Visas

It is best to contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate before arriving to find out what visas you will need (some travel agents may also be able to assist, but remember, it unsure contact the embassy or consulate). As a general rule - you will need a valid passport and visa in order to travel to Australia.

Tourist Visas
These are free and are for a 3 month period (usually remaining valid for a 12 month period). If you wish to stay longer, or return frequently, you can apply for extensions or multiple entries from your nearest Australian embassy or consulate. You may also be able to apply in Australia for an extension (Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs - CAN WE HAVE A LINK TO IT?) but make sure you apply well before your visa's expiration date!

The tourist visa does not allow you to work or study in Australia. And these days, it means exactly that. As employers require a tax-file number from all employees, you really can't work without the correct visa. If you wish to work or study, enquire about obtaining a working or student visa.

Working Holiday Visa
If you are from the Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom you can apply for a working holiday visa. Generally, you should be between the ages of 18 to 30. For more information go to Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

If you are granted a working holiday visa, you can work in Australia over a 12 month period, although you can only hold each job for a period of up to six months.

Student Visa
For tertiary educated people from Chile, Thailand and Turkey to holiday and work in Australia.
Advance applications can also be made for a student visa. These allow you to study full-time (and work part-time). For more information go to Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)