First Week in Australia: Complete Checklist (2026 Guide)
Just arrived in Australia? This complete first-week checklist covers accommodation, SIM cards, bank accounts, TFNs, transport, job hunting, and the most important things every Working Holiday Maker, student, and migrant should do during their first seven days.
First Week in Australia: Complete Checklist
Landing in Australia for the first time is exciting.
It’s also overwhelming.
For months you’ve been planning.
Applying for visas.
Booking flights.
Researching cities.
Watching YouTube videos.
Reading blogs.
Then suddenly you’re standing in an Australian airport with a suitcase and no idea where to start.
The first week is important.
Not because you need to have your entire life figured out.
But because a few simple tasks can make everything easier later.
I’ve met countless people who arrived in Australia on:
- Working Holiday Visas
- Student Visas
- Skilled Migration Visas
- Partner Visas
And almost everyone says the same thing:
“I wish I had known what to prioritise during my first week.”
This guide covers exactly that.
If you’ve just arrived—or you’re preparing to move to Australia—here’s the complete first-week checklist I wish someone had given me.
Day 1: Don’t Panic
This might sound strange.
But it’s probably the most important advice.
Many newcomers arrive with a huge list of things they think must be completed immediately.
The result?
Stress.
Australia isn’t going anywhere.
Most administrative tasks can wait a few days.
Your first priority is simple:
Get settled.
Get some sleep.
Adjust to the time difference.
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
A clear mind makes every other task easier.
Step 1: Get an Australian SIM Card
One of the first practical things you’ll need is a local phone number.
Without one, many everyday tasks become difficult.
Examples include:
- Job applications
- Rental inspections
- Bank appointments
- Government registrations
Australian employers almost always prefer calling local numbers.
Major Providers
Popular options include:
- Telstra
- Optus
- Vodafone
There are also budget providers that use the same networks.
Real Example
A backpacker I met applied for dozens of jobs using an overseas number.
Responses were limited.
After getting an Australian SIM card, employers started contacting him much more frequently.
Coincidence?
Probably not.
Local numbers build confidence.
Step 2: Open an Australian Bank Account
You’ll need somewhere to receive wages.
Australia’s banking system is generally straightforward.
Popular banks include:
- Commonwealth Bank
- NAB
- ANZ
- Westpac
Many newcomers open an account within their first few days.
Why This Matters
Employers usually require:
- Account name
- BSB
- Account number
Without a bank account, getting paid becomes difficult.
My Experience
Opening a bank account was much easier than I expected.
The difficult part wasn’t opening it.
The difficult part was deciding which bank to use.
Most major banks offer similar services for everyday needs.
Step 3: Apply for a TFN
This is one of the most important tasks during your first week.
TFN stands for:
Tax File Number
You’ll need it for employment and tax purposes.
Common Mistake
Many newcomers delay applying.
Then they receive a job offer and suddenly need a TFN urgently.
Applying early avoids unnecessary stress.
Step 4: Understand Public Transport
Every Australian city operates differently.
Learning transport early saves time and money.
Sydney
Uses the Opal Card system.
Melbourne
Uses Myki.
Brisbane
Uses Go Card.
Why It Matters
Knowing how transport works helps with:
- Job interviews
- Rental inspections
- Daily commuting
The sooner you learn it, the easier everything becomes.
Step 5: Learn Basic Australian Prices
This sounds simple.
But it’s surprisingly important.
During your first week, pay attention to:
- Rent prices
- Grocery costs
- Coffee prices
- Transport costs
- Mobile plans
Many newcomers constantly convert everything into their home currency.
I did this too.
Almost everyone does.
Eventually you stop.
But understanding local pricing helps you budget realistically.
Step 6: Buy Essential Items
Depending on your accommodation, you may need:
- Towels
- Bedding
- Kitchen supplies
- Chargers
- Basic clothing
Good Places to Start
- Kmart
- Big W
- Target
These stores are popular because they’re affordable.
Many migrants become surprisingly attached to Kmart within their first month.
A Funny Reality
I know people who arrived expecting Australia to be all beaches and kangaroos.
Instead, their first major Australian experience was wandering around Kmart buying pillows.
That’s migration life.
Step 7: Start Looking for Accommodation
If you’re staying in temporary accommodation, begin researching longer-term options.
