Backpacker Jobs Mildura

Looking for Backpacker Jobs in Mildura?

A small city of 30,000 in northwest Victoria, Mildura plays the sort of role that belies its size. It’s considered the state’s food bowl, with the water of the Murray River, on which Mildura sits, irrigating a wealth of fruit and cereal crops, and no less than 80% of the state’s grapes.

A quintessential riverside town, Mildura has a perfectly laid-back and welcoming vibe, where travellers and locals feel equally at home. Along with fuelling the town’s economy, the Murray serves as a place to relax, with parks lining its banks, and speedboats towing water-skiers and wakeboarders up its centre.

But do all these temptations make Mildura a must-see destination for a working holidaymaker? And what exactly might the city offer 417 and 462 visa holders?

Let’s take a look.

Where is Mildura, and how do I get there?

Mildura is located in the most north-westerly corner of regional Victoria on the state’s border with New South Wales, and is situated around 550km or a six hour drive north-northwest of Melbourne. The South Australian capital of Adelaide is actually slightly closer, being 400km/4.5 hours west of the town.

If you’re looking to catch public transport you’ll have a choice in two: buses are slightly slower than driving yourself, but leave both Melbourne (a 10 hour trip) and Adelaide (7 hours) most days. The other option is to fly, which is far more expensive but also far quicker. Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia all service Mildura Airport regularly.

What is Mildura famous for?

Life in Mildura centres on Australia’s largest river, the Murray. The waterway turns what would otherwise be a rather dry part of the country into a veritable oasis, offering plants water from below and sun from above in equally healthy amounts.

The task of producing enough food for Australia’s second-most populous state falls largely on the shoulders of Mildura, which is best known for its citrus and grape exports. The entire town is built off the back of food production, although tourism to the region is getting stronger and stronger as Mildura better understands and sells its unique proposition.

Watch: Visit Mildura

What are Mildura's must see attractions?

1. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens: Located on the New South Wales side of the river, this botanic garden takes healthy inspiration from its surrounds, featuring a wealth of beautiful plants native to the area.
2. Woodsies Gem Shop: Far from your standard jewellers, this Mildura institution not only sells precious stones, but offers an Aladdin’s Cave, a maze, and stone cutting demonstrations too.
3. Mildura Water Play Park: It gets hotter in Mildura than pretty much anywhere else in Victoria, so it’s a relief to know that the totally free Mildura Water Play Park is ready and waiting on the banks of the Murray.
4. Mildura Holden Museum: One man’s obsession with Australia’s most famous car maker has morphed into a gorgeous car museum which, through the display of over 30 beautiful vehicles, tells the story of the Holden brand.

What should I see in the Mildura area?

1. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park: Hiking, biking, camping, kayaking; the Hattah-Kulkyne wetlands are a perfectly tranquil escape found a 30 minute drive south of Mildura, and are a particular favourite of the bird-watching community.
2. Merbein Common: Located in nearby Merbein, a satellite suburb of Mildura, this nature reserve is the ideal place to watch the sun go down.
3. Perry Sandhills: Another attraction across the New South Wales border, geologists say that these sand hills have been around for 40,000 years, but only far more recently have they become an Instagram favourite.
4. Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway: When Mildura was becoming a rural powerhouse in the early 1900s, it did so with the steam of both paddleboats and trains. This museum aims to keep the locomotive heritage alive, offering monthly demonstrations of the rebuilt machinery.

Where should I stay in Mildura?

1. For a discount dorm bed: Perfectly cheap and cheerful, Mildura International Backpackers specialises in arranging farm work for working holidaymakers, and offers both short term and long term stays.
2. For something slightly fancier: The newest hostel in Mildura, Sunraysia Backpackers offers all the comforts of home and more (including private options), and will also help you to find work should you be looking for it.
3. To treat yourself: For the same rate as a more standard private in Melbourne or Sydney, you can enjoy the lap of luxury in Mildura, a fact best encapsulated by the lavish experience on offer at The Stable on Olive.

Is there work for backpackers in Mildura?

If you’re a 417 or 462 visa holder looking for a job - be it to refill your savings account or to gain a second year visa - Mildura is a fantastic option. There are perhaps more farm opportunities here than almost any other regional centre in Australia, with fruit picking and farm jobs in Mildura in particular a huge attraction for those looking to complete the specified work needed to extend their visa.

So, is Mildura worth a visit for a working holidaymaker? As a beautiful, fun and (relatively) large town that’s rarely short of work, it’s as good a candidate as any for a working backpacker.

But in reality, there’s only one way to find out whether Mildura is worth a visit – and that’s to take a look for yourself!