The Gold Coast has lots of working holiday jobs in hospitality, theme parks, tourism, retail, events and construction, especially in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Summer and the school holidays are busiest, with plenty of casual work for backpackers.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Gold Coast jobs hiring now
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- Bar Staff The Exchange, Pinjarra WA 6208
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- Airport Transfer & Tourism Driver – Brisbane then Cairns (Working Holiday) JWP Regional Tours, Toowong QLD 4870
- Drivers/Supervisors Blue Lion Moving Services, Glendenning NSW 2721
- CCUSA Ccusa, Speers Point NSW 2284
- Chef / Cook Railway View Hotel, Timboon VIC 3268
- Hotel Receptionist Mia Mia, Newman WA 6753
- GARDENING Assistant $35ph Casual No Company, Sydney NSW 2023
- Contract Site Supervisor Hays, Sydney NSW 2302
- Nail Technician Melt Nail Bar, Bronte NSW 2024
- Housekeeping Karma Chalets, Denmark WA 6333
- Labourer – Aircraft Painting Douglas Aerospace, Forest Hill NSW 2651
What work is there in Gold Coast?
| Type of work | What to know |
|---|---|
| Gastronomie & Hotellerie | Bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh. Get your RSA. |
| Theme parks and tourism | The big theme parks and tour companies hire casual staff, especially for school holidays. |
| Events | Concerts, sport and festivals through the year. |
| Einzelhandel | Shopping centres along the coast. |
| Construction and labouring | Lots of building work along the coast. You need a White Card. |
| Farm work nearby | The Scenic Rim and Northern NSW have farm work. Check if the postcode counts for your second year. |
Pay
The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026, and at least $33.05 an hour if you are a casual. Many jobs are covered by an award with higher rates, plus extra for weekends, nights and public holidays. Working holiday makers pay 15% tax on the first $45,000. Read more about pay rates and tax.
Best time to find work in Gold Coast
Summer, Christmas and the school holidays are peak season. The Gold Coast is warm most of the year, so the slow season is short.
How to get hired fast
- Build an Australian style CV on the TAW CV builder and keep it to 1 or 2 pages.
- Get a local phone number and your Tax File Number before you start applying.
- Get the right certificate: an RSA for bar work, a White Card for building sites, and a barista course if you want cafe work.
- Apply early in the day and follow up in person where you can.
- Read our interview tips and the job safety checklist.
Living in Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise has most of the hostels and nightlife. Light rail and buses run along the coast.
While you move around, a TAW Mailbox gives you a real Australian address for your bank card, tax letters and payslips.
Free for working holiday makers
Every job on TAW is open to 417 and 462 visa holders. Build your CV, save jobs and get alerts for Gold Coast.
Hiring in Gold Coast? Post a job for working holiday makers.
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Can I get a job in Gold Coast on a working holiday visa?
Yes. With a 417 or 462 visa you can work in any job for up to 6 months with one employer. Every job on TAW is open to working holiday makers.
What jobs can backpackers get in Gold Coast?
Hospitality, Theme parks and tourism, Events and Retail are the most common.
How much do backpacker jobs in Gold Coast pay?
At least the national minimum wage of $26.44 an hour, or $33.05 as a casual, from 1 July 2026. Award rates and weekend penalty rates are often higher.
How long does it take to find work in Gold Coast?
Many working holiday makers find work within 1 to 3 weeks, faster in peak season and with a good CV and the right certificates.
Does work in Gold Coast count for my second year visa?
Most jobs in the city do not. Your 88 days of specified work, like farm work, must be in an eligible regional postcode. See our second year visa guide.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman: minimum wages, Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa (417).
