Moving to Australia from Ireland: The Complete Guide (2026)

Ah go on, give it a share!

Updated September 2026.

So, you’re thinking about swapping Tayto crisps and rainy days for barbies, beaches, and deadly wildlife? Good choice. I made the move myself, and let me tell you — it’s one hell of a ride.

This guide isn’t just another boring checklist. It’s everything I wish I knew when I packed up and moved from Ireland to Australia. From what to sort before you leave, to avoiding sunburns and dodgy landlords when you arrive, this is the real-deal, straight-talking Irish guide to making the move.

Let’s get you to Oz without the stress (and maybe with your sanity intact).

Thinking of moving to Australia from Ireland? Whether you’re heading over on a working holiday visa, moving for work or study, or starting a new chapter Down Under, this guide covers everything you need to know.

From visas and money transfers to health insurance, jobs, and where to live — this is your one-stop guide for making the move from Ireland to Australia as smooth (and affordable) as possible.

Before You Leave Ireland

Before boarding that flight, here are a few things to sort out:

• Book flights early – Prices spike around Christmas and Aussie summer.
• Scan your documents – Passport, visa grant notice, insurance details. Save copies to your phone and cloud.
• Sort prescriptions – Bring a GP letter and stock up on any key medication.
• Set up a money transfer account – Wise, CurrencyFair, or TorFX
• Download your free checklist – https://irisharoundoz.com/download

Visas for Irish Citizens

Working Holiday Visa (417)

The most popular option for Irish citizens aged 18 to 35. You can live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. To stay a second year you need 88 days of specified work in regional Australia, and 6 months for a third year. The second and third visas cost AUD 1,000. Ready to apply? Follow our step-by-step guide to applying for a Working Holiday visa from Ireland.

New in September 2026: doing your regional work now gets you into a ballot for the second or third visa rather than guaranteeing it. There are 45,000 second-year and 5,000 third-year places a year. Read what the ballot means for you, our regional work guide, and the 15 mistakes to avoid on a working holiday visa.

Student Visa

Good if you want to study, or to stay on after your working holiday. You can work part-time while you study. The rules tightened in September 2026, so get advice before you pick a course. Our partners at Study Destination offer the Irish Around Oz community a free study consultation.

Skilled Visas

If your occupation is in demand, employer sponsorship or a skilled visa can lead to permanent residency. See every route in our visa options guide.

Partner or Family Visas

If you have an Aussie partner or close family member, you might qualify for a family-based visa.

Get matched with a MARA-registered migration agent on our visa page.

Travel Insurance & Healthcare

Looking for a full breakdown on what travel insurance you actually need for Australia? I’ve written a detailed post covering all the options, common mistakes Irish travellers make, and why the reciprocal health agreement isn’t enough.

👉 Read the full travel insurance guide here

Many Irish travellers assume the reciprocal health agreement will cover them — but that’s not the full story. It doesn’t cover ambulance, dental, or most private care.

We recommend:

• True Traveller Insurance – covers work, travel, and allows unlimited trips home. Available even after you’ve left Ireland.
• Go Insurance – great option after you’ve been in Australia for 3+ months. Ideal for longer-term cover, and you can get 10% off through Irish Around Oz.

Medicare

Once you arrive, you can register for Medicare, Australia’s public health system. Visit a Medicare centre with ID and visa documents. Processing can take a few weeks.

Setting Up Your Finances

Bank Account

You can open a bank account before or after you arrive. Popular options: NAB, Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac.

Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply online once you’re in Australia. You’ll need this to legally work.

Superannuation

Australia’s version of a pension. If you’re working, your employer will contribute to a super fund. You can claim it back when you leave (conditions apply).

Money Transfers

Avoid hidden fees and bad exchange rates by using services like:

• Wise
• CurrencyFair
• TorFX

What to Pack (and What Not To)

Australia is warm, yes — but it also gets cold in places like Melbourne.

Bring:

• Light layers
• A decent jacket
• Copies of your documents (printed and digital)
• Plug adaptor for AU sockets
• Travel insurance details
• Aussie dollars or a Revolut card

Leave behind:

• Excess toiletries (buy cheap there)
• Heavy winter gear (unless you’re heading to Tasmania!)

