Australia’s beaches, laid-back lifestyle and outdoor culture have long attracted thousands of young travellers chasing a working holiday.
But for many, the reality of building a life here looks very different from the postcards.
One Canadian woman, who moved to Australia with her boyfriend nine months ago on a working holiday visa, has opened up about the challenges that have left the couple questioning where – or even whether – they should settle for the next year.
Despite falling in love with the country, she admitted that almost every practical aspect of life had been harder than they expected.
‘Housing has been hard to find, finding work has been much harder than at home, and making friends has been a challenge as well,’ she wrote in an Australian travel forum.
The couple had spent one month on the Sunshine Coast, five months in Sydney and three months in Cairns, but still hadn’t found the balance they were looking for.
‘We both love it here, but we’ve also found a lot of aspects of life here really challenging.’
Like many working holiday makers, they arrived hoping to travel, work, and experience Australia beyond the major cities.
Australia’s beaches, laid-back lifestyle and outdoor culture have long attracted thousands of young travellers chasing a working holiday
Instead, soaring rents, fierce competition for jobs and the country’s ongoing housing shortage made planning their next move increasingly stressful.
‘Every time I start researching a city I want us to move to, the general consensus seems to be, “Don’t come here. There’s no jobs and no housing. You’ll constantly be struggling and blow through all your money”.’
Perth had been at the top of their list.
The couple planned to drive down Australia’s east coast before settling there for a year, attracted by the beaches, outdoor lifestyle and warmer climate.
But after reading countless warnings online about the city’s rental crisis and rising living costs, she began questioning whether they were making the wrong decision.
The post struck a chord with Australians who acknowledged that while the country’s lifestyle remains a huge drawcard, many cities have become significantly more difficult to navigate amid the ongoing cost-of-living and housing crises.
Some encouraged the couple to think beyond the major capitals altogether – as one person recommended the far south coast of New South Wales.
‘Merimbula has lots of hospitality jobs in summer and it’s a stunning part of the world,’ they wrote.
![Like many working holiday makers, they arrived hoping to travel, work, and experience Australia beyond the major cities [pictured Wollongong]](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/06/25/05/109585525-15928159-Like_many_working_holiday_makers_they_arrived_hoping_to_travel_w-a-2_1782363065057.jpg)
Like many working holiday makers, they arrived hoping to travel, work, and experience Australia beyond the major cities [pictured Wollongong]
Others quickly pointed out the limitations.
‘It’s winter and most businesses are struggling. Outside summer there’s not a lot of work,’ another replied.
Several Australians suggested Canberra instead, arguing its reputation was far harsher than the reality.
‘People complain about every city in Australia. Canberra is actually an awesome place to live,’ one commenter wrote.
They said the capital’s large student population and public service workforce created a more transient community, making it easier for newcomers to form friendships.
‘If you’re into fitness, look up local run clubs or hiking groups,’ another person advised.
‘It’s much easier to meet people who share your lifestyle.’
Others recommended looking beyond traditional rentals altogether.
Several pointed to remote resorts such as Hamilton Island or Uluru, where employers often provide accommodation alongside hospitality jobs.
‘It’s a great way to make lifelong friends,’ one former worker said.
Not everyone agreed Perth should be ruled out either. One Canadian who previously completed a working holiday visa in Western Australia said their experience had been the opposite.
‘Life was on easy mode as far as jobs were concerned. I was getting multiple offers every week,’ they wrote.
They acknowledged housing had been competitive but said they never struggled to find a room.
The discussion reflects a reality many newcomers discover after arriving in Australia.
While the country consistently ranks among the world’s most desirable destinations for working holidays, many travellers are now arriving during one of the toughest periods for renters in decades.
At the same time, finding lasting friendships can prove just as challenging.
Previous discussions from both Australians and expats have repeatedly described Australia as friendly on the surface but difficult to break into socially, with many people maintaining close friendship groups formed at school or university.
Combined with rising living costs and intense competition for housing, many newcomers say settling into Australian life takes far longer than they expected.
For the Canadian couple, however, giving up isn’t yet on the cards.
Despite the challenges, they still hope to spend another year exploring the country.
They’re simply searching for somewhere that offers what first drew them to Australia: affordable living, outdoor adventure, meaningful friendships – and a chance to finally feel at home.
