Hector’s Deli |CBD | Richmond | Fitzroy | South Melbourne

Think you know sandwiches? Think again. Hector’s Deli flips the humble sanga on its head. It’s popular for a reason – expect a queue.

Try: The Mushroom Melt.

Nico’s Sandwich Deli |Fitzroy | CBD

If a sandwich shop has its own t-shirt, then we’re going. This sandwich institution takes the humble sandwich and turns it into a masterpiece. Known for stacked Cubanos and cult-like following, this place makes sandwiches worth travelling for. The kind of spot you’ll brag about discovering.

Pints – The Pricier Pint That Still Wins

We know, we know – Australia has a bit of a rep for expensive pints. And it’s not entirely undeserved. A schooner in Sydney or Melbourne can easily set you back $14 AUD – which on paper looks wild.

But here’s the kicker:

• UK average pint: £5.08

• Australia: $14.00 AUD = £6.70

So yes, it’s a little higher – but not much worse than what you’ll pay in a London pub these days (some craft beer spots are £7.50+ now!). And you’re sipping it somewhere actually sunny. Think rooftop bars with ocean views, barefoot beers at Bondi, or happy hour on the Great Ocean Road.

Oh, and if you’re travelling on a budget? Most backpacker bars have drink deals every night of the week – plus happy hours and 2-for-1 specials are the norm. Just don’t try to drink like you’re still at uni. Aussie beer’s strong, and so is the sun.

Saving up got your slightly worried? Say no more.

Download our FREE Savings Planner to help to figure out exactly how much you need to budget in the lead up to your trip!

Flat Whites – Coffee Culture Without the Cost

But unlike London, where good coffee often means good money, Australia’s offering world-class brews for less.

• UK: £3.50 for a decent flat white

• Australia: $5.50 AUD = £2.63

That’s right – you’ll get better coffee for nearly a full quid less. And you’re not getting it from a machine or a generic high street chain. You’re getting it from a sun-drenched café with locally roasted beans and someone who actually knows what a long black is.

Whether you’re starting your day in Byron Bay or doing laptop life in a Melbourne laneway café, it’s the same story: better beans, better views, better value.

3⃣ Beat the Crowds (And the Chaos)

Want to land a casual job, find a house, or actually enjoy your hostel’s kitchen without queueing behind 10 other backpackers? Move in winter. By moving to Australia before peak season, you’ll dodge the crowd of summer arrivals and have a much easier time settling in. There are fewer people looking for jobs, more housing options, and just less competition in general. Think of it as your gap year cheat code.

When you join one of our Welcome Tours, we dedicate a full day to our employment presentation – designed to set you up for success from day one. We’ll cover everything you need to know about finding work in Australia: from writing a strong CV, to what qualifications you might need, to where (and where not) to apply.

And it doesn’t stop when the tour ends. You’ll get exclusive access to our Jobs Resources Portal – a packed hub of templates, guides, and insider tips to support you throughout your entire working holiday.

4⃣ Work First – Travel Like a Legend Later

The first few weeks on your working holiday visa are about getting your bearings – figuring out the basics, making new mates, and starting to feel grounded. Our Welcome Tours help you do just that: we’ll sort your SIM card, tax file number, bank account, and give you all the tools to find work and long-term accommodation – stress-free.

Find out more about Welcome to Sydney
Find out more about Welcome to Melbourne

Now here’s your moving to Australia winter strategy: Once you’ve completed a Welcome Tour, you’ll have all the resources at your fingertips, plus a new friendship group in the same boat as you. Over the next few weeks you’ll move, find a job, settle into the rhythm, and start saving those precious Aussie dollars. Then, once summer hits, you’re ready to hit the road and spend the next part of your working holiday visa soaking up the best of the East Coast with your new Australian family- without stressing over money or logistics.

Excited about travel and want to pre plan? Well, you could join our 30-Day East Coast Tour and experience all the iconic spots in one unforgettable trip. Pssst , we have early bird deals to help you save even more.

Or if you’ve got a more specific route in mind, our Build Your Own East Coast option lets you create a custom itinerary based on your budget, travel style and bucket list. However you do it, arriving in winter gives you the time to plan it properly – and enjoy it fully.