🌍 Before You Arrive
FAQ for au pairs
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Being an au pair means becoming part of a family in Australia while helping care for their children. You’ll live with a host family, support them with light childcare and household tasks, and in return, you’ll receive free accommodation, meals, and weekly pocket money.
It’s more than just a job. it’s a cultural exchange. You’ll experience real Aussie family life, improve your English, and have time to explore, travel, and meet new friends.
Most placements last between 3 to 6 months, with the option to stay up to 12 months in some cases. You don’t need a formal qualification, just a love for working with kids, a willingness to help, and an open mind for adventure.
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Becoming an Au Pair is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and adventure.
Free Accommodation and Meals
Your host family provides you with a private room and three meals a day at no cost.Weekly Pocket Money
Earn a regular allowance (typically between $250–$350 per week) to use for travel, social activities, or personal expenses.Cultural Immersion
Live like a local and experience true Australian life, not just as a tourist but as a valued member of a family.Language Improvement
If English isn’t your first language, living and communicating daily in English helps you improve naturally and confidently.Travel Opportunities
Explore Australia's beaches, cities, and natural wonders on weekends or during planned holidays with your host family’s support.Work Experience
Gain hands-on childcare experience, responsibility, and intercultural skills that can strengthen your future career prospects.New Friendships
Make connections with other Au Pairs, locals, and travellers from around the world.Personal Growth
Step outside your comfort zone, become more independent, and build resilience while having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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To work as an au pair in Australia, you’ll need a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462).
These visas allow you to live with a host family, help with childcare, and explore Australia for up to 12 months. You can typically work with one family for up to 6 months, with the option to extend in some cases.
🧭 Two Visa Options:
417 Working Holiday Visa– For passport holders from countries like the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and more.
462 Work and Holiday Visa– For countries such as the USA, Argentina, China, Indonesia, and others. This visa may require proof of English skills and education.
📝 What You’ll Need to Apply:
A valid passport
Be aged 18–30 (or up to 35 for some countries)
Meet health and character requirements
Enough funds to support your stay and onward travel
👉 Check your eligibility and apply on the Australian Immigration website
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Yes! The choice is always yours!
We carefully match you with families based on your preferences and experience. You'll receive their profiles, meet them over video call, and have time to ask questions and get to know them.
There’s no pressure, you only accept a placement if it feels right for you.Pro Tip: Trust your instincts during interviews, finding the right "fit" is just as important as finding the right role!
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A Demi Pair is similar to an Au Pair, but with fewer working hours, perfect if you want to combine study and childcare.
As a Demi Pair, you usually help your host family for around 15–20 hours per week, instead of the typical 30–35 hours. Your tasks might include school drop-offs and pick-ups, helping with homework, light housekeeping, and playing with the children.
The rest of your time is free for you to attend language classes, study, or explore Australia.
You’ll still receive free accommodation, meals, and a smaller weekly pocket money allowance & you’ll still be welcomed as part of the family.A great option if:
You want a lighter schedule.
You plan to study while living in Australia.
You prefer a more flexible, part-time experience.
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To become an Au Pair, you’ll need a few important documents to complete your application and prepare for your stay:
Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry.Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia legally. We can guide you through the application process if needed.Resume or Au Pair Profile
A short resume highlighting your childcare experience, education, and hobbies helps families get to know you.References
At least two references from previous childcare work, babysitting, or character references (like from a teacher or employer).Police Check
A recent police clearance from your home country to confirm you have no criminal record.Medical Insurance
Proof of travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and emergencies during your stay in Australia.Driver’s License (Optional but Preferred)
If you hold a driver’s license, it’s a bonus! Many families appreciate an Au Pair who can drive.First Aid Certificate (Optional but Recommended)
Having basic first aid training, especially for childcare, can make your application stand out.
You don't need to have everything ready to register. But you'll need these before you can travel and start your placement!
We’ll give you a full checklist and help you collect everything you need, so you’re completely ready before matching with a host family!
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Yes, a Police Check is required, and a First Aid Certificate is strongly recommended.
Police Check
Before you can be placed with a host family, you must provide a recent police clearance from your home country. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children you will care for.
If you don't have one yet, we can guide you on how to apply for it, it’s a simple process but can take a few weeks, so it’s good to organise early!First Aid Certificate
While not always mandatory, having a current First Aid Certificate (especially one focused on childcare or basic emergency response) makes your application much stronger.
Some families may specifically request an Au Pair with first aid training. Plus, it gives you extra confidence in handling any small accidents or emergencies.
If you don't already have a First Aid Certificate, we can recommend short courses you can take before you travel.
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We recommend applying at least 2 to 3 months before you’d like to start your placement.
