Jobs Description
Australia is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, famous for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and wine exports. The country’s diverse climate and vast farmlands allow farmers to harvest a wide variety of crops throughout the year. To maintain this strong agricultural industry, Australia requires thousands of seasonal and casual workers every year.
Among the most popular opportunities for international workers are farm and fruit picker jobs. These positions are especially attractive to people traveling on a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462), international students looking for part-time work, or skilled farm workers seeking sponsorship.
If you are planning to work in Australia, farm jobs can be an excellent gateway to earn a good wage, gain new experiences, and even extend your visa. This article provides you with a complete guide to farm and fruit pickers jobs in Australia—what the work involves, salaries, visa requirements, and how you can apply.
What Are Farm and Fruit Picker Jobs?
Farm and fruit picking jobs mainly involve harvesting fruits and vegetables, packing produce, and maintaining farmland. These are entry-level jobs that do not usually require formal education or advanced skills, making them accessible to almost anyone.
The main responsibilities include:
- Fruit Picking: Harvesting fruits such as apples, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
- Vegetable Harvesting: Collecting vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Packing and Sorting: Cleaning, grading, and packing fruits or vegetables into boxes for transportation.
- Farm Maintenance: Watering crops, weeding, planting, and general farm upkeep.
Skills and Qualifications Required
While there are no strict qualifications for farm jobs, employers do expect workers to have some key abilities:
- Physical fitness: The work is often labor-intensive and requires standing, bending, and lifting for long hours.
- Adaptability: You must be able to work in outdoor conditions such as heat, rain, or humidity.
- Basic English communication: For safety instructions and teamwork.
- Teamwork: Working effectively with other pickers and supervisors.
- Previous experience (optional): Not required, but it can give you an
Working Conditions
Farm jobs in Australia are regulated under the Fair Work Commission, ensuring workers are paid fairly.
- Hourly Pay: The average pay rate is between AUD $23–$30 per hour.
- Piece Rate System: Some employers pay based on the amount of fruit or vegetables picked (per kilo, per box, or per bucket). Fast pickers can earn more.
- Overtime/Weekends: Higher pay rates apply for working overtime, public holidays, or weekends.
- Additional Benefits:
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Free transport to farms
- Visa extension eligibility (Working Holiday Visa holders can extend their stay by completing required farm days)
Visa Options for Farm Jobs in Australia
1. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
- Open to applicants aged 18–30 (35 for some countries).
- Allows you to live and work in Australia for 12 months.
- If you complete 88 days of farm work, you can apply for a second-year visa. Completing additional farm work can also qualify you for a third-year extension.
2. Student Visa
- International students in Australia can take part-time farm jobs (up to 48 hours per fortnight during study sessions, and full-time during breaks).
3. Skilled Worker Visa
- If you have experience in agriculture and an employer sponsors you, you may qualify for a full-time skilled worker visa in farming.
Seasonal Work by Region
Different parts of Australia produce different crops at different times of the year. This ensures there is almost always farm work available somewhere.
- Queensland: Mangoes, bananas, sugarcane, vegetables
- Victoria: Strawberries, apples, grapes, stone fruits
- South Australia: Grapes (wine production), citrus fruits
- New South Wales: Oranges, peaches, cherries, berries
- Western Australia: Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, grapes
- Tasmania: Apples, berries, hops, cherries
By moving between regions, farm workers can find jobs all year round.
Advantages of Farm and Fruit Picking Jobs
Good income: With consistent hours, farm work can be financially rewarding.
Visa extension: Completing farm work can help extend your stay in Australia.
New experiences: Learn about agriculture, meet people from around the world, and experience Australian rural life.
Health benefits: Physical work outdoors is a great way to stay fit and active.
Challenges of Farm Jobs
Physically demanding: Requires stamina and hard work in tough conditions.
Remote areas: Farms are often far from cities, which can feel isolating.
Weather: Hot summers or rainy days can make the job challenging.
Piece-rate risk: Income can be lower for beginners who are not fast pickers.
How to Apply for Farm and Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia
Job Portals: Check websites like Harvest Trail, Seek, Indeed, and Backpacker Job Board.
Farm Agencies: Some recruitment agencies specialize in hiring seasonal farm workers.
Direct Applications: Many farms list vacancies on their websites or local notice boards.
Word of Mouth: Backpacker hostels and farm communities often share job leads.
Tips for Success
- Apply early during the harvest season.
- Always confirm whether the employer is licensed and registered.
- Keep records of your work (payslips, contracts) for visa purposes.
- Bring proper gear: hats, gloves, sunscreen, and water bottles.
- Stay flexible—moving between regions increases your chances of finding continuous work.
Conclusion
Farm and fruit picking jobs in Australia are an excellent opportunity for international travelers, students, and workers seeking adventure and income. Although the work is physically demanding, it offers fair wages, cultural exchange, and even the chance to extend your stay in the country.
With a wide range of fruits and vegetables harvested across Australia throughout the year, the demand for seasonal workers never ends. If you are hardworking, adaptable, and ready to experience rural Australian life, farm jobs can be a rewarding pathway to achieve both financial and personal growth.
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