Backpacker Farm Work Australia
If you're on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), you probably already know the number: 88 days.
About backpacker
If you're on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), you probably already know the number: 88 days. That's how long you need to work in a regional area to qualify for a second-year visa. Farm work is how most backpackers get it done.
The good news is that farm work is available somewhere in Australia every month of the year. The trick is picking the right region at the right time so you're not sitting around waiting for work to start.
The 88-Day Requirement
To apply for a second-year 417 visa, you need 88 days of specified work in an eligible regional area. For a third-year visa, you need 179 days total. Farm work (picking, packing, pruning, general farm maintenance) is the most common qualifying work.
Your employer must be in an approved postcode and the work must be documented properly. Keep your payslips and check your employer is registered. For the full breakdown, read our 88 days farm work guide.
UK visa holders: Under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (from 2024), UK citizens on a 417 visa no longer need to complete specified work for their second or third year. All other nationalities still do.
Best Regions for Backpackers
Not all farm work regions are equally backpacker-friendly. Some have working hostels, established backpacker communities and farms that are used to hiring first-timers. Here are the top picks.
| Region | State | Best Months | Why Backpackers Like It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundaberg | QLD | Year-round | Multiple crops, working hostels, biggest backpacker community |
| Bowen | QLD | May to Nov | Tomatoes and capsicums, good piece rates, small-town feel |
| Shepparton | VIC | Nov to Apr | Stone fruit, close to Melbourne, steady work |
| Mildura | VIC | Feb to Aug | Grapes then pruning, up to 6 months of work |
| Coffs Harbour | NSW | Jun to Feb | Blueberries, long season, coastal location |
| Huon Valley | TAS | Dec to Apr | Cherry money, whole island counts for 88 days |
Working Hostels
Working hostels are the easiest way to start if you don't have a car or contacts. You pay for accommodation (typically $150 to $250 per week) and the hostel connects you with local farms. Many organise transport to the fields each morning.
They're most common in Bundaberg, Bowen, Shepparton and the Atherton Tablelands. Ask other backpackers for recommendations before you book. Quality varies, and the best ones fill up during peak season.
A working hostel won't guarantee you work every day. Weather, crop readiness and how many pickers are in town all affect how many shifts you get. Budget for a few slow days, especially at the start.
What You'll Earn
The casual minimum wage for farm workers is $30.91 per hour under the Pastoral Award 2026. Many picking jobs pay piece rates instead, where you earn based on how much you pick.
Be realistic about your first week. Most beginners earn around minimum wage equivalent while their hands and body adjust. By week two or three, you'll be noticeably faster. A reasonable target once you're up to speed: $800 to $1,200 per week depending on the crop.
The highest-paying crops for piece rate workers are cherries, mangoes, strawberries and blueberries. See our pay rates guide for a full breakdown.
Watch Out for Scams
Avoid any job listing that asks for upfront payment, a "placement fee" or requires you to pay for mandatory accommodation at inflated prices. Legitimate employers never charge you to get hired.
Be cautious with Facebook groups and Gumtree ads where you can't verify the employer. Stick to registered businesses and check your employer's ABN before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 88-day farm work requirement for backpackers?
If you hold a 417 Working Holiday Visa and want a second-year visa, you need to complete 88 days of specified work in a regional area. Farm work is the most common way to meet this. Your employer must be in an approved postcode. For a third-year visa, you need 179 days total.
Where is the best place for backpackers to do farm work?
Bundaberg in Queensland is the most popular because it has year-round work and plenty of working hostels. Bowen is strong from May to November. Shepparton and Mildura in Victoria work well for stone fruit and grapes. Coffs Harbour has a long blueberry season. The Huon Valley in Tasmania pays well during cherry season.
Do I need my own car for farm work?
Not always. Working hostels in Bundaberg and Bowen organise daily transport to farms. But outside those towns, having a car makes things much easier. In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, you'll really need one.
How much money can backpackers make on farm work?
The casual minimum is $30.91 per hour. Most picking jobs pay piece rates. Your first week will be slow. After two to three weeks, most people earn $800 to $1,200 per week. Fast pickers on cherries or mangoes can earn more.
Do UK backpackers still need to do farm work?
No. Under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (from 2024), UK citizens on a 417 visa no longer need to complete specified work for a second or third-year visa. All other nationalities still need 88 days for a second year.
Browse farm jobs by state: Queensland | Victoria | New South Wales | Western Australia | South Australia | Tasmania | Northern Territory
Plan your route with the harvest calendar or check the 88 days guide for visa details.
Get New Farm Jobs in Your Inbox
Stay ahead in your job search. Subscribe and get the latest farm job openings delivered straight to your inbox every week.