Bundaberg Sugar — Sugarcane Farm in Bundaberg, QLD
Bundaberg Sugar is an ABN-verified sugarcane farm located in Bundaberg, Queensland, with a strong reliability score of 5/5. Bundaberg is known for producing macadamia nuts, avocados, sweet potatoes, making it a popular destination for backpackers completing their 88-day visa requirement. Year-round work available. Peak: April to November for macadamias and avocados.
Bundaberg, QLDPostcode 4670
Reliability Score
5/5
Based on ABN verification, contact information completeness, and business activity status. A score of 4-5 indicates a well-documented, active farm with full contact details available.
Farm Details
Business Name
Bundaberg Sugar
Type
Sugarcane Farm — 88 Day Visa Eligible
Location
Bundaberg, Queensland
ABN Status
Active & Verified
Expected Pay — Farm Work in Queensland
Hourly Rate
$25–38/hr
Weekly Earnings
$950–1,440
Pay Type
Hourly / Piece rate
Based on the Horticulture Award 2020. Minimum wage is $25.41/hour (casual: $31.76/hour with 25% loading). Piece rate workers must still earn at least minimum wage equivalent. Read our complete pay rates guide.
What Does Sugarcane Farm Work Involve?
Sugarcane farming is concentrated in tropical Queensland. The crushing season (harvest) is an intense period of cutting, hauling, and processing cane for raw sugar production.
Typical Tasks at Bundaberg Sugar
Assisting with mechanical cane harvesting
Driving haul-out tractors from field to mill
Planting cane billets for next season's crop
Maintaining irrigation channels and drainage
Burning and clearing cane fields (pre-harvest)
General farm maintenance during off-season
Skills and Experience
Machinery and driving skills are highly valued. Physical fitness for outdoor work in tropical heat. No prior experience needed for general labouring roles.
What to Bring
Long sleeves and pants (cane leaves are sharp), sturdy boots, gloves, hat, and plenty of water. Some farms provide accommodation.
Pay Info
Sugar industry rates are often above standard horticulture awards. Harvest work can be well-paid with long hours during crushing season.
Farm Work in Bundaberg — What to Know
Bundaberg is one of Australia's top backpacker farm work destinations. Known as the fruit bowl of Queensland, it produces macadamia nuts, avocados, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and citrus.
Year-round work available. Peak: April to November for macadamias and avocados.
Nearby Towns
Childers, Gin Gin, Bargara, Agnes Water
Travel tip: Bundaberg is well-connected by bus from Brisbane (4.5 hours). Many hostels offer farm work packages with transport included.
Working in Queensland — Climate & Season Guide
Climate: Tropical to subtropical climate with warm winters and hot, humid summers.
Best season: May to October (dry season) is the most comfortable for outdoor work. Summer (Nov–Mar) is hot and wet but offers mango and banana picking.
Tips: Bring sun protection and plenty of water. Start work early to avoid peak heat. Expect high humidity in summer.
88-Day Visa Eligibility
Farm work in Bundaberg, Queensland is classified as eligible specified work for the Working Holiday Visa 88-day requirement. This means days worked at Bundaberg Sugar can count towards your 2nd or 3rd year visa extension.
Does Bundaberg Sugar count towards the 88 days visa requirement?
Farm work at Bundaberg Sugar is an eligible work type for the 88-day Working Holiday Visa requirement (subclass 417/462), provided the work is in a designated regional area. Bundaberg in Queensland is classified as regional. Always confirm directly with the employer and keep payslips as proof.
How much does farm work pay in Queensland?
Farm work pay in Queensland typically ranges from $25–38/hour (hourly / piece rate). Weekly earnings are approximately $950–1,440 based on a 38-hour week. All farm workers must be paid at least the minimum wage of $25.41/hour under the Horticulture Award 2020. Casual workers receive an additional 25% loading.
What experience do I need to work at Bundaberg Sugar?
Most farms hire workers with no prior experience. Training is typically provided on-site during your first few days. Physical fitness is important as farm work involves standing, bending, lifting, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
How do I verify that Bundaberg Sugar is a legitimate employer?
Bundaberg Sugar has been verified through the Australian Business Register (ABN). You can independently verify any farm by checking their ABN on abr.business.gov.au. Additionally, check that they provide payslips, a written employment contract, and pay at least minimum wage.
What documents should I keep when working at Bundaberg Sugar?
Keep all payslips, your employment contract, bank statements showing wage deposits, and ask your employer to complete Form 1263 (employer declaration). These documents are essential evidence if you apply for a 2nd or 3rd year Working Holiday Visa.