Farm Work in South Australia

About south australia

South Australia produces more than half of Australia's wine. If you're looking for farm work here, grapes are the main game. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Riverland all need workers for harvest from February to April, then pruning fills the winter months.

The whole state is classified as a regional area for 88-day purposes. Every day of farm work in SA counts toward your visa, wherever you are.

Harvest Calendar

Key Regions

Barossa Valley

One of Australia's most famous wine regions, about an hour north of Adelaide. Grape harvest runs February to April. Pruning work then fills June to August. If you do both harvest and pruning, that's up to six months of work in the same region. The Barossa is a beautiful place to be based, with good food and a relaxed feel outside harvest rush.

Riverland

SA's answer to Bundaberg. The towns of Renmark, Berri and Loxton sit along the Murray River and grow citrus, grapes, stone fruit and almonds. Citrus picking runs March to October. Grapes fill February to April. Almonds harvest in February and March. The variety of crops means there's often something to pick across a long stretch of the year.

The Riverland connects naturally with Mildura and Sunraysia just across the Victorian border. They're part of the same grape and citrus belt.

Adelaide Hills

The closest farm work to Adelaide. Cherry and berry picking runs November to April. The work is smaller-scale than the Riverland, but the location is hard to beat if you want to stay near the city. Apple and pear orchards in the Hills keep some workers going into autumn.

Pay

Grape picking is usually paid by the hour at casual rates ($30.91 per hour minimum) or by the tonne during harvest. Pruning is typically hourly, though some experienced pruners negotiate per-vine rates. Citrus picking in the Riverland pays piece rates. Cherry picking in the Adelaide Hills is piece rate, with fast pickers doing well during the short December peak.

See our farm work pay rates guide for the full breakdown.

Getting Around

A car makes life much easier in SA. The Barossa and Adelaide Hills are accessible from Adelaide by car in under an hour. The Riverland is about two and a half hours east. Adelaide Metro buses don't reach the farming areas, so you'll need your own transport or a lift from a working hostel. There are fewer backpacker-specific hostels in SA than in QLD or VIC, so plan your accommodation before arriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is grape harvest in South Australia?

February to April. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Riverland all pick during this window. Pruning work then fills June to August. If you do both, that's up to six months of grape-related work.

Is all of South Australia regional for 88 days?

Yes. The entire state is classified as a regional area. Any eligible farm work anywhere in SA counts toward your Working Holiday Visa days.

What farm work is available in the Riverland?

The Riverland around Renmark, Berri and Loxton grows citrus, grapes, stone fruit and almonds. Citrus runs March to October, grapes February to April, almonds February to March. It's the closest thing SA has to year-round farm work.

Can I find farm work near Adelaide?

Yes. The Adelaide Hills have cherries and berries from November to April. The Barossa is an hour north for grapes. Virginia grows vegetables year-round. All within 90 minutes of the city.

The Riverland connects with Victoria's Mildura grape belt across the border. Or try Tasmania for cherry picking from December.

See the full harvest calendar or read our 88 days guide for visa details.

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