Almost 12,000 young people were given one-year, working-holiday visas for Australia during the year ending in June, up by a third last year.
The Australian embassy expects to give out more visas this year as the age limit has been increased from 26 years to 31. There has been an increase in the number of working-holiday visas given to Irish people, with 9,900 visas given out in 1998-99.
Ms Judith Hurditch, manager of the embassy visa office, said there were possibly more applications for visas in the last year because of people wishing to attend the Olympics during their year abroad.
Ms Hurditch said that by increasing the age limit it was hoped that some older applicants would choose to stay in Australia and apply to emigrate.
Those travelling to Australia tended to be in their early to mid-20s. Although people who are married can apply for the visa, those with children cannot.