Australia for Digital Nomads: Visa, Cost, Best Places & More

Surrounded by water but geographers classify it as a continent. Welcome to Australia. It is one of the largest countries and desirable places in the world that comes with diverse wildlife, exotic beaches, and sophisticated metropolitan cities. The opportunities for people who want to work in Australia as a digital nomad are ten-fold, for they have a robust economy with some of the world’s highest wages.

No doubt, Australia is a popular place for people who wish to live a digital nomad life. Nevertheless, if you want to have a productive life and make the most of what Australia had to offer, then we are here to help you. We present all the essential info that you might need when traveling to Australia. Continue reading if you want to achieve your dream of joining the digital nomad community in Australia.

Australia for digital nomads at a glance

Pros	Cons
The standard of living and wages are high in Australia. It is officially ranked the 25th best place in the world for remote work due to its high levels of economic safety.	The cost of living is expensive in Australia. According to recent news articles, the overall cost of food rose 7.5% and rent increased by 6.7% in June 2023.
Services for digital nomads are booming. Coliving and coworking spaces are around almost every corner as Australians continue to embrace borderless work.	It takes a long time to travel between places in the country itself if you are not traveling by plane. Many experts highly recommend more cross-country high-speed rails.
Australia is a large country with a diverse set of climates that range from tropical jungles to snowfields.	The internet speed and services in Australia can be too slow and costly for remote workers.
There is an endless amount of beautiful landscapes to explore and activities to try.	Visa options for digital nomads and freelancers are limited and include a time-consuming process.

Visa and Legal Requirements

Ensuring that you have the appropriate visa is critical in order to work in Australia as a digital nomad. Unfortunately, Australia does not yet offer a specific visa for digital nomads. 

However, there are alternative options that remote workers traveling to the country can consider:

Visitor Visa 

A Visitor Visa in Australia basically functions as a tourist visa and allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months. It is available to all nationalities and its length of validity will depend on why and how long you plan to stay in Australia.

Requirements 

• Valid passport
• Copy of your passport’s identity page
• Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Form
• Proof of financial capacity (bank statements or letter from sponsor)
• Proof of travel health insurance 
• Proof of booked flight tickets
• Complete travel itinerary
• Letter of invitation (if applicable)

Steps

• Step 1: Make an ImmiAccount online
• Step 2: Select Subclass 600 on the Tourist Stream Visa
• Step 3: Complete the application form 
• Step 4: Gather all the requirements 
• Step 5: Pay the application fee 
• Step 6: Wait for visa processing
• Step 7: Receive your visa

eVisitor Visa 

An eVisitor Visa in Australia is only available to European citizens. As long as your stay is shorter than three months, you can use this visa to enter the country as many times as you want within a year.  

Requirements 

• Valid passport
• Email address
• Credit or debit card for payment

Steps

• Step 1: Make an ImmiAccount online
• Step 2: Enter your personal information, passport details, and purpose of travel
• Step 3: Gather all the requirements
• Step 4: Send your application
• Step 5: Receive an email confirmation within one to two days

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

ETA is an electronic visa for Australia and is valid for up to one year. Digital nomads with this type of visa can enter the country multiple times as long as their stay does not exceed three months. However, it is only available to specific countries and cannot be renewed.

Requirements 

• Valid passport
• Valid ID 
• Credit or debit card for payment

Steps

• Step 1: Visit the ETA website
• Step 2: Select your reason for travel (tourism or business) and current residence
• Step 3: Enter your personal information, passport details, and the purpose of your trip
• Step 4: Pay the application fee and enter your email address
• Step 5: Wait for a confirmation email on your application

Working Holiday Visa

A Working Holiday Visa serves as a short-term visa in Australia for persons 18 to 30 years old or 35 years old for specific countries. It allows digital nomads to stay in Australia for up to four months and is meant specifically for doing any kind of short-term work in the country.

Requirements 

• Copy of your passport pages
• Valid birth certificate
• Proof of financial capacity
• Documentation of your good character
• Signed copy of Australia’s values statement

Steps

• Step 1: Make an ImmiAccount online
• Step 2: Gather and attach the document requirements
• Step 3: Pay the visa application fee

Cost of Living in Australia

The cost of living in Australia does not come at a cheap price. Nevertheless, digital nomads can live modestly by making the right and most optimal financial decisions. 