Shipping Your Belongings

Too much luggage? You’ve got options:

• • Send My Bag – Great for extra suitcases 5% discount
• Seven Seas Worldwide – Best for sending boxes or long-term storage 10% discount

Your First Week in Australia

Here’s what to tick off after you land:

• Get a SIM card (Optus, Telstra, Vodafone)
• Apply for your TFN
• Register for Medicare
• Sort short-term accommodation
• Set up a local bank account
• Learn your city’s public transport system (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, etc.)

Where Irish People Usually Move

Sydney

Busy, buzzing, and by far the most popular with Irish expats. Big job market, but expensive rent.

Melbourne

Cultural capital, loads of events and festivals. Slightly cheaper than Sydney. Chillier winters.

Brisbane / Gold Coast

Warm climate, outdoor lifestyle. Growing Irish community. Affordable by big city standards.

Perth

Sunny, relaxed, and a strong Irish community. Slightly more isolated but great work/life balance.

Finding Work in Australia

Plenty of casual and skilled work available, especially for working holiday makers.

Popular jobs:

• Hospitality (bars, cafes, restaurants)
• Construction (White Card required)
• Nannying & childcare (Working With Children Check)
• Admin & customer service

Websites: Seek, Indeed, Jora, Gumtree.
Join Irish job groups on Facebook to find leads and employers who “get the accent”.

Finding a Place to Live 🏘️

Start with short-term stays (hostels, Airbnb, flatmate rentals) until you get your bearings.

When renting:

• Always inspect before paying anything
• Bond = 4 weeks’ rent (standard)
• Use Flatmates.com.au or realestate.com.au

Average rents vary — Sydney is the priciest, Brisbane and Perth are more affordable.

Aussie Life Tips for Irish Newcomers

• Learn the slang (“arvo” = afternoon, “servo” = petrol station, “bogan” = a term you’ll figure out soon enough)
• Don’t skimp on suncream — the UV is no joke (unless you’re auditioning for ‘Lobster of the Year’)
• Aussie humour is dry and sarcastic — so you’ll feel right at home
• Drinking culture is strong but casual — expect to be offered a goon sack and not question it
• Everything will seem expensive, until you realise brunch is a religion here
• Yes, that spider is probably real — but it’s more afraid of you than you are of it (hopefully) (“arvo” = afternoon, “servo” = petrol station)
• Don’t skimp on suncream — the UV is no joke
• Aussie humour is dry and sarcastic — you’ll fit right in
• Drinking culture is strong but casual (goon is a rite of passage)

What people wish they’d known before moving

We’ve asked thousands of people in our groups what they wish someone had told them. These come up again and again:

• Bring a bigger buffer than you think. A rental bond (usually four weeks’ rent), rent in advance and a few weeks before your first payslip add up fast.
• Get your RSA or White Card sorted early. Bar work needs an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and building sites need a White Card. Having them ready gets you working sooner.
• Work comes quicker than you’d expect, and the pay is good. So is the cost of living, especially rent in Sydney and Melbourne.
• It’s not always sunny. Melbourne winters are cold, and you’ll see more thunderstorms than you ever did at home. The sun, when it’s out, will burn you in minutes, so wear suncream.
• Australia is huge. Sydney to Perth is a five-hour flight. Plan your travel around it.
• Calling home is awkward. With a 9 to 11 hour time difference, you’re catching people first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
• Bring a suitcase, not a backpack, if you’re settling in one city. And don’t ship furniture or a car over. Sell it, store what you want to keep, and buy second-hand here.
• Don’t keep comparing it to Ireland. Everyone who settles well says the same thing: go with an open mind.

For more, read 10 little-known things that happen when you move to Australia, and grab our free moving to Australia checklist.

Join the Irish Community in Australia

Stay connected, find work, housing, and events through Irish Facebook groups:

• Irish Around Sydney
• Irish Around Melbourne
• Irish Around Brisbane
• Irish Around Perth
• Full list of groups

We’re a friendly bunch. Say hi, ask a question, or share your story.

Download the Checklist

Feeling overwhelmed? Grab the free Moving to Australia Checklist with everything from this guide in one simple PDF: 👉 https://irisharoundoz.com/download

Thanks for stopping by,

Stephen Palmer

Ah go on, give it a share!