Fruit picking Jobs in Australia 2025 – Seasonal Work, Pay & Visa Guide
Fruit picking Jobs in Australia — Complete Guide for 2025
Fruit picking Jobs in Australia: Where to find harvest work, pay and visa tips
A practical, easy-to-read guide for anyone looking for Fruit picking Jobs in Australia. This article covers seasons, pay, visas, reliable job sources and safe application tips.
Why choose Fruit picking Jobs in Australia?
Fruit picking jobs are a popular choice for travellers and temporary workers. They allow flexible schedules. These jobs offer outdoor work and local experience. Many people use harvest work to fund travel across Australia.
Fruit picking can also help qualify for a second Working Holiday visa if you meet the specified work rules. This makes harvest work attractive to backpackers. Always check visa conditions before applying to be sure you qualify. For official visa rules see the Department of Home Affairs. 1
When and where to find harvest work
Harvest seasons vary by state and crop. You can pick citrus and grapes in some months and berries or apples in others. The east coast and southern regions have strong seasonal demand. Use a harvest calendar to plan where to be each month.
Websites and harvest maps list current seasonal work and regional contacts. These resources show when crops are ripe and which regions need pickers. A reliable harvest calendar helps you move with the seasons. See the 2025 harvest calendar for more details. 2
How much can you earn picking fruit?
Pay depends on the farm, the crop and whether you are paid hourly or by piecework. Some pickers earn by the bucket or tray and others are paid an hourly rate. Minimum rates and award rules also affect pay and entitlements. It helps to know the Horticulture Award and pay tools to check your rate.
The Fair Work and related horticulture pages show minimums and award conditions. Casual and piecework rates differ and are updated. Check the Fair Work guidance and your local growers’ association for up-to-date figures before accepting work. 3
Visas and legal work status
Only work if your visa permits paid employment. Many backpackers use the Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas. These visas allow seasonal work and may require specified work in regional areas to extend eligibility. Always confirm your visa conditions before you accept harvest work.
The Department of Home Affairs explains which work counts as specified work for second-year visa eligibility. If you are unsure, check the official site for guidance. Working without the right visa can cause serious problems. 4
Where to look for reliable Fruit picking Jobs in Australia
Use government job pages, established harvest boards and trusted recruitment agencies. Local council and state harvest pages often post seasonal vacancies. Backpacker job boards and farm labour agencies list jobs by region and crop. Avoid ads that ask for large upfront fees or promise unrealistic pay.
Helpful places include state harvest guides and well-known job boards. Agencies can arrange accommodation and transport for some roles. Use multiple sources and confirm details with the farm before you travel. See harvest and NSW help pages for regional listings. 5
Work conditions, safety and rights
Fruit picking is physically demanding and sometimes hot. Employers should provide a safe workplace and fair pay. If you are paid piecework, make sure you understand how you will be paid and get a written record. Keep track of hours and payments and ask for payslips when paid.
If you think you are underpaid or unsafe, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. There are laws and awards that protect harvest workers. Look up the Horticulture Award to learn your rights and entitlements. 6
Practical tips to get started quickly
Pack sturdy boots, sun protection and comfortable clothes. Bring water and a simple first-aid kit. Arrive with copies of your ID and visa documents. Be ready to learn tasks on the job and work as a team with local pickers.
Ask the farm about accommodation, meals and transport. Some farms include housing, while others expect you to find local options. Confirm wages, payment method and the expected length of the job before you start. Use clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
Accommodation and living costs while picking fruit
Some farms offer onsite barracks or basic rooms. Other employers provide recommendations for local hostels or shared rentals. Costs and quality vary widely. Budget for food, transport and seasonal needs when you plan.
Look for jobs that give transparent housing terms. Read reviews of accommodation where possible. When accommodation is deducted from pay, request a written agreement. Keep receipts and records for all transactions.
Common LSI keywords to help your search
- seasonal farm work
- harvest jobs Australia
- backpacker fruit picking
- horticulture work Australia
- working holiday farm work
- piecework rates fruit picking
Trusted external resources and further reading
Use official government and industry pages for reliable facts. The Department of Home Affairs explains specified work and visa rules. Fair Work provides award details and pay guidance. State agriculture sites list harvest help and current vacancies. 7
For practical harvest calendars and maps, check backpacker and harvest boards. These list regions, crop seasons and employer contacts. Use these to plan which states to visit through the year. 8
Internal resources and related posts on Perajob
For direct application links and related job posts on our site, see these pages:
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Note: This article offers general guidance. Check official government and Fair Work pages for legal and up-to-date details. 12
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