Australia is one of the most desirable countries to visit on the planet. There are a number of reasons as to why this great continent is so popular; for some people it's related to the amazing lifestyle many Australians enjoy or the beautiful wildlife and landscapes, not to mention some of the most untouched beaches and coastline the worlds has to offer.

Over the last 10 years there has also been an exponential boom with the sale of Australian Resources which has resulted in Australia being one of the few countries which has seen growth through out the recession which come off the back of the Global Financial Crisis in 2007/8. In a nutshell this means some of the best paid jobs in the world which has resulted in literally hundreds of thousands of Overseas Migrants moving here either permanently or on a temporary basis.

So whether you are taking a year or two out in the name of adventure and exploring new horizons in the land down-under or looking to capitalize on the very high incomes that this country has to offer, one thing is for certain...

...You will have NO regrets! :-)

So, I will divulge into the most common practices for 'backpacker' coming to experience Australia. Many travellers who arrive here in Australia will apply for a Working Holiday Visa from Australian Immigration prior to booking any flights into the country. This is a one year visa where you are permitted to work (for a maximum of 6 months with one employer) to supplement your travels through out the country. You can also just obtain a standard 3 or 6 month Holiday Visa depending on your situation, the only downside to this is that you aren't allowed to work on these visa's.

Most travellers would fly into a capital city or town and check into one of many of backpacker hostels. Now there are plenty of websites to 'Do your Homework' so to speak and get some reviews on where to stay. Do not be put off by this idea as these are some of the best places to meet like minded people, find work, make plans and listen to some great and often hilarious stories. I personally have met some really interesting people at hostels not to mention some really good friends.

There always seems to be plenty of work in Australia, I have never had any problems in finding employment. I think it's a great idea to get out of the cities and experience some of 'The Real Australia.'

Countless travellers roam away from cities to complete 3+ months of Regional Work. This usually involves either working on farms fruit picking and pruning, construction, mining, fishing and pearling or tree farming and felling. Completing this work in Regional areas enables you to apply for a Second Working Holiday Visa which thousands of backpackers do every year. In many cases, accommodation is supplied on the farm or place of employment. This is where you get to find the real Australia, which seems lost amongst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Alternatively the other main reason for people arriving in Australia is to take advantage of the high incomes that are on offer. The average household income for Dampier, Western Australia is over $4000 per week and this is just one of the hundreds of towns which this kind of income is achievable. Many skilled overseas workers are seeking companies to sponsor them so they can stay in Australia on a permanent or temporary basis (most common extended working visa is 4 years - '457'). Getting yourself educated on how to achieve getting sponsored in Australia is your first steps towards your dream.

Getting Sponsored in Australia is at the top of so many people's agenda, but sometimes can be difficult depending on your situation. If you want something that much I believe that anything is achievable with a some hard work, education and determination.

So are you seeking to travel and explore or to earn the high salaries? Why not choose both as many do and realise what all the fuss is about :-)

I have experienced most of the above in my 3 years in this remarkable continent and will continue to take advantage of all it has to offer, getting ahead in more ways than one in the aptly named "Land of Opportunity.'

Aaron O'sullivan