Holiday Jobs Australia 2025: Complete Guide

by

Holiday Jobs Australia 2025: Complete Guide

 

 

School and university holidays provide excellent opportunities for students to earn significant income through full-time or increased part-time work. This guide covers the best holiday jobs, peak hiring periods, pay rates, and strategies for maximizing earnings during break periods.

 

Quick Overview: Holiday Jobs Australia

Best Holiday Jobs: Retail (Christmas), hospitality, delivery driving, warehousing, seasonal work

Peak Hiring Periods: November-December (Christmas), January (post-Christmas sales), June-July (winter holidays)

Pay: $20-35/hour (casual rates with loading and penalty rates)

Hours: Can work full-time (38 hours/week) or more during holidays

Potential Earnings: $1,000-1,500/week during peak periods

Key Advantage: No school/uni commitments means maximum availability and earnings

 

Best Holiday Jobs for Students

 

  1. Christmas Retail (November-January)

Peak Period: November-December (busiest retail period)

Positions:

  • Sales assistant
  • Cashier
  • Gift wrapper
  • Stock replenishment
  • Customer service

Employers:

  • Woolworths, Coles (groceries)
  • Kmart, Target, Big W, Myer (department stores)
  • JB Hi-Fi, Chemist Warehouse (specialty)
  • Fashion retailers (H&M, Cotton On, Uniqlo)

Pay: $23-30/hour (adult rates) with weekend penalty rates

Hours: 30-38 hours/week during peak season

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 35 hours/week):

  • $27/hour × 35 hours × 6 weeks = $5,670

 

Why Excellent:

✅ Massive hiring during Christmas period

✅ Easy to get hired (desperate for staff)

✅ Excellent hours available

✅ Penalty rates for weekends

✅ Staff discounts for Christmas shopping

✅ Potential to continue after holidays

 

How to Get:

  • Apply September-October (before peak rush)
  • Emphasize full availability
  • Apply to multiple retailers
  • Visit stores in person

 

  1. Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants, Hotels)

Peak Periods: Summer (December-January), winter school holidays

Positions:

  • Waiter/waitress
  • Barista
  • Kitchen hand
  • Bartender (18+)
  • Function staff

Pay: $25-35/hour plus tips ($20-200+/shift)

Hours: 30-50 hours/week (hospitality is very busy during holidays)

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 40 hours/week):

  • $30/hour × 40 hours × 6 weeks = $7,200
  • Plus tips: $500-1,000+
  • Total: $7,700-8,200

 

Why Excellent:

✅ Highest pay for student jobs

✅ Tips significantly boost income

✅ Very busy during holidays = many hours

✅ Meal benefits

✅ Social environment

 

Requirements:

  • RSA certificate (18+ for bar work)
  • Food handling certificate

 

  1. Delivery Driving (Peak Holiday Demand)

Peak Periods: Christmas shopping season, meal delivery during holidays

Services:

  • Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog (food delivery)
  • Amazon Flex (package delivery)

Pay: $20-35/hour during peak times

Hours: Completely flexible – work as much as you want

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 40 hours/week):

  • $25/hour × 40 hours × 6 weeks = $6,000

 

Why Good:

✅ Complete flexibility

✅ Work whenever you want

✅ Peak holiday demand = higher pay

✅ No boss or schedule

✅ Can work very long hours if desired

 

Requirements:

  • 18+ years old
  • Vehicle (car, scooter, bicycle)
  • Driver’s license (if driving)

 

  1. Warehouse/Logistics (Christmas Rush)

Peak Period: November-January (Christmas shipping)

Positions:

  • Warehouse picker/packer
  • Forklift operator (with license)
  • Dispatch assistant
  • Stock handler

Employers:

  • Amazon
  • Australia Post
  • Toll, StarTrack
  • Retail distribution centers

Pay: $25-35/hour (higher for forklift operators)

Hours: 38-50+ hours/week (overtime available)

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 40 hours/week):

  • $28/hour × 40 hours × 6 weeks = $6,720

 

Why Good:

✅ Excellent pay

✅ Many hours available

✅ Overtime opportunities

✅ Less customer interaction

✅ Physical activity

 

Challenges:

❌ Physically demanding

❌ Early starts or night shifts

❌ Fast-paced environment

 

  1. Tourism/Seasonal Work (Summer)

Peak Period: December-February (summer tourism)

Positions:

  • Tour guide
  • Theme park staff
  • Beach/pool attendant
  • Resort staff
  • Ski resort staff (winter)