This gives you enough time to:
Complete your application and gather documents
Go through the matching process and meet potential host families
Apply for your Working Holiday visa (if needed)
Book your flights and organise travel insurance
Prepare for your journey and arrival in Australia
We’ll help you through the process and are always happy to offer tips, advice, or pointers whenever you need them, you’re not doing this alone!
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No! You don’t need to speak perfect English to become an Au Pair!
We welcome applicants with basic to intermediate English skills. As long as you can understand and communicate simple instructions and are willing to learn, you’re off to a great start.
Living with an Australian family is one of the best ways to improve your language skills naturally. You’ll be speaking English every day: during meals, while playing with the children, and in regular conversations with your host family.
We also match you with families who are patient, understanding, and happy to support your learning. And if you’d like to improve your English even more, many Au Pairs choose to take language classes during their free time.
Don't worry, you’re not expected to be fluent. Just be open, curious, and ready to learn!
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Once you’ve been matched with a host family, most Au Pairs start their placement within 2 to 8 weeks. The exact timeline depends on a few things:
Your visa status, If you already have your Working Holiday visa approved, the process can move faster. If not, you’ll need time to apply and wait for approval.
Flight availability, booking flights at a good time and price can take a little planning.
Your current location, If you're already in Australia, you might be able to start sooner.
The family’s needs, Some families are looking for someone urgently, while others may be planning ahead.
We’ll work closely with you and your host family to set a start date that works for everyone. & don’t worry, we’ll help guide you through each step so you're ready to go with confidence.
🧭 During Your Stay
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What Will My Day Look Like?
As an au pair in Australia, your daily routine will vary depending on your host family's needs and the ages of the children. Every Family is unique! However, here's a general overview of what a typical day might entail:
🌅 Morning Responsibilities
Wake Up and Prepare Children: Assist the children in getting up, dressed, and ready for the day.
Breakfast and Lunch Preparation: Prepare a healthy breakfast and pack lunches for school.
School Drop-Off: Accompany or drive the children to school or daycare.
🏠 Midday Tasks
Light Housework: While the children are at school, perform light household duties such as tidying up children's rooms, doing laundry, or preparing snacks.
Personal Time: Use this time for personal activities like attending language classes, exercising, or exploring the local area.
🌇 Afternoon and Evening Duties
School Pick-Up: Collect the children from school or daycare.
Afternoon Activities: Engage the children in activities such as homework assistance, playtime, or taking them to extracurricular events.
Dinner and Bedtime: Help prepare dinner, assist with mealtime, and follow the family's bedtime routine, including bathing and reading stories.Care for Kids
👶 Caring for Toddlers and Young Children
If your host family has younger children who are not yet in daycare, you may spend 1–2 days a week caring for them during the day. Activities could include playtime, reading, naptime, and attending local classes or outings. These responsibilities will be balanced within your agreed working hours.
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🏡 What’s Included?
When placed with a host family, you’ll receive:
Free accommodation in your own private room
All meals provided by the family
Weekly pocket money (typically $200–$350 AUD) depending agreed working hours.
Completion Bonus: Upon successfully completing your 6-month placement, some host families offer a bonus.
Access to transport, internet, and possibly a car or SIM card (depending on the family)
Regular Breaks: At least 1.5 days off per week, with one full weekend off each month.
Paid Holidays: For stays of six months or longer, you’re entitled to two weeks of paid holiday.
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Yes! As an Au Pair, you’ll receive weekly pocket money in addition to free accommodation and meals provided by your host family.
Most Au Pairs receive between $250–$350 per week, depending on the number of hours worked, the number of children you care for, and your level of experience. Your exact allowance will be agreed upon before you start your placement.
Your pocket money is yours to spend however you like, whether it’s for travel, social activities, shopping, or saving for future adventures.
Because your living expenses are covered, most Au Pairs find they can save a good portion of what they earn while enjoying their time in Australia.
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✅ Typical Au Pair Responsibilities
Au pairs are primarily responsible for childcare and light household tasks related to the children.
Common duties include:
Childcare:
Waking, dressing, and bathing the children
Preparing meals and snacks for the children
Playing with the children and organizing activities
Helping with homework
Driving or accompanying children to school, appointments, or outings
Child-related Household Tasks:
Tidying up the children's rooms and play areas
Doing the children's laundry
Cleaning up after the children's meals
🚫 Tasks Outside of Au Pair Responsibilities
Au pairs are not expected to perform general household chores or tasks unrelated to the children. These include:
Cleaning the entire house or family areas
Doing the host parents' laundry or ironing
Cooking meals for the entire family
Grocery shopping for the household
Cleaning windows, ovens, or carpets
Washing cars
Gardening or yard work
Caring for pets (unless previously agreed upon)
It's important for both you and your host family to discuss and agree upon specific duties before the placement begins, we will help you with this.
