Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia

Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia for International Workers

by

Australia is a popular destination for international workers looking for seasonal employment, especially in agriculture.

Fruit picking jobs in Australia are in high demand, offering flexible work, competitive pay, and the chance to explore the country. If you’re an international worker interested in fruit picking jobs in Australia, this guide will walk you through the process, visa requirements, job search strategies, and tips for success.

  • Why Choose Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia?

Fruit picking is a great way for international workers to:

  1. Earn money while traveling
  2. Qualify for a Second Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) by completing 88 days of specified work
  3. Experience rural Australia and its diverse landscapes
  4. Work in a flexible, outdoor environment

  • Visa Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia

You’ll need the right visa to work in Australia as an international fruit picker. The most common options are:

  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

  1. Available to passport holders from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the UK.
  2. Allows you to work in Australia for up to 12 months.
  3. You can extend for a second or third year if you complete 88 days of specified work (including fruit picking).

  • Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

  1. For travelers from Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
  2. Similar to the 417 visas but with different eligibility criteria.
  3. Also requires 88 days of specified work for a second-year extension.

  • Student Visa (Subclass 500) – Part-Time Work

  1. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies.
  2. Fruit picking can be a good part-time job for students.

  • How to Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia

  • Use Job Search Websites

Several websites specialize in farm and fruit-picking jobs:

  1. Harvest Trail (Australian Government) – Official job listings for seasonal work.
  2. Gumtree – Popular for casual and farm jobs.
  3. Seek – General job site with seasonal roles.
  4. Facebook Groups – Search for “Australia fruit picking jobs” to find local postings.

  • Contact Farms Directly

Many farms hire workers directly. You can:

  1. Call or email farms in fruit-growing regions (e.g., Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania).
  2. Visit farms in person and ask about vacancies.

  • Work with Recruitment Agencies

Some agencies specialize in connecting international workers with farm jobs:

  1. Agri Labour Australia
  2. Workforce Australia
  3. Regional Workforce Agencies

  • Join Backpacker Networks

Backpacker hostels and forums often share job leads:

  1. Hostel notice boards
  2. Backpacker Facebook groups
  3. Word of mouth from other travelers

  • Best Regions for Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia

Different regions have harvest seasons year-round:

State Key Crops Peak Season
Queensland Bananas, mangoes, strawberries October – March
New South Wales Apples, cherries, grapes December – February
Victoria Berries, apples, stone fruit November – April
South Australia Oranges, grapes, almonds January – May
Western Australia Avocados, citrus, grapes March – September
Tasmania Apples, cherries, berries December – April

 

  • How Much Do Fruit Pickers Earn in Australia

Fruit pickers in Australia are typically paid in two ways:

Hourly Wage

  1. Average pay: 25–30 AUD per hour
  2. Some employers pay above-award wages (up to $35/hour for experienced workers).
  3. Minimum wage guarantee: Employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage ($23.23/hour as of July 2024) if piece rates don’t meet this threshold.

Piece Rate (Pay Per Bucket/Kilogram)

  1. Earnings vary based on speed, skill, and crop type.
  2. Average piece rate examples:
    • Apples: 3–5 per bin
    • Berries: 2–4 per kg
    • Grapes: 25–40 per ton
    • Bananas: 0.30–0.50 per kg
  3. Fast workers can earn 200–400 AUD per day under piece rates.

Note: Employers must provide a written piece rate agreement and ensure workers earn at least minimum wage.

  • Factors Affecting Fruit Picking Salaries

Factor Impact on Earnings
Experience Faster pickers earn more (especially on piece rates).
Crop Type Some fruits (e.g., cherries, berries) pay higher rates than others.
Location Remote farms may offer higher wages due to labor shortages.
Season Peak harvest = more work & better pay.
Weather Rain or extreme heat can reduce picking days.

 

  • Best-Paying Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia

  • Some of the highest-paying crops for pickers include:

  1. Cherries (30–50/hour or 4–8 per kg)
  2. Blueberries (25–40/hour or 3–6 per kg)
  3. Grapes (25–40/ton, experienced workers earn $300+/day)
  4. Mangoes (0.50–1 per kg, fast pickers earn 250–400/day)

  • What to Expect from Fruit Picking Jobs

  • Payment Structures

  1. Piece rate: Paid per bucket or kilogram (can be lucrative if you work fast).
  2. Hourly wage: Usually around 25–30 AUD per hour (minimum wage applies).

  • Working Conditions

  1. Early starts (often 5 AM–6 AM).
  2. Physically demanding work (bending, lifting, long hours).
  3. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

  • Accommodation Options

  1. Farm stays (sometimes free or discounted).
  2. Backpacker hostels (budget-friendly).
  3. Caravan or van life (popular among seasonal workers).

  • Tips for Success in Fruit Picking Jobs

  1. Arrive Early in the Season – More jobs are available at the start of harvest.
  2. Be Physically Prepared – Stamina is key for long days in the field.
  3. Network with Other Workers – They can recommend farms and job openings.
  4. Keep Records for Visa Extensions – Save pay slips and employer confirmation for your 88-day requirement.
  5. Stay Legal – Ensure your visa allows farm work and that your employer pays correctly.

  • Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

  • Challenge: Unreliable Employers

  1. Research farms beforehand and check reviews from past workers.

  • Challenge: Slow Work & Low Pay (Piece Rate)

  1. Improve speed and efficiency to maximize earnings.

  • Challenge: Isolation in Rural Areas

  1. Travel with a friend or join backpacker groups for support.

Conclusion

Fruit picking jobs in Australia are a fantastic opportunity for international workers to earn money, extend their visas, and experience the country’s rural beauty. By choosing the right visa, using job search strategies, and preparing for the physical demands, you can make the most of this seasonal work.

Start your job hunt early, stay persistent, and enjoy the adventure of working in Australia’s orchards and farms!

Hope you find this article helpful?

 

Leave a Comment