For many backpackers on a working holiday in Australia, one of the first questions is:
👉 “Where can I find farm work? And when is the best time to work?”
Australia is huge, and each state has different climates, crops, and harvesting seasons. Knowing the seasonal rhythm of each state not only helps you plan your trip but also increases your chances of finding the right farm job.
In this guide, we highlight the types of farm work that are most popular among backpackers, including berry picking, citrus harvesting, and grape picking.
🌱 Queensland (QLD) – Winter Berry & Tropical Crop Paradise
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Strawberries: May – October (Sunshine Coast, Caboolture)
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Blueberries: June – November (Bundaberg, Atherton Tablelands)
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Oranges: April – June (Gayndah, Mundubbera)
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Tomatoes: Year-round in certain regions, peak summer (Bundaberg, Lockyer Valley)
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Bananas: Year-round (North Queensland, Innisfail, Tully)
💡 Tip: Queensland’s diverse climate offers not only winter berries but also tropical and subtropical crops. You can work in strawberry fields in winter, pick oranges or grapes in spring, and enjoy year-round banana and tomato harvesting opportunities. This variety makes QLD an ideal state for backpackers looking to maximize farm work experience and accumulate days for visa eligibility.
🍇 New South Wales (NSW) – Blueberry Capital
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Blueberries: July – March (Coffs Harbour, Australia’s largest blueberry region)
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Strawberries: October – May (small farms near Sydney)
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Oranges: June – October (Riverina, Griffith)
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Grapes: January – March (Hunter Valley, Riverina)
💡 Tip: Coffs Harbour has almost year-round blueberry work and is a popular spot for backpackers aiming to complete workdays for second or third-year visa eligibility.
🍓Victoria (VIC) – Seasonal Variety
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Strawberries: October – May (Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula)
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Cherries / Raspberries / Blackberries: November – January (Silvan, Goulburn Valley)
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Oranges: June – September (Mildura)
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Grapes: February – April (Yarra Valley, Murray region)
- Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Apples, Pears): January – April (Shepparton, Mildura)
💡 Tip: Summer is perfect for berry picking, while winter allows work in Mildura’s citrus farms.
🍷 South Australia (SA) – Wine Country
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Strawberries: October – May (Adelaide Hills)
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Cherries / Berries: November – January (Adelaide Hills, Riverland)
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Citrus (Oranges, etc.): June – September (Riverland)
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Grapes: February – April (Barossa Valley, Riverland)
💡 Tip: SA’s grape harvest releases a large number of jobs from February to April, perfect for backpackers who want to experience life on a vineyard.
🍒Tasmania (TAS) – Berry Lover’s Paradise
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Strawberries: November – April
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Blueberries / Raspberries / Blackberries: December – February (peak summer)
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Cherries: December – January (Huon Valley, Tamar Valley)
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Grapes: February – April
💡 Tip: Tasmania’s cool climate makes it ideal for berry farming. A summer job here lets backpackers try almost every type of berry and combine work with travel.
🍓 Western Australia (WA) – Summer Strawberry Kingdom
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Strawberries: May – November (Wanneroo, Albany)
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Blueberries / Raspberries: Small-scale farms in the south
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Oranges: June – October (Moora, Harvey)
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Grapes: January – March (Margaret River, Swan Valley)
💡 Tip: WA is one of the main berry-producing regions in Australia, perfect for those seeking long-term strawberry work in winter.
🥭 Northern Territory (NT) – Tropical Fruit Capital
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Mangoes: October – November (Darwin, Katherine)
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Watermelons / Cantaloupes: May – October (harvest during the dry season)
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Bananas: Small-scale year-round cultivation
💡 Tip: Although there are no berries in the NT, mango season is extremely popular. Every October, large numbers of backpackers flock to Darwin, creating a true “Mango Mania”!
✅ Backpacker Tips
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Check the season: Harvest periods vary by state, so plan ahead.
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Prepare documents: TFN, bank account, and Super account are essential.
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Know the work style: Berry picking is often piece-rate, while oranges and grapes are usually hourly.
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Contact farms or agencies early: Peak season is busy, early booking secures your spot.
✨ Whether you love sunny strawberry fields, scenic vineyards, or tropical mango farms, farm work in Australia offers unforgettable experiences. Our company can help match you with legal, safe, and reliable farm jobs, letting you focus on enjoying your working holiday to the fullest.
