Work to stay in Australia
Trading a few hours of work a day for accommodation and meals. Three platforms dominate the market — here's how to choose.
Updated 18 September 2026.
What work to stay is
You give a host — a family, a farm, a hostel — a few hours of work a day, and in exchange you get accommodation and food. It's not a wage, it's an exchange. It cuts your accommodation and food budget significantly during your WHV.
WWOOF, Workaway or HelpX
All three work on the same principle. They differ on price, the type of hosts and the hours framework.
| Attribute | WWOOF | Workaway | HelpX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty | Organic farms only | All kinds of hosts — families, hostels, NGOs, farms | All kinds of hosts, wide variety across Australia |
| Membership price | AUD 70/year (solo), AUD 120/year (duo) | ~USD 69/year (solo), ~USD 79/year (duo) | Free tier limited, €20 for 2 years (Premier) |
| Working hours | 4 to 6h/day, max 38h/week, closely regulated | Generally 20 to 25h/week | Not fixed, negotiated with the host |
| Contacting hosts | Unlimited from sign-up | Unlimited from sign-up | Reserved for Premier members on the paid tier |
| Visa required | WHV or student visa, account created after getting the visa | No specific requirement | No specific requirement |
| Review system | Mutual host/traveller reviews | Detailed mutual reviews | Reviews visible with Premier membership |
Prices and conditions verified on 18 September 2026 on the three platforms' official sites. They change regularly — reconfirm before signing up.
If you want a structured rural experience and want to learn organic farming → go with WWOOF. WWOOF
If you want the widest choice of hosts and the most flexibility → go with Workaway. Workaway
If your budget is tight and you're ready to read the reviews carefully before committing → go with HelpX. HelpX
How it works
- 1Create an honest profile with your skills, availability and a photo.
- 2Filter hosts by region, task and dates, and read the reviews in detail.
- 3Contact the host with a personalised message and clarify the conditions.
- 4Live the experience and speak up if something isn't right.
- 5Leave an honest review at the end of the stay.
Safety and common sense
Favour hosts with several recent, detailed reviews.
Clarify everything in writing before you arrive — hours, time off, accommodation, meals.
Share the host's exact address with someone close to you or in the 88mates app.
You can leave at any time, it's not an employment contract.
Check network coverage — many farms are in remote areas.
Keep a record of your exchanges with the host before arriving.
Practical tips
Book early in peak season — the best hosts fill up fast during the Australian summer.
Bring the right gear for the task — closed shoes, sun protection.
Be honest about your skills, most hosts accept beginners.
Start with a short stay before committing to several weeks.
Check the local climate before you go — Australia is huge.
Combine it with a paid job rather than making it your only source of income.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HelpX, Workaway and WWOOF?
WWOOF specialises exclusively in organic farms with precise hour rules (4-6h/day, max 38h/week). Workaway offers the widest variety of hosts (families, hostels, NGOs, farms…) with a very detailed review system. HelpX is the cheapest (€20 for 2 years on Premier) and also offers a wide variety of hosts, but the free tier doesn't let you contact hosts yourself.
Am I paid for this work?
No, generally not. The principle of work to stay is a non-monetary exchange: your work for accommodation and meals. Some hosts occasionally offer a small extra (pocket money, a free activity), but it's never guaranteed or systematic — it's a bonus, not the rule.
How many hours a day do I have to work?
It varies by platform and host. WWOOF closely regulates it at 4-6h/day (max 38h/week). Workaway and HelpX generally run around 20-25h/week (4-5h/day, 5 days), but the exact conditions are negotiated directly with the host before you arrive — always clarify them in writing.
Do I need a specific visa?
Your Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462) is generally enough. For WWOOF specifically, the account must be created once you've got your visa, not before you arrive in Australia. Always check the up-to-date conditions on each platform's official site.
What happens if the stay doesn't match what was planned?
It's not a formal employment contract — you're free to leave if the advertised conditions aren't met or if the atmosphere doesn't suit you. That's why it's important to clarify everything in writing before you arrive, and to keep a record of your exchanges.
Can I do work to stay alone as a woman travelling solo?
Yes, many female travellers do it regularly. The key is to choose your hosts carefully based on detailed reviews (especially those left by other women), let someone close to you know where you're staying, and trust your instinct — you can always leave if something feels off.
Keep your hosts' contact details and track your budget in one place in the 88mates app.