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Howe Farming Banana Farming — Fruit Farm in Mareeba, QLD | 88Finder
Howe Farming Banana Farming — Fruit Farm in Mareeba, QLD
Howe Farming Banana Farming is an ABN-verified fruit farm located in Mareeba, Queensland, with a strong reliability score of 5/5. Mareeba is known for producing mangoes, bananas, coffee, making it a popular destination for backpackers completing their 88-day visa requirement. Mango: October to January. Bananas: year-round. Coffee: July to October.
Mareeba, QLDPostcode 4880
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
Howe Farming Banana Farming
Type
Fruit Farm — 88 Day Visa Eligible
Location
Mareeba, 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 Fruit Farm Work Involve?
Fruit farming is one of the most popular types of farm work for backpackers in Australia. Work typically involves picking, sorting, grading, and packing fruit for domestic and export markets.
Typical Tasks at Howe Farming Banana Farming
Picking fruit from trees or vines by hand or using ladders
Sorting and grading fruit by size, colour, and quality
Packing fruit into crates and boxes for transport
Pruning trees and vines during off-season
Operating basic machinery for irrigation or transport
Maintaining orchard cleanliness and removing fallen fruit
Skills and Experience
No experience needed — speed and care improve with practice. You'll need physical fitness for repetitive picking, climbing ladders, and carrying bins. Most orchards pay piece rate, so faster pickers earn more.
What to Bring
Farms usually provide picking bags, ladders, and bins. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, and work gloves. Long sleeves recommended to avoid scratches from branches.
Pay Info
Piece rate pay is common — experienced pickers can earn significantly above minimum wage. Some farms offer hourly rates during training or for sorting/packing roles.
Farm Work in Mareeba — What to Know
Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands is one of Queensland's most productive farming regions. It's drier than coastal Cairns with excellent conditions for tropical fruit and vegetables.
Known For
MangoesBananasCoffeeAvocadosLycheesSugar
Peak Season
Mango: October to January. Bananas: year-round. Coffee: July to October.
Nearby Towns
Atherton, Cairns, Dimbulah, Tolga
Travel tip: About 1 hour from Cairns airport. A vehicle is almost essential as farms are spread across the Tablelands.
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 Mareeba, Queensland is classified as eligible specified work for the Working Holiday Visa 88-day requirement. This means days worked at Howe Farming Banana Farming can count towards your 2nd or 3rd year visa extension.
Does Howe Farming Banana Farming count towards the 88 days visa requirement?
Farm work at Howe Farming Banana Farming 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. Mareeba 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 Howe Farming Banana Farming?
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 Howe Farming Banana Farming is a legitimate employer?
Howe Farming Banana Farming 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 Howe Farming Banana Farming?
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.