Christmas Jobs for Backpackers

Christmas Jobs in Australia

Finding Christmas seasonal work around Australia is an easy option for backpackers looking to earn extra cash over the festive period. There are lots of different industries which rely on recruiting additional temporary workers over this busy period.

Best Casual Jobs During the Christmas Period

Whether you are looking for part-time or full-time work, the retail, hospitality, shipping and tourism industries all offer useful options for temporary seasonal work in Australia. There are many different casual job options you could explore, but these are some of the most popular choices for casual jobs at Christmas.

Hospitality industry

Christmas is one of the busiest periods of the year for the hospitality industry. This makes it one of the most popular options for backpackers looking for part-time work over the Christmas season. Large hotels and restaurants in popular tourist towns around Australia regularly advertise for additional staff to support the smooth day to day running of the business. There are several different types of jobs you might be able to find;

Waiting staff

The day to day tasks of waiting staff can include taking orders from customers, delivering food from the kitchen and keeping tables clean and clear. High-end restaurants may ask for candidates with previous experience, but some entry-level positions are also likely to be available in restaurants and cafes looking for additional support over Christmas.

Baristas

Coffee shops are a staple source of employment for backpackers who can find shift work all year round and easy options for Christmas seasonal work. Some level of experience can be helpful, but it is also possible to find an entry-level position in a coffee shop and get some hands-on barista training whilst you build up your experience. Baristas understand the different types of coffee and how to serve them perfectly, from the cult classic flat white through to seasonal specials like flavoured hot chocolates.

Kitchen staff

Pubs, bars and restaurants regularly offer casual or part-time work to backpackers and students. Christmas is one of the busiest times for them, so there are often a range of jobs that you can choose from if kitchen work is something you are interested in. The range of jobs on offer will depend on the type of establishment but could include dishwashers, table clearing staff or kitchen assistants who help prepare food. Beginners in the kitchen may be started with veg peeling or plating up pre-prepared dishes. In smaller kitchens where staff take on more responsibility, a temporary seasonal job might involve more complex food preparation.

Formal event staff

The Christmas season sees a flurry of formal events for the hospitality industry. From office Christmas parties through to fundraising galas, there are a number of events companies that hire temporary staff to cover the busy season. This could involve silver service at formal dinners, managing cloakrooms or decorating event spaces.

Retail Jobs

Backpackers can often find short or long term employment in retail outlets, but there are a particularly high number of vacancies in the run-up to Christmas. As demand for gifts, food and special clothes increases in November and December there are a number of outlets that will take on additional temporary staff who may be willing to consider backpackers and visitors.

Shop work

Standard retail jobs might involve working on a checkout, or re-stocking shelves. It could also involve working in a stock room to account for the levels of stock the shop has in and where necessary submitting orders to replenish supplies. You may have to help customers, for example, on the shop floor this could involve helping them locate products. There may also be specific roles in customer service for example working on a returns desk.

Cleaning staff

As well as working on the shop floor, there are options available for seasonal work which involve keeping shops and retail storage units clean and tidy. Whilst cleaning work might not be at the top of everyone's list of the best casual jobs, it can offer flexibility and the ability to work nights. It also means minimal contact with members of the public. As most temporary Christmas jobs are focused on customer service and other interactions with members of the public, this can be an appealing job option for anyone who isn't keen on public-facing jobs.

Tourism Industry

The warm weather and school holidays mean that the Christmas period often sees a large number of Australians travelling to popular beach resorts. In addition to the crowds of foreign holidaymakers and travellers, this means that there is a high demand for tourist attractions and hotels. These businesses can provide ample opportunities for temporary work for a couple of months. From water parks to surf schools, a range of businesses look for short term staff during the Christmas period.

Beach Attractions

Visit the popular beaches of Byron Bay, Noosa or any of the amazing West Coast beaches - you'll spot plenty of 'now hiring' signs during the busy summer months. If you hold qualifications as a lifeguard or any surfing or diving qualifications, this is a great opportunity to find well-paid work on or near popular tourist beaches. Even unqualified visitors can find work selling tickets, managing shops or stalls aimed at tourists.

Hotel Jobs

Many hotels and hostels take on additional staff during their busiest periods to cope with the additional demand. This could be work behind a reception desk, or cleaning roles keeping the rooms clean and tidy. Some hotels have on-site shops and restaurants that will also need additional staffing. These roles can be well paid and good experience for other longer-term jobs outside of seasonal temporary work.

Logistic Jobs

There are several different kinds of logistics jobs that also open up over the Christmas period. Those with a valid driving license could consider roles in delivery driving - a popular option in the run-up to Christmas, due to the sheer amount of online shopping being delivered. There are also options for warehouse staff, picking and packing produce and goods.