Wild Australia (rainbow lorikeets)

This colourful adolescent is a “rainbow lorikeet”. No prizes for guessing why he and his folks are called by that name. The birds are common in Queensland and a great favourite with tourists.

Places to go (surf clubs)

They’re one of Australia’s great institutions and most clubs welcome visitors. Many have bars and restaurants. That’s one of the ways they make money for their main activity – lifesaving.

Wild Australia (flying foxes)

Okay. They’re not foxes. They’re bats but not ordinary bats. They have a wingspan of more than 70cm (over 2ft) and their main food is fruit. There was once a colony in the mangrove swamps near us. Their constant screeching formed a background noise and we got used to it; then one day it was eerily quiet.

Other jobs (Beach Boys)

In an earlier blog I told you about mud wrestling mud wrestling and the girls who took part in it. Strictly speaking, they were not employees but competitors. That didn’t stop them from earning a steady income. At least, until the women’s rights people put an end to it.

Outback (Dave)

It takes a certain sort of person to live in the remote outback. In an earlier post, I told you about Angus, who hated city life and was totally at home in his sunburnt land. Other young men spent their childhood looking for ways to escape. One was my diving mate, Dave. His folks had a sheep farm on the far side of the Great Dividing Range and that’s where he was born.

Other jobs (mud wrestling)

   

In an earlier blog (jobs/extraordinary) I scribed two sorts of female dance acts. One is performed with clothes on and the other ends with clothes off. Mud wrestling provides a halfway house between the two. Strictly speaking it's not a job. Mud wrestling is a sport and that's an important distinction.

Outback (Angus)

In an earlier post (crocodile farming) I told you about my friend Luke and his son Angus. That’s not their real names but that doesn't mean they are not real people. They are  totally real and totally unlike anyone you would have as a neighbour in leafy suburbia. 

Wild Australia (strangler fig)

The leafy jungle is just as competitive as the concrete jungle. No holds are barred in the race to the top. In the concrete jungle the ultimate prize is money and power. In the rainforest it is sunlight and power. Strategies are much the same in both worlds ...

Other jobs (Toyboy)

It’s not a role that would appeal to everyone and not all young guys are cut out for it. Sufficient to say that a demand exists for the sort of company a younger male can provide for an older female.

Cautionary tales (Veronica's dad)

People are not always what they seem and it's as well to remember that when you make new acquaintances as my daughter, Mel, discovered ...

Cautionary tales (sea change)

So you are fed up with your boring office job and want a change. Wouldn’t it be nice to live in one of those fabulous tourist destinations where it’s summer all year round? How about going into the diving industry? You could buy a boat and take tourists to the Great Barrier Reef. Or you could establish a yachting business in the Whitsunday Islands. You might even set up a backpacker hostel.

Cautionary tales (bulldust)

In an earlier post I told you about my friend Luke and his cattle ranch in Queensland’s northern gulf country. We first visited him about thirty years ago and made the trip in the family station wagon. It goes without saying that cars were different in those days.

Cautionary tales (feeding frenzy)

People say something is dangerous but you've done it so often you’re blind to the dangers.

Cautionary tales (nightclubs/guys)

Some friends once invited me to become a partner in a nightclub. After a careful look at the project I decided it wasn’t for me. In the process I learnt a lot about the nightclub scene.

Cautionary tales (nightclubs/girls)

In another blog I talk about the perils facing male patrons of nightclubs. It goes without saying that women are at greater risk. We ran Globetrotters for fifteen years and, during that time, several of our female guests had distressing experiences.

Cautionary tales (dangerous company)

Back in 1987, three people were taken by crocodiles in northern Australia – two of them tourists. It was the year we opened Globetrotters and we were deeply in debt to the bank. The thought of tourists being scared off by the attacks was alarming but we needn’t have worried.

Cautionary tales (spiked drinks/guys)

It is well known that women are vulnerable to the perils of spiked drinks. What is not so well known is that males are vulnerable too. Shortly before we sold the hostel in 2002, there was a strange incident that took several days to solve.

Cautionary tales (surf club etiquette)

Etiquette is like political correctness. It varies from place to place and time to time. Bare that in mind - particularly when you  are in search of romance.

Big Country

Some call it the world’s smallest continent.  Others say it’s the world’s largest island.  Either way … Australia is BIG!  The distance from Perth to Cairns is about 3,500 km (2,000 miles), which is roughly the same as Gibraltar to St Petersburg, Vancouver to New Orleans or Tokyo to Hanoi.