While the cost of living is different for each city and regional area, the monthly average for a single person is $1,102.6 excluding rent.

The most expensive cities include Sydney, Melbourne, and Byron, among others. If you prefer living in a smaller destination with affordable prices, you should consider cities like Hobart, Perth, and Adelaide. 

For a clear picture of what to expect, let’s take a look at a chart indicating the typical costs of living depending on the location: 

Location	Rent (1 Bedroom Apartment)	Utilities	Food	Transportation
Cairns	$804	$130	$472	$69.1
Melbourne	$1356	$174.1	$566	$315
Sydney	$1770	$169.5	$560	$375
Perth	$1793	$190.7	$572	$247
Brisbane	$1398	$178.5	$562	$259
Adelaide	$1499	$211.4	$615	$176
Canberra	$1435	$198.2	$633	$126
Byron Bay	$3633	$124	$517	$73.5
Hobart	$1087	$166.2	$483	$76.9
Wollongong	$1068	$131	$391	$95.8
Darwin	$1215	$194.2	$563	$45.1
Gold Coast	$1317	$126.5	$496	$147

Note that the utilities category encompasses the total cost of electricity, heating, water, gas, and internet plan per month. The food category also indicates the total cost of groceries and eating out per month.

Tips for saving money on living costs in Australia

The cost of living in Australia is steadily increasing for both citizens and digital nomads. Whether you are a homeowner or renting a place, keeping up with rising prices in the country can be a challenge. 

Let’s explore some of the most effective ways that remote workers can save money while living in Australia: 

• Go with generic brands for groceries
• Save money on meat by choosing the right cut
• Avoid imported veggies and only buy them when they are in season
• Pack your lunch and lessen how much you dine out
• Ride a bike instead of relying on public transport 
• Get a good deal on electricity and gas by using the Government’s Energy Made Easy site.

Internet Facilities in Australia

Regardless of location, internet access is one of the most crucial factors that digital nomads need to consider. To make it more convenient, here is a list of the average internet speed and price for some of the major cities in Australia:

Location	Average speed (Mbps)	Cost (USD/month)
Cairns	53.53  Mbps	$60 – $80
Melbourne	54.10 Mbps	$72
Sydney	50.1 Mbps	$79.52
Perth	42.6 Mbps	$75
Brisbane	51.1 Mbps	$60 – $80
Adelaide	41.3 Mbps	$60 – $80
Canberra	53.65	$44 – $90
Byron Bay	23 Mbps	$50 – $60
Hobart	51.00 Mbps	$72
Wollongong	54.46 Mbps	$50 – $65
Darwin	54.69 Mbps	$65
Gold Coast	54.54 Mbps	$65

The Weather in Australia

In contrast to what some people might assume, Australia is not just a dusty and hot country throughout the year. The climate differs considerably throughout the continent. 

When discussing Australia’s weather, it is worth noting that the country experiences reversed seasons if you come from the northern hemisphere.

In Australia, the summer season falls from December to February. If you are not a fan of hot climates, you should consider the southern parts during these months. 

The winter starts in June and ends in August, while autumn and spring are from March to May and September to November.

Location	Average annual temperature (°C)	Average annual humidity (%)	Average annual precipitation (mm)
Cairns	23.2 °C	62%	1271 mm
Melbourne	14.8 °C	51%	649 mm
Sydney	18.0 °C	61.3%	1175 mm
Perth	18.6 °C	52.3%	790 mm
Brisbane	20.0 °C	66.8%	1200 mm
Adelaide	22.2 °C	45.8%	520 mm
Canberra	12.8 °C	47.8%	629 mm
Byron Bay	19.7 °C	75%	1510 mm
Hobart	13.90°C	55%	626 mm
Wollongong	17.1 °C	55%	1097 mm
Darwin	27.4 °C	56%	1727.3 mm
Gold Coast	20.4 °C	64%	1138 mm

Finding Places to Stay in Australia

The Australian lifestyle is one that is embraced by digital nomads from all across the world. The country is rich in scenic beaches, landscapes, and dynamic cities. 

In this section, we’ll give you a complete overview of how to find the perfect place to reside in Australia as a remote worker.

Best places in Australia for digital nomads

Sydney

Sydney is one of the top destinations in Australia for the digital nomad lifestyle. This populous metropolis has so much to offer when it comes to leisure and working facilities. 