Common Choices
Share Houses
Most popular among:
- Students
- Backpackers
- New arrivals
Private Rentals
More common for:
- Families
- Skilled migrants
- Long-term residents
Don’t Rush
One of the biggest mistakes newcomers make is accepting the first room they see.
Take your time.
A good living situation affects everything.
Step 8: Set Up Your Resume
If you’re planning to work, update your resume immediately.
Australian resumes are often slightly different from those used elsewhere.
Focus on:
- Relevant experience
- Clear formatting
- Local contact details
Having a ready-to-go resume saves time when opportunities appear.
Step 9: Begin Job Hunting
Even if you don’t need a job immediately, start exploring the market.
Useful platforms include:
- Seek
- Indeed
- Jora
Real Example
A Working Holiday Maker I met waited three weeks before starting his job search.
He assumed work would be easy to find.
Then he discovered competition was stronger than expected.
Starting early creates more options.
Step 10: Understand Australian Workplace Culture
This is something many newcomers underestimate.
Australian workplaces often value:
- Initiative
- Communication
- Reliability
- Teamwork
Hierarchy tends to be less formal than in many countries.
Managers are often approachable.
Understanding this early helps during interviews and employment.
Step 11: Learn Emergency Numbers
Every newcomer should know:
000
Australia’s emergency number.
Used for:
- Police
- Fire
- Ambulance
Hopefully you’ll never need it.
But knowing it is important.
Step 12: Explore Your Local Area
Your first week isn’t just about administration.
Take some time to explore.
Find:
- Supermarkets
- Cafés
- Parks
- Transport hubs
- Medical centres
Familiarity reduces stress.
My Favourite First-Week Tip
Walk around.
Seriously.
Walking teaches you more about a neighbourhood than hours of online research.
Step 13: Learn How Healthcare Works
Healthcare confuses many newcomers.
Eligibility depends on:
- Visa type
- Country agreements
- Private insurance
Understanding your situation early is worthwhile.
Especially before you actually need medical care.
Step 14: Join Local Communities
Australia can feel lonely initially.
This is normal.
Many newcomers benefit from:
- Facebook groups
- Community groups
- Sports clubs
- Language exchanges
Building a network early makes life easier.
A Real Example
One migrant I met found his first job through a casual conversation at a community event.
Not through a job website.
Not through a recruiter.
Just through meeting people.
Networks matter.
Step 15: Accept That Things Will Feel Unfamiliar
The first week often includes moments like:
- Not understanding accents
- Getting lost
- Buying the wrong product
- Taking the wrong train
Everyone experiences these things.
They’re part of the process.
Things You Don’t Need to Worry About Immediately
Many newcomers stress unnecessarily.
During your first week, you don’t need:
A perfect job
A perfect house
Perfect English
A perfect life plan
Focus on progress.
Not perfection.
What I Wish I Knew During My First Week
If I could go back and advise myself, I’d say:
Slow down.
Australia is not a race.
The first week feels chaotic because everything is new.
A few months later, many of the things that seem confusing now will feel completely normal.
The key is simply taking one step at a time.
Your First Week Checklist Summary
✅ Get a SIM card
✅ Open a bank account
✅ Apply for a TFN
✅ Learn public transport
✅ Buy essentials
✅ Start accommodation research
✅ Update your resume
✅ Explore job opportunities
✅ Understand healthcare
✅ Meet people
✅ Explore your local area
✅ Learn basic Australian systems
Complete these tasks and you’ll be ahead of many newcomers.
Final Thoughts
The first week in Australia can feel overwhelming.
There are new systems.
New terminology.
New accents.
New routines.
But remember:
Nobody arrives knowing everything.
Every migrant, student, backpacker, and skilled worker starts exactly where you are now.
The goal isn’t to master Australia in seven days.
The goal is simply to build a foundation.
Once that’s in place, everything else becomes easier.
And one day, you’ll probably look back at your first week and laugh at how confusing it all seemed.
Because before long, Australia starts feeling a lot more like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after arriving in Australia?
Getting a SIM card, opening a bank account, and applying for a TFN are usually the highest priorities.
How quickly should I apply for a TFN?
As soon as possible after arriving and becoming eligible.
Do I need an Australian bank account before finding a job?
Not necessarily, but most employers will require Australian banking details before paying wages.
How much money should I have during my first week?
Many newcomers spend several hundred dollars on accommodation, transport, food, and essential items during their first week.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed?
Absolutely. Almost every newcomer experiences some level of confusion during their first few days in Australia.