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Au pairs in Australia typically care for children ranging from toddlers to pre-teens. While there is no strict age limit, it's common for au pairs to look after children between the ages of 2 and 12. Caring for infants under 2 years old is possible, but it generally requires the au pair to have specific experience with that age group, as many agencies recommend against leaving au pairs in sole charge of very young children without prior experience
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While many essentials are covered by your host family, there are a few personal expenses you might want to plan for:
✈️ Flights to and from Australia
Visa application fees
Travel or health insurance
Public transport or occasional rideshare costs
Personal spending money (for outings, shopping, or weekend trips)
Mobile phone plan or SIM card (sometimes this is covered by your host family)
Language classes (optional, if you’d like to improve your English)
Travelling before or after your placement (great way to explore more of Australia!)
Every experience is unique, but being prepared will help you enjoy your stay to the fullest!
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If you get sick during your stay in Australia, your host family will support you, just like they would with any member of their household.
They may help you get to a doctor, provide meals while you rest, and adjust your schedule so you can recover properly. Open communication is important, and we encourage you to let your host family know if you're not feeling well.
It’s also essential to have comprehensive travel or health insurance before arriving in Australia. Your insurance should cover:
GP or doctor visits
Prescription medication
Emergency care or hospital visits
Some Au Pairs from countries like the UK, Netherlands, or Italy may be eligible for limited Medicare under a reciprocal agreement, but we still recommend private insurance for full coverage.
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Public holidays and school holidays can look a little different for each host family, but we’ll make sure expectations are clear before your placement begins.
Public Holidays
Some families may give you the day off, while others may still need help (especially if they’re working). If you do work on a public holiday, you might get shorter hours or an extra allowance, this can be discussed with your family in advance.School Holidays
During school breaks, your schedule might change. You may be needed more during the day when the kids are home, and less during typical school-hour routines. Some families plan trips and may invite you to come along (fully covered), while others may give you extra time off.
The key is flexibility and open communication. You’ll always know in advance what’s planned, and we encourage families to create a balanced schedule that gives you time to rest, explore, or travel.
We also provide support in helping you and your host family create a holiday plan that works for both sides.
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Yes, one of the most special parts of being an Au Pair is becoming part of everyday family life.
You’ll share meals, take part in family outings, and be included in holidays, birthdays, or cultural traditions. Many Au Pairs describe their host family as a "home away from home," and it’s not unusual to build strong, lasting bonds.
That said, every household is different. Some families are very social and enjoy doing lots of activities together, while others may be more independent, and that’s okay too. What matters most is that you’re welcomed with respect, kindness, and a place to truly feel at home.
You're not just hired help, you're part of a cultural exchange, and we work with families who value that.
Pro tip: Be open, friendly, and curious, the more you engage, the more you’ll feel like part of the family.
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Yes, and we highly encourage it! Many Au Pairs form wonderful friendships with others who are also living and working in Australia.
You won’t be alone, there are hundreds of Au Pairs across the country, especially in cities and coastal areas. We can help connect you with other Au Pairs nearby through:
WhatsApp or Facebook groups
Local meetups or Au Pair social events
Our own community chats and resources
You’re also welcome to join language classes, fitness groups, or social clubs
Making connections with other Au Pairs is a great way to:
Share experiences and tips
Explore together on weekends or holidays
Support each other when adjusting to a new culture
We want you to have a full and memorable experience, both with your host family and in your free time.
🏡 More FAQ
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Sometimes, even with the best planning, things don't go exactly as expected & that's okay! Your happiness and safety are our top priorities.
If any issues arise during your stay, we encourage you to speak openly with your host family first. Many small misunderstandings can be easily resolved through honest communication.
If problems continue or you feel uncomfortable, our agency is here to step in and help. We offer:
Mediation Support
We’ll listen to both sides and help facilitate a fair conversation to find solutions.Rematch Assistance
If the situation cannot be resolved, we’ll work with you to arrange a new placement with a different host family as quickly as possible.Ongoing Guidance
Throughout the process, we stay in contact with you, offering advice, support, and ensuring you feel confident and cared for.
You are never stuck, and you will not be left to manage difficult situations alone.
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Yes! In Australia, Working Holiday visa holders are generally allowed to work with one employer (your host family) for up to 6 months.
If you and your host family would like to continue beyond 6 months, it may be possible to apply for an extension & we can assist you with the process.
You can choose to:
Extend your time with your current family (with permission).
Move to a new host family for a fresh experience.
We recommend starting the extension conversation at least 6–8 weeks before your placement end date to allow time for planning and any necessary paperwork.
We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way!
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Yes! Many Au Pairs study part-time or take English courses while living with their host family. If you plan to study, we’ll match you with a family that supports your schedule.
