When we had our backpacker hostel in Townsville, North Queensland, we got to hear about lots of different ways to earn money on holiday. Most were ordinary but others were extraordinary. There are some unusual and exciting jobs for those who are prepared to find them. The pay is not always the greatest but they can lead to some interesting experiences and take you to places you wouldn't otherwise see.
Geologist's assistant: Over the years, we had a dozen or so guests who managed to land this one. They stayed at our hostel when they were on leave. I don't know what they were paid but they always booked into private rooms. Some had qualifications in geology. Most didn't. All were physically fit, outward-going and (with one memorable exception) male. They were flown all over northern Australia. A typical assignment would be a helicopter-drop in a creek bed. There, they collected samples and waited to be picked up. Jobs like this come and go. My contacts tell me they still exist. If you think you can find one, devote the time and energy to hunt around. Explore the web pages of Australian exploration and mining companies. Think about what you have to offer and present yourself clearly when you contact them. Don't lie: the mining and exploration people have an eagle eye for crap artists.
Marine scientist's dive buddy: Divers need buddies for safety reasons. Marine scientists are no exception and volunteers sometimes provide that service. I know nothing about pay. I do know that a dedicated diver will have opportunities that money can't buy. There was a time when all you needed was an Open Water Diving Licence. Those days have gone in Australia and you will require higher qualifications now.
Biologist's assistant: Biologists go on field trips and need company for various reasons. One is security. It's not always safe to wander around the Australian bush by yourself, particularly if you are female. There is safety in numbers. We had frequent requests from universities for suitable people to accompany research staff on expeditions. Students usually perform that function but are not available during term time. That provides opportunities for those of you who live in the Northern Hemisphere. Your academic year is out of phase with ours. If you want to be a biologist's assistant (or archaeologist's, geologist's etc) during your long vacation, do a bit of research. Find out which universities and research institutes are engaged in your field of study. Contact the relevant department and be prepared to follow up with a testimonial from your uni/college. It's unlikely that you will be paid but you should be able to save money through free tucker (Aussie for food) and accommodation.
Working on a dive boat: Quite a lot of my guests got jobs on dive boats taking tourists to the Great Barrier Reef. Some were instructors, others were divemasters, many had no diving qualifications beyond the basic open water certificate. Dive boats need auxiliary staff. Someone has to fill scuba tanks, cook and clean while qualified staff supervise diving and skipper the boat. Qualified staff are paid. Auxiliaries usually work for a chance to go diving between shifts. You won't make much money (if any) as a volunteer crew member but you should save money and have a lot of fun. One way to get a job is to front up at a dive shop. If you've already had crewing experience, that's a plus. Many get their first job by going out as paying passengers. They talk to senior staff and make themselves known. Personality counts a lot. A friendly, helpful crew is essential to a good dive operation. Make sure you come over as that sort of person.
Working on a cruise boat: Cruise boats, like dive boats, need staff to serve in their restaurants, wash dishes and so on. They even have work for hosts and hostesses. These latter jobs are particularly appealing and preference is given to people with skills such as marine science or a knowledge of the local area and its people. As with most job hunting, luck comes into it when securing a position. One memorable young lady failed to get a hostess job despite my recommendation. She had a pleasant manner and was of Polynesian ancestry. I found a frangipani flower for her hair and she went for an interview only to be turned down. The problem was her accent, which was the sort that can only be obtained by attending an expensive English boarding school. In short, she looked the part but didn't sound right. An older guest was more successful. He knew nothing of marine science or the local area but was an interesting character with a store of jokes and a manner that brought people together. He secured a job as "master of ceremonies".
Entertainer: There's money to be made and all sorts of ways to do it. I had street entertainers staying with me and some did very well. A licence from the local authority was needed and they had to front up for an audition. Buskers, pavement artists, jugglers and acrobats were amongst my guests. We even had an out-of-work Shakespearian actor who used to smear himself with chalk and dress up as Hamlet's father. From time to time, young ladies from a well-known Australian dance group stayed at the hostel. They worked at the casino and entertained patrons with displays of modern theatrical dancing, performing with their clothes on. Other young ladies danced in nightclubs and ended the performance with their clothes off.
Dinosaur research: You won't get paid and you won't save money but it could be a great experience. So many dinosaur bones are being found near Winton, in outback Queensland, that help is needed to get them ready for expert examination. Training is provided. Further information: www.australianageofdinosaurs.com/
Outback farm: The correct name is property. Americans would call them ranches. They are so big that the English name farm doesn't apply. While we ran our hostel we were able to provide a steady stream of people for properties out west. Some did domestic work, caring for children and the like. Others worked with the animals (cattle and sheep). It was a mutually beneficial arrangement and I never heard anything but praise from both sides. If you are thinking of taking such a job, bear in mind that you will be living in an isolated location. In some of the remoter areas, your nearest neighbours could be fifty or more kilometres away. If you are thinking of working with animals it's as well to have prior experience. Being able to ride a horse helps. Most of all, you must be prepared to work hard and put up with tough conditions. The farming industry's web page provides detailed information: http://aussiefarmjobs.com.au
Environment: If you want to care for the environment or be a willing helper on an organic farm visit the web pages of the Australian Conservation Volunteers or WWOOF.