Melbourne has lots of working holiday jobs in hospitality, cafes and bars, events, retail, construction labour and warehousing. Its big sporting and festival calendar, from the Australian Open in January to the Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup, brings waves of short term event work.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Melbourne jobs hiring now
There are no Melbourne jobs live right now. Here are the latest jobs across Australia, or set up a job alert for Melbourne.
- Bar Staff The Exchange, Pinjarra WA 6208
- MSP Service Delivery Specialist LiveCX, Sydney NSW 2000
- 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 Melbourne?
| Type of work | What to know |
|---|---|
| Cafes and hospitality | Melbourne lives on coffee. Barista experience is a real advantage, and you need an RSA certificate for bar work. |
| Events and sport | Stadium, festival and event crews for the Australian Open, the Grand Prix, the footy and the Melbourne Cup. |
| Einzelhandel | Lots of casual shop work in the CBD and big shopping centres, especially before Christmas. |
| Construction and labouring | Ongoing building work across the city. You need a White Card. |
| Warehousing | Pick and pack and forklift jobs in the west and south east. |
| Farm work nearby | Regional Victoria has harvest work that can count toward your second year visa. |
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 Melbourne
Summer is busiest for events and hospitality. The Australian Open runs in January. Winter (June to August) is colder and quieter for outdoor events, but cafes, construction and warehousing keep going.
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 Melbourne
St Kilda is popular with backpackers and the CBD trams are free. Read moving to Melbourne and our Melbourne hostel picks.
While you move around, a TAW Mailbox gives you a real Australian address for your bank card, tax letters and payslips.
Land in Melbourne with a plan
Hello Melbourne is our 4 day, 3 night welcome package: a social hostel, a city tour, a group, and a session on your TFN, bank account, super and CV.
Hiring in Melbourne? Post a job for working holiday makers.
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Can I get a job in Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
Cafes and hospitality, Events and sport, Retail and Construction and labouring are the most common.
How much do backpacker jobs in Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
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 Melbourne 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).
