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Fruit picking is the most common type of farm work for backpackers in Australia. With the right timing and location, you can earn $1,000-1,800 per week while completing your 88 days for a 2nd year visa extension.
This guide covers every major fruit, the best regions, seasonal calendars, realistic pay rates, and how to find verified employers — no scams, no middlemen.
Apply to farms instantlyAustralia grows a wide variety of fruits across its different climate zones. Each fruit has specific seasons, regions, and pay structures. Here are the main types of fruit picking work available to backpackers.
Season:
Year-round
Pay:
$25-35/hr (hourly)
Regions:
Cairns, Innisfail, Tully (QLD)
Difficulty:
Physically demanding
Most reliable year-round work. Involves picking, de-handing, and carrying heavy bunches. Hot, humid conditions in tropical QLD.
Season:
November–January
Pay:
$26-32/hr or piece rate
Regions:
Bowen, Mareeba (QLD), Darwin (NT)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Short but intense season. Good earnings during peak harvest. Work includes picking, sorting, and packing.
Season:
February–May
Pay:
$25-30/hr or piece rate
Regions:
Shepparton (VIC), Orange (NSW), Stanthorpe (QLD)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Autumn harvest. Piece-rate picking can be lucrative for experienced workers. Thinning work available earlier in the season.
Season:
February–April
Pay:
$25-32/hr
Regions:
Mildura, Riverland (SA), Margaret River (WA)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Grape harvest (vintage) is a major employer. Pruning work available June-August. Wine regions offer a great lifestyle.
Season:
May–October
Pay:
$25-30/hr
Regions:
Mildura (VIC), Riverland (SA), Mareeba (QLD)
Difficulty:
Moderate
Winter harvest. Consistent work over several months. Less physically demanding than bananas.
Season:
September–November
Pay:
Piece rate ($3-8/tray)
Regions:
Bundaberg, Caboolture (QLD), Coffs Harbour (NSW)
Difficulty:
Light but repetitive
Piece-rate work — fast pickers earn well ($200-350/day). Slow pickers may earn below expectations. Back-bending work.
Season:
November–January
Pay:
Piece rate ($8-12/bucket)
Regions:
Orange, Young (NSW), Shepparton (VIC)
Difficulty:
Light to moderate
Short season but highest piece-rate potential. Fast pickers can earn $300-400+/day. Very competitive — arrive early.
Season:
October–February
Pay:
$28-38/hr
Regions:
Bowen (QLD), Chinchilla (QLD)
Difficulty:
Very physically demanding
Heavy lifting required (melons weigh 5-15kg each). Highest hourly rates but extremely hard work. Not for everyone.
Australia's diverse climate means there is always fruit picking work available somewhere in the country. Here's a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan.
Pay varies significantly depending on the fruit type, payment method (hourly vs piece rate), your speed, and the region. All rates below comply with the Australian minimum wage ($24.95/hr as of July 2024).
Casual rate includes 25% loading. Minimum $25.41/hr under Horticulture Award.
Piece-rate workers must still earn at least minimum wage. Fast pickers earn $200-400+/day.
Beginner (Week 1-2)
$800-1,000/week
Average (Week 3+)
$1,000-1,400/week
Experienced
$1,400-1,800+/week
Fruits: Bananas, Mangoes, Avocados
Best time: Year-round
Year-round work available
Fruits: Strawberries, Tomatoes, Zucchini
Best time: Jun–Nov
Largest berry region
Fruits: Mangoes, Melons, Tomatoes
Best time: Oct–Feb
Highest hourly rates (melons)
Fruits: Grapes, Citrus, Stone fruits
Best time: Feb–Oct
Long season (8+ months)
Fruits: Apples, Pears, Stone fruits
Best time: Feb–May
Apple capital of Australia
Fruits: Grapes (wine), Olives
Best time: Feb–Apr
Premium wine region lifestyle
Fruits: Citrus, Grapes, Stone fruits
Best time: Feb–Oct
Consistent long-season work
Fruits: Mangoes, Melons
Best time: Oct–Jan
High pay, short intense season
Best for: Bananas, citrus, general farm work
Best for: Cherries, strawberries, blueberries, apples
Yes, fruit picking in eligible regional areas counts toward your 88 days for a 2nd or 3rd year Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462). The employer must have a valid ABN and the work must be in an eligible postcode.
Fruit pickers earn $25-38/hr on hourly rates, or $200-400+/day on piece rate for fast workers. The legal minimum is $24.95/hr (casual rate $25.41/hr under Horticulture Award). Weekly earnings typically range from $800-1,800.
Cherries and blueberries offer the highest piece-rate potential ($300-400+/day for fast pickers). Melons pay the highest hourly rates ($28-38/hr) but are extremely physically demanding. Bananas offer reliable year-round income at $25-35/hr.
No experience is required. Most farms provide basic training on day one. Expect to be slower in your first 1-2 weeks — productivity and earnings improve significantly with practice.
There is fruit picking work available year-round across Australia. Peak seasons vary by fruit: summer for stone fruits and berries, autumn for apples and grapes, winter for citrus, spring for strawberries. Bananas are available year-round in Queensland.
Yes, fruit picking is physically demanding. It involves repetitive bending, lifting, and working in heat. However, most workers adapt within 1-2 weeks. Staying hydrated, wearing sun protection, and building up gradually makes a big difference.
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