Backpackers from across the world undertake fruit picking Australia every year. Arguably the most common form of farm work backpackers undertake, fruit picking is a key role in Australian agriculture. This blog post will answer some of the FAQs backpackers have on fruit picking Australia and give them the best insight into what they can expect. If you are interested in fruit picking Australia see here to learn about fruit picking in WA. In contrast, if you are based over East you may be more interested in learning more about fruit picking in Victoria.
Does fruit picking count towards your 88 days of regional work for your visa extension?
The short answer to this question is yes! The most common version of farm work sees thousands of backpackers undertake fruit picking every year. Fruit picking Australia is a way for backpackers to work regionally to complete their 88 days or three months of farm work. Working a minimum of 38 hours per week allows backpackers the opportunity to gain 7 days towards their total. Fruit picking is one of the many industries you can undertake along with fishing/ pearling, construction, hospitality, mining, and tree farming.
How are your 88 days counted when completing fruit picking Australia?
As mentioned in the previous question, fruit picking Australia is a vital way for backpackers to complete their 88 days. To complete your 88 days a backpacker must complete the same number of days as a full-time employee in a three-month or 88-day calendar period. This means that by working Monday to Friday (or a 5-day work week) a total of 7 days will be added to your total as weekends will be included. Backpackers can change farms when completing their days, as long as all of your days are signed off before leaving a role those days are valid. The 88 days do not need to be completed continuously and backpackers can work whenever suits them. If you are unsure of whether you have completed your days correctly, use the 88 days calculator to ensure your days are complete.
How to find fruit picking work?
There are a variety of ways to find work fruit picking Australia! There are specific recruitment agencies such as Rural Enterprises who are based in WA. These agencies will take your resume and send it out to their clients. This is a free service and allows you to get your resume to numerous farms in a short period!
Another way of finding farm work is to ask at working hostels! Working hostels in small towns are a great source of employment. Farmwork 23 Is a great website for information on working hostels throughout the country. Working hostels can help backpackers who are also in need of transport to and from farms for a small fee.
Fruit picking work can be found online! Online search engines such as Seek or Indeed are great sources of information on what is available in the local area. This can however have its negatives due to the amount of applications some farms receive. You may not hear back from them and your search may take longer.
Word of mouth is a great option for backpackers. When arriving in smaller towns known for farm work and fruit picking in particular, a great way to find out about vacancies is to speak to the locals.
How much do you get paid for fruit picking Australia?
As of 1 July 2023, the minimum wage for casual fruit pickers has increased to $28.26. Most farms will require backpackers to work a minimum of 37.5-hour weeks, which means that it can be fairly lucrative. Many farms however use a piece-rate to pay their workers. This means workers are paid depending on how much fruit they pick per day. A piece rate is supposed to enable a worker, who is competent at the task, with an average productivity to earn 15% more than an hourly rate. This can be difficult at times and many backpackers have complained regarding piece-rate work. Often workers end up earning under $10 an hour and therefore obviously prefer an hourly rate. For a greater idea on pay scales see here.
Where can you complete your fruit picking?
Fruit picking can be completed across Australia, farms are looking for fruit pickers throughout the year. A great way to decide where to undertake your fruit picking is by following the harvest guide. By joining Facebook groups such as Farm Work and Fruit Picking Jobs Australia it will give you an idea of what is available. There are however fruit picking jobs across the country depending on your preferences.
What is the fruit picking season?
The fruit-picking season runs throughout the whole year. Depending on your location, there may not be fruit available at points throughout the year but across Australia there is fruit that needs to be picked no matter the time of year. Please see the fruit-picking calendar to gain a better idea of harvest dates. https://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au/harvest/ The size of Australia means that there are different regions of the country experiencing different climates so the same fruits do not always grow across the country at the same time.
Is fruit picking hard work?
Fruit picking Australia can be very difficult due to the long hours and repetitive nature of the work. As long as you are physically fit and mentally strong the work is rewarding. Fruit picking is a way to meet fellow backpackers and that can ensure the days pass quickly. The hard work is primarily down to the repetitive nature of the job. When working in the heat it is important to stay hydrated. For an insight into fruit picking Australia, see here.
What are the best fruits to pick?
This question is up to interpretation. Many people feel that cherries, despite their size, are the best fruit to pick. This is due to their robustness. They are also very light so you do not have to worry about the strain of lifting heavy weights such as watermelons throughout the day. Another great fruit to pick is tangerines. With fruit at eye level, it becomes easier to pick, if you are having to pick fruits from the ground such as melons or strawberries it is much more demanding on your body.
Do you get accommodation for your fruit picking job?
Accommodation with a fruit picking job is not always guaranteed but most farms will provide accommodation. There are occasions when backpackers will have to find their accommodation, which can be difficult in very remote areas where many farms are located. Many backpackers can sleep in their campervans or tents, or if a working hostel is close by they are also an option. If accommodation is provided as part of your job, the cost will be taken off of your payslip at the end of the week. It is important to discuss the rate for accommodation before starting work.
Is transportation available or what is the availability of public transport?
When undertaking seasonal regional work you can end up in very remote areas. It is important to discuss the availability of transport or whether you will have to purchase your own method. Does the farm provide a method of transport for its workers from town or is it your responsibility to make your way to the farm?
Fruit Picking Australia – Conclusion
If you’re interested in fruit picking in Australia, keep these questions in mind. Fruit picking can be hard work but is a great way to complete your 88 days for your second year visa. It is a great way to earn money while you travel around Australia and meet fellow backpackers, many of whom will be friends for life.