Fruit Picking Jobs
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Fruit picking jobs and harvest work is carried out on farms throughout Australia. These are usually in remote locations, so don't expect a lot of nightlife or attractions during your time fruit picking. There’s likely to be a few basic shops and a pub or hotel a short drive away. Because fruit picking jobs are so remote, you're likely to need your own transport to get around. Most fruit picking jobs will come with the option to live on-site so you are close to work, but your pay will be docked to cover the cost of rent. Luckily, nearly all fruit pickers are backpackers so it’s a great time to meet new people and make new friends. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself a great group to pick with that will make working much more fun.
Latest Fruit Picking Jobs
Strawberry Season !! Needed Workers
AnA Juicy berry beerwah, Queensland
Published: 20th June 2022
AnA strawberry farm is hiring workers for new season-Picking -/ May to End of October$0.7-$1.5 per KG... Read more
Various Picking And Packing Jobs Second Year Visa Days Guaranteed
North Bundy Backpackers bundaberg, Bundaberg
Published: 19th June 2022
✔️ Immediate start ✔️busy working hostel in bundaberg✔️ Your Farm Work/88 days, we can get you... Read more
Strawberry Picking / Packing
Farmwork WA Bullsbrook, WA, Western Australia
Published: 17th June 2022
Its Hot, Its Hard, Its Farming!!! – Is It For You?Old West Rd, Bullsbrook, Western Australia - WHV extension... Read more
Fruit Picking Job Alerts
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Seafood Processor
South Coast Sea Urchins PAMBULA, Wollongong
Published: 15th June 2022
We are requiring several Seafood processors to commence the new Sea urchin Season.Jobs include:Processing Sea... Read more
Strawberry Picking
Surefire Labour Pty Ltd Beerwah, Sunshine Coast
Published: 19th May 2022
Hiring for Strawberry picking in QLD!!We pick 4-5 days per week now and the amount of fruits are always... Read more
Seasonal Workers
Australian Farm Workers Pty Ltd Coffs Harbour
Published: 18th May 2022
We are looking for farmworkers to work in Coffs Harbour, NSW,for upcoming work on the farm maintenance team,... Read more
Blueberry Harvest 2022
Mountain Blue Farms Tabulam, New South Wales
Published: 17th May 2022
Mountain Blue is a family owned and operated business, we are involved in all aspects of the blueberry, from... Read more
Harvest - Strawberry Planting/picking/packing
Harvest Trail Service Wamuran, Brisbane
Published: 12th May 2022
We are currently looking for Strawberry farm workers!Workers needed for local Strawberry Farm to start immediately!... Read more
Farm Labour
SDR Labour Services Tully, Cairns
Published: 26th April 2022
Farm work available for field and packing shed in bananasCasual rate: $25.41/hour + 10% superPay period: weekly... Read more
Farm Labour
SDR Labour Services Tully, Cairns
Published: 26th April 2022
Farm work available for field and packing shed in bananascasual rate: $25.41/hour + 10% superpay period: weekly... Read more
Raspberry/ Blueberry Picking
Sami Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour
Published: 25th April 2022
Location: Coffs Harbour/Sandy Beach/Woolgoolga/Nana Glen (Postcode 2450 and 2456)• Piece Rate Pay: $3/㎏... Read more
Fruit Picking
Alpw Contracting Services Swan Reach, South Australia
Published: 15th April 2022
Citrus Season starting soon???50 pickers needed!!Piece Rate : $34-$37 ( Oranges ) $90-$120 ( mandarin ) Lemons... Read more
Farm Work ,olive Harvest, Pruning Etc
Maitland Spring Olives Beverley WA, Western Australia
Published: 15th April 2022
workers required for casual farm work on an olive grove 100k.s from Perthwork includes olive harvesting and... Read more
Olive Picking
Parafield Olives Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Published: 2nd April 2022
Olive Picking. The Olives are the size of Walnuts. $22 a crate (13kg). Can earn up to $50 for fast pickers. Have to... Read more