Pay: $23-30/hour

Hours: 30-40 hours/week

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 35 hours/week):

  • $26/hour × 35 hours × 6 weeks = $5,460

 

Why Good:

✅ Fun, outdoor environment

✅ Meet travelers

✅ Interesting work

✅ Beautiful locations

 

Requirements:

  • Lifeguard certificate (for pool/beach)
  • First aid (helpful)

 

  1. Event Staffing (Summer Events)

Peak Period: December-January (festivals, concerts, sporting events)

Positions:

  • Event setup/pack down
  • Ticket scanning
  • Crowd control
  • Catering staff
  • Merchandise sales

Pay: $25-35/hour

Hours: Variable (events are typically weekends and evenings)

 

Why Good:

✅ Excellent pay

✅ Interesting variety

✅ Experience different events

✅ Social atmosphere

 

How to Get:

  • Register with event staffing agencies
  • Apply to venues and stadiums

 

  1. Tutoring (Holiday Intensive Programs)

Peak Period: January (before school year), July (mid-year)

Subjects:

  • High school subjects
  • Test preparation
  • Catch-up programs

Pay: $30-60/hour

Hours: 10-25 hours/week (less than other holiday jobs)

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks, 15 hours/week):

  • $40/hour × 15 hours × 6 weeks = $3,600

 

Why Good:

✅ Highest hourly rate

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Rewarding work

✅ Less physically demanding

Requirements:

  • Strong academic performance
  • Teaching ability

 

  1. Fruit Picking/Farm Work (Seasonal)

Peak Periods: Varies by crop and region

Pay: Piece rate or hourly ($20-30/hour)

Hours: Long days (8-10 hours), 6 days/week

Holiday Earnings (6 weeks):

  • Varies greatly by speed and crop
  • $800-1,500/week typical

 

Why Good:

✅ Can earn significant money

✅ Outdoor work

✅ Meet backpackers

✅ Experience rural Australia

 

Challenges:

❌ Physically very demanding

❌ Weather dependent

❌ Remote locations

❌ Accommodation needed

 

Holiday Earnings Potential

 

Summer Holidays (6-8 Weeks)

Full-Time Retail (38 hours/week, 7 weeks):

  • $27/hour × 38 hours × 7 weeks = $7,182

Full-Time Hospitality (40 hours/week, 7 weeks):

  • $30/hour × 40 hours × 7 weeks = $8,400
  • Plus tips: $700-1,400
  • Total: $9,100-9,800

Warehouse (40 hours/week, 7 weeks):

  • $28/hour × 40 hours × 7 weeks = $7,840

Delivery Driving (40 hours/week, 7 weeks):

  • $25/hour × 40 hours × 7 weeks = $7,000

 

Winter Holidays (2-3 Weeks)

Full-Time Retail (38 hours/week, 2 weeks):

  • $27/hour × 38 hours × 2 weeks = $2,052

Part-Time Hospitality (25 hours/week, 2 weeks):

  • $30/hour × 25 hours × 2 weeks = $1,500

 

Annual Holiday Earnings Potential

Summer (7 weeks) + Winter (2 weeks) + Mid-year (2 weeks):

  • Retail: $7,182 + $2,052 + $2,052 = $11,286/year from holidays
  • Hospitality: $9,100 + $1,500 + $1,500 = $12,100/year from holidays

Combined with Part-Time During Semester:

  • 15 hours/week × 40 weeks = $16,200
  • Plus holiday earnings: $11,000-12,000
  • Total annual: $27,000-28,000

 

How to Get Holiday Jobs

 

Apply Early

Timeline:

  • Christmas jobs: Apply September-October
  • Summer tourism: Apply August-September
  • Winter jobs: Apply April-May

Why: Best positions fill quickly, early applicants get priority

 

Emphasize Full Availability

In Application: “I have complete availability throughout the entire holiday period (November 20 – January 31) including weekends, evenings, and public holidays.”

