Work Around Australia

Work Around Australia, authored by David Sheehan, is a very practical and informative guide that will invariably prove useful in beginning your search for employment and what to expect when travelling around Australia.

Although a significant part of the book deals with agricultural and horticultural work (now referred to as the "harvest trail"), there are nevertheless a few chapters devoted to other kinds of work. The book is divided in eighteen chapters of which six describe the "harvest trail." Moreover, the author provides the reader with seven maps of Australia: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and Northern Territory.

The introduction of the book explains what is the "harvest trail," the various types of jobs available, the equipment you will need, and the accommodation possibilities. What is very noteworthy is that the author also provides the reader with an excellent "harvest trail" chart describing the various geographical locations of the harvest work, the time of the year where there is a harvest and the types of fruits and vegetables that are picked.

You will also find a brief description of each area, its population, the climate, accommodation available, the number of workers required, transportation, contacts and activities prevalent in the village or city, phone numbers and addresses of whom to contact when you do decide on any one town or area.

Apart from "harvest trail work" there are also chapters devoted to resort work, casino work, ski fieldwork, working in cities and volunteer work. Apparently, Australia has agreements with eleven other countries whereby citizens of those countries who meet certain requirements are permitted to work in Australia on a working holiday. These countries are: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom. New Zealanders can work in Australia and the citizens of the United States have a more limited holiday scheme.

This latter chapter also mentions various web sites where you may find out more about the working holiday visa from the various governments.

The last chapter of the book contains personal experiences recounted by some of the young travellers to Australia. These insights are very helpful in letting you know what to expect once you arrive in Australia. The wealth of information contained in this book will prove to be an essential tool for the visitor to Australia as well as its residents, who would likewise profit from its perusal.