We are planning to travel around Oz next year. Having to spend significant $$ on a rig, we are interested in paying for our living expenses by doing casual work as we travel, so we don't eat into out savings un-neccessarily. What scams. pitfalls etc. should we look out for. Any help would be appreciated.

Not everyone is out to scam you. There are some who don't want to pay what you may think you're worth, but at the end of the day, it's better you have the cash than not. If you don't like it, move on. The seasonal stuff is mainly taken up by back packers ie fruit picking, packing etc. You may get work tractor and truck driving in the seasons from crop to crop, state to state. eg sugar harvest, vintage, grains, etc. Do a bit of a skill audit, anything and everything you've ever done. Then put yourself "out there". There are a lot of online sites to check. You can set up your own blog to tell people what you can do and that you're looking for work. Farm stays and station stays where you work for keep and cash. They can't afford to pay you much, but if you park up you get free power and tucker, and some cash. They look for handy-person, gardener, cook, fencing. If you want to do stock work, they'll take you for that too. Roadhouses along the highways are often looking for general workers around the place. Tour operators and drivers, but you'll need a bus licence in most situations. Do you have a Master Class 5 or some skippers ticket? If you're prepared to work someone is usually prepared to take you on. Keep your options open. All the best. Safe and happy travel.

BigBadBruce wrote:

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We are planning to travel around Oz next year. Having to spend significant $$ on a rig, we are interested in paying for our living expenses by doing casual work as we travel, so we don't eat into out savings un-neccessarily. What scams. pitfalls etc. should we look out for. Any help would be appreciated.

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Glad to see you've managed to convince your good lady come travelling Bruce.  I'm sure you'll both have some amazing experiences.   
A lot of things are just commonsense, so if you have enough of that, [ some people don't unfortunately] you'll be fine. 

Cheers, 
Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 5th of October 2010 06:31:57 PM

Common sense is not very common.

Check out some of these sites:

http://olderworkers.com.au

http://www.jobisjob.com.au/caravan+manager/jobs

http://www.caravanqld.com.au/employment.aspx

http://www.workaboutaustralia.com.au//index.html  (I am a member of this group and while not yet travelling send me invaluable emails weekly with info about jobs in/around the country side

Thanks Dunmowin. Have added to my 'favorites' for future reference.

Read article in "thats life" at dr surgery other day about "mystery shopping" which is freely advertised on the help wanted site of thegreynodmads website. be very wary of this one, as it could be a scam.... waiting to go backto dr next week to read again, or get copy of the article.

No shortage of work in the Flinders ranges. Weve been working around the flinders since april.
Would suggest you carry the followin with you;

ABN. easier to employ you as a contractor then employee, you look after your own tax,super and work cover. No need to charge GST unless you intending more than $50K.

National Police Check certificate

Responsible Serving of Alchol certificate. beware each state has its own ceretificate.

we charge $20ph or $100 pd each. No complaints on that rate so far.