Looking for a moving to Australia checklist? Moving away from everything you have ever known can seem daunting. I am sure you are here because you are moving to Australia from Ireland, right? Well, you have come to the right place! I am Stephen Palmer, and I moved to Australia on a working holiday visa in 2013! Since then, a lot has changed, but one thing that has not changed is my online communities. The most helpful thing I have heard from people who have moved to Australia is my Facebook groups!

So I created this page as a moving to Australia checklist. It covers all of my Facebook communities and everything you need to know before moving to Oz!

As one reader said to me in an email

I’ve learnt more in the past 10 minutes reading your blog than in two years of research for moving to Australia!

But before we get to everything, do yourself a favour and subscribe to the moving to Australia free email list. I will send everything you need so you don’t have to keep coming back here(not that I don’t want you to, of course. haha).

Want it as a PDF? Get the free Moving to Australia Checklist sent to your inbox, so you can print it or tick it off on your phone.

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The moving to Australia checklist (2026)

Here is everything to sort, in the order you need to sort it. Each step links to the full guide if you want the detail.

3 to 6 months before you go

Check your passport. Make sure it is valid for your whole stay. If it is close to running out, renew it before you apply for your visa.
Apply for your visa. Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 can get a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). It cost AUD 840 as of October 2026, and Home Affairs says processing now takes around three months on average, so do not leave it late. Step by step: how to apply from Ireland. Over 35 or planning to stay longer? See which visa you need.
Start saving. Home Affairs usually wants to see about AUD 5,000, plus a ticket out, but that is a visa rule, not a budget. We suggest €7,000 to €9,000 to land comfortably in a big city. The full breakdown is in the money checklist and cost of living in Australia.

1 to 2 months before

Book your flights once your visa is granted.
Sort travel insurance. Ireland’s health deal with Australia covers public hospital care, but not GP visits, ambulances or getting you home. Read what Irish working holiday makers need, or go straight to True Traveller.
Open a money transfer account. Do not let your bank convert your savings, its exchange rate can quietly cost you up to 4%. Compare the options in the cheapest way to send money to Australia.
Get your Irish admin in order. Tell your bank you are travelling, cancel direct debits you no longer need, and make sure your banking app and two-factor codes go to a phone number that will still work in Australia.
Check the driving rules. Each state has its own rules on driving with an overseas licence, so look up the state you are moving to before you plan on driving.

The fortnight before you fly

Apply for your Australian bank account online. The big banks let you apply shortly before you arrive (as of October 2026, CommBank and Westpac within 14 days of your arrival date, NAB within 30). You verify your ID in a branch when you land, and you cannot put money in until then.
Book your first week’s bed. A hostel gives you a base while you look for a room.
Join the Facebook groups below for your city. Rooms and jobs get posted there every day.
Save copies of your documents: passport, visa grant letter, insurance policy and a recent bank statement.
Bring a little cash. AUD 200 to 300 covers the airport run and your first couple of days. Australia is mostly tap and go.

Your first week in Australia

Verify your ID at your bank, then move your savings over.
Apply for your tax file number on the ATO website. It is free, so never pay anyone to do it.
Get an Australian SIM, pick one super fund and give it to every employer.
Get your RSA or White Card if you are going for bar or building work, and start on the Irish Around Oz job board.

The full list, in order, is in your first week in Australia: the checklist for Irish arrivals.

After the checklist, the rest of this page is broken down into three simple sections. You can skip to any section or read the whole lot up to you. 📖

Facebook communities for moving to Australia – Very important!
Articles on everything you need to know for moving to Australia – Also important
Resources and savings on my trusted products and services – Important if you want to save money, but who doesn’t?

1. Facebook groups and communities:

An essential addition to your moving to Australia checklist. Join as many as you need!

I have an efficient team of moderators that will get you approved and in there ASAP.

My main page: Irish Around Oz; give me a like for updates

2, Articles on everything you need to know for moving to Australia

Also, if anyone tells you that Australia is not that big, this small picture puts everything into perspective!

60 Things you need to know before moving to Australia(my first article ever, but since updated over 50 times, haha)
100 Things you need to know before moving to Australia Sunset Travellers – not the same post but many similarities. This was written from a couple’s perspective and had a few extra tips.
Money transfer guide – Don’t make the mistake of sending money to your bank. It is a rip-off!
Best travel insurance for Australia – Even with a reciprocal health agreement, I recommend getting some travel insurance.
My job board for Australia – There are typically a few posts every month, but worth checking in now and then.
15 mistakes you shouldn’t make on a working holiday visa
7 Visa options to stay in Australia longer – The time goes quick!
21 Things they don’t tell you when moving to Australia – Snakes!
Perth to Melbourne ultimate road trip – This was a fun one!
East coast of Australia travel guide – Gotta love the East coast!

They also have been used by thousands of other readers just like you.

3. Resources for moving to Australia:

Money transfers:

TorFX – Hands down the best money transfer company for larger transfers >$5k; you get a dedicated broker and an exclusive rate with Irish Around Oz. Sign up here to also reserve an exclusive discounted rate!
Currencyfair – These are used by everyone, including myself. They are a million times better than using your bank or PayPal to send money to Australia(or the other way round). Get ten free transfers with Currencyfair here.
Wise(previously Transferwise) – Wise has some of the best exchange rates! I am always amazed when I compare the three, and for smaller transfers, Wise often comes in cheaper, even with the fee. Register here and get your first €500 transfer for free here with Wise.

Shipping to Australia?

Many people move to Australia on a working holiday, and some move their entire lives and families. Regardless of your scenario, I have you sorted.

The small stuff – 2 – 3 bags. Send it home or to Australia in a few days door to door at 5% off send my bag here.
The big stuff – Seven Seas Worldwide – Can pretty much ship everything you need from most of the world to Australia! Their move cube service is a fantastic way to get all of your belongings to Australia. You can get a massive 10% off with this link.

Visas and Student visas:

Nothing makes me more confused than reading about Australian visas! I swear there are so many and so many variations that it is easy to get overwhelmed. But if you are moving to Australia, save yourself hours and hours of research and talk to my trusted experts!

Visa help: our recommended MARA-registered migration agents, with 20% off consultations for Irish Around Oz readers (code IRISHAROUNDOZ).
Student visas: Study Destination: I can’t recommend Study Destination any higher! With their 99% visa approval, they are the best at what they do and will help you achieve your dream of studying, working, living, and travelling abroad! Get a free consultation here.

Travel insurance:

True Traveller – well worth getting some, and you can get it even if you are already travelling! Our reciprocal health agreement does not cover everything, including Bali, haha.

Outbacker travel insurance – Travel insurance specialists for anyone moving to Australia from the UK. Great cover and is very affordable. Plus, for anyone on a working holiday visa, a lot of stuff is covered as standard.

I will be adding more to this moving to Australia checklist page as time goes on. You can always email me at [email protected] with any suggestions, and I hope this helps make your move even easier.

All the best,

Stephen