Fruitpicking
What is it?
Fruit picking work is a great way for backpackers to earn extra cash to supplement there trip when travelling in more rural areas.
Once you’re into the harvest season it’s possible to move around with it finding fruit picking working along the way, as many backpackers do. You find quite often travellers using fruit picking as a way of funding there trip, will follow similar routes around Australia following the harvests.
When does the fruitpicking season start?
Seasonal work, from November to April is the busiest period, with the main harvest reaching a peak in February. Fruit picking work can be found around the central eastern district around Bathurst. Main produce includes orchard fruits, cotton, onions and asparagus.
All year round, around northern coastal areas of NSW, near Coffs Harbour bananas are grown all year.
How much is it paid?
The money that can be earned by a fruit picker depends on the energy and enthusiasm of the fruit picker. You will either be paid an hourly rate (wages) or paid for the amount of fruit you pick (contact work).
Wages - You will be paid an hourly rate to pick fruit. Wages are based on the Australia Standard wage rate for casual farm workers
Contract - Based on the amount of fruit picked by individual pickers. Usually involves collecting fruit in 'buckets' (or bins) and recording the number of buckets picked each day. You determine the hours worked based on the number of buckets you wish to pick.
If you are a good picker, contract work is usually the best way to make a good casual wage !
The average salary in Australia is AUD$15 per hour.
What do you need to work?
In general, becoming a fruit picker requires no experience and most farms and orchards are eager to hire physically fit persons, but be aware it is hard labour. Most fruit pickers start early in the morning and finish before the peak of the summer sunshine later in the afternoon.Therefore, being physically fit and having good stamina helps, and here are some other essentials:
- Sunglasses - the sun can be very bright
- Gloves - protection from spikes, thorns
- Sunscreen - protection from the sun
- Hat - protrect your headl
- Hardy boots/shoes - protection from snakes and bullants
- Big drink container - it's thirsty work
Some employers will provide meals & accommodation too. Make sure you establish all conditions before you start work. Also remember that picking is reliant on the weather, so this might affect your wages for a short time.
Can I work in any farms?
If you’re planning harvest work in the interests of extending your Working Holiday visa, make sure you work in an eligible region (check www.immi.gov.au for a full listing of eligible postcodes). There’s nothing more gutting than busting your balls for three months to find out it doesn’t count. The Australian Department of Immigration is sadly not the forgiving type.