Here, you will get the opportunity to work with the backdrop of Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. 

You can also enjoy the stunning landscapes and famous beaches during your leisure time. However, the only disadvantage of living in Sydney is that it is relatively expensive.

Gravity coworking is one of the finest coworking spaces in Sydney. It provides various amenities such as dedicated rooms for meetings, free internet, and even two dedicated showers, among many others.

Sydney offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants that are great for remote work. Digital nomads in the area can visit Single O. 

It is one of the most vibrant spots for freelancers and remote workers to get a world-class brew, collaborate, and get projects done.

Pros	Cons
Home to a ton of digital nomads	Expensive
Spacious environment
Fast and stable internet	Congested traffic
Great weather during most of the year

Melbourne

Melbourne will be the perfect option if you want to live and work in a city that has received the title of the World’s Most Livable City consecutively for seven years. It is the second-most populous city in Australia, known for its music, café culture, diverse arts, and stunning alleyways. 

When it comes to the cost of living, it can be as expensive as Sydney. But you can also make a modest life even outside the city, which will be less expensive. Besides, many cafés provide free Wi-Fi service. It can come in handy if you are traveling on a budget.

If you are looking for a coworking space in Melbourne, then consider trying The Cluster. It is not only the best coworking space in Melbourne but also the first coworking Penthouse in Australia.  

Digital nomads situated in Melbourne can check out Elephant Cafe in Flemington. It is the ideal spot for remote workers to kick off a day’s work while fueling up with a delicious breakfast.

Pros	Cons
Ideal humidity levels	Gets too cold in the summer
Excellent air quality
Tons of activity and entertainment options	Expensive
Safe environment

Brisbane

Another top destination for digital nomads in Australia is Brisbane, which is the capital of Queensland. This city will impress you with a desirable climate throughout the year. 

As such, you can enjoy a significant outdoor lifestyle. When compared to Melbourne and Sydney, the costs of living in Brisbane are much lower.

When it comes to coworking spaces in Brisbane, we recommend Fishburners. It is one of the top-rated coworking spaces in Brisbane. 

Digital nomads looking for the perfect laptop-friendly cafes can visit Neighborhood in Albion. Remote workers can enjoy their large seating areas and quiet nooks amongst the greenery. 

Pros	Cons
Beautiful city with a lot to explore	Volatile weather
Slow and casual lifestyle for a big city	Dangerous wildlife
Close to the best beaches in Australia	Expensive parking

Wollongong

Wollongong is a coastal city in Australia, which lies south of Sydney. If you are looking for a smaller community, then you should consider this Australian city. Although it is small, this city does not lack when it comes to innovation and its startup scene. 

In short, it is a perfect destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Relatively, the cost of living in Wollongong is also cheaper, and there are various outdoor activities that you can enjoy all year round.

One of the best coworking spaces in Wollongong is The Consortium Lounge. When it comes to restaurants and cafes, Diggies provides digital nomads with a casual and relaxed atmosphere along with the best views of the Wollongong coast.

Pros	Cons
Not crowded	Expensive
Safe roads	Limited activities
Mostly warm weather	Limited opportunities to socialize
Fast and stable internet	Subpar hospitals

Adelaide

Adelaide is the right city for you if you are looking for a quieter destination in Australia. The city will provide you with a more like-resort vibe than when compared to more populated cities like Sydney. 

It has exceptional picturesque surroundings with stunning beaches, coffee shops, fine dining restaurants, and bar strips. Besides, it is not difficult to find a coworking space or remote working hubs.

When it comes to finding a coworking space in Adelaide, we recommend Intersect coworking space. 

In terms of cafes and restaurants, digital nomads in Adelaide can check out Peter Rabbit. The atmosphere in this place never fails to inspire remote workers and freelancers to boost their productivity!

Pros	Cons
Mostly sunny weather	Expensive restaurants
Diverse food choices	Intense summer heat waves
Fast and reliable transportation	Few shopping centers
Hundreds of yearly festivals	High unemployment rate

Hobart

Hobart may not be the number one destination for digital nomads in Australia, but there are some good reasons to consider this capital city. It is the least populated city in Australia where the cost of living is considerably low. 

The city also has a decent internet speed, which is crucial for functioning as a digital nomad. Besides, you will have the chance to work in the breathtaking and attractive wilderness of Wineglass Bay.

