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Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm — Fruit Farm in Cardstone, QLD | 88Finder
Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm — Fruit Farm in Cardstone, QLD
Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm is an ABN-verified fruit farm located in Cardstone, Queensland, with a strong reliability score of 5/5. Farm work in Queensland is eligible for the 88-day Working Holiday Visa requirement. Fruit picking is highly seasonal. Stone fruit (peach, nectarine, plum) peaks in summer, citrus in winter, and tropical fruit (mango, banana) in the wet season.
Cardstone, QLDPostcode 4854
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
Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm
Type
Fruit Farm — 88 Day Visa Eligible
Location
Cardstone, 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 Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm
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.
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 Cardstone, Queensland is classified as eligible specified work for the Working Holiday Visa 88-day requirement. This means days worked at Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm can count towards your 2nd or 3rd year visa extension.
Does Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm count towards the 88 days visa requirement?
Farm work at Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm 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. Cardstone 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 Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm?
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 Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm is a legitimate employer?
Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm 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 Mackays Bolinda Banana Farm?
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.