Dreaming of living and working in Australia, but looking for more than just travelling around as a tourist? For many young people, becoming an au pair is the perfect way to truly experience Australian life. You live with a local family, help care for their children, and get the opportunity to experience the country from the inside.
Manouk chose this adventure and worked as an au pair in Manly, a popular beachside suburb near Sydney, from August 2025 until March 2026. We spoke with her about her experience, highlights, and tips for anyone considering becoming an au pair in Australia.
Living in Sydney Like a Local
Manouk had always wanted to spend an extended period living in Australia. Rather than travelling around as a tourist, she was looking for a way to become part of everyday Australian life.
"I wanted to truly experience Australia instead of just travelling around as a tourist. I've always enjoyed babysitting and working with children, so becoming an au pair seemed like a great fit for me."
The combination of working, living, and travelling was what attracted her most. As an au pair, you have a stable place to live while still having plenty of free time to explore the country, meet new people, and enjoy everything Australia has to offer.
Finding a Host Family
Unlike many other au pairs, Manouk found her host family through a personal connection.
"A friend already knew the family and put me in touch with them. We spoke several times before I left for Australia, which gave me a good understanding of who they were and how they lived."
Even so, moving in with a family on the other side of the world was still a little nerve-racking.
"You're moving to the other side of the world and going to live with people you don't really know yet."
Fortunately, they had built a good connection before her departure. The family involved her in the preparations and took the time to discuss expectations and practical matters, which made her feel comfortable from the beginning.
What Does a Typical Day as an Au Pair Look Like?
Manouk lived with a family with two daughters. Her schedule was structured and allowed for a healthy balance between work and personal time.
Most days started around 7:00 am. She prepared breakfast and lunchboxes, helped the girls get ready for school, and took them to school. In the afternoon, she returned to work, preparing dinner, assisting with homework, and helping with the evening routine. On average, she worked five to six hours a day, Monday to Friday.
"Because the girls were at school during the day, I had plenty of free time in between."
She spent those free hours surfing, exercising, relaxing at the beach, or meeting up with friends and other au pairs.
Becoming Part of the Family
For Manouk, this was one of the biggest advantages of being an au pair compared to having a regular job in Australia.
"What I enjoyed most was becoming part of the family. You're not just someone looking after the children; you become involved in their everyday life."
Over time, her host family started to feel like a second home.
"It didn't feel like I was only working. It genuinely felt like I was living in Australia."
That combination of having a supportive home base while still enjoying plenty of freedom made the experience particularly special.
The Australian Lifestyle
One of the first things Manouk noticed was how different the Australian lifestyle is compared to life in the Netherlands.
"People generally have a much more relaxed way of life here. Because the weather is almost always good, you naturally spend much more time outdoors."
She also noticed how important sport and outdoor activities are in Australian culture.
"I was outside almost every day, whether it was surfing, walking, or exercising."
At the same time, she felt Australia was slightly more traditional in certain areas, particularly within families and schools. Despite these differences, she felt welcome from day one.
"Australians are generally very open and friendly people."
Homesickness and Challenges
When asked what was more difficult than expected, Manouk actually struggled to come up with many challenges. She had a wonderful host family, plenty of freedom, and quickly felt at home. As a result, she experienced very little homesickness during her time as an au pair.
"I think my host family played a huge role in that. I had a safe place where I felt at home."
However, she does have one important piece of advice for future au pairs:
"Make sure you discuss expectations beforehand. How many hours will you work? How flexible are the working hours? What exactly is expected of you?"
According to Manouk, these conversations can prevent misunderstandings and disappointment later on.
What Would She Do Differently?
Although Manouk looks back on her experience very positively, there is one thing she would change.
"Looking back, I would have completed my 88 days of specified work for a second Working Holiday Visa before becoming an au pair and travelling around Australia. It would have saved me a lot of stress later in my trip."
She also underestimated how expensive Australia, and Sydney in particular, can be. Her advice is to save money before leaving and think carefully about your travel plans if you are considering applying for a second Working Holiday Visa in the future.
Exploring Australia During Your Free Time
Alongside her work as an au pair, Manouk had plenty of opportunities to travel. During one of her breaks, she visited Bali and Lombok and also took several long weekend trips around Australia. Melbourne quickly became one of her favourite cities, while the natural areas surrounding Sydney were among her favourite discoveries.
Her host family even lent her camping equipment, allowing her to explore more of the region through camping trips. After finishing her au pair placement, she travelled the entire east coast of Australia by campervan with her mother.
"That was an amazing experience."
Would She Do It Again?
For Manouk, the answer is simple.
"Being an au pair was honestly one of the best parts of my time in Australia."
She particularly valued the combination of having an income, affordable living arrangements, personal freedom, and the opportunity to explore the country. At the same time, she emphasises that finding the right host family is essential.
"You're going to live with these people and become part of their daily lives."
Her advice is to look beyond payment and working hours and focus on whether the family's lifestyle and expectations are a good match for your personality and goals.
Dreaming of Your Own Au Pair Adventure in Australia?
Becoming an au pair is a unique way to experience Australia from a local perspective. You build a new life abroad, become part of a family, and still have plenty of time to travel and explore everything the country has to offer.
If you're considering becoming an au pair in Australia, make sure you understand your visa options and the requirements that come with them. Good preparation can make the difference between a great experience and a truly unforgettable adventure.
Inspired by Manouk's story?
If you're dreaming of becoming an au pair in Australia and would like to know whether you're eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, we'd love to help. Contact Visa4you for personalised advice and discover which visa options may be available to you.
