Ultimate Guide to Moving to Australia from Ireland

Moving to Australia from Ireland and not sure where to start? I have the perfect guide for you. I have everything you need to know before you go, including visa requirements, how to find a job, the best places to live, and top things you need to do once you arrive in Australia.

Over 21,000 Irish people have been granted a working holiday visa for Australia in the past 12 months, which is a record high. Anyone aged 18-35 is eligible for a visa which allows them to work in Australia for a year and explore the country as they please.

However, moving to Australia is not an easy decision to make, there is a lot to consider. So I have asked former Irish travel agent Kaitlin Murphy, AKA HolidayHun who is currently living in Australia, to compile all the information that is needed before your big move.

Moving from Ireland to Australia Tips for First Timers

Making the big move to Australia can be a little overwhelming, not to mention confusing, so here’s a list of things you need to do before you go.

Do Irish citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes! First things first; you will need a visa to enter Australia, whether you want to go on holiday or to work and live. You can qualify for certain types if you plan on moving over, so check this website to see your eligibility.

The majority of young people aged 18-35 will apply for the 417 subclass working holiday visa which grants you a year in Australia, and it’s pretty easy to get.

Skilled visas can also be popular if you work in an industry that Australia need more skilled workers for – for example Labourers, Nurses or Police officers.

The visa costs roughly €390 depending on the rate of exchange on the day.

Documents you need to apply for the visa

• Photo of your passport.

• Proof of funds ($5000 roughly €3000)

• Flight details if it’s booked

You don’t need a flight booked, but a rough date of arrival is ideal. Once your visa is granted, you have a year to enter the country before you need to purchase a new one.

My visa was granted within 20 minutes of applying which was super efficient. It can take up to 10 working days so don’t panic if it doesn’t come through straight away.

Note: You may have to have a medical exam if you want to work in healthcare or with children, so don’t leave it too late in case you need to do this. I suggest organising this 3-6 months before you plan to go.

Documents you will need to bring

Apart from a valid passport, you will need travel insurance. It will need to cover you for a one way ticket, so double check the terms and conditions on your policy, as a lot of companies will only cover you for a return trip.

Sort your International drivers licence if you plan to drive over in Australia. Make sure to organise this before you arrive.

Complete an online Qualification assessment to transfer your Irish college degree over to an Australian qualification if you plan to work in the same sector.

Print out copies of everything. Maybe I’m a little too organised, but I had copies of my passport, visa, insurance, birth cert and passport sized photos – its better to have them than not!

Moving to Australia from Ireland for first timers

Firstly, decide when do you want to go?

As I explained above, after you have been granted a visa, you have a whole year to move to Australia.

The majority of working holiday visa makers will arrive between November and March each year, to escape the European winter and enjoy Christmas by the beach. This usually means higher flight prices, less available jobs and accommodation for rent, so take this into consideration.

If you come in low season, May – October, you should have a better chance of securing a job and apartment promptly.

It is important to note the seasons in Australia :

• Spring: September, October, November (Transition months)
• Summer: December, January, February (Hottest months)
• Autumn: March, April and May (Transition months)
• Winter: June, July and August (Coldest months)

There are some sectors where you can organise a job in advance, but in most cases you can only secure a job and apartment when you arrive in Australia.

Letting agents wont even take you into consideration if you don’t view the property before renting, and most job contacts won’t call an overseas number, so you will need to secure your Australian sim card in your first few days.

Secondly, Where do you want to live?

Top Tip: Do some travelling in Australia first, and then decide where you like best. Of course you don’t have to do this, but I think it’s great to get to see places and then research suburbs to live, jobs that are available, etc.

Originally my plan was always to go to Sydney but after travelling around Australia I felt more at home in Melbourne. Melbourne was the vibe I was looking for, so I decided against Sydney and was really happy with my decision. Moving to Australia from Ireland is once in a lifetime opportunity – you have to stay where feels right.

If you’re used to big city living you won’t have any problems settling and getting used to the bigger Australian cities.

Sydney has the best of both worlds with a mix of city and beach, but tends to be super competitive for jobs and apartments due to its popularity.

I found Melbourne quite quirky and arty, and its transport system is one of the best in Australia – a massive tram/train network connecting the whole city.

Read: How to spend 3 days in Melbourne, My Top Things to do and Hidden Gems

Brisbane is becoming more popular recently, as the weather tends to be the best of the bunch, alongside Perth which has some of the best beaches in all of Australia.

If you are planning to do some fly in fly out work, also know as FIFO then head for the mines in Perth. Western Australia is super popular for families but it is recommended to have a car if you want to live in Perth and the surrounding areas.

If you want a sunnier climate nearly all year round, do some research on the towns and cities that are above the tropic of Capricorn that stand out for sunny skies.

Moving to Australia from Ireland Alone

A lot of young people make the move from Ireland to Australia alone which is amazing! It gets you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to make new friends. House sharing is a great