Cautionary tales (trawlers/girls)

One day, a glossy poster landed in my letterbox when I ran the hostel. It arrived in a cardboard cylinder with a note asking me to display it in the female toilets.

Cautionary tales (trawlers/guys)

I’ve had friends who owned trawlers and I would describe them as solid businessmen who can be trusted. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for everyone who goes to sea to catch fish.

Cautionary tales (crocodile farming)

When I was a boy, the thought of farming crocs never occurred to me. My grandparents had a farm in Lincolnshire (England) and I stayed with them. Cows and chickens were the main livestock then. There wasn’t a crocodile to be seen.

Cautionary tales (warning signs)

It’s tempting to think that some warning signs can be ignored. This sign illustrates my point. It’s in a mountain park about 100 km from Tokyo and I photographed it while staying with friends.

Cautionary tales (Ingrid's new friend)

Ingrid came from Denmark and was travelling with a young man who went out of his way to say they were just good friends. His name was Rolf and he acted as her minder. Why he should have assumed that role was never clear to me.

Places to go (eco-reserves)

Australia has an extensive system of national parks, ranging in size from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to small reserves for the preservation of individual species. You will also find reserves established by local authorities and private organisations. Many are run on a non-profit basis and staffed by volunteers. Facilities are varied and include visitors centres, paths for bush walkers, boardwalks over wetlands, skywalks, information boards and guides who will take you on field trips.

Places to go (beaches)

Australia is famous for its coastline of golden sand and rocky headlands. You can wander on beaches that stretch for miles with no one in sight or you can join the crowds. There’s lots to do and lots of space to do it in.

Holiday jobs

Australia has a significantly lower unemployment rate than most developed countries and many businesses are happy to employ travellers from overseas.

Work visas

If you are a foreign national and intend to work for pay in Australia you’ll need a work visa. You can apply at www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas.  Or you may pay an agency to make the application for you. There’s no shortage of people providing this service and you can find them on the net.

  Jobs (ordinary) 

Fruit picking:  Whether it’s apples in Tasmania or bananas in North Queensland, backpackers and other travellers play a vital role at harvest time. Information on jobs is available at the fruit growers web site .

Restaurants etc:  Restaurants, hotels and bars are places where many backpackers find work. Big cities have recruitment agencies specialising in this sort of casual employment. You can use them but it’s not essential. The manager of one agency told me that a good way for a backpacker to find a job is to go door knocking. A few simple rules apply. Don’t turn up at a busy time. Ask to speak to the manager. Don’t dress in holiday clothes. White shirt/black bottoms and closed shoes are generally acceptable. Hair neat and tidy – including facial hair (guys). Nail varnish either off or on – not broken or cracked (girls). Remove facial piercings. Be prepared to offer a free shift to prove yourself. First impressions are crucial – decisions are usually made in the first thirty seconds.

Other casual employment:  Many businesses use casual labour. Large firms, such as cleaning contractors, employ lots of people; smaller outfits take one or two. Opportunities vary from time to time and place to place. I now live on the Gold Coast and see backpackers carrying advertising boards. Others are knocking on my door trying to sell thermal lagging or solar hot water systems. Talk to other backpackers to get ideas. Big employers can be approached directly or through an agency. That doesn’t mean you can’t front up in person. Always remember the golden rule: look and behave the part. If you want to work as a builders labourer, wear heavy boots and the rest of the gear when you arrive on site and ask to speak to the boss – and be prepared to join the builders labourers’ union if that is required of you.

Skilled employment:

• www.mycareer.com.au
• www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au
• www.seek.com.au

Supplementary:   Work for your bed (cleaning etc). Cut other backpackers’ hair. Do other backpackers’ laundry. Work the local street markets. Go busking etc.

Jobs (extraordinary)

There are some unusual and exciting jobs for those who are prepared to hunt them out. Pay is not always the greatest but you can have some interesting experiences and go to places you wouldn't otherwise visit.


Geologist’s assistant: It’s a gem if you can find it. Over the years, I had a dozen or so guests who’d managed to land this one. They stayed. at Globetrotters when they were on leave. I don’t know what they were paid but they always booked into private rooms. Some had qualifications in geology. Most didn’t. All were physically fit, outward-going and (with one memorable exception) male. They were flown all over northern Australia. A typical assignment would be a helicopter-drop in a creek bed. There, they collected samples and waited to be picked up. Jobs like this come and go. My contacts tell me they still exist. If you think you can find one, devote the time and energy to hunt around. Explore the web pages of Australian exploration and mining companies. Think about what you have to offer and present yourself clearly when you contact them. Don’t lie: the mining and exploration people have an eagle eye for crap artists.


Marine scientist's dive budy: other gem! Divers need buddies for safety reasons. Marine scientists are no exception and volunteers sometimes provide that service. I know nothing about pay. I do know that a dedicated diver will have opportunities that money can’t buy. There was a time when all you needed was an Open Water Diving Licence. Those days have long since gone in Australia and you will require far higher qualifications now. See my remarks about geologists.


Biologist’s assistant: Biologists go on field trips and need company for various reasons. One is security. It’s not always safe to wander around the Australian bush by yourself – particularly if you are female. There is safety in numbers. When we ran our hostel we had frequent requests from universities for suitable people to accompany research staff on expeditions. Students usually perform that function but are not available during term time. That provides opportunities for those of who live in the Northern Hemisphere. Your academic year is out of phase with ours. If you want to be a biologist’s assistant (or archaeologist’s, geologist’s etc) during your long vacation, do a bit of research. Find out which universities and research institutes are engaged in your field of study. Contact the relevant department and be prepared to follow up with a testimonial from your uni/college. It’s unlikely that you will be paid but you should be able to save money through free tucker (Aussie for grub) and accommodation.


Dinosaur research: You won’t get paid and you won’t save money but it could be a great experience. So many dinosaur bones are being found near Winton, in outback Queensland, that help is needed getting them ready for expert examination. Training is provided. Further information: http://www.australianageofdinosaurs.com/

Working on a dive boat: Quite a lot of my guests got jobs on dive boats taking tourists to the Great Barrier Reef. Some were instructors, others were divemasters, many had no diving qualifications beyond the basic open water certificate. Dive boats need auxiliary staff. Someone has to fill scuba tanks, cook and clean while qualified staff supervise diving and skipper the boat. Qualified staff are paid. Auxiliaries usually work for a chance to go diving between shifts. You won’t make much money (if any) as a volunteer crew member but you should save money and have a lot of fun. One way to get a job is to front up at a dive shop. If you’ve already had crewing experience, that’s a plus. Many get their first job by going out as paying passengers. They talk to senior staff and make themselves known. Personality counts for a lot. A friendly, helpful crew is essential to a good dive operation. Make sure you come over as that sort of person.

Working on a cruise boat: Cruise boats, like dive boats, need staff to serve in their restaurants, wash dishes and so on. They even have work for hosts and hostesses. These latter jobs are particularly appealing and preference is given to people with skills such as marine science or a knowledge of the local area and its people. As with most job hunting, luck comes into it when securing a position. One memorable young lady failed to get a hostess job despite my recommendation. She had a pleasant manner and was of Polynesian ancestry. I found a frangipani flower for her hair and she went for an interview only to be turned down. The problem was her accent, which was of the sort that can only be obtained by attending an expensive English boarding school. In short, she looked the part but didn’t sound right. An older guest was more successful. He knew nothing of marine science or the local area but was an interesting character with a store of jokes and a manner that brought people together. He secured a job as “master of ceremonies”.


Outback farm: The correct name is “property”. The American’s would call them ranches. They are so big that the English name “farm” doesn’t apply. While we ran our hostel we were able to provide a steady stream of people for properties out west. Some did domestic work, caring for children and the like. Others worked with the animals (cattle and sheep). It was a mutually beneficial arrangement and I never heard anything but praise from both sides. If you are thinking of taking such a job, bare in mind that you will be living in an isolated location. In some of the remoter areas, your nearest neighbours could be fifty or more kilometres away. If you are thinking of working with animals it’s as well to have prior experience. Being able to ride a horse helps. Most of all, you must be prepared to work hard and put up with tough conditions. The farming industry's web page provides detailed information.


Environment: If you want to care for the environment or be a willing helper on an organic farm visit: Australian Conservation Volunteers or WWOOF .

Entertainer: There’s money to be made and all sorts of ways to do it. I had street entertainers staying at Globetrotters and some did very well. A licence from the local authority was needed and they had to front up for an audition. Buskers, pavement artists, jugglers and acrobats were amongst my guests. We even had an out-of-work Shakespearian actor who used to smear himself with chalk and dress up as Hamlet’s father. From time to time, young ladies from a well-known Australian dance group stayed at the hostel. They worked at the casino and entertained patrons with displays of modern theatrical dancing – performing with their clothes on. Other young ladies danced in nightclubs and ended their performance with their clothes off.