If you are looking for the best coworking spaces in Hobart, then we recommend Wotso WorkSpace. It is the biggest coworking space in the city, offering various amenities.

Digital nomads in the area can check out Hamet, a social enterprise cafe with industrial-style interiors which is the perfect setting for getting work done. 

For a more retro appeal, Plain Jane is a newcomer that is rapidly gaining recognition in North Hobart as one of the city’s top restaurants.

Pros	Cons
Safe environment	Expensive
Fast internet speed	Limited activity options
Spacious city	Limited opportunities for social events
Excellent air quality	Can get too cold in the summer

Ways to find a place in the country

Finding a place to stay in Australia can sometimes be daunting, especially if you visit for the first time. Thankfully, there are many choices for you. It is always better to narrow down your selection before landing in Australia!

This way, you can save time by choosing the most desirable option. Here are the top two sources to find a place in Australia:

Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the best options for finding accommodations in Australia, especially when you are on a low budget. 

It functions like a paying guest accommodation, and the prices will differ depending on which city you wish to stay but are still set at more affordable rates. 

Typically, Airbnb offers more amenities when compared to a hotel. It can include facilities such as a kitchen, internet, and a washer/dryer, among many others. 

You will receive not only the hospitality but also the comfort of home! If you want to save some money, you should look out for promotional coupons such as the first-stay discount.

This rental unit in Melbourne only costs $1,395 a month and comes with a dedicated workspace and amenities for everyday living. 

If you’re on the hunt for a strategically located spot in Sydney, this charming Airbnb listing in Sydney offers easy access to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Flatmates.com.au

Flatmates.com.au is the most ideal option for people who want shared accommodations. You can easily sort out listings based on city, amenities, rent, and room type, among others. 

However, you should note that it comes with a specific minimum stay duration ranging from one week to a few months.

By registering with flatmates, you will be able to access the contact information of those who want roommates. Having a roommate can be really helpful, especially if you are landing in Australia for the first time.

If you’re looking for a place in Sydney, you can check out this one-room, shared house option in Marsfield for $320 a week plus bills. For those seeking a Gold Coast pad, take a look at this excellent one-room, shared house listing in Southport that costs $350 a week.

Where can you meet other digital nomads in Australia?

Australia has a strong and growing affinity for digital nomad culture. In recent years, all of the major cities in the country have become global hubs that attract remote workers from all around the globe. 

Here are some of the most reliable tools to help you widen your network and connect with others:

• Join and become active in Facebook groups such as Digital Nomads Australia 
• Visit websites like Nomadlist that are dedicated to all things digital nomad
• Try apps like MeetUp to find new friends with whom you share similar interests with

Diverse and Delicious Food in Australia

While Australia is not known for having any particular national dish, the country is well known for its diverse cuisine and vibrant culinary scene. Digital nomads can take delight in the wide variety of unique and traditional foods offered in Australia.

• Vegemite on Toast is arguably the most authentic breakfast delicacy in Australia
• Bush Tucker is a popular indigenous Australian dish that consists of native meats such as kangaroo, wallaby, emu, and crocodile
• Chiko Rolls are similar to spring rolls and one of the delicious Australian twists on Southeast Asian cuisine.

Australia’s Endless Entertainment Options

Digital nomads traveling to Australia can expect no shortage of leisure and entertainment choices offered in the beautiful country. 

From island getaways and cultural attractions to festivals and exciting nightlife, remote workers will never run out of things to do and explore in the country

• Go island hopping and enjoy the diverse marine life in Australia’s vast array of pristine beaches
• Visit some of the best museums and galleries in the world such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney or The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne 
• Try one of the many popular outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and bushwalking 
• Explore the plethora of clubs in Australia’s thriving nightlife scene

How safe is Australia for digital nomads?

As a digital nomad traveling to different countries for remote work, safety is your top priority. According to recent statistical data, Australia has a generally moderate level of crime rate. Most notably, it has decreased across the country since 2020. The Australian Government has also implemented different gun laws to help reduce the amount of violent crimes.

Some of the most frequent crimes to be aware of in Australia are related to public order offenses, drug offenses, and theft. However, a comprehensive report indicates that the overall crime rate in the country has been sharply declining since 2001. 

Most travel sites rank Australia as one of the safest and low-risk places for all types of travelers!