Looking for seasonal work in Australia? Fruit picking jobs in 2026 offer hourly wages between AUD 23–32, visa sponsorship opportunities, and accommodation options for international workers. These roles provide hands-on agricultural experience across regions like Queensland’s mango farms, Victoria’s apple orchards, and Western Australia’s vineyards.
In our experience, fruit pickers enjoy both income and travel opportunities, with flexible seasonal work that can qualify for visa extensions.
Read Also: Fruit Picking Agricultural Jobs in Australia Visa Sponsorshi
What Does a Fruit Picker Do?
Fruit picking jobs involve more than just harvesting. Key responsibilities include:
- Harvesting: Picking ripe fruits such as apples, grapes, citrus, blueberries, cherries, and mangoes.
- Sorting & Packing: Grading fruits by size, quality, and packing them into crates.
- Pruning & Thinning: Supporting crop growth through trimming and selective thinning.
- Field Maintenance: Cleaning rows, removing damaged produce, and maintaining tidy workspaces.
- Outdoor Labor: Expect physically demanding tasks in variable weather conditions.
Pro Tip: “We provide all new workers with hands-on training and safety gear to ensure quality harvest standards,” says a local farm manager in Bundaberg, Queensland.
Visa Options for Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
- Age limit: 18–30 (35 for eligible countries)
- Duration: 12 months, with extensions possible for regional farm work
- Commonly used for seasonal harvesting
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Rare for general fruit picking
- Typically reserved for skilled agricultural roles
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme
- Available to workers from select Pacific nations
- Employer sponsorship is required
Salary Expectations
Australian fruit pickers earn under the Horticulture Award system:
- Hourly Rate: AUD 23–32
- Piece-Rate: Based on productivity
- Overtime: Paid at higher rates
- Weekly Earnings: Potentially AUD 900–1,400 depending on speed, farm location, and season
Accommodation & Living Costs
Farm accommodation options include:
- On-site farm housing
- Shared cabins
- Rural hostels
Cost Range: AUD 120–250 per week, sometimes deducted directly from wages.
Local Note: In the Barossa Valley, South Australia, most seasonal workers live in shared farmhouses near the vineyards.
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia
- High Minimum Wage: One of the highest globally for agricultural work
- Cultural & Travel Experience: Explore rural towns and landmarks while working
- Visa Extension Opportunities: Qualifying farm work can extend Working Holiday visas
- Flexible Seasonal Work: Concentrated work during harvest, free travel in off-periods
- Skill Development: Teamwork, time management, and agricultural knowledge
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid passport
- Meet visa criteria
- Be physically fit for outdoor labor
- Pass health and character checks
Experience: Not required; training is provided.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs
- Check Visa Eligibility Confirm qualifying visa type
- Search for Farm Jobs Use official Harvest Trail website and farm portals
- Prepare Resume Highlight physical fitness, outdoor experience, and availability
- Apply Directly Contact farms and submit applications
- Apply for Visa Through the Australian Department of Home Affairs
- Travel & Start Work Begin once visa is approved
Safety Tip: Verify employer ABN registration, ensure award wages, and avoid high recruitment fees.
Conclusion
Fruit picking jobs in Australia remain one of the most accessible and rewarding seasonal opportunities for foreigners in 2026. With competitive wages, legal visa pathways, and potential accommodation support, these positions offer more than just income; they provide adventure, cultural immersion, and skill-building in a dynamic work environment.
By following proper visa processes, verifying employers, and preparing for physically demanding work, international applicants can make the most of Australia’s agricultural opportunities and even qualify for visa extensions through eligible farm work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum wage for fruit pickers in Australia?
Between AUD 23 and AUD 32 per hour, depending on region, award rates, and piece-rate work.
2. Is prior experience required?
No. Farms provide training, though physical stamina is essential.
3. Which visas allow fruit picking work in Australia?
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) most common
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme for select Pacific countries
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa is rarely used for general harvest roles
4. Can I extend my visa through farm work?
Yes, completing specified regional farm work may qualify for a second- or third-year Working Holiday Visa extension.
