Australia

Where to go and why

Laid-back lifestyle, fabulous food, beaches and Aussie hospitality are the key ingredients for the expat working in Oz. Although the boom surrounding the Olympics in Sydney last year is well and truly over, Australian companies are looking for expat workers and beginning to recruit in the UK.

Whether it's surfing, scuba diving or just lounging on the beach, water sports are on offer in abundance in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the obvious draw for many, so head for the Gold Coast between Cairns and Brisbane.

Melbourne and Sydney have thriving restaurant scenes and there are work prospects in most major cities. Remember, if you're at the beginning of your career you may be competing with hundreds of backpackers who are also looking to fund their travelling.

New Zealand also offers job opportunities for expats with international chains such as Hyatt in Auckland, and five-star country house hotels such as Huka Lodge near Rotorua on the North Island.

Money

Currency: Dollar.

Salaries: (Australia) Sous chef at 100-bedroom four- or five-star hotel, £22,000; Receptionist, £10,373; Department head, £14,500; General manager, £62,000.

Cost of living: Two-course meal, £9; two-bedroom flat, £124 a week in Sydney.

Employers

International chains: Hilton, Inter-Continental, Hyatt, Radisson, Sheraton, Marriott, Westin.

Living/working conditions

There's little hierarchy here and employees are treated as equals and given respect by other staff and management. There's no violence in the kitchen and neighbouring chefs are more likely to meet up for a few drinks, leftovers and talk food after a hard night's work than slag off their rivals.

Red tape

Young person's working visa are available but the emphasis is on casual employment and applicants should only spend three months with one employer. Working holiday visas can be obtained, but a ticket home and private medical insurance are required. For more permanent status, the employer must prove local staff don't meet the requirements and permits are awarded on a points system where education, age, management experience work in your favour.

Health

Spiders, snakes and sunburn are the three major risks, so always check your shoes, carry a stick and wear sunscreen.

Developmental outlook

Post-Olympic blues are affecting Sydney at present with central Sydney hotels down 10% in room yield in the first six months of 2001, compared with last year. The influx of four- and five-star hotels to meet the Olympic demand has caused discounting which is also affecting the three-star market. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns are doing well with sporting events, meetings and conference demand and Asian tourism having a positive effect on occupancies.

Useful links

Info on work permits to Australia www.workpermit.com or www.ozvisa.com or call Australia House on 020 7379 4334.

For New Zealand work permit info www.immigration.govt.nz/work. n