Nightclub security officer: generally known as bouncers. Before you apply, check out my post in Cautionary tales.

Sporting activities also provide a means to earn a bit of money. I had guys who took part in boxing matches and others who signed contracts with football clubs. I know little about either and can give no advice. I do however know something about mud wrestling

Places to stay (hotel, motel etc ...)

In some countries I’ve had trouble finding a place to spend the night. The fault is mine. I expect to turn up and arrange accommodation without difficulty. British and Japanese friends are surprised by my attitude. They plan their trips well in advance. Australia is well stocked with places to stay and you can be more casual.

Places to stay (campsites)

Australia is well equipped with campsites and most advertise on the net. I’ll stick to general observations.

Places to stay (backpacker hostels)

The backpacker hostel, as we know it today, was invented about twenty-five years ago. My involvement began when I was working as a divemaster taking tourists to the Great Barrier Reef.

Travel (public transport)

Air:  Australia is a huge country and most Australians go by air when travelling long distances. At the time of writing, prices can vary greatly from day to day. There are some amazingly cheap offers for those who are prepared to book well in advance or leave at a moment’s notice.

Rail:  The main function of the Australian rail system is to carry freight over large distances at low cost. Passenger fares are low compared with Europe, Japan and North America. If you have heaps of time, rail can be a good way to travel.

Backpacker buses:  Some people love them. Others have nothing but scorn for the drivers and their passengers. I suggest you ask around and get advice from people with similar tastes to your own. One young lady told me she was using the buses because she was travelling alone. She figured there is safety in numbers. I wouldn’t argue with that.

Public Buses:  An efficient bus system connects major cities and is relatively inexpensive. It is widely used by Australians and visitors.

Travel (vehicle rental)

Hiring a car, caravan or campervan is relatively easy. Major international rental companies operate here and there is no shortage of local companies – some offering very low rates.

Travel (roadside amenities)

Many towns provide free amenities for travellers – particularly in tourist areas. The pics give an idea of what to expect. They include tourist information, gas barbecues (sometimes with boiling water) picnic tables, children’s playground and toilets (sometimes with showers).

Travel (hazards)

I'll confine my remarks to hazards that are peculiar to Australia and similar countries.

Heat exhaustion

The technical term is hyperthermia, which is often confused with hypothermia. The first refers to the body having too much heat. The other is the exact opposite – too little heat. Here, I’m talking about too much heat. The problem comes on quickly and can have serious consequences. The symptoms are extreme weakness and lack of coordination. Avoid hyperthermia by drinking plenty of water and staying cool. Treat it by cooling the patient down and giving drinks. Recovery is usually rapid. If it’s not seek medical advice.

Land animals (big)

The first thing to remember is that local authorities don’t put up warning signs for fun. Signs cost money and they are there for a purpose. I had a guest who thought a sign showing a swimmer being chased by a crocodile was a tourism gimmick. It wasn’t. A few weeks earlier a family lost their dog to a croc while picnicking at that very spot. The local parks authority advised people not to take dogs on picnics because they dash around and risk getting snapped up. My view was totally different – better to loose a pooch than one of the kids.

Land animals (medium)

Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous snakes yet most Australians rarely encounter one. I’ve never seen a snake in my garden. I see them occasionally when I go bushwalking and I see a lot when I go trout fishing. The Australian bush is full of snakes. Trout fishermen see them because they creep around and don’t make their presence felt. I thump around when I go bushwalking. That way snakes are likely to hear me and get out of my way. The danger times are when the snakes are inactive. That happens in early spring when they are coming out of hibernation, in the cool of the day and when they are casting off a skin. I take a snakebite kit with me when I go walking. You can make one up from instructions at http://www.radoa.com/ or buy one. They are not expensive.

Land animals (small)

Our scorpions have a nasty sting and some of our spiders are deadly. When camping, I’m careful to shake out my shoes before putting them on and I wear gloves when gardening.

Sea animals
Australian beaches harbour more perils than those in the colder parts of the world. Added to the danger of drowning we have a variety of marine animals that can cause injury and death. These include sharks, jellyfish, stonefish and the blue ringed octopus. That doesn’t mean that you can’t swim in safety. Our main beaches are protected by shark nets and patrolled by lifeguards. I recommend that you do not do not swim elsewhere without expert local advice. I’ve had some close encounters with sharks and have a lot of respect for them Cautionary tales.