Fruit Picking Jobs Australia 2026

Complete Guide to Seasons, Pay & Best Locations

Welcome to your ultimate guide to fruit picking jobs in Australia for the 2025/2026 seasons! Whether you’re a backpacker on a Working Holiday Visa looking to complete your 88 days of specified work or simply seeking a unique way to experience rural Australia while earning money, this article provides all the essential information you need. We’ll cover everything from pay rates and harvest seasons to the best locations and how to find reputable employers.

Australia’s diverse climate means fruit is harvested across the country year-round, offering a continuous stream of job opportunities. From the tropical mangoes of the Northern Territory to the crisp apples of Tasmania, there’s a harvest waiting for you.

Pay Rates & Earnings: What to Realistically Expect

Understanding how you’ll be paid is crucial before you start your farm work adventure. In Australia, fruit pickers are typically paid in one of two ways: by the hour or by the piece (also known as a piece rate).

Hourly Wages

As of 2025, the minimum hourly rate for a casual adult employee under the Horticulture Award is $30.35 per hour. This rate includes a 25% casual loading to compensate for the lack of paid leave and other benefits associated with permanent employment 3. Working on an hourly wage provides a stable and predictable income, which is ideal for budgeting your travels.

Most farms offering hourly rates pay between $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the employer, location, and type of work 1 4. Some farms may offer higher rates for experienced workers or for more skilled tasks like pruning or operating machinery.

Piece Rates

Piece rates are based on the amount of fruit you pick, such as the number of bins, buckets, or kilograms. This payment method rewards speed and efficiency, and experienced, fast pickers can often earn significantly more than the standard hourly rate. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks. If you are a slower picker or the crop is sparse, you could earn less than the minimum wage.

Important Note on Piece Rates: Under Australian law, a piecework agreement must allow an average competent worker to earn at least 15% more per hour than the minimum hourly rate under the Horticulture Award 3. Always ensure you have a written piecework agreement before you start.

Realistic Weekly Earnings

Your weekly earnings will depend on several factors: the payment method, your speed and experience, the hours you work, and the quality of the crop. On average, fruit pickers working full-time can expect to earn between $600 to $1,000 per week. Experienced pickers on piece rates in a good season can sometimes earn $1,200 or more per week.

State-by-State Harvest Calendar 2026

Australia’s fruit picking seasons vary significantly by state and region. Planning your travels around the harvest calendar is essential for maximizing your job opportunities.

State/Territory	Fruit/Crop	Peak Season
Queensland	Strawberries	May – October
	Blueberries	September – February
	Mangoes	October – January
	Bananas	Year-round
New South Wales	Blueberries	October – March (year-round in Coffs Harbor)
	Cherries	November – January
	Stone Fruit	November – February
	Apples	February – May
Victoria	Cherries	November – January
	Stone Fruit	December – March
	Apples & Pears	February – May
	Grapes	February – April
Tasmania	Cherries	December – February
	Apples	February – May
	Berries	November – March
South Australia	Cherries	November – January
	Stone Fruit	December – February
	Grapes	February – April
	Citrus	May – October
Western Australia	Stone Fruit	November – February
	Apples	February – April
	Grapes	February – April
Northern Territory	Mangoes	September – December

Note: These are general peak seasons. Exact timing can vary based on weather conditions and specific farm locations. Always check with employers or local harvest guides for the most current information 5.

Top Locations for Fruit Picking

Queensland

Bundaberg is known as the “fruit bowl” of Queensland, with year-round opportunities for picking strawberries, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Stan Thorpe is famous for its apple and stone fruit harvests.

New South Wales

Coffs Harbor is the blueberry capital of Australia, offering almost year-round picking work. Orange and the Riverina region are excellent for apples, cherries, and stone fruit.

Victoria

Shepperton and the Goulburn Valley are major fruit-growing regions. Mildura offers grape picking and other harvest work.

Tasmania

Most of Tasmania is eligible for specified work, making it a popular destination. The Huon Valley is renowned for apples and cherries.

South Australia

The Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills are famous for grape picking, while the Riverland offers citrus and stone fruit.

Western Australia

Margaret River is known for grapes, while Kununurra offers mango and melon picking.

Northern Territory

Katherine and the Darwin region are the main areas for mango picking.

How to Find Fruit Picking Jobs

Finding a legitimate and well-paying fruit picking job requires some research and due diligence. Here are the best resources:

Online Job Boards

• Backpacker Job Board: Specifically designed for backpackers, with a dedicated fruit picking section 1.
• SEEK: Australia’s largest job site, with extensive farm work listings 2.
• Indeed: Another major job board with numerous fruit picking opportunities.
• Workforce Australia: The Australian Government’s official job board 7.

Direct Farm Contact

Many farms have their own websites where they advertise seasonal positions. Research farms in your target area and contact them directly.

Facebook Groups

Join groups like “Fruit Picking Jobs Australia,” “88 Days Australia,” or region-specific groups. Employers often post job ads, and other backpackers share their experiences and recommendations.

Recruitment Agencies

Companies like AgriLabour specialize in placing workers in agricultural jobs across Australia 4.

Does Fruit Picking Count Towards 88 Days?

Yes! Fruit picking and packing work in regional areas is classified as “plant and animal cultivation” and is eligible specified work for your second or third-year Working Holiday Visa 6. However, you must ensure:

1.The work is in an eligible regional postcode (not in major cities).

2.You are paid legally with proper pay slips.

3.You keep all documentation (pay slips, employment contracts, bank statements).

Always verify the postcode with the Department of Home Affairs before starting a job.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation is a major consideration when planning your fruit picking adventure. Options include:

• Farm-Provided Accommodation: Many farms offer on-site housing, caravans, or shared rooms. This is usually deducted from your wages (typically $100-$150 per week).
• Backpacker Hostels: Available in most regional towns, offering a social atmosphere.
• Private Rentals: Sharing a house or apartment with other workers.
• Camping: Some farms allow camping on their property, which is the most budget-friendly option.

What to Expect: Daily Routine and Conditions

Fruit picking is physically demanding work. You’ll typically start early in the morning (around 6-7 AM) to avoid the heat of the day. Work can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on the season and the farm’s needs.

You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, bending, reaching, and carrying heavy loads. The weather can be challenging, from scorching heat to cold mornings. It’s essential to come prepared with:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Long sleeves and pants to protect from sun and scratches
• A reusable water bottle
• Work gloves

Tips for Success

1.Research Employers: Read reviews from other backpackers to avoid exploitative employers.

2.Get Everything in Writing: Ensure you have a written contract or agreement outlining your pay rate, hours, and conditions.

3.Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Australian workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman is an excellent resource 3.

4.Be Prepared for Hard Work: Fruit picking is not easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

5.Stay Flexible: Weather and crop conditions can change, affecting work availability.

6.Network: Connect with other backpackers. They can provide valuable advice and job leads.

Avoiding Exploitation

Unfortunately, worker exploitation does occur in the agricultural sector. Be wary of:

• Employers who refuse to provide pay slips or pay in cash only.
• Piece rates that make it impossible to earn the minimum wage.
• Excessive accommodation charges.
• Threats or intimidation.

If you believe you are being exploited, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman immediately.

Conclusion

Fruit picking in Australia offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s stunning regional areas, meet people from around the world, and earn money while working towards your visa extension. By understanding the pay rates, planning your travels around the harvest calendar, and choosing reputable employers, you can have a safe, enjoyable, and profitable fruit picking experience in 2025/2026.