Fruit Picking in WA is an option for any backpacker looking to complete 88 days of regional farm work. Western Australia is known for its natural beauty and vast landscapes. As Australia’s largest state, there are thousands of farms offering regional farm work for backpackers. There are fruit-picking opportunities across Western Australia throughout the year. Backpackers looking to complete their 88 days will find work as long as they are happy to travel to find it. It is much easier to find work in areas that are more rural and a bit further away from the larger cities. This blog will give some options on areas that require fruit pickers in high numbers.
Fruit Picking In WA – Carnarvon
Fruit picking in WA is an option in Carnarvon. A coastal town found 900km north of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Fruit picking here offers jobs throughout the year in a variety of fields. Harvest work focuses on mango picking from late December – February. This is Carnarvons hot season and temperatures average around 31 degrees Celsius, meaning it is not for the faint-hearted. A degree of fitness will be required for this role due to the long hours and the high temperatures.
Rock melons are also picked during the same season although it runs until March. Again the work is tough with high temperatures and repetitive picking. The work is not the most intellectually stimulating but does provide an opportunity for socialising with fellow backpackers. Grapes are another fruit produced in Carnarvon and offer fruit picking opportunities in June and July and also October to December. June and July fall within the wet season in Carnarvon but work continues throughout these months. Carnarvon is famous for its banana plantations and offers many roles on these for backpackers. The banana season runs all year round and is always available for backpackers.
Unfortunately for backpackers, Carnarvon is not the best place to find accommodation whilst fruit picking, although it does depend on mindset. Many backpackers want to remain close to the town where there are hotels and motels but not many cheap options. The town is also far from the farms and transport is almost non-existent if they don’t have their own car. Carnarvon is a location that is better for backpackers with transport and the ability to camp. Some farms however do offer accommodation on site for a price that comes off a pay slip. You can find more information about fruit picking in Carnarvon from other backpackers here.
Fruit Picking In WA – Kununurra
Fruit picking in WA is also available in Kununurra. This is a town located towards the top of Western Australia, near the Kimberley Islands. It is an area of extreme beauty and offers stunning landscapes and is an area worth visiting. Kununurra is known for its mango and melon production which offer work for backpackers. The mango season runs over October and November, while the melon season runs from July – October. The tropical forecast of Kununurra means days can be very humid which makes fruit picking more difficult. Backpackers are required to work in challenging weather conditions which means a degree of fitness is required. Mangos are another option for fruit pickers. The season runs from July through to October and work is tough with high temperatures and repetitive picking. The work is not the most intellectually stimulating but does provide an opportunity for socialising with fellow backpackers.
For backpackers looking for somewhere to stay whilst in Kununurra, the Kununurra Backpackers is a great option see here. There are also caravan parks in the area for backpackers who have camping equipment see here. Another option for backpackers is to stay on the farm you are working at which can save on commuting.
Fruit Picking In WA – Manjimup
Fruit picking in WA is available in Manjimup. Manjimup is located 300km south of Perth and offers a much less tropical and humid climate than Kununurra and Cararvon. Backpackers will find work throughout the year but are in higher demand in the first half of the year. Apples, pears and nashis which are harvested from March to April offer backpackers an option to complete their 88 days. The temperatures during this time whilst coming to the end of summer can still be high which makes the work more challenging. Backpackers will spend days picking apples and pears into tubs once ripe. The work can consist of repetitive actions and long hours but offers a social scene. Backpackers can socialise with fellow backpackers they meet on the farm.
Stone fruits are another option for backpackers looking for fruit picking in WA. Manjumup is known to produce many different stone fruits. The work again can be tough as the highest demand for workers is in December. The farms will require a lower amount of backpackers in January and February but backpackers will still be required. The best places for backpackers to stay in Manjimup include Normalee Hostel and Manjimup Backpackers. Many farms will also provide accommodation on-site for backpackers at a cost.
Fruit Picking – Payrates
Fruit Picking in WA can be very lucrative for backpackers. If backpackers are earning an hourly rate the minimum wage is $26.73 as a casual worker. A casual worker in Australia earns more because they do not accrue sick pay or holiday pay but do not have to give a notice period. If a backpacker is however on a piece rate they will not necessarily be guaranteed the same amount. The piece rate should be calculated so that a worker with average productivity and a competent level of skill should earn 15% more than the hourly rate. This is something to keep an eye on with some farms because many backpackers have been surprised by their paychecks on a piece rate. You can find more information on fruit-picking rates here.
Conclusion
Fruit picking in WA is an option for any backpacker. As mentioned there are plenty of jobs available for those willing to work hard and embrace the jobs on offer. Aside from the noted locations backpackers will also find grape picking in Margaret River between February and early April. More information is available here. Fruit picking in WA offers backpackers the opportunity to see this stunning state in greater detail. It is a challenging role but a very rewarding role at the same time. It is a role that many backpackers return to Western Australia to repeat for future visas.