Working on the road

Submitted: Tuesday, Aug 08, 2017 at 20:07

ThreadID: 135367 Views:2901 Replies:3 FollowUps:10

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Working Holiday Around Australia - with Kids

When Ian Hookway started planning what would became a 3 year working holiday around Australia with his family, he discovered there aren't any "how to" guides. Thanks to his experiences,

Tas-tourers

Hi. Looking from advice from others on here that work while travelling around oz.
How much work is accessible to travellers who do not want to commit to 12 months in one place. Hubby is a truck driver, handyman, machinery operator, with exceptional mechanical knowledge. Wife is a bus driver, with excellent customer service experience. We are in our early 40's so this would be our only source of income. Any ideas are welcome before we chuck in our real jobs!

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Reply By: Member - Len & Rhoda - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 16:55

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 16:55

Hi Guys

My wife and I have been travelling for 2 years now, just starting our 3rd. Work isn't hard to find if you are flexible and willing to do anything, be careful of those who want a lot but aren't willing to pay for it. Life on the road is great, good luck.

Len

AnswerID: 612958

Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 17:00

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 17:00

Thanks for the reply. One more question, do you travel where you want to see places and find work there or follow the work and have a look around along the way and days off?

FollowupID: 883314

Follow Up By: Member - Len & Rhoda - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 18:30

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 18:30

We travel where we want, usually following the sun, and find work as we go. It would be easier if you followed the tourist season and worked but that's the best time to be there. Usually most jobs during the tourist season are 6 days a week so you don't get to see a lot. its a bit hard to get the balance some times.

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Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 19:18

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 19:18

Yes I thought it could be tricky. But at least we will be out there!

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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 19:56

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 19:56

Can I ask what sort of indicative rate of pay is on offer when doing this style of work?

FollowupID: 883317

Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 06:43

Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 06:43

From my research harvest work starts at around $13 for cotton chipping.
Truck driving (HR) average $25-$30, same for forklift operator. More if you go to Sydney or Melbourne but we have no desire to live or work there. Bus driving from $25-$40 depends on remoteness. Handyman jobs usually come with some form of accommodation and small wage.

FollowupID: 883319

Follow Up By: Member - Len & Rhoda - Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 11:08

Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 11:08

Around the $25 an hour seems the average, most remote places usually do a room and meals deal that costs around the $150 a week this ties in with the tax man and FBT). A lot of places prefer couples. Have a look on Gumtree as well, another one is MLKA employment agency they have a lot of remote work. Do your responsible service of alcohol on line it is a good one to have. We have steered clear of the fruit picking, leave that for the younger backpacker brigade.

FollowupID: 883324

Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 15:32

Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 15:32

Sounds like good advice. Researched harvest trail just in case we get desperate. Definitely doing RSA, first aid, white card etc.

FollowupID: 883328

Reply By: PAJ17 - Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 21:11

Wednesday, Aug 09, 2017 at 21:11

So many sites on FB that toss up jobs all the time, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to get work in the industries your in, and not to mention just chatting with locals whilst passing through towns.

AnswerID: 612963

Follow Up By: Tas-tourers - Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 06:38

Thursday, Aug 10, 2017 at 06:38

FB is the only place online I haven't looked. I been on work about Australia, grey nomad jobs, gumtree, fruit picking jobs, harvest trail, indeed, seek etc. as part of my research. We did a 7 month trip in 2015 and everyone we spoke to said the local pubs are the best for info on jobs.

FollowupID: 883318

Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Friday, Aug 11, 2017 at 05:37

Friday, Aug 11, 2017 at 05:37

You could try Anna Brown Recruitment, as she does job placement for large stations, pastoral companies etc, and is well respected in that field.

Station work can be a bonus as you can get accommodation & tucker in addition to a wage. Whether the remoteness is an issue might deter some folk.

Bob