Blueberry Picking
Sami Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour
Published: 31st March 2022
Raspberry pickingImmediately start!Woolgoolga 2456 NSW areaAccept part time, 88 days for WHVLocal and... Read more
We Are Looking For Raspberry Pickers Now
3J Employment Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour
Published: 26th March 2022
We are looking for Raspberry pickers nowLocation : Coffs harbour Woolgoolga area NSW 2456Work : Raspberry... Read more
Raspberry Pickers Required
Queensland Farm Management and Training Caboolture, Brisbane
Published: 21st March 2022
We are about to start our new season of Raspberries and require a team of 40 to start our harvest.Working 6 days... Read more
Zucchini Picking Immediate Start
Queensland Farm Management and Training Wamuran, Brisbane
Published: 21st March 2022
We are looking for workers to assist in harvesting our new crop of Zucchini.Working 5-6 days per week average 6 -8... Read more
5 Girl / 5 Boys Needed For Packing Shed
Innisfail Budget Backpackers Innisfail, Cairns
Published: 18th March 2022
Job DescriptionImmediate start on arrival !Packing / sorting jobs for girls and boys and field work for boys... Read more
Chestnut Picking
Alpine Chestnuts Myrtleford, Victoria
Published: 11th March 2022
Chestnut Pickers requires for 4 weeksFree on farm stay in caravans.Piece rate from $1.00 to $1.30 per kilo... Read more
Harvest 22 - Table Grapes - Picking
MADEC Harvest Trail Services Kenley, Victoria
Published: 10th March 2022
Local farm is seeking the services of Table Grape Pickers to work in the Kenley area. This work is available for the... Read more
Mushroom Pickers
Majestic Mushrooms Pty Ltd MURRUMBATEMAN, Canberra
Published: 7th March 2022
Mushroom Pickers - Indoor harvestingCompany; Majestic Mushrooms Pty LtdStart Date; ImmediatePicking season: All... Read more
Looking For Raspberry &blueberry Picer
Australia Backpacker Central Corindi Beach, Coffs Harbour
Published: 2nd March 2022
Currently recruiting 50+ berries pickers (starting from March 17th to November)Piece: $0.8 - $1.2 /punnent (125g)... Read more
Raspberry & Blueberry Picking Job
Australia Backpacker Central Corindi Beach, Coffs Harbour
Published: 2nd March 2022
Currently recruiting 50+ berries pickers (starting from March 17th to November)Piece: $0.8 - $1.2 /box (125g)... Read more
10 Workers Needed For Fruit Picking And Packing
Innisfail Budget Backpackers Innisfail, Cairns
Published: 22nd February 2022
Immediate start on arrival !Packing / sorting jobs for girls and boys and field work for boysAll jobs paid... Read more
Fruit Picking
Aussie Fruits Orchards Kyabram, Victoria
Published: 19th February 2022
Fruit picking available from December until late AprilPicking Apricots, Plums, Apples and PearsWork directly... Read more
Ginger And Strawberry Worker Wanted
csp bundaberg and stanthorpe, Queensland
Published: 16th February 2022
we need alot of worker to do ginger picking and packing in bunderberg we pay by hourly the jobs will last for couple... Read more
Packer And Picker
Gems cardross, Mildura
Published: 16th February 2022
Hi all,we looking for grape packer and picker right now season already started.-good conditon-friendly team... Read more
Nut Picker
Ian Brain Chestnuts Porpunkah, Victoria
Published: 14th February 2022
Pickers Positions now open for this year's harvest.Season commences around 14th march 2022. For around 6 weeks.... Read more
Farm Work/nanny
Bundaberg jobs 2020 Bundaberg
Published: 13th February 2022
Looking for an energetic farm hand to carry out farm duties, must have a drivers licence as you will be operating a... Read more
5 Girls & 5 Boys Needed For Picking And Packing Jobs
Innisfail Budget Backpackers INNISFAIL, Cairns
Published: 11th February 2022
Immediate start on arrival !Packing / sorting jobs for girls and boys and field work for boysAll jobs paid... Read more
Harvest Workers Needed!
