Seasonal Agricutural Jobs in Australia

Seasonal Agricutural Jobs in Australia Australia is one of the best countries in the world for seasonal agricultural work. With thousands of farms across Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, the country hires local workers, backpackers, international students, and Pacific workers every year for fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, packing, pruning, and general farm labour.

Whether you are on a Working Holiday Visa, a student looking for part-time farm work, or applying under the PALM Scheme (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility), this complete 2026 guide covers job types, salaries, visas, best harvest seasons, and how to apply with agency numbers and locations.

Key Takeaways

• High Demand: Australia hires over 50,000+ seasonal farm workers every year, especially for fruit picking, packing, and harvesting.
• Good Pay: Most seasonal agriculture jobs pay AUD $24.95 – $32.50 per hour under the Horticulture Award, plus overtime and piece rates.
• No Experience Needed: Most farm jobs require no degree or experience, just physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors.
• Visa Options: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462), PALM Scheme Visa, and Temporary Work Visas allow foreigners to work legally.
• Top Locations: Mildura VIC, Griffith NSW, Gatton QLD, Riverland SA, Perth WA, and Hobart TAS are major hiring hubs.
• Free Job Help: Apply free through Harvest Jobs Australia and approved Harvest Trail agencies – never pay an agent for a job offer.

Why Work Seasonal Agricultural Jobs in Australia?

Seasonal agricultural work is popular because it offers fast hiring, flexible contracts, and a pathway to extend your visa.

Top benefits include:

1. Easy entry for foreigners and backpackers
2. Competitive hourly pay + accommodation often provided on farms
3. 88 days of farm work can help extend your Working Holiday Visa for 2nd and 3rd year
4. Work in beautiful rural areas like the Barossa Valley, Cairns, Margaret River, and Tasmania
5. Overtime, weekend penalties, and piece-rate bonuses during peak harvest
6. Opportunity to get sponsorship from PALM Approved Employers for long-term work

Many workers earn AUD $1,000 – $1,500 per week during peak season.

Types of Seasonal Agricultural Jobs in Australia

You don’t need farming experience for most roles. Here are the most in-demand jobs:

1. Fruit Picking and Harvesting
Apples, oranges, mangoes, grapes, berries, bananas, cherries, mandarins, avocados. This is the #1 job for backpackers.

2. Vegetable Picking and Packing
Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, onions, potatoes, broccoli, capsicums in QLD, VIC, and SA.

3. Farm Packhouse and Sorting
Grading, packing, labelling, and quality checking fruits and vegetables indoors.

4. Pruning, Planting and Weeding
Vineyards, citrus orchards, and tree farms hire workers year-round for maintenance.

5. Livestock and Dairy Farm Work
Feeding animals, milking, cleaning sheds, fencing in NSW, VIC, and WA.

6. Tractor, Forklift and Machinery Operators
Higher pay ($30 – $38 per hour) but requires licence and experience.

7. Meat Processing and Horticulture Labour
Abattoirs, nurseries, and grain farms also hire seasonal staff.

Best Regions and Australian Harvest Calendar 2026

Work is available year-round if you follow the harvest trail:

Queensland (QLD): Bananas in Cairns (Jan-Dec), Mangoes in Mareeba (Nov-Jan), Berries in Stanthorpe (Oct-May), Tomatoes in Bundaberg (Apr-Nov)

New South Wales (NSW): Oranges in Griffith (Jun-Nov), Grapes in Griffith (Jan-Apr), Apples in Orange (Feb-May), Cherries in Young (Nov-Jan)

Victoria (VIC): Grapes in Mildura (Jan-Apr), Oranges in Mildura (Jun-Oct), Apples in Shepparton (Feb-May), Berries in Silvan (Nov-Apr)

South Australia (SA): Grapes in Barossa Valley & Riverland (Feb-Apr), Citrus in Renmark (Jun-Oct), Cherries in Adelaide Hills (Nov-Jan)

Western Australia (WA): Mangoes in Carnarvon (Nov-Jan), Apples in Manjimup (Feb-Jun), Grapes in Margaret River (Jan-Mar)

Tasmania (TAS): Apples & Cherries in Huon Valley (Dec-Apr), Berries (Nov-Apr)

Northern Territory (NT): Mangoes in Darwin & Katherine (Sep-Nov)

Tip: Peak national season is November to April for summer fruits and June to October for citrus.

