Fruit Picking Jobs Australia
Find seasonal fruit picking work across Australia. Earn $25-38/hr, count toward your 88 days, and explore regional areas while working.
Fruit picking is one of the most popular jobs for backpackers and Working Holiday Visa holders in Australia. With year-round opportunities across different regions, competitive pay rates, and the ability to count toward your 88 days for visa extension, fruit picking offers a perfect combination of work, travel, and cultural experience.
This guide covers everything you need to know about fruit picking jobs in Australia: the best fruits to pick, seasonal calendars, top regions, pay rates, how to find legitimate work, and tips for maximizing your earnings.
Why Choose Fruit Picking in Australia?
Counts Toward 88 Days
Fruit picking is specified work that counts toward your 88 days for a second-year Working Holiday Visa extension.
Good Pay Rates
Earn $25-38/hr on hourly rates, or $200-400+/day on piece rates if you're fast.
Year-Round Work
Different fruits are in season throughout the year, meaning you can always find work somewhere.
No Experience Needed
Most farms provide on-the-job training. You'll learn and improve your speed over time.
Best Fruits to Pick in Australia
Different fruits offer different pay rates, working conditions, and seasonal availability. Here are the most popular fruit picking jobs in Australia:
Strawberries
✅ Pros:
- • Good for beginners
- • Long season
- • Fast pickers earn well
⚠️ Cons:
- • Back-bending work
- • Slow pickers may struggle
- • Weather dependent
Cherries
✅ Pros:
- • Highest piece-rate potential
- • Fast pickers earn $300-400+/day
- • Pleasant work
⚠️ Cons:
- • Very short season
- • Competitive
- • Need to arrive early
Bananas
✅ Pros:
- • Year-round availability
- • Reliable hourly pay
- • Lots of jobs
⚠️ Cons:
- • Heavy lifting
- • Hot and humid
- • Physically exhausting
Blueberries
✅ Pros:
- • Good piece-rate earnings
- • Light work
- • Pleasant conditions
⚠️ Cons:
- • Repetitive
- • Need speed for good pay
- • Seasonal only
Apples & Pears
✅ Pros:
- • Autumn work
- • Good for piece rate
- • Thinning work earlier
⚠️ Cons:
- • Ladder work
- • Weather dependent
- • Seasonal
Grapes
✅ Pros:
- • Wine regions
- • Good lifestyle
- • Pruning work in winter
⚠️ Cons:
- • Seasonal
- • Can be hot
- • Repetitive
Fruit Picking Seasonal Calendar
Plan your fruit picking journey with this seasonal calendar showing when and where different fruits are harvested across Australia:
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Fruits: Mangoes, Cherries, Stone Fruit, Melons
Main Regions: QLD, NT, NSW
Autumn (Mar–May)
Fruits: Apples, Pears, Grapes, Citrus
Main Regions: VIC, NSW, SA, WA
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Fruits: Citrus, Avocados, Bananas (year-round)
Main Regions: QLD, SA, VIC
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Fruits: Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries (late)
Main Regions: QLD, NSW, VIC
How Much Can You Earn?
Fruit picking pay varies based on the payment method (hourly vs piece rate), your speed, and the fruit type. All rates must comply with Australian minimum wage laws.
Hourly Pay
- Bananas$25-35/hr
- Citrus$25-30/hr
- Apples/Pears$25-30/hr
- Grapes$25-32/hr
Minimum casual rate: $25.41/hr under Horticulture Award (2026)
Piece Rate Pay
- Strawberries$3-8/tray
- Cherries$8-12/bucket
- Blueberries$4-10/kg
- Apples$30-60/bin
Fast pickers earn $200-400+/day. Must still meet minimum wage.
💡 Maximizing Your Earnings
- • Start with hourly: Learn the ropes before switching to piece rate
- • Improve your speed: Experienced pickers earn 2-3x more on piece rate
- • Choose the right fruit: Cherries and blueberries offer highest piece-rate potential
- • Work full days: Most farms offer 6-8 hour shifts, maximize your hours
- • Avoid scams: Verify pay rates match minimum wage requirements
Top Regions for Fruit Picking
Bundaberg, QLD
Strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini
Season: Aug–Jan (peak)
Why: Largest strawberry region in Australia. Consistent work for 5-6 months.
Cairns & Innisfail, QLD
Bananas, mangoes, avocados
Season: Year-round
Why: Tropical climate means year-round work. Great for backpackers.
Orange & Young, NSW
Cherries, apples, stone fruit
Season: Nov–May
Why: Premium fruit region. Cherries offer highest piece-rate earnings.
Shepparton, VIC
Apples, pears, stone fruit
Season: Feb–May
Why: Major fruit bowl of Victoria. Lots of farms and accommodation.
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Blueberries, bananas
Season: Sep–Jan
Why: Coastal location. Great lifestyle and good pay rates.
Mildura, VIC
Grapes, citrus, stone fruit
Season: Feb–Aug
Why: Wine region. Grape picking and pruning work available.
How to Find Fruit Picking Jobs
1. Use 88Finder (Recommended)
Search for ABN-verified fruit picking farms across Australia. See contact details, reliability scores, and apply directly to employers.
Apply to farms instantly2. Apply Directly to Farms
Research farms in your target region and contact them directly via phone or email. Arrive in person during peak season.
- • Google "[fruit] picking jobs [region]"
- • Visit farm websites and look for "Careers" or "Jobs" pages
- • Call farms directly to ask about availability
- • Arrive in person during harvest season
3. Join Backpacker Groups
Facebook groups and hostels often share job leads. Be cautious of scams and always verify employers.
- • Search "fruit picking [region]" on Facebook
- • Join "88 days Australia" groups
- • Ask hostel staff for recommendations
- • Read reviews from other backpackers
Avoiding Fruit Picking Scams
Red Flags to Watch For
- • Asking you to pay for job placement or "registration fees"
- • No ABN or refusing to provide business details
- • Pay below minimum wage ($25.41/hr for casual horticulture work)
- • Cash-only payments with no payslips
- • Accommodation tied to employment with excessive costs ($200+/week)
- • Vague job details or "guaranteed work" promises
- • Hostel-linked contractors taking commissions from your pay
How to Protect Yourself
- • Verify the farm's ABN on abr.business.gov.au
- • Get employment terms in writing before starting
- • Never pay for job placement
- • Ensure pay meets minimum wage requirements
- • Keep all payslips and employment records
- • Use verified platforms like 88Finder
- • Contact Fair Work if underpaid: 13 13 94
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fruit pickers earn in Australia?
Does fruit picking count toward 88 days?
What is the best fruit to pick for money?
Do I need experience to get a fruit picking job?
When is the best time for fruit picking in Australia?
How do I avoid fruit picking scams?
Ready to Start Fruit Picking?
Find ABN-verified fruit picking jobs across Australia. Search by region, fruit type, and season.