Work Guide

Farm Work Australia

Everything you need to know about farm work in Australia: jobs, regions, pay, accommodation, and how it counts toward your 88-day visa requirement.

Types of Farm Work

🍎 Harvesting

Picking fruit and vegetables: apples, berries, stone fruit, nuts, citrus, grapes.

Pay: AUD $20-40/hour or per kg

🌾 Planting

Planting crops, vine training, thinning fruit, general farm maintenance.

Pay: AUD $18-35/hour

🐑 Livestock

Shearing, mustering, milking dairy cattle, general farm hand duties.

Pay: AUD $20-50/hour or per head

🐟 Fishing

Commercial fishing, aquaculture, oyster farming, pearl farming, fish processing.

Pay: AUD $20-60/hour or share

🪚 Processing

Packing fruit, processing, on-farm sorting, washing, labeling.

Pay: AUD $18-28/hour

🌲 Tree Work

Tree plantation, thinning, logging, silviculture operations.

Pay: AUD $25-50/hour

Accommodation Options

🏠 Farm-Provided

Many farms provide on-site accommodation (dorms, cabins, or shared rooms).

Often included or heavily subsidized

🏘️ Shared Housing

Backpackers hostels or shared rentals near farm work areas.

AUD $100-200/week typical cost

🏕️ Caravan Parks

Affordable camping or caravan accommodation in regional areas.

AUD $20-50/night typical cost

Seasonal Calendar

Dec-Feb

Summer harvests, tropical fruit, citrus in QLD

Mar-May

Autumn harvests, grapes in VIC/NSW, peak season

Jun-Aug

Winter, slower season, shearing in QLD, citrus

Sep-Nov

Spring, stone fruit in NSW, berries, planting season

How Days Are Counted

Not all work days count equally. You need to understand the rules to ensure your farm work is properly credited toward your visa requirement.

Tips for Farm Work Success

⭐ Find Legitimate Employers

Use platforms like 88 Days Australia to find verified farms. Check reviews and ask questions before committing.

⭐ Verify Day Certification

Ensure your employer understands they need to certify your 88 days for visa purposes. Get confirmation in writing.

⭐ Plan for Travel

Budget time between jobs for travel. Most workers do 1-2 week breaks between farms to rest and explore.

⭐ Stay Healthy

Farm work is physically demanding. Get proper boots, sun protection, and stay hydrated. Take breaks when needed.

⭐ Track Your Days

Use our 88-day tracker or keep personal records of every day worked. Save all payslips and documents.

Ready to Start Your Farm Work?

Browse verified farms across Australia