Fruit picking is one of the most popular ways for backpackers to earn money while exploring Australia. If you're looking for a way to fund your travels and experience the Australian countryside, fruit picking is a great place to start. There are plenty of opportunities across the country, from
strawberry picking work in sunny Queensland to
apple picking jobs
in Tasmania, as well as working on dairy farms or helping out with cotton picking in the outback.
These jobs are a fantastic way to support your travels and even meet the visa requirements for an extended stay in Australia. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different types of fruit picking jobs you can get involved in and what they involve.
Strawberry picking is one of the most sought-after fruit picking jobs, particularly in Queensland and Victoria. This type of work involves bending over or crouching low to carefully pick ripe strawberries from rows of plants. While strawberry picking is fast-paced, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how much you’ve harvested by the end of the day.
The strawberry picking season typically runs from November to April, offering plenty of opportunities to earn money while enjoying sunny weather. Whether you’re looking for a short-term job or an adventure outdoors, strawberry picking is a fantastic way to make the most of the season.
For those who enjoy cooler climates, apple picking jobs offer a perfect opportunity to work outdoors and stay active. Tasmania and Victoria are known for their vast apple orchards, making them ideal destinations for anyone seeking seasonal work. Most apple picking jobs are available during the autumn months, from March to May, when the harvest is in full swing.
These roles require some physical effort, such as climbing ladders and reaching for the higher fruit, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Working in an orchard provides not only fresh air and stunning scenery but also the satisfaction of contributing to the harvest. Whether you're looking to save up or simply enjoy a unique experience, apple picking jobs are a great choice.
For a slightly less physical job,
blueberry picking
is a fantastic option. The berries grow on bushes, making them easy to pick without the need for ladders or reaching high branches. Popular in New South Wales and Queensland,
blueberry picking
is typically available in the summer months. The work is steady and a little gentler on the body, but you’ll still enjoy the satisfaction of filling your basket with sweet, juicy blueberries.
If you love the sun, citrus picking could be your ideal fruit picking job. Queensland and the Northern Territory are home to citrus groves where you'll pick oranges, lemons and grapefruits. This work typically takes place during the winter and spring months, and there's nothing quite like the fresh scent of citrus in the air.
If you’ve always wanted to work in Australia’s famous wine regions, grape picking might be the perfect job for you. The Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley in South Australia are just two of the regions where you’ll find vineyards full of ripe grapes ready to be harvested. The season typically runs from January to April and while grape picking is physical work, it’s also an opportunity to take in some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Plus, you may get to sample some of the wines once the day’s work is done!
In warmer areas like the Riverina, you’ll find opportunities for peach and plum picking. These jobs usually happen during late summer and early autumn. Peach and plum picking requires a careful touch, as these fruits are delicate and can bruise easily. But the work is rewarding, and you’ll enjoy the beauty of working among blossoming trees and juicy, ripe fruit.
While fruit picking is one of the most popular farm jobs, there are also plenty of other roles available on farms. From dairy farm jobs in Tasmania to cotton picking in the Northern Territory, there’s a variety of work that can suit different interests and skills. Some jobs might involve caring for animals, maintaining farm equipment or helping out during the harvest. No matter what role you take, it’s an opportunity to learn more about Australia’s agricultural industry and gain new skills. To learn more about read our blog here.
Finding the right fruit picking job or farm job doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you work with a trusted recruitment agency. RWM specialises in connecting backpackers with reliable, reputable employers across Australia. Whether you’re interested in blueberry picking, cotton picking or even working on a dairy farm, we will help you find a job that’s a great fit for your skills and your travel plans. You’ll also be guaranteed fair pay, safe working conditions and a positive experience.