Australia Farm Work Complete Guide (2025)

"I need to complete 88 days for second visa, which farm should I go to?"

Farm work is crucial for second and third visas. However:

• ❌ Bad farm: $15/hour (illegal underpayment), only 10 hours per week
• ✅ Good farm: $28+/hour, 40 hours per week full-time

Understanding this difference determines whether 88 days will be hardship or profitable.

This guide was created by analyzing experiences from over 2,000 farm workers. Learn how to complete your 88 days efficiently while earning money.

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1. Second and Third Visa Basics

1.1. Second Working Holiday Visa

Requirements:

• 88 days (3 months) or more of specified work in specified regions during first working holiday
• Agriculture, construction, mining, tourism, etc.

Benefits:

• 1 additional year in Australia

1.2. Third Working Holiday Visa

Requirements:

• 6 months or more of specified work in specified regions during second working holiday

Benefits:

• 1 additional year (total 3 years possible)

1.3. Specified Work

Agriculture:

• Fruit & Vegetable Picking
• Pruning
• Planting
• Packing

Other:

• Construction
• Mining
• Fishing & Pearling
• Tree Planting & Felling

⚠️ NOT Specified Work:

• Farm cafes and restaurants
• Farm office (Admin)
• Urban farms (Sydney/Melbourne CBD)

1.4. Specified Regions (Postcodes)

Only Regional Australia qualifies.

Qualifies ✅:

• Bundaberg, Stanthorpe, Mildura, Gatton, etc.

Does NOT qualify ❌:

• Sydney CBD, Melbourne CBD, Brisbane CBD

Check:

• Government Postcode Check Site

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2. Regional Farm Guide

2.1. Queensland

Bundaberg:

• 4 hours from Brisbane
• Crops: Tomatoes (Mar-Nov), Strawberries (Jun-Oct), Zucchini (year-round)
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Many jobs, year-round availability)

Stanthorpe:

• 2.5 hours from Brisbane
• Crops: Apples (Feb-May), Cherries (Nov-Jan), Blueberries (Oct-Jan)
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High wages, great environment)

Bowen:

• Crops: Tomatoes, Capsicum, Melons
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Hot, remote location)

2.2. Victoria

Mildura:

• 5 hours from Melbourne
• Crops: Grapes (Feb-May), Oranges (Apr-Oct)
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Many jobs)

Shepparton:

• 2 hours from Melbourne
• Crops: Apples, Pears, Cherries
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Melbourne accessibility)

2.3. New South Wales

Orange:

• 3.5 hours from Sydney
• Crops: Apples, Cherries
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Great environment)

Coffs Harbour:

• 6 hours from Sydney
• Crops: Blueberries, Bananas
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Near beaches)

2.4. South Australia

Riverland:

• 2 hours from Adelaide
• Crops: Oranges, Grapes
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

2.5. Western Australia

Carnarvon:

• 900km from Perth
• Crops: Bananas, Tomatoes
• Rating: ⭐⭐ (Very remote)

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3. Hourly vs Piece Rate

3.1. Hourly Rate

Definition: Fixed pay per hour

Advantages:

• Stable income
• Independent of weather/crop conditions

Disadvantages:

• Income ceiling (weekly $800-1,000)

Average Hourly Rate:

• $25-28 (legal minimum $24.95+, as of July 1, 2025)

💡 Source: Fair Work Ombudsman - Minimum wages (updated annually July 1)

Recommended Work:

• Packing
• Pruning
• General farm work

3.2. Piece Rate

Definition: Pay based on harvest quantity (e.g., $2 per kg of strawberries)

Advantages:

• Skilled workers earn $30-50+/hour
• Fast workers earn more

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Beginner Warning: Some illegal farms pay only $15-20 using piece rates as excuse (This is illegal! Since 2022, piece rates must guarantee minimum wage of $24.95)
• Income varies with weather/crop conditions

💡 Legal Protection (Since April 2022): Piece rates must guarantee daily minimum wage. Casual workers minimum $30.35/hour (as of 2025-07-01). Source: Fair Work - Piece Rates