Fresh Produce Group Hamel, WA, Western Australia
Published: 10th February 2022
We're looking for people to join us for a huge Grape harvest season!* Work available now until May* Lots of... Read more
Join The Best Apple Picking Team In Australia!
PC Orange, Sydney
Published: 9th February 2022
Hey guysWe have excellent apple picking jobs available in the beautiful Orange region of NSW. We'll be operating... Read more
Ginger Pickers Wanted
Avalouen Farms Kenilworth, Sunshine Coast
Published: 20th January 2022
Work near the beautiful town of kenilworth QLD only 40 minutes drive from the pristine beaches of Noosa and the... Read more
100/week Bring-your-own Backpackers Special
North Bundy Backpackers Bundaberg, Queensland
Published: 18th January 2022
$100/week Bring-Your-Own Backpackers SpecialBackpacker hostel in Bundaberg looking for backpackers either... Read more
Tomato Picking - Indoor Work!!!
Tomato Brothers Eumundi, Sunshine Coast
Published: 13th January 2022
Hello everyoneTomato Brothers operate a 2ha Hydroponic Greenhouse on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast just 10... Read more
Berry Picker Needed
Longford Berries Longford, Tasmania
Published: 27th December 2021
Job DetailsWe are looking for teams of enthusiastic people to take on the role of berry pickers for their... Read more
Berry Picker
Jolly Berries Tumbarumba, New South Wales
Published: 22nd December 2021
We are now taking applications for the Ongoing 2021 picking season.The picking season runs from early to Mid... Read more
Fruit Picker
Just Picked Berries and Fruit Yan Yean, Victoria
Published: 2nd December 2021
Our StoryJust Picked Pty Ltd is an owner operated business located on the outskirts of Melbourne – being only 35... Read more
Fruit Picker
Tru-Blu Berries Lymington, Tasmania
Published: 30th November 2021
Job DescriptionWe are seeking Fruit Pickers for our large scale Fruit picking operation in located in the Huon... Read more
Berry Pickers
Three Peaks Organics Holwell, Tasmania
Published: 29th November 2021
Job DescriptionWe are looking for teams of enthusiastic people to take on the role of blueberry pickers for our... Read more
5 X Females & 5 X Males Needed For Farm Shed Work Immediate Start
Innisfail Budget Backpackers Innisfail, Cairns
Published: 25th November 2021
Job DescriptionImmediate start on arrival !Packing / sorting jobs for girls and boys and field work for boys... Read more
Fruit Picker
Granton Berry Farm Granton, Tasmania
Published: 24th November 2021
Seasonal work is available for fruit pickers from early November to late May annually.We welcome fruit pickers with... Read more
Live In Nanny/tractor Operator
Bundaberg jobs 2020 Bundaberg
Published: 23rd November 2021
Looking for a live in nanny who can help with the kids around the house and also farm work operations mainly drive a... Read more
Live On Farm Blueberry Picking
Blueberry Greens Barraganyatti, New South Wales
Published: 23rd November 2021
Blueberry PickersGet 2nd & 3rd year Visas ASAP, in friendly flexible family farm.Blueberry Picking / Packing... Read more
Passion Fruit Pickers
EW Exotic Fruits Pty Ltd Murwillumbah and Burringbar, Gold Coast
Published: 22nd November 2021
We are looking for Passion fruit pickers to start now and leading into our busy period, we need to have quite a few... Read more
Fruit Picker
Aviemore Farm Gravelly Beach, Tasmania
Published: 10th November 2021
Job Description:We are seeking Fruit Pickers for our large scale Fruit picking operation in Gravelly Beach, TAS.... Read more
Fruit Picker & Packer
Pinata Farm Wamuran, Queensland
Published: 1st November 2021
Job DescriptionOur farm at Applethorpe, near Stanthorpe in one of Queensland’s coldest regions, was especially... Read more
Fruit Picking
Wolfe's Berry Farm Neika, Tasmania
Published: 27th October 2021
The FarmWolfe's Berry Farm is nestled in the foothills of Mt Wellington/kunanyi is where four generations of Wolfe... Read more
The Most Peaceful, Friendly & Professional Farm. Very Big Money To Make Here.