Salary and Pay Rates for Farm Workers in Australia

All legal farm employers must pay under the Horticulture Award 2020 and National Minimum Wage.

Average pay in 2026:

• General Farm Hand / Fruit Picker: $25.41 – $29.33 per hour (casual)
• Packhouse Worker: $25.41 – $31.00 per hour
• Tractor / Forklift Driver: $30.00 – $38.00 per hour
• Farm Supervisor: $32.00 – $40.00 per hour
• Piece Rate Workers: Minimum guaranteed hourly rate applies by law, top pickers earn $1,200 – $1,800/week

Most jobs are casual, 38-50 hours per week, with weekend penalty rates. Accommodation if provided costs around $120 – $200 per week, often deducted from pay.

Visa Options for Seasonal Farm Work in Australia

You MUST have a valid work visa. The main options are:

1. Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 and Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462
Best for backpackers aged 18-35 from UK, Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. Allows 12 months work, extendable with 88 days of specified farm work.

2. PALM Scheme – Pacific Australia Labour Mobility
For workers from Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. 1 to 4 year contracts with approved employers in agriculture and meat processing. Includes accommodation, flights, and support.

3. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482
For experienced supervisors, machinery operators, and farm managers with sponsorship.

4. Student Visa Subclass 500
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and unlimited hours during holidays.

5. Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Can apply directly for any Harvest Trail job with no restrictions.

Check eligibility at: homeaffairs.gov.au and palm.gov.au

Requirements and Skills Needed

Most seasonal jobs have simple requirements:

• Age 18+ (some farms accept 17 with parental consent)
• Valid visa with work rights and Tax File Number (TFN)
• Physically fit to stand, lift 10-20kg, and work outdoors 6-10 hours
• Basic English communication
• White Card or licences only needed for construction/machinery roles
• Must be willing to relocate to regional areas for 4-12 weeks

No CV? Many agencies accept applications with just passport, visa, and phone number.

How to Apply for Seasonal Agricultural Jobs in Australia – Step by Step

Follow this official process to apply safely:

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Passport, valid Australian visa, TFN from ato.gov.au, Australian bank account, superannuation account, and phone number.

Step 2: Register on Harvest Jobs Australia
Go to harvestjobs.gov.au – the Australian Government official farm jobs portal. Create a profile and search by location like “Mildura fruit picking” or “Bundaberg harvest”.

Step 3: Contact a Harvest Trail Agency
Call or visit one of the approved agencies below. They are FREE and will match you to farms, help with transport and accommodation.

Step 4: Apply Direct to PALM Approved Employers
If you are from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, PNG, Timor-Leste etc., apply through your country’s Labour Sending Unit + palm.gov.au employer list.

Step 5: Prepare for Interview and Medical
Most interviews are by phone. Be ready to start within 3-7 days. Some employers require a drug test or fitness check.

Step 6: Sign Contract and Start Work
Always get a written offer with pay rate, hours, location, accommodation cost, and ABN. Never pay cash for a job or visa sponsorship – it’s a scam.

Top Recruitment Agencies, Phone Numbers and Locations in Australia

These are official and well-known agencies for farm work. Contact details can change, so always verify on the official website before calling.

1. Harvest Jobs Australia – Government Harvest Trail Information Service
Location: National Service – Covers all states, Head Office Canberra ACT
Phone Number: 1800 062 332 (Free Call in Australia)
Website: harvestjobs.gov.au
How to Apply: Call Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or apply online. Best for backpackers and Working Holiday Makers.

2. MADEC Australia – Harvest Trail Services Provider
Location: Head Office: 133-137 Lime Avenue, Mildura VIC 3500. Offices in: Mildura VIC, Griffith NSW, Renmark SA, Gatton QLD, Cairns QLD, Perth WA, Hobart TAS
Phone Number: 1800 354 414 (National Harvest Line) / (03) 5023 0222 Head Office
Website: madec.edu.au
How to Apply: Walk-in to any regional office with ID, or register online for harvest jobs.

