Blueberry Picking Jobs Australia
One of the highest-paying picking jobs in Australia. Coffs Harbour NSW is the main hub — Aug–Nov season, $7–10/kg piece rate, fast pickers clear $400/day.
Why Blueberry Picking?
High Piece Rate
Alongside cherries, blueberries are one of the highest-earning crops on piece rate. Fast pickers regularly clear $300–400/day.
Light, Standing Work
Blueberries grow on bushes at chest height. No bending like strawberries, no heavy bunches like bananas. Easier on your body.
Pay Rates Explained
Piece Rate: $7–10 per kg
- Beginners: 15–25 kg/day = $100–250/day
- Experienced: 30–45 kg/day = $250–400/day
- Top pickers: 45–60+ kg/day = $400–500+/day
Piece rate must still average above the hourly minimum wage. Quality matters — soft, damaged, or unripe berries are rejected and don't count.
Maximizing Your Earnings
- • Pick ripe only: dark blue, no red — quality drives bonuses
- • Two-handed: always picking with both hands
- • Stand close: arms in front of you, no reaching
- • Punnet by punnet: fill smoothly, don't over-pack
- • Long sleeves: bushes scratch — light long-sleeve work shirt
Top Blueberry Regions
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Season: August–November
Pay: $7–10/kg
The blueberry capital of Australia — 80% of national production. Hundreds of farms within an hour of town. Best place to find work.
Macksville / Nambucca, NSW
Season: August–November
Pay: $7–10/kg
Just south of Coffs. Smaller farms, often less competition for spots.
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Season: September–December
Pay: $7–9/kg
Smaller industry but extends the season after NSW peak. Beachside lifestyle.
Tasmania (north)
Season: November–March
Pay: $7–10/kg
Summer alternative. Cooler climate, scenic. Lower volume but tunnel-grown extends the season.
What to Know Before You Go
Coffs Harbour Gets Crowded
The Aug–Nov peak attracts thousands of backpackers. Hostels and accommodation fill up fast. Apply to farms 4–6 weeks early.
- • Book accommodation before you arrive in Coffs
- • Apply to 5–10 farms minimum to secure a spot
- • Some farms expect a 6+ week commitment
- • Weather can wash out 1–2 days/week — earnings vary
Counts Toward 88 Days
Blueberry picking is specified work for the second-year WHV. Coffs Harbour and most NSW north coast postcodes are eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is blueberry season in Australia?
How much do blueberry pickers earn?
Where are the best blueberry farms?
Do I need experience for blueberry picking?
Find Blueberry Picking Jobs
Coffs Harbour blueberry season starts August. Search ABN-verified farms.