DingoBlue Working Hostel Bundaberg
Published: 26th October 2021
We work with SO many farms - 18 of them -- this is one of our favourites and one of our oldest.It’s also... Read more
Blue Berry Picker
Chen Mundubbera, Queensland
Published: 26th October 2021
Mundubbera 4626 QLDBlueberry pickingWe are looking for 10 pickersPiece rate: $2.8 -$4/kgAverage people... Read more
Fruit Pickers And Packers
Mates Group Young, New South Wales
Published: 26th October 2021
We are looking for 30 Cherry Pickers and Packers for the upcoming Cherry Harvest at Young. Experience is preferred.... Read more
Fruit Pickers And Packers
Mates Group Young, New South Wales
Published: 26th October 2021
Looking for 7 Cherry Pickers and Packers to start on the 14th November 2021. Experience is preferred. Read more
Fruit Pickers And Packers
Mates Group Young, New South Wales
Published: 26th October 2021
Looking for 6 people to join our team at Cherry picking and packing start date is 20th November. Experience is... Read more
Banana Farm Workers Backpackers Wanted Innisfail - Male/ Female
Innisfail Budget Backpackers INNISFAIL, Cairns
Published: 19th October 2021
10 + WORKERS WANDED FOR FARM WORK IN INNISFAILWORK FROM NOW TILL XMASFREE BUS TO AND FROM WORKPAID HOURLY... Read more
Cherry Pickers Needed, November - Jan. Accommodation On Site
Cathedral Cherries Taggerty, Melbourne
Published: 13th October 2021
If you're looking to get out into the Victorian Countryside for an adventure this summer, make life-long friends and... Read more
Picking Strawberries
Number Six Contracting Elimbah, Sunshine Coast
Published: 12th October 2021
Desperately looking for workers anybody really !!Come to the farm now no need to ask.If you want the job... Read more
Fruit Picker
Huntley Berry Farm Huntley, New South Wales
Published: 11th October 2021
AboutSituated in the rich, basalt plains of Mount Canobolas, Huntley Berry Farm is a lot more than just berries.... Read more
Blueberry Picking
Berry picking Regans Ford, Perth
Published: 10th October 2021
Blueberry pickers needed to start working immediately.Farm location: 384 Orange Springs, Regans Ford.Casual... Read more
Cherry Picking
Alpw Contracting Services Young, New South Wales
Published: 7th October 2021
Cherry Harvest 2021 ‼️Picking1) Start Date : 8th - 10th November ( Approx 6 or 7 weeks job )2)... Read more
Cherry Pickers Needed, November - Jan. Accommodation On Site
Cathedral Cherries Taggerty, Melbourne
Published: 3rd October 2021
If you're looking to get out into the Victorian Countryside for an adventure this summer, make life-long friends and... Read more
Farm Laour
RIVER FRESH PTY LTD Bowen, Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
Published: 2nd October 2021
River Fresh Ply Ltd requires 40 seasonal horticultural labourers to prune, tomato plants and or tied up trellis work... Read more
Fruit Picker
Naturipe Fruits Bacchus Marsh, Victoria
Published: 28th September 2021
Strawberries are one of summer’s most iconic flavours, bringing back simple memories like tucking into freshly... Read more
Fruit Picking Or Packing Workers
Ashbern Farms Stanthorpe, Queensland
Published: 27th September 2021
Welcome! If you’re looking for strawberry picking or packing work you can join us on Stanthorpe (QLD) farms soon!... Read more
Live On A Farm Blueberry Picking
Blueberry Greens Barraganyatti, New South Wales
Published: 22nd September 2021
Blueberry PickersGet 2nd & 3rd year Visas ASAP, in friendly flexible family farm.Blueberry Picking / Packing... Read more
Fruit Picker
Sorell Fruit Farm Sorell, Tasmania
Published: 21st September 2021
Job Description:RELOCATION ASSISTANCE! We have partnered with a local Harvest Trail Services provider to facilitate... Read more
Good Opportunity In Nsw
Hsu COFFS HARBOUR, New South Wales
Published: 12th September 2021
Hey G'dayBlueberry picker needed!Location : Coffs (Macksville, Nana Glen, Bonvile)Rate : $3-4/kilo or... Read more
We Are Looking For Raspberry Pickers Now
3J Employment Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour
Published: 11th September 2021
**Don't apply outside of Australia**We are looking for Raspberry pickers nowLocation : Coffs harbour... Read more
Secure You Summer Job Now! Cherry Farm Work November – Jan
Cathedral Cherries Taggerty, Melbourne
Published: 10th September 2021
Hi,Welcome to Victoria's best job importunity this summer! Apply now and secure you space.My brother and I,... Read more
Fruit Pickers
Mountainview Fresh Ayr, Townsville
Published: 28th August 2021
Picking and packing butternut pumpkins and watermelon. $25.40/hPicking will last until the end of December Read more
Mango Picker/packer
Wilderness Farms Katherine, Darwin
Published: 28th August 2021
Small Organic Farm looking for workers for upcoming mango seasonSecond and third year visa days applicableFree... Read more
Stonefruit Thinning, Picking & Packing
Sunfruit Orchards Lake Boga, Victoria
Published: 27th August 2021
Fit, reliable and happy people required for Stonefruit picking for family business located in Lake Boga Victoria.... Read more
Blueberry Picker
Alpw Contracting Services Casino, New South Wales
Published: 26th August 2021
We currently looking for blueberries pickers. Located in Casino, NSW. Accommodation & transport are available but... Read more
Hiring Workers For Fruit Picking & Packing
strawberry farm Glass House Mountains, Queensland
Published: 21st August 2021
looking for strawberry pickers & packerspicking price$1.65 per tray (this week)100~300 trays per day... Read more
Bundaberg's Biggest & Best Hostel. 2nd & 3rd Year Visa. 12 Months Work. All...
DingoBlue Working Hostel Bundaberg
Published: 18th August 2021
2nd & 3rd Year Visa work - 12 months work available.Over 15,000 visa's granted over 15 years !Reputable... Read more
We Looking For Blueberry Pickers
Multiple Labour supply Bucca, Coffs Harbour
Published: 12th August 2021
Hello~!★l am looking for blueberry picker ★- place : Coffs Harbour, NSW- price : $3.5~4.5 per kg-... Read more
Casual Farm Pickers
Number Six Contracting Elimbah, Sunshine Coast
Published: 4th August 2021
Only Looking for serious strawberry pickers.No need for any experience aslong as you don’t mind getting dirty.... Read more
Chilli Picker
Chen Bundaberg
Published: 1st August 2021
Chilli picker wanted$4/bucketWe also have zucchini$3.2/bucketPeople make around 50-70buckets a day6... Read more
☀️ 100 Blueberries Pickers Wanted Right Now
FruitPicking Nambucca / Coffs Harbour/ Sandy Beach/Nana Glen / Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour
Published: 17th July 2021
☀️ 100 BLUEBERRIES PICKERS WANTED RIGHT NOW IN 2450 NSW• Location: Nambucca / Coffs Harbour/ Sandy... Read more
Harvest Pickers
AGRIFresh BADGINGARRA, WA, Western Australia
Published: 24th June 2021
We are looking for fit healthy workers for citrus picking. Work is strenuous.Transportation to the farm required... Read more
Blueberries Pickers
BLUEBERRIES COFFS HARBOUR Coffs Harbour
Published: 18th June 2021
????We need blueberry pickers for the winter season!✅ Anyone who needs to WORK or needs to complete the... Read more
☀️ 100 Blueberries Pickers Wanted Right Now In 2450 Nsw
FruitPicking Location: Nambucca / Coffs Harbour/ Sandy Beach/Nana Glen..., Coffs Harbour
Published: 14th June 2021
☀️ 100 BLUEBERRIES PICKERS WANTED RIGHT NOW IN 2450 NSW• Location: Nambucca / Coffs Harbour/ Sandy... Read more
Bundaberg’s Premier Hostel ! Hourly Paid Jobs.
DingoBlue Backpackers Bundaberg, Queensland
Published: 13th June 2021
Bundaberg’s biggest and best hostel.CBD location. Riverfront.Giant resort pool. Giant outdoor movie screen.... Read more
We Are Strated Strawberry Farm!!! Plz Send Me Message
strawberry very goood NARANGBA, Queensland
Published: 10th June 2021
### Strawberries farm begins in beerwah near caboolture !! ########Second visa , you'll do it without getting a... Read more
Smart Berries Crows Nest Raspberry+blueberry Pickers & Maintenance Workers...
Fresh Produce Group Perseverance Dam, Brisbane
Published: 8th June 2021
We have work all year around located on our beautiful Smart Berries farm in Perseverance Dam.Our berry plants are... Read more
Citrus Fruit Pickers Required With Immediate Start! No Experience Ok!
Killala Creek Citrus Mundubbera QLD, Bundaberg
Published: 7th June 2021
Citrus Fruit Pickers to start immediately! Very Good Pay for Hardworking people!Registration Email is :... Read more
Blueberry Picking~~ $24.97~~
Hub Backpackers QLD, Bundaberg
Published: 30th May 2021
The Hub backpackersWanted workers~~~Location : 2 Crofton st BundabergAccom fee : $150 per week(Free... Read more
Fruit Picker
Swan Lake Blueberry Farm Fairy Hill, New South Wales
Published: 12th May 2021
Swan Lake Blueberry Farm are growers of world renowned Southern Highbush “Mountain Blue” varieties, which are... Read more
Expressions Of Interest Mushrooms Pickers In Mernda, Vic 3754
Direct Personnel Mernda, VIC 3754, Victoria
Published: 11th May 2021
We are seeking expressions of interest for upcoming work for our client in Mernda VIC, 3754, the location is 30kms... Read more
Hourly Pickers Packers Needed 100/week Bring-your-own Backpackers Special
North Bundy Backpackers bundaberg, Bundaberg
Published: 11th May 2021
we need strong workers to pickthis is a good hourly jobstart work asapheavily discounted rate for... Read more
Strawberry Pickers & Packers
SSS Strawberries Farm Bundaberg, Queensland
Published: 9th May 2021
SSS Strawberries is a family run and owned strawberry farm. The farm is now ran by the 2nd generations of the Dang... Read more
Citrus Picker
K.Yun Agricultural Services Pty Ltd Mildura, Victoria
Published: 7th May 2021
Hi, we are hiring in Victoria‼️‼️Citrus pickers required in Mildura area.??????All citrus related work... Read more
Strawberry Pickers And Packers
Queensland Strawberries Wamuran, Sunshine Coast
Published: 6th May 2021
31 Strawberry Farms across 5 regions in Queensland are currently boosting their picking & packing workforce to... Read more
I'm Looking For A Worker To Work At A Strawberry Farm In Brisbane.
Choi glass house mountains, Brisbane
Published: 2nd May 2021
I'm looking for a worker to work at a strawberry farm in Brisbane.It is a farm where you can get a second visa and... Read more
Start Strawberry Farm Work!! Crazt Price!!!
strawberry very goood NARANGBA, Brisbane
Published: 20th April 2021
### Strawberries farm begins in beerwah near caboolture !! ########Second visa , you'll do it without getting a... Read more
Apple Pickers
Finborough life style park Mooroopna, Victoria
Published: 19th April 2021
People wanted to pick pink lady apples : full visa qualifying position for backpackers : Australian citizens are also... Read more
Fruit picking is hard, manual work in very hot conditions, so prepare to put some blood, sweat and tears in no matter what fruit you end up picking. That said, there are definitely some fruit picking jobs that are easier on the body than others.
Oranges and mandarins are a good choice because they are large, so will fill your container quicker, and they’re light so you can carry a full bag without straining your back too much. Some orchard owners will also give you clippers so you can cut the stems without damaging the fruit. This will slow you down a bit, but it will prevent you from getting repetitive strain injury to your wrists from pulling the fruit.
FAQs

Is fruit picking hard work?
The short answer? Yes.
Fruit picking is physical labour, done for up to eight hours a day. You may need to spend a lot of that time standing, crouching, climbing or stretching, and because you're most likely to be paid based on how much you pick, you’ll need to keep up the pace if you are to earn well.
On the bright side, fruit picking is great for your fitness, and usually allows you to spend plenty of time outdoors!
How much money can you make fruit picking in Australia?
This depends on how you are paid: per hour or per piece.
An hourly rate will guarantee you are paid at least the minimum wage – currently around $22/hour – but puts a hard limit on how much you can earn.
It’s more common for pickers to be paid according to the amount of fruit they pick, called ‘piecework’. The piece rate is calculated in a way that ensures the average picker earns approximately the minimum wage. This means that the best fruit pickers can make double the minimum wage or more, but slow or beginner pickers often struggle to reach that minimum wage mark.
What are fruit picking pay rates Australia?
At around $20/hour (depending on your age and the job), Australia has the highest nationally regulated minimum wage in the world, meaning even the most entry-level of jobs gives you the capacity to earn relatively good money.
It should be noted that the minimum wage doesn’t strictly apply to fruit pickers though.
Fruit pickers are most commonly paid according to the amount of fruit they pick (measured either in number or in weight) – this ‘piecework’ rate is calculated so that the average picker will make minimum wage. If you are below average, you may make less than $20/hour. If you’re above average, however, you could earn far more!
What do you wear to do fruit picking?
What you wear fruit picking will depend on what, where and how you’re picking. Your outfit will need to adequately protect you from both the weather and the work. Any number of the following items may be required.
- Weather protection:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Long sleeve shirt
- Pants
- Rain jacket
- Personal protective equipment:
- Gloves
- Steel-capped boots
- Hearing protection
- Safety glasses
- Respiratory protection
Do fruit picking jobs come with accommodation?
Farmers are not legally required to offer accommodation to their pickers, but because farms are generally located in regional areas with limited accommodation options, many will have on-site lodgings that pickers can use.
It’s important to speak to potential employers about accommodation before you lock in a job. Ask whether they have somewhere to stay on-site, whether you need to pay to use it, whether you can park your van or pitch your tent on the property, or whether the farmer has any recommendations for places to stay in the area.
How do I get a job fruit picking in Australia?
At the right time of year, finding harvest work can be quite straightforward. During peak season, there's plenty of jobs. It's important to make sure you are in the right location at the right time of year. Note; it can take about 5 days to find work successfully and you may need a few items (WiFi, Resume, Computer, Mobile Phone).
Check the Harvest Guide to learn what produce is in season at what point in the year. The Harvest Guide will also help you discover which harvests are going on nearest to you.
Make sure you update your resume with all relevant experience and qualifications. Preparing an awesome cover letter is also a wise move and will save you time in the long run.
Check Backpacker Job Board daily. New jobs come in thick and fast and you'll want to be one of the first to submit your application. Keep an eye on the fruit picking and farm jobs categories for latest vacancies in this area.
Your final option is to contact farms direct to see if they are staffing their harvest teams. Choose farms which already have a positive online reputation and have all resume ready to email through.
What are the best fruit picking jobs in Australia?
Small fruits like berries and cherries often seem like a good option because they’re light and you strip a bush rather than having to move and climb a ladder to strip a tree. They can be problematic though - you have to be very gentle when stripping the plants and then place the fruit in your container slowly to avoid squashing them, which makes it a much slower process than more robust fruits like apples and pears.
Apples and pears are a fairly good option. They’re large enough to fill your container quick(ish) and you don’t have to worry about damaging them too much. Be warned though, carrying a full bag of apples down a ladder will be tough work on your back!
Fruits that are notorious for being hard work are bananas because you need to be strong enough to carry a whole bunch (we’re talking hundreds of bananas!) at once, and citrus fruits, which are covered in thorns.
Where in Australia
Not every part of Australia has fruit picking seasons, so you’ll need to suss out where the most job opportunities are. New South Wales is probably the best place to pick fruit in Australia because it has a mixed climate that is suitable for growing a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. Because of this, you’ll be able to find picking jobs in New South Wales at any time of year.
South Australia is also a good place to fruit pick because of the ready availability of work, and if you choose to pick in the autumn/ winter months, you’ll be grateful for the cooler days!
There’s plenty of work available year-round in Northern Territory and Queensland but it is very hot in these states - particularly in the summer months - so the work can be very grueling!
You'll find full details in our Fruit Picking harvest season calendar.
The fruit picking seasons run differently in each state because of the different climates. Just because it is apple picking season in one state does not mean that you’ll find apple picking jobs in another state. Generally, the fruit picking seasons run as follows:
Northern Territory
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
February | Melons |
October | Mangoes |
Queensland
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
February | Apples, pears, grapes, melons and ginger |
March | Vegetables |
July | Ginger and onions |
October | Peaches |
November | Mangoes, lychees, bananas, plums, cotton and avocados |
December | Sugar and bananas |
New South Wales
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
January | Stone fruits |
February | Apples, pears and grapes |
September | Asparagus and oranges |
December | Onions, stone fruits and blueberries |
Victoria
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
January | Pears, peaches, tomatoes, tobacco and apples |
February | Grapes |
October | Strawberries |
November | Cherries and berries |
South Australia
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
January | Dried fruits |
February | Apples |
September | Strawberries |
December | Apricots |
Tasmania
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
February | Apples, grapes, peaches and brussel sprouts |
March | Pears |
Western Australia
Month | Harvest |
---|---|
January | Grapes |
March | Apples and pears |
April | Melons |
May | Rockmelons and zucchinis |
June | Tomatoes |
July | Bananas |
October | Mangoes |
Fruit Picking for the Second Year Visa
Fruit picking isn't the only way to earn your second year visa, but it’s the most popular way. Fruit picking jobs are easy to come across, aimed mostly at backpackers and are nearly always regional enough to count towards your second year visa (although you should still check the farm’s postcode). The process for earning your second year visa has changed recently, and now your approval is based on whether or not you can submit payslips with your application. This ruling means that volunteer working and WWOOFING no longer counts, so fruit picking jobs are becoming all the more popular for backpackers.
Regional Work Requirements
If you do intend to fruit pick in order to gain your second year visa, you need to make sure that you are filling all of the requirements. In order to be eligible you need to provide:
- 88 days of signed off work from your employer
- A bank statement covering the entire 88 days
- All of your payslips
- Tax returns
- An employer reference on an official letterhead
- Any travel tickets, accommodation notes or receipts in your name
Fruit Picking and Backpacker Tax
The tax part of your fruit picking job is very important for your second year visa. If you haven’t been paying tax, your application may be denied. If you are fruit picking for money rather than for your second year visa, you still have to pay tax. Your employer is legally obligated to deduct tax from your wages and pay it to the Australian Tax Office. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Because you are not an Australian resident, when you do leave the country, you are entitled to most of that money back. This can be a nice departing gift from Australia when it is time to leave! To claim your tax back, your first need to make sure that you were paid above board and legally, and secondly that you have a tax file number. It will be very hard to make your claim without payslips and a tax file number on record.
Fruit Picking and Superannuation
Superannuation tax refunds are not so frequent with fruit picking jobs because the threshold to be eligible is $450 earned a week. And, well, not many pickers earn that much! If you are one of the lucky ones, however, you will also be eligible to have this money refunded. You have to opt in to superannuation, but make sure you do because it’s a fantastic way to boost your cash flow on your way home or on to further travels. The average superannuation refund for backpackers is a whopping $3,380!