Another update: this morning I got two more replies for job applications. One from a company called Nathan Geoffrey’s and the other Chandler McLeod. Both are admin/customer service roles with a reasonable hourly wage( although a reasonable hourly wage for me is probably far less than what most people would expect in Oz). Right now I’m leaning towards Nathan Geoffrey’s as I have been told that they sometimes offer to sponsor their temporary staff if they turn out well. Can anyone confirm that?

As for money right now I’m looking at having around $1500 start-up money –I will only need this for food, transport, and to get some essentials like get a mobile phone when I arrive (I’ll be staying with relatives so I shouldn’t have to pay very much for rent). I don’t have a return ticket and it had been mentioned that I would need at least $2000 – can anyone confirm/ or tell me more about this? I understand that it is important that I bring as much money with me as I can but as I wont be squandering the money on nights out etc (not yet anyway) I was hoping to spend as little of that as I can to cut down on my overall debt.

Again very grateful for all the replies so far!!!!

One of the eligibility requirements for a WHV is the financial one. These are listed on the website and on the paper application form.

They are:

• have sufficient funds (generally AUD5,000);
• have funds for a return or onward ticket to depart Australia
(or an actual ticket);

Whether anyone will ever ask you to prove you have these funds on arrival is unlikely - but they could....

So i'm running a risk by not having the $5000 and return ticket? I did see that on the website for immigration (don't worry i'm not lazy) but so far none of the people i've talked to have mentioned it all. Maybe if i dress like I have the money they'll not stop me (lots of bling and all that). I''ll have to start asking questions from STA travel about this!!

Just rang my travel agent, they don't check at the airport or anything like that about the money and if you have a WHV it is fine to have a one way ticket. Phew - I was really worried there!

They MAY check at the airport - they may want to ensure that you have the funds available to fund your stay AND your departure - proof of a return ticket isn't necessary for a WHV but you have to have the funds to buy one. Take proof of any money you have in a bank account back home if possible, its unlikely you will be asked but its not unheard of

You should also be aware that Immigration could ask you when you land in Sydney. It might be smart to get someone to deposit a nice lump sum in your bank account, then print off an online statement, then transfer the money back to them.

That way you can 'prove' you have some funds, if anyone should ask you.

Just an idea..

A really good idea!!! A mate of mine is a doctor so i'll get him to do that for me!! I'd really like to be able to just fly out tomorrow, I hate all the waiting around not knowing what is going to happen!

Good luck Nixon! Go live the dream!