https://www.darrenjonathon.com/ Australia travel, working holiday and expat guides written from 16 years of living in Sydney. en-au Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:31:38 GMT https://www.darrenjonathon.com/favicon.svg https://www.darrenjonathon.com/ https://www.darrenjonathon.com/10-best-rooftop-bars-in-brisbane https://www.darrenjonathon.com/10-best-rooftop-bars-in-brisbane Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The 10 best rooftop bars in Brisbane, from riverside terraces in the CBD to Fortitude Valley and South Bank, with what each one is like and when to go. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/5-best-rooftop-bars-in-tasmania https://www.darrenjonathon.com/5-best-rooftop-bars-in-tasmania Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Tasmania, Australia‘s island state, is famous for its pristine wilderness, rich history, and vibrant food and drink scene. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/adelaides-wine-country-getaways-accommodation-amidst-vineyards https://www.darrenjonathon.com/adelaides-wine-country-getaways-accommodation-amidst-vineyards Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Adelaide's wine country getaways: seven vineyard stays in the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, what each suits, and how to plan a weekend properly. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/american-moving-to-australia-checklist https://www.darrenjonathon.com/american-moving-to-australia-checklist Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT A short, ordered checklist for Americans moving to Australia: visa, insurance, documents, money, and the first week of admin once you land. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/casual-vs-part-time-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/casual-vs-part-time-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Casual loading, penalty rates, leave and job security explained for working holidaymakers, with the teaching and lifeguarding jobs I actually did. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/cheapest-supermarket-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/cheapest-supermarket-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Aldi vs Coles vs Woolworths, greengrocers, The Reject Shop and Costco: how I actually keep a grocery bill down in Australia, and where the savings really are. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/claim-super-when-leaving-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/claim-super-when-leaving-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The departing Australia superannuation payment explained: who can claim, the 65% tax rate, why I could not claim it, and how to find super you forgot about. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/cost-of-living-australia-backpacker https://www.darrenjonathon.com/cost-of-living-australia-backpacker Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT A real weekly budget for living in Australia on a working holiday: Sydney rent from $350 to $500 a week, groceries, transport and what I actually spend. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/fifo-mining-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/fifo-mining-australia Travel Tips Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT What FIFO mining in Australia actually is: rosters, camps, pay, and how to put together an application that gets a start, with W1N W1N resume help. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/food-and-cuisine-in-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/food-and-cuisine-in-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Food in Australia explained: the seven dishes worth trying first, where to eat them without spending much, and the menu words you need to know before you order. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/immigrating-to-australia-without-a-job-offer https://www.darrenjonathon.com/immigrating-to-australia-without-a-job-offer Travel Tips Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Can you move to Australia without a job offer? The visas that allow it, the one route that has closed, what it costs and how to line up work before you land. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/international-moving-and-relocation-companies https://www.darrenjonathon.com/international-moving-and-relocation-companies Travel Tips Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT International moving companies to Australia: what a move costs in 2026, the questions to ask before booking, and the customs and biosecurity rules that catch people out. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/is-financial-freedom-your-goal https://www.darrenjonathon.com/is-financial-freedom-your-goal Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Financial freedom in Australia without a finance degree: the five steps I used to get cover, choice about work and room to move, including what I would do differently. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/manage-money-as-you-travel https://www.darrenjonathon.com/manage-money-as-you-travel Travel Tips Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to handle money when you move to Australia: opening a bank account, moving pounds to dollars without heavy fees, and the app I use for the in-between bit. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/melbournes-artistic-hideouts-uncovering-boutique-accommodation https://www.darrenjonathon.com/melbournes-artistic-hideouts-uncovering-boutique-accommodation Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Boutique accommodation in Melbourne: nine design-led stays from CBD rooftops to Fitzroy trailers, what each one suits, and how to pick between them. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/navigating-the-australian-education-system-for-expat-families https://www.darrenjonathon.com/navigating-the-australian-education-system-for-expat-families Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT The Australian education system for expat families: how the 13 years and four terms work, what public and private schools cost, and how to enrol without losing a term. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/newcastle-weekend-trip-from-sydney https://www.darrenjonathon.com/newcastle-weekend-trip-from-sydney Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT A Newcastle weekend trip from Sydney: the 2.5 hour train, Bathers Way, Merewether Ocean Baths and Fort Scratchley, plus where to stay in this coastal city. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/shipping-baggage-overseas https://www.darrenjonathon.com/shipping-baggage-overseas Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT I will always tell you to look around for the best deal, but these companies are both good, quick, have similar pricing and convenient for transporting boxes. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/superannuation-for-backpackers https://www.darrenjonathon.com/superannuation-for-backpackers Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Australia pays 12% super on top of your wages from 2026-27. What it is, how to pick a fund, why payday super matters, and the mistake that cost me six figures. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/tfn-application-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/tfn-application-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to apply for a TFN in Australia as a backpacker, how long it takes, and what happens to your pay if you start work before it arrives. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/underpaid-at-work-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/underpaid-at-work-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT What to do if your pay is wrong in Australia: payslips, award rates, talking to your boss, and when to involve the Fair Work Ombudsman. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/why-australia-now https://www.darrenjonathon.com/why-australia-now Australia Travel Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Why move to Australia in 2026: the pay, the weather and the visa routes that still hold up, plus what has got harder and who should think twice before booking a flight. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/working-holiday-tax-rate https://www.darrenjonathon.com/working-holiday-tax-rate Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Working holiday maker tax rates for 2026-27 explained: 15% up to $45,000, then 30%, what 45% withholding means, and a worked example on a real weekly pay. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/working-holiday-tax-return-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/working-holiday-tax-return-australia Expat Life Tue, 03 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to lodge a working holiday tax return in Australia, the 31 October deadline, why my first refunds were about 10 grand, and the receipts rule that saved me. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/the-ultimate-australia-working-holiday-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/the-ultimate-australia-working-holiday-guide Australia Travel Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Planning a working holiday in Australia can feel like a lot - there are visas to figure out, jobs to find, and all the little details in between. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/where-to-live-in-sydney-an-expat-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/where-to-live-in-sydney-an-expat-guide Expat Life Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Where to live in Sydney as an expat: seven suburbs compared on rent, commute and who each one suits, plus the five I have actually rented in since 2010. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/australian-capital-territory-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/australian-capital-territory-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Tucked between Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian Capital Territory is often overlooked in favour of these two tourist havens. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/fifo-mining-in-australia-lifestyle-and-work-conditions https://www.darrenjonathon.com/fifo-mining-in-australia-lifestyle-and-work-conditions Travel Tips Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT What the FIFO lifestyle is really like in Australia: camp food, shared rooms, rosters, long shifts, sleep, fitness and keeping a life outside work. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-adelaide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-adelaide Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Adelaide as a new arrival: the cheapest big city in Australia, the groups that work, and the national crews worth joining. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-brisbane https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-brisbane Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Brisbane as a new arrival, with the working holiday groups, run clubs and social meet-ups from my notes, all linked in one place. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-cairns https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-cairns Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Cairns as a backpacker or new arrival, from hostel life to dive crews and the working holiday groups from my notes, all linked. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-canberra https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-canberra Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Canberra as a new arrival: a young, transient public-service city with a strong club culture, plus the groups from my own list. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-darwin https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-darwin Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Darwin as a backpacker or new arrival, from dry season markets to the working holiday groups from my notes, all linked in one place. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-gold-coast https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-gold-coast Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends on the Gold Coast as a backpacker or new arrival: surf clubs, hospo work, theme park jobs and the groups from my own list. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-hobart https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-hobart Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Hobart as a new arrival or backpacker: the small-city advantage, the clubs that work, and the national groups from my notes. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-melbourne https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-melbourne Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Melbourne as a new arrival, with the working holiday groups, run clubs and social meet-ups I list in my notes, all linked. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-perth https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-perth Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Moving to a new city is an exciting change, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges - especially when it comes to building a new social circle. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-sydney https://www.darrenjonathon.com/how-to-make-friends-in-sydney Expat Life Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT How to make friends in Sydney, from weekly run clubs and social sports to trivia nights and expat groups, plus what actually worked for me. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/new-south-wales-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/new-south-wales-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT With world-renowned cosmopolitan cities, towering inland mountains, and sapphire bays encompassed by sweeping white sand beaches, New South Wales is. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/northern-territory-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/northern-territory-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT From the tropical jungles of the Top End to the arid deserts of the Red Centre, Australia's Northern Territory is a haven of grand outdoor adventures. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/queensland-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/queensland-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT From its famed coastline of year-round sunshine to the lush forest-covered landscapes of its tropical north, Queensland is an Australian paradise of outdoor. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/south-australia-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/south-australia-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT From the rolling vineyards of some of the world's oldest wine regions to the cultural landmarks of Adelaide and the surrounding wilderness teeming with. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/south-west-wa-road-trip https://www.darrenjonathon.com/south-west-wa-road-trip Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT A South West WA road trip from Busselton to Albany via Yallingup, Margaret River and Denmark: distances, drive times, what to book, the beaches worth the detour and the spots I would skip. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/tasmania-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/tasmania-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Home to one of the last true wildernesses on Earth, Tasmania is the perfect destination for experiencing the natural wonders of Australia in their completely. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/victoria-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/victoria-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT A vibrant cosmopolitan city, rolling valleys filled with vineyards, and sweeping forests of lush biodiversity have made Victoria the perfect travel. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/western-australia-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/western-australia-travel-guide Australia Travel Sun, 01 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT Western Australia is a land of superlatives with the unrealized promise of untouched natural wonder and monumental glory. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/10-best-rooftop-bars-in-perth-your-expat-guide-to-perth https://www.darrenjonathon.com/10-best-rooftop-bars-in-perth-your-expat-guide-to-perth Expat Life Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Perth, known for its stunning beaches and sprawling parks, offers a vibrant nightlife scene that's a magnet for expats worldwide. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/11-things-to-know-before-going-to-japan https://www.darrenjonathon.com/11-things-to-know-before-going-to-japan World Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT The Land of the Rising Sun. A country full of quirks, culture and endless (sometimes random) pockets to explore. I love it there. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/12-reasons-to-move-to-australia https://www.darrenjonathon.com/12-reasons-to-move-to-australia Expat Life Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT With breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and friendly locals, it is no surprise more than 58,000 Britons move to Australia. Here are 12 reasons why. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/15-best-rooftop-bars-in-melbourne https://www.darrenjonathon.com/15-best-rooftop-bars-in-melbourne Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT The 15 best rooftop bars in Melbourne, from CBD terraces to Fitzroy and St Kilda, with the view, the crowd and the best time to get a table. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/15-fun-things-to-do-in-canberra https://www.darrenjonathon.com/15-fun-things-to-do-in-canberra Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT 15 fun things to do in Canberra, from Parliament House and the war memorial to Floriade, the lake walks and the museums that are free to visit. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/20-must-see-spots-in-japan https://www.darrenjonathon.com/20-must-see-spots-in-japan World Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT 20 must-see spots in Japan, from Tokyo and Kyoto to the ryokan stays and side trips I would go back for, with what each place is like and how to fit it in. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/5-fun-things-to-do-in-sydney-for-couples https://www.darrenjonathon.com/5-fun-things-to-do-in-sydney-for-couples Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT From harbour kayaking to sunset at Bondi, here are 5 fun things to do in Sydney for couples, with prices and tips from a local expat. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-cairns-for-your-working-holiday https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-cairns-for-your-working-holiday Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Thinking about Cairns for your working holiday? The wet season is intense and the city has its quirks, but tropical islands and the reef are on your doorstep. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-darwin-for-your-working-holiday https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-darwin-for-your-working-holiday Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Thinking about moving to Darwin for your working holiday? Here are 8 reasons the tropical Northern Territory capital is an underrated base. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-perth-for-your-working-holiday https://www.darrenjonathon.com/8-reasons-to-choose-perth-for-your-working-holiday Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Thinking about moving to Perth for your working holiday? Here are 8 reasons the sunny Western Australia capital beats the east coast. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/88-days-not-counted-second-year-visa-refused https://www.darrenjonathon.com/88-days-not-counted-second-year-visa-refused Travel Tips Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Your second year visa was refused because the 88 days did not count. Here are the real reasons days get rejected and what evidence to send instead. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/88-days-regional-work-australia-with-irish-travel-gal https://www.darrenjonathon.com/88-days-regional-work-australia-with-irish-travel-gal Expat Life Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Article by Irish Travel Gal aka Ana. You can find her blog here and her instagram here. You can find her blog here and her instagram here). https://www.darrenjonathon.com/airalo-travel-esim https://www.darrenjonathon.com/airalo-travel-esim Travel Tips Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT How travel eSIMs work in Australia, when to use one instead of a local SIM, what to check before you buy and the number mistake that locks you out of services. https://www.darrenjonathon.com/australia-travel-guide https://www.darrenjonathon.com/australia-travel-guide Australia Travel Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT Planning a trip to Australia? What it costs, how much to budget per day, where to stay, how to get around and how to stay safe, from an expat of 16 years.