Why: Employers want staff available entire period, not just 2-3 weeks

 

Target Seasonal Employers

Who Hires Seasonally:

  • Retail (Christmas)
  • Australia Post (Christmas)
  • Tourism operators (summer)
  • Event companies (summer)
  • Tax agents (June-July)

 

Apply to Multiple Employers

Strategy:

  • Apply to 20-30 positions
  • Mix of job types
  • Various locations
  • Increases chances significantly

 

Be Flexible

Offer:

  • Any shifts (days, nights, weekends)
  • Any positions (not just preferred role)
  • Start immediately
  • Work entire holiday period

 

Tips for Maximizing Holiday Earnings

  1. Work Full-Time Hours

Strategy: Work 35-40 hours/week instead of 20-25

Earnings Boost:

  • 25 hours/week: $4,725 (7 weeks)
  • 38 hours/week: $7,182 (7 weeks)
  • Difference: $2,457

 

  1. Work Public Holidays

Strategy: Always work public holidays (2.5x pay)

Earnings Boost:

  • Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day
  • 8 hours at $67.50/hour (2.5x $27) = $540/day
  • 3 public holidays = $1,620 extra

 

  1. Choose Higher-Paying Jobs

Strategy: Prioritize hospitality, warehouse over retail

Earnings Boost:

  • Retail: $27/hour
  • Hospitality: $30/hour + tips
  • Difference: $840 over 7 weeks (40 hours/week)

 

  1. Pick Up Extra Shifts

Strategy: Be available for call-ins, cover sick colleagues

Earnings Boost:

  • Extra 8 hours/week = $216/week extra
  • Over 7 weeks = $1,512 extra

 

  1. Work Multiple Jobs

Strategy: Work 2 part-time jobs for more total hours

Example:

  • Retail: 25 hours/week
  • Delivery driving: 15 hours/week
  • Total: 40 hours/week instead of 25

 

  1. Continue After Holidays

Strategy: Request to continue part-time when school/uni resumes

Benefit:

  • Ongoing employment
  • Don’t have to job search again
  • Build seniority and skills

 

Balancing Holiday Work with Breaks

Don’t Overwork

Remember:

  • Holidays are also for rest and recovery
  • Spending time with family and friends is important
  • Burnout affects next semester performance

Recommendation:

  • Work 4-5 weeks intensively
  • Take 1-2 weeks completely off
  • Balance earning with enjoying break

 

Plan Time Off

Strategy:

  • Work first 4-5 weeks of holidays
  • Take final 1-2 weeks off before semester
  • Use for rest, preparation, social activities

 

Save Your Earnings

Smart Money Management:

  • Save 50-70% of holiday earnings
  • Use for semester expenses (textbooks, transport, living)
  • Reduces need to work during busy semester periods

 

Common Questions About Holiday Jobs

 

When should I apply for Christmas jobs?

Apply September-October for best selection. Major retailers start hiring for Christmas from September. Don’t wait until November – best positions will be filled.

 

Can I work full-time during holidays if I’m under 18?

Yes, there are no restrictions on hours during school holidays for most jobs. You can work full-time (38 hours/week) or more if desired.

 

Will I be kept on after holidays?

Possibly. Many seasonal workers are kept on part-time if they perform well. Express interest in continuing and demonstrate reliability during holiday period.

 

How much can I realistically earn during summer holidays?

$5,000-10,000 for 6-8 weeks of full-time work depending on job type and hours. Retail typically $5,000-7,000, hospitality $7,000-10,000 with tips.

 

Do I need experience for holiday jobs?

No, most seasonal positions require no experience as employers expect to train. Emphasize enthusiasm, availability, and willingness to learn.

 

Can international students work during holidays?

Yes, international students on student visas can work unlimited hours during official university breaks. Check your visa conditions.

 

Conclusion

Holiday jobs provide Australian students with excellent opportunities to earn significant income ($5,000-10,000+ per holiday period) while school or university is not in session. The best holiday jobs (retail during Christmas, hospitality, warehouse, delivery) offer full-time hours, good pay, and flexibility.

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Best periods: Christmas (November-January), summer tourism (December-February)

✅ Best jobs: Retail (Christmas), hospitality, warehouse, delivery

✅ Earnings potential: $5,000-10,000+ per summer holidays

✅ Apply early: September-October for Christmas jobs

✅ Full availability: Emphasize availability entire holiday period

✅ Work smart: Choose higher-paying jobs, work public holidays, pick up extra shifts

 

Success Factors:

1.Apply early (2-3 months before holidays)

2.Emphasize complete availability

3.Apply to 20-30 positions

4.Choose higher-paying jobs when possible

5.Work public holidays (2.5x pay)

6.Be reliable and enthusiastic

7.Balance work with rest and recovery

Holiday jobs provide not just income but valuable work experience, skills development, and potential ongoing employment. Plan ahead, apply early, work hard, and enjoy the financial rewards that will support you through the academic year.

 

Related Articles:

 

468

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *