Living in Australia: My Journey in Gladstone for my Working and Holiday VISA

From Europe to Australia: My Journey to Gladstone

A bit less than six months ago, I arrived in Gladstone, Queensland, a small industrial town in Australia. I chose this town because a friend of mine lived here and had offered to host me for the first few weeks. Gladstone is not the most exciting place—activities mainly include fishing, strolling along the port, drinking, going bowling, or hitting the club. At first, it was challenging for me to stay here, but having a group of friends made it better.

Embracing Life in a Small Australian Town

I landed a job on my second day here, thanks to my past experience in hospitality and my good level of English, which helped me find work quickly. My first role was at an Italian restaurant where I handled service and made coffee, but the job was far from ideal. The owner was odd, often making inappropriate jokes, and he paid me in cash below the legal minimum wage.

Finding Work in Gladstone: My Experience in the Hospitality Industry

After that, I found a job at Ward’s Brewery, a place that brews its own beer. I worked at the bar, taking orders and serving, and I loved it. Unfortunately, the shifts were too short—sometimes only two or three hours. This was crucial because I needed to log enough hours to apply for a second visa in Australia.

Balancing Jobs: Working at Ward’s Brewery and Dicey’s

Eventually, I secured a position at Dicey’s, where I have worked for over four months now. My role primarily involves bar work, but I also handle running orders and taking restaurant orders as needed. Initially, I worked only a few shifts per week, so I kept my job at Ward’s. Gradually, Dicey’s started giving me more hours as they trusted me more.

Working in Construction: A New Challenge for My Visa

In parallel, I was searching for work in construction, the highest-paying job sector in Australia. I found a job as a laborer renovating boats at the Gladstone Marina. My responsibilities included painting and sanding large boats. The work was extremely physically demanding, especially in the heat, but I enjoyed it. I was the only woman working on the boats and had to earn my place among the Australian guys.

For two months, I managed both jobs—38 hours per week in construction and 20 to 30 hours at Dicey’s. The schedule was grueling, with some days starting at 6 am after finishing late at the bar. Despite the exhaustion, I saved a significant amount of money. I earned €17,000, which is approximately AUD 29,000 or USD 18,000.

Reflecting on My Australian Adventure: What’s Next?

Recently, I stopped working in construction due to safety concerns. I’ve decided to focus on my upcoming adventure—a pilgrimage in Japan. I'll be embarking on a 1200 km walk across Japan, carrying my tent and backpack.

If you want to follow my adventures, see my past travels, or ask me anything about Australia, here is my Instagram: @advicefromtheworld.