Media release

A new campaign, Work and Play the Aussie Way, promoting Australia as an attractive destination for Working Holiday Makers is rolling out in key Tourism Australia markets internationally. 

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said the new campaign will highlight both the temporary visa application charge (A$495) refund offer, while also reminding young people of the incredible travel experiences that await them in Australia.

“With the Working Holiday Maker visa application currently refundable for those who arrive in Australia before 19 April 2022, it’s a great opportunity to entice those who are keen to work and travel here to do so now,” said Ms Harrison. 

“This new incentive will potentially enable thousands of working holiday makers to start working and travelling here sooner than planned, while also providing much-needed support to our tourism and hospitality sector with a boost in visitation and some relief to their current workforce pressures.

“We know the type of travellers that take up working holidays tend to stay longer, spend more and visit two or more destinations around the country as they combine work with travel - and our tourism industry is keen to welcome them back,” Ms Harrison said.

Additional new measures will see Working Holiday Maker visa holders able to work for the same employer or organisation for more than six months up until 31 December 2022 without needing to request permission. 

Tourism Australia’s Work and Play the Aussie Way will roll-out in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

“The new campaign will start with the launch of a suite of digital campaign creative that will focus on attracting young people to roles in the tourism, hospitality, and agriculture industries across the country, and will be supported by a range of in-market partner activities,” Ms Harrison said.

“For young travellers, a working holiday in Australia offers an adventure of a lifetime and the chance to work in some of the country’s most stunning and iconic tourism locations – from the Great Barrier Reef to Bondi Beach, the Great Ocean Road and more.” 

In 2019, Working Holiday Makers contributed $3.2 billion to Australia’s visitor economy and represented seven per cent of total visitor spend. They largely spend what they earn in Australia, with the average spend per person equivalent to $10,400 (i.e. ranked #1). Importantly, they also disperse widely, with 63 per cent visiting two or more destinations.

In January 2022, there were approximately 23,000 Australian working holiday maker visa applications granted internationally.