How I did it: I saved up, applied for a year-long working holiday visa (http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/), hoped for the best, then enjoyed everything I possibly could.
I worked for a while in Sydney (by signing up with a temp agency) and traveled using Sydney as a home base.
It was not hard to get a visa because i'm younger than 30.

Lessons & tips: Don't be afraid to talk to people or travel alone, but don't be stupid. I stayed in hostels where I could meet heaps of people doing just what i was doing, up to have fun and share stories. Use your instincts and don't travel with sketchy people. 
Don't forget that it actually can be cold in the winter. Even in the north the days may be warm, but the nights can be cold.
Also, you will not be at home. Do not compare it to home or expect it to be the same as home. If you want the same things that you would find as home then STAY AT HOME.

Resources: lonelyplanet.com
Lonely Planet IS the travelers bible.

---

Sep 06, 2010, 11:55PM PDT | 2 comments | 8 cheers