3. Agri Labour Australia – Agricultural Recruitment Specialist
Location: Head Office Brisbane QLD – Branches in Brisbane QLD, Melbourne VIC, Sydney NSW, Adelaide SA, Perth WA
Phone Number: 1300 247 822
Website: agrilabour.com.au
How to Apply: Apply online, upload resume and visa. Specializes in horticulture, dairy, cropping, and meat processing.

4. PALM Scheme – Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (Government)
Location: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra ACT. Support centres in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
Phone Number: 1800 51 51 31 (PALM Support Service)
Website: palm.gov.au
How to Apply: Pacific workers must apply via their home country Labour Unit. Australian employers apply online to become Approved Employers.

5. Rimfire Resources – Rural and Farm Recruitment
Location: Head Office: Dubbo NSW – Serves NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA
Phone Number: (02) 6882 9244
Website: rimfireresources.com.au
How to Apply: Best for long-term farm hands, machinery operators, station work, and managers.

6. Fair Work Ombudsman – For Worker Help and Complaints
Location: National – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide
Phone Number: 13 13 94
Website: fairwork.gov.au
How to Apply: Not a job agency, but call if you are underpaid, abused, or scammed by a farm employer. Free translator available: 13 14 50.

Warning: Real Australian agencies NEVER ask for payment via WhatsApp, gift cards, or money transfer for a job offer or visa. Report scams to Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au

Tips to Get Hired Fast for Farm Work

1. Call agencies early morning (7-9am) – farms hire daily during harvest
2. Be flexible to move to regional towns for 6-8 weeks
3. Have your own car – many farms are 20-50km from town
4. Bring boots, hat, sunscreen, gloves, and water bottle on day one
5. Stay for the full contract – reliable pickers get rehired and referred
6. Learn basic picking skills on YouTube before you arrive to earn more on piece rates

Conclusion

Seasonal agricultural jobs in Australia are a golden opportunity in 2026 for locals, backpackers, students, and Pacific workers to earn good money, explore rural Australia, and extend visas. With pay rates above $25 per hour, free government support through Harvest Trail, and thousands of vacancies from Mildura to Cairns to Perth, anyone hardworking can find farm work within days.

To start today, register on harvestjobs.gov.au, call 1800 062 332, or visit your nearest MADEC or Agri Labour office. Bring your documents, stay for the season, and you could earn $5,000 – $10,000 in just 6-8 weeks while experiencing real Australian farm life.

Apply early, avoid scams, and follow the harvest calendar for year-round work.

FAQs About Seasonal Agricultural Jobs in Australia

1. How much do fruit pickers earn in Australia in 2026?
Most fruit pickers earn $25.41 to $32.50 per hour as casuals under the Horticulture Award. Fast piece-rate pickers can earn $1,200 – $1,800 per week during peak mango, berry, and citrus season.

2. Do I need experience to get a farm job in Australia?
No. 90% of seasonal picking, packing, planting, and general labour jobs require no experience. Employers provide on-the-job training on day one. Only machinery, forklift, and supervisor roles need experience.

3. Can foreigners and backpackers apply for seasonal farm work?
Yes. If you hold a Working Holiday Visa (417/462), Student Visa, PALM Visa, or any visa with work rights, you can legally apply. You will need a Tax File Number and Australian bank account.

4. How do I apply for farm work under the PALM Scheme?
If you are from the Pacific Islands or Timor-Leste, you cannot apply directly to Australia. You must register with your country’s Labour Sending Unit (Ministry of Employment) and then you will be matched to a PALM Approved Employer listed on palm.gov.au.

5. Is accommodation and transport provided?
Many regional farms offer hostel, caravan, or share-house accommodation for $120-$200 per week. Some provide daily transport from town to farm. Always confirm costs in writing before starting.

6. What is the minimum age for farm work in Australia?
You must be 18+ for most harvest jobs, especially for visa holders. Some farms hire 17-year-olds with parental consent for light work, but you must check Fair Work rules.