Work and wanderlust – Australia in pictures

A working holiday will give you both the freedom and finances to check out some of Australia's most iconic spots, such as the Sydney Opera House Photograph: Pierre Toussaint

Australia is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. There are plenty of jobs available that give you the chance to work with some of Australia's most famous native wildlife, from kangaroos to koalas Photograph: Tourism Australia

One of the biggest benefits of working in Australia is being able to live like a local, rounding off the day with a spell at the beach. Merewether beach in Newcastle is known for its amazing surf Photograph: Pierre Toussaint/other

The Kata Tjuta rock formation at sunset is definitely not to be missed. This and nearby Uluru are two of central Australia's most famous landmarks Photograph: Tourism NT

If you are already qualified as a diving instructor you could utilise your skills by showing visitors the underwater beauty of the world's greatest dive site, the Great Barrier Reef Photograph: Tourism Queensland

Taking a ridge-top drive across the outback in your free time certainly beats a wet weekend in Britain. The Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary offers some of the country's most spectacular mountain views Photograph: South Australia TC

Opt for a job as a boat crew assistant and landscapes like this – Wine Glass Bay in Tasmania – will be your daily backdrop. As well as boating skills, you'll pick up invaluable ecotourism knowledge Photograph: Chris Bray/Tourism Tasmania

Work as a kayak instructor and spend your days splashing about on the crystal clear waters of the Western Australia coastline. The Ningaloo marine park is just one of many beautiful coastal attractions Photograph: Tourism Australia

It's a good idea to start your Australian adventure in a city to get acclimatised to the pace of life. Often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a great laid-back vibe Photograph: Tourism Victoria

As well as a host of new skills and experiences, you'll return from your adventure with the most amazing photo album, thanks to landscapes like this – Watarrka national park in the Northern Territory Photograph: Steve Strike/Tourism NT