Imagine weekends surfing at Bondi, road-tripping the Great Ocean Road, or spotting koalas in eucalyptus trees 🐨🌴, all while living with a local family and helping with their kids.
If that sounds like your vibe, then au pairing in Australia might just be your next big adventure! 🇦🇺☀️
Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen 👇
Visa & Eligibility 🛂
Unlike some countries, Australia doesn’t have an “official” au pair visa, but don’t worry, it’s still totally possible!
You’ll just apply for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
To qualify, you’ll need to:
✅ Be 18 – 30 years old
✅ Come from an eligible country (most of Europe, the UK, USA, Canada, and others)
✅ Have at least AUD 5,000 in savings
✅ Hold valid travel insurance
✅ Meet basic health and English requirements
Your visa usually lasts 12 months, but you can stay with one family for up to 6 months at a time.
👉 Translation: you get to live with a local family, help with childcare, and travel Australia, all legally and safely!
What You’ll Do as an Au Pair 👶☕
Life as an au pair in Australia means becoming part of your host family’s day-to-day life. You can expect to:
- Help with childcare (school drop-offs, playtime, homework)
- Do a bit of light housework (tidying up after the kids, preparing snacks, folding laundry)
- Join family meals, outings, and fun weekend trips 🚗🍦
You’re not a full-time nanny or cleaner, it’s about cultural exchange, not employment.
Typical schedule:
🕒 25 – 40 hours per week, including some babysitting
🗓️ At least 1 day off per week (and often more!)
Allowance & Benefits 💰🌟
You’ll live rent-free with your host family, meals and your own room are included.
As for pocket money, there’s no fixed national rule, but most families offer AUD 200 – 300 per week, depending on hours and duties.
Some families also include extras like:
✨ Use of the family car
✨ A phone SIM or local transport card
✨ Paid holiday time
Remember: every arrangement is different, so it’s smart to talk through all the details before you agree.
Costs to Get Started ✈️
Let’s break it down:
💸 Visa fee: around AUD 635
💸 Flight: varies (usually EUR 800 – 1200 round trip)
💸 Insurance: required, around EUR 300 – 400 for the year
💸 Savings requirement: at least AUD 5,000 (to show you can support yourself)
The good news? Once you’re there, your living costs are covered by your host family, so your pocket money goes straight to fun stuff like coffee dates, beach trips, and weekend getaways! ☕🏖️
Contract & Formalities 📝
Even though it’s not a government-run program, it’s super important to set clear expectations.
✅ Sign a written agreement (duties, hours, pocket money, holidays)
✅ Get a Working With Children Check (required in most states)
✅ Make sure your insurance covers health and travel
Having everything in writing keeps things easy and friendly for both sides 💛
Why You’ll Love Au Pairing in Australia 🇦🇺✨
🌞 Endless sunshine and outdoor living
🏄 Beach life + city adventures (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, take your pick!)
🦘 Unique wildlife and landscapes
💬 Improve your English and experience a relaxed, friendly culture
👨👩👧 Join a real Aussie family and make lifelong memories
It’s the perfect mix of travel, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Timeline ⏰
Here’s how fast you can go from “thinking about it” to “living it”:
1️⃣ Match with a host family
2️⃣ Apply for your Working Holiday or Work & Holiday visa
3️⃣ Book your flight ✈️
4️⃣ Pack your sunnies and go! 😎
You could be in Australia within a few months, seriously!
Ready to Start Your Aussie Adventure? 🇦🇺💫
At Nina.care, we help you find the perfect host family, guide you through the visa process, and make sure your experience Down Under is as smooth (and fun!) as possible.
Whether you’re dreaming of sunny beaches, cuddly koalas, or just a fresh start in a new country, au pairing in Australia is your ticket to an unforgettable year abroad.
✨ Ready to get started? Let’s make it happen!