottnest is the place to be, where you’ll find a range of jobs in hospitality and tourism.
Regional Work
Unfortunately, you can’t count the work you do in Perth towards the regional work requirement you’ll need to get your second or third-year visa (depending on where you’re from – remember: some nationalities don’t have to meet this requirement).
Check Immi for all the latest updates regarding regional work and postcodes.
However, there are plenty of truly epic working holiday visa jobs around Perth and WA you can opt for. Head to Kalbarri for agricultural work or seasonal jobs in tourism, or check out Margaret River and Esperance for epic jobs in tourism, wineries, or other farm work that’ll count towards your visa extensions.
Working Holiday Community & Networking
Meeting people is a huge part of the Perth working holiday experience, and the good news is it’s easy to meet other backpackers in Perth.
The best place to start?
Hostels!
Most working holiday visa holders in Perth move into a hostel for their first couple of weeks in the city to give themselves time to find more permanent accommodation and a job. That’s why you’ll meet people from all over the world who are in the exact same situation as you.
Online communities are gold too. There are heaps of Facebook groups for working holiday makers in Perth where you can find job leads, share tips, or even just see who’s around to hang out. As soon as you arrive in the city, it’s common to introduce yourself on pages like Backpackers Perth or Perth Working Holiday Girls to try and make connections and find like minded friends.
If you’re into fitness, there are a few sunrise running clubs and beach yoga clubs that always welcome newbies on a casual basis. These super laid-back groups are easy ways to get your sweat on and meet people without the pressure.
For something more social, the Perth Working Holiday Society is your go-to. They organise weekly events like pub crawls, BBQs, and even camping trips. It’s a great way to make friends fast, plus you’ll get to explore some cool parts of WA while you’re at it.
Things to Do on Your Day Off in Perth
Perth is packed with things to do on your days off, no matter what you’re into. If you love wine and craft beer, Swan Valley is your go-to. Just 25 minutes from the city, this area is filled with vineyards, breweries, and scenic drives. Spend the day tasting some of Australia’s best wines or grab a cold beer at one of the local breweries – either way, you’re in for a good one!
For an island escape, hop on the ferry to Rottnest Island. Famous for its cute quokkas (grab a selfie!), Rottnest is also a dream for cycling, snorkelling, and hitting the beaches. With no cars on the island, it’s all about laid-back island vibes – perfect for escaping the city for the day.
Closer to the city, Kings Park is a favourite for picnics, walks, and some seriously stunning views of the Perth skyline. It’s one of the largest inner-city parks in the world and a top spot for sunrises and sunsets.
When it comes to beaches, you’re spoiled for choice in Perth. Cottesloe Beach is ideal for a morning swim or coffee, while Scarborough Beach is where you’ll find surfers and beach volleyball. For something a bit quieter, head to City Beach to unwind with fewer crowds. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s hiking in the Perth Hills or even sand boarding at Lancelin!
Exploring Beyond Perth
Perth is the perfect base for some incredible road trips, whether you’re heading south or venturing up north. Margaret River is a no-brainer for those who love wine, surf, and good food. It’s just a few hours’ drive and offers some of the best wineries and beaches in WA. For a quieter beachy vibe, Denmark is another gem – think scenic walks, forests, and some of the best beaches in WA.
Further south, Esperance is where you’ll find some of the most stunning beaches in the whole of Australia! White sand and crystal-clear water make Lucky Bay well worth the trip, even though it’s a bit of a drive.
Heading north? Check out Kalbarri for its dramatic gorges and coastal cliffs, or make your way to Exmouth for world-class diving and snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef. Both spots are road trip favourites and absolutely gorgeous!
Make the Most of Your Working Holiday in Perth
Perth has everything you need for an unforgettable working holiday – from stunning beaches to great job opportunities, a thriving backpacker community and exciting road trips.
Now’s the time to dive in, meet new people, and make the most of your working holiday in Australia’s west. You won’t regret it!
