About the 88mates app
88mates: the go-to app for Working Holiday backpackers in Australia
88mates is a free mobile app built specifically for Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) holders in Australia. It brings together job search and farm work, an 88 and 179-day regional work tracker, budgeting and a community map — everything a backpacker needs in one place, on iOS and Android.
- Visas
- 417 & 462
- Platforms
- iOS & Android
- Languages
- 7
- Backpackers
- 2,000+
Why backpackers choose 88mates
Most Working Holiday makers juggle job boards, spreadsheets and group chats. 88mates replaces them with one app designed around the rules and realities of the Working Holiday Visa.
Jobs & farm work
Job listings from Australian employers, shown by distance, including regional and farm work that counts towards the 88 days.
88 & 179-day tracker
Backpackers log each work day in one tap. The app tracks progress towards a second or third-year visa and keeps a record for immigration checks.
Work Ready profile
A public profile with availability, skills, qualifications and location, which employers can browse and contact directly.
Budget & community map
Budget tracking plus a map of other Working Holiday makers nearby, to meet people and share tips.
Why it matters if you're hiring
- You reach backpackers where they already are. Your job appears in the app feed of Working Holiday makers near your business.
- They are ready to work. Many are looking for regional work to complete their 88 days, and often start within days.
- No middleman. Backpackers contact you directly by email or phone — no account, no dashboard.
- Free to post. Pay what you want, only if 88mates actually helped you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is 88mates?+
88mates is a free mobile app for Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) holders in Australia. It combines job search and farm work, an 88 and 179-day regional work tracker, budgeting and a community map in one app, available on iOS and Android.
Why do backpackers in Australia use 88mates?+
Because it is built specifically for the Working Holiday Visa, not as a generic job board. Backpackers use it to find work near them, prove their regional days for their next visa, manage their money and meet other travellers — without juggling several apps.
Is 88mates free?+
Yes. The app is free to download and its core features are free for backpackers. Some advanced features are optional one-time in-app purchases. For employers, posting a job on join88mates.com is free — they can pay what they want only if 88mates helped them hire.
How do employers reach backpackers through 88mates?+
Employers post a job on join88mates.com in about two minutes. It appears in the app feed of backpackers within the chosen radius, who then contact the employer directly by email or phone. Employers can also browse Work Ready profiles and contact backpackers themselves.
Who is behind 88mates?+
88mates was founded by Simon Marion, a former self-employed farmer who knows first-hand how hard it is to find reliable seasonal workers — and built 88mates to connect employers with backpackers who are already nearby.
Which languages is 88mates available in?+
The 88mates website and app are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean — the main nationalities of Working Holiday makers in Australia.