Average Income:

• Beginner (1-2 weeks): $100-150/day
• Skilled (1-2 months): $200-300/day
• Veteran: $300-500/day

Recommended Work:

• Strawberry picking
• Cherry picking
• Tomato picking

3.3. Which Should You Choose?

Hourly Rate Recommended:

• Beginners
• Want stable income
• Average fitness

Piece Rate Recommended:

• Want to earn fast
• Good fitness
• Enjoy competition

💡 Tip: Start with hourly → Switch to piece rate when comfortable

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4. Job Hunting Methods

4.1. Online Platforms

Harvest Trail (Official Government):

• harvesttrail.gov.au
• Search by region, crop, season
• Free, high reliability

Seek / Indeed:

• Search "Fruit picking", "Farm work"
• Filter: Location (Bundaberg, etc.)

Facebook Groups:

• "Bundaberg Working Backpackers"
• "Stanthorpe Backpacker Jobs"
• "Queensland Farm Jobs"

Korean Community:

• Australian Working Holiday Cafe (Naver)
• Australia Talk Talk (App)

4.2. Cold Calling

Method:

1. Google Maps: Search "Farm [region name]"
2. Find farm phone numbers
3. Call to inquire about jobs

Script:

Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I'm a Working Holiday Visa holder
looking for farm work in [region]. Do you have any positions
available? I can start immediately.

4.3. Backpacker Hostels

Farm-Connected Hostels:

• Hostels partnered with farms
• Accommodation + job package

Advantages:

• Convenient (job guaranteed)
• Transport provided (hostel→farm)

Disadvantages:

• Expensive rent ($150-200/week)
• Commission fee ($50-100/week)
• No job choice

💡 Tip: Use backpacker hostel for first 1-2 weeks only → Move to sharehouse

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5. Avoiding Farm Scams

5.1. Common Scam Types

Scam #1: $15-20/hour (Illegal Underpayment)

• Minimum wage $24.95 (as of July 1, 2025) - anything below is illegal
• "Training period" excuse (illegal)
• Source: Fair Work Ombudsman

Scam #2: Only 10-15 Hours Per Week

• Takes 6+ months to complete 88 days
• Excuses: "Bad weather", "No crops"

Scam #3: Forced Accommodation + Expensive Rent

• Farm accommodation required ($200-250/week)
• Nearby sharehouses cost $100-150/week

Scam #4: No Payslips

• Without payslips, can't prove 88 days
• Can't file tax return

Scam #5: Fake ABN (Business Number)

• "Work under ABN" requirement
• → They want to avoid tax/superannuation (illegal)

5.2. Good Farm Checklist

✅ Legal Farm:

• Hourly rate $25-28+
• Weekly payslips provided
• 30-40 hours per week
• Fair Work compliant
• Regular employment (not ABN)

⚠️ Red Flags (Illegal Farm):

• Hourly rate below $24.95 (below minimum wage is illegal)
• Cash only (no payslips)
• Only 10-20 hours per week
• Forced accommodation
• ABN requirement

5.3. Reporting

Fair Work Ombudsman:

• Phone: 13 13 94
• Website: fairwork.gov.au
• Anonymous reporting available

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6. Efficient 88-Day Completion Strategy

6.1. Season Planning

Best Season Combination (12-month example):

Month	Region	Crop	Days
Mar-May	Stanthorpe	Apples	60 days
Jun-Aug	Bundaberg	Strawberries	28 days
Total			88 days ✅

Or:

Month	Region	Crop	Days
Nov-Jan	Stanthorpe	Cherries	50 days
Mar-May	Mildura	Grapes	38 days
Total			88 days ✅

6.2. 88-Day Counting Method

1 day = 1 day (simple)

• Work 5 days/week → 1 week = 5 days
• Work 7 days/week → 1 week = 7 days
• Work 3 days/week → 1 week = 3 days

⚠️ Note:

• Weekends count (7 consecutive days = 7 days)
• Public holidays count
• Unpaid leave does NOT count

6.3. Proof Documents

Required Documents:

1. