Fruit picking in Victoria is an option for any backpacker looking to complete their 88 days. Victoria is a state that is far more than its bustling city of Melbourne. Sweeping coastlines, mountain ranges, and vast national parks are attractions for backpackers from across the world. Whilst experiencing these wonders, backpackers can complete their regional work in fruit picking. Despite its small size in comparison to other Australian states, it produces around 75% of Australia’s stone fruit. Backpackers looking for fruit-picking roles will find work across the state throughout the year.
Fruit Picking In Victoria – Mildura
Fruit picking in Victoria can be found in Mildura. A city sitting on the Murray River in the northwest of Victoria. Mildura is known as the centre of Victoria’s food bowl and offers several options for backpackers looking to complete their 88 days.
Mildura’s is most commonly known for its production of stone fruit and grapes. Backpackers will find work available between February and April and June and August working in grape picking in Mildura. Producing 80% of Victoria’s grape supply there is ample work for backpackers willing to work on vineyards. Working on a vineyard not only provides jobs picking and harvesting the grapes but also working on the vines and running metal wire along the vines to keep them from sagging. Although not the most enjoyable and mentally engaging job it does pay well and provides a good workout for general fitness.
Stone fruit picking is available to backpackers in Mildura from November until the end of January. With the work taking place through the Australian summer the weather can get hot and it is very important to stay hydrated. The heat makes the job more physically demanding as do the long hours backpackers could be asked to work. Citrus picking, notably orange picking, is another option for backpackers looking for fruit-picking jobs to complete their 88 days. Harvest season for oranges runs from June until August which is over the winter season. This provides a cooler environment for backpackers looking to complete their days. The work is weather dependent, however.
When looking for accommodation in Mildura, it is possible to find somewhere to stay on farms you are picking fruit on. It can be difficult to find accommodation in town as the hostels have closed down. It would be worthwhile looking in the area for backpackers with transport that can camp.
Fruit Picking In Victoria – Mornington Peninsula
Fruit picking in Victoria is also available in Mornington Peninsula. A Peninsula located south of Melbourne, Mornington offers a vast array of options to backpackers who visit throughout the year. Berry picking is the biggest employer of fruit pickers in Mornington Peninsula and demands the highest amount of workers throughout the year. From November through to June there is a high demand for backpackers looking to complete their 88 days. This runs through weather leading up to and including the summer months so it can be physically demanding work.
Also on offer in Mornington Peninsula is cherry picking. There is a little bit of demand for backpackers in November before the demand increases in December and runs until the end of January. Cherry picking is considered an easier fruit to pick despite its size. Due to the cherries being robust, they are easily picked. Apple picking is also an option with demand for workers between March and November.
For backpackers looking for accommodation, there are places to stay on some farms. There is not too much in terms of cheap backpackers’ accommodation. Although there are caravan parks and hotels in town it can become expensive for backpackers who are looking to be in the area longer term. For more information click here.
Fruit Picking in Victoria – Shepparton
Fruit picking in Victoria can also be found in Shepparton https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/shepparton/. Found on the Goulburn River in Northern Victoria, Shepparton is known for its fruit-picking availability. Backpackers looking for work to complete their 88 days will find plenty of work. Shepparton is an area that focuses on producing stone fruits, apples, pears, and tomatoes. With apple and pear picking backpackers are required from December until May but the highest demand is at the start of the season until the end of January. However, in a lower-demand month, there is work available for backpackers. That may include picking or could include disposing of fruit not suitable for harvest.
Tomato picking also provides a lot of roles for fruit pickers in Shepparton. The highest demand for backpackers is from January to April, however, you can find work picking tomatoes throughout the year. This includes greenhouse picking which runs for 10 months of the year picking and packing tomatoes. This will vary from picking tomatoes outside where workers will face the elements and work long hours usually starting at 6 am until about 3 pm. This role can be physically challenging as pickers have to stand for hours on end.
Another option for backpackers looking to complete their 88 days is to pick cherries. Widely seen as the easiest fruit to pick despite their size due to their robustness the season is highest from November to February. Pickers will work through the summer months which can be challenging as temperatures can rise to above 30 degrees Celsius. The role however allows you to work in teams with fellow backpackers. To find out more information on picking roles for backpackers please click here.
When looking for accommodation in Shepparton, many farms offer a room for a price that comes out of a pay slip. There are different motels and hotels in town that will offer accommodation at a price see here. Arguably the best way to get accommodation for backpackers in Shepparton is to ask around in the town to get the best deal. Some farms can be situated outside of town and make travel more difficult.
Fruit Picking In Victoria – Payrate
Fruit picking in Victoria can recieve payment in different ways. Backpackers will either either an hourly rate or a piece-rate. A piece-rate is a wage that is based on the amount of fruit you pick. This can be detrimental to the picker as it can be difficult to pick enough to earn more than an hourly rate picker. A piece-rate is supposed to be better for pickers as a competent picker should earn 15% more than a picker on an hourly rate based on how much they pick. This is however not always the case and many backpackers find that they are underpaid when agreeing to a piece-rate salary. It is worth checking how you will be paid with an employer prior to accepting a role.
Fruit Picking In Victoria – Conclusion
Fruit picking in Victoria is a great option for any backpacker looking to complete their 88 days in Australia. Not only does Victoria offer stunning views and landscapes but an ideal climate too. With work available throughout the year Victoria is a great location available for backpackers to complete their seasonal farm work.