Start in Australia or Europe?

So, I have posted in this forum before regarding the RTW trip I am planning starting in August 2015 yet have been having a slight change of heart lately. My originally idea was to go from Eastern Europe (since its cheaper than West) then to SE Asia, then going to South America before ending my trip and going back to SF (My home base). I got an idea from a friend, however, about a week ago to go to Australia first and work there under the Holiday Work Visa while I’m still eligible. I was doing some research into the possibility and it seems really doable. The pros of this would be that I have enough Hawaiian miles to get a free ticket to Sydney from SF, whereas Hawaiian does not go to Europe and with their “partner airlines” I must buy a round trip ticket. Also with Australia, theoretically, it shouldn’t cost me anything (or much) because I would have a free flight and then with a job in OZ I figure that all I make there I would use for my lodging, drinks, food, whatever. I have about $18,000 saved up for my RTW trip but by going to Australia first, instead of Europe, I could have a really cheap experience that I would never have the chance to do again since I will be 29 at the time I start my trip (Australia work visa cuts off at 30). Then after Australia I can make the decision to first go SE Asia, possibly Europe, then carry onto South America from there. Also, directional wise it would be easier because I would be going East-West. The cons that I have seen are that there is a possibility that I wouldn’t see Europe. I was really wanting to go Oktoberfest but by going to Australia that wouldn’t be possible. My RTW trip would also most likely be extended by working in Australia, which would mean I would be more susceptible to travel burn out. All this being said, going to Australia seems like the right choice for both the experience and economically. Am I missing anything? What do you guys think? Start in Europe or Australia? Thanks for the input!

Start in Australia. You'll have a semi-common language, you'll have the free ticket and all the other beneifts you've mentioned and you'll start your travel learning curve the easy way.
While Octoberfest is quite an event I think you'll find enough beer drinkers in Australia so the only thing you'd miss would be the big tents and the German music.
Once you're in Australia and have some travel under your belt you can re-examine your priorities and change your plans if you want. You don't know now the person you're going to become once you leave the US for a while. And the less you spend at the start, the more you'll have later.
Since you have a little time if possible, sign up for couchsurfing...host a few people so you have a good record and then you'll find it easier to find hosts during your travel. Since you're from SF you already have the benefit of the multicultural environment there...you're already used to hearing so many different languages but still feeling at home. (Great preparation for Asian travel....) and coming from California is a cachet in itself.
For myself, my heart is in France and Western Europe...but I can see the benefit of going west first, rather than east.
Hope your plans go well.

Hey, sfgirl, I laughed and laughed at your comment about our dear Aussie cousins, "You'll have a semi-common language." Too true.

Thanks so much for the input! You answered some of the concerns that I had. You are exactly right in that it will be a easy transition into travel as I do not have much independent long term travel experience. Also, like you said, I will be able to reevaluate my travel plans once I'm down there (with my savings still in tact!)

Just be careful, and don't assume that you'll get a job right away. I've known people who took months to find a crappy job while on WHV. At least budget for it. And while you're looking, you can also check out something like workaway or helpx, where you work for accommodation, just so you spend less money just living while you look for a job. Also, Australia is very expensive.

However, Oz is a great warm-up for travel. It's very easy to get around, and of course the language helps.