You’ll also have regular time off to explore Australia, from weekend trips to longer holidays with your family’s approval.
Just make sure to discuss any study or travel plans early, so everything fits smoothly into your placement.
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Yes! All Au Pairs are provided with their own private bedroom in the family’s home.
Your room will be a comfortable, personal space where you can relax, study, and have privacy during your free time.Bathroom arrangements vary depending on the family and the home:
In some cases, you may have your own private bathroom.
In other situations, you might share a bathroom with the children or other family members.
We will always inform you about the specific living arrangements before you accept a placement, so there are no surprises.
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Yes! You can still become an Au Pair even if you don’t have a driver’s licence.
While some host families prefer an Au Pair who can drive (especially in rural or suburban areas), many live in cities or walkable neighbourhoods where driving isn’t necessary. In those cases, families often use public transport or walk to school, shops, and parks & they’ll make sure you're in a safe, accessible location.
We’ll always ask about your driving status during the application process, and only match you with families whose needs suit your situation.
If you do have a licence but aren’t confident driving in Australia yet, that’s okay too, many families are happy to help you practice locally or ease you into driving responsibilities once you're settled.
The key is honesty: just let us know what you're comfortable with, and we’ll find a family that’s the right fit for you.
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We understand that plans can change, whether due to personal reasons, homesickness, a mismatch, or simply wanting to travel or explore other opportunities in Australia.
If you’re thinking about ending your placement early, here’s what to do:
Talk to Your Host Family First
We always recommend open and respectful communication. If something isn’t working, many families are happy to adjust routines or expectations.Reach Out to Us
Whether it’s a serious concern or simply a change of heart, we’re here to listen and support you, no judgment.Notice Period & Transition
We ask that Au Pairs give a reasonable notice period (usually 2 weeks) so the family can adjust and we can arrange next steps.Rematching Option
If the placement isn’t a good fit, we may be able to offer a rematch if appropriate or, if you’re choosing to leave for travel or study, that’s okay too, we’ll just ask that you give notice and leave on good terms.
Your wellbeing is our top priority. If you're unhappy, homesick, or just feel the placement isn’t right, we’re here to help. With understanding, not judgment.
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Changing families is possible, but it’s not something we encourage unless there’s a genuine issue that can’t be resolved.
As an Au Pair, you're joining a real family & just like in any household, there may be differences in routines, habits, or communication styles. Adjusting takes time, especially in a new country and culture.
If you're facing serious concerns (like feeling unsafe, being asked to do tasks outside the agreed duties, or ongoing miscommunication), we’re here to support you. In those cases, we can:
Help with open, respectful conversations
Offer mediation and guidance
Explore the possibility of a rematch, only if necessary
We encourage Au Pairs to approach their placement with patience, maturity, and a willingness to adapt. You're not just there for a job, you’re taking part in a cultural exchange and becoming part of someone’s daily life.
If you’re unsure about how things are going, talk to us first. We’re here to help you feel supported, not to jump ship at the first challenge, but to guide you if a change is truly needed.
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Yes! - Transport support is something many host families offer, but it can look different depending on where they live and what your role involves.
Here are the most common situations:
If you’re required to drive as part of your duties (e.g. school drop-offs or activity runs), the family will usually provide access to a car and cover fuel for those tasks.
If you don’t drive, or a car isn’t needed, families will often:
Help you understand the local public transport system
Cover or contribute to public transport costs (e.g. bus/train cards)
Ensure you're in a walkable or accessible location
Some families also allow responsible Au Pairs to use the car for personal outings, this depends on trust, insurance coverage, and the individual arrangement. Always clarify this before your placement begins.
We make sure all transport expectations are discussed clearly during the matching process so there are no surprises.
Tip: If driving is important to you (or not an option), let us know! We’ll only match you with families where the setup makes sense.
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Generally, no. Au Pair placements are designed as solo experiences. You’ll be living in your host family’s home as part of a cultural exchange, and they’ve prepared accommodation, meals, and responsibilities specifically for one person.
However, on rare occasions, some families may be open to hosting a couple, but only if:
Your partner is working independently (with their own job and visa),
You live in separate accommodation such as a granny flat or studio apartment on the property,
And the arrangement is clearly discussed and agreed to in advance.
These situations are the exception, not the norm.
If a friend or partner wants to visit you temporarily, that’s totally fine, but:
You should talk with your host family first
Visits should be planned outside your working hours
Your visitor will usually need to stay in separate accommodation (e.g. Airbnb, hostel, or hotel), unless your host family offers otherwise
👉 Being an Au Pair is truly a solo journey and that’s what makes it so special. It’s a unique time to grow, explore, and fully embrace life in a new country, independently, and at your own pace.