Farm Work in Australia 2025
Your guide to fruit picking, visa extension, and seasonal farm jobs
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
Published: 7 January 2025
| 12 min read
Visa extension: Complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia to extend your Working Holiday Visa for a second or third year.
Farm Work Pay Rates 2025
| Work Type | Hourly Rate | Piece Rate Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit Picking | $26 - $35 | $20 - $50+/hr if fast |
| Vegetable Harvesting | $26 - $32 | Varies by crop |
| Packing Shed Work | $26 - $32 | Usually hourly only |
| Meat Processing | $28 - $40 | N/A |
| Farm Hand | $26 - $35 | N/A |
Piece rate warning: Piece rate pay (per bucket/bin) must still average to at least minimum wage ($24.10/hr). If you're earning less, the employer is breaking the law.
Seasonal Harvest Calendar
| Crop | Region | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|
| Cherries | Young, Orange (NSW), Adelaide Hills (SA) | Nov - Jan |
| Grapes | Mildura (VIC), Swan Hill, Riverland (SA) | Feb - Apr |
| Apples/Pears | Shepparton (VIC), Stanthorpe (QLD) | Feb - May |
| Citrus | Riverland (SA), Sunraysia (VIC) | May - Oct |
| Bananas | Tully, Innisfail (QLD) | Year-round |
| Mangoes | NT, North QLD | Oct - Feb |
Visa Extension Requirements
88 Days Specified Work
- Plant & animal cultivation: Harvesting, picking, packing, pruning
- Fishing & pearling: Commercial operations
- Tree farming & felling: Forestry work
- Mining: Mining operations
- Construction: In regional areas
- Must be in regional Australia: Not capital cities
Finding Legitimate Farm Work
Official Resources
- Harvest Trail: jobsearch.gov.au/harvest - Government job board
- National Harvest Guide: Official seasonal work information
- Direct farm contact: Call farms in your target region
- Local employment agencies: In regional towns
Avoid Scams
- Never pay for job placement
- Don't use "88 day guarantee" hostels that overcharge
- Verify farms are registered employers
- Get employment contracts in writing
- Check payslips carefully
What to Expect
Physical Demands
- Long days (8-10 hours)
- Early starts (often 5-6am)
- Hot/cold conditions
- Repetitive movements
- Carrying/lifting
Accommodation
- Farm stay: $100-180/week
- Backpacker hostel: $150-200/week
- Caravan park: $150-250/week
- Shared house: $120-180/week
Tips for Success
- Arrive before peak season: 2-4 weeks early to find the best farms
- Have transport: Many farms are remote, car is valuable
- Bring proper gear: Sun protection, sturdy boots, work gloves
- Keep records: Payslips, dates worked, employer details
- Start fit: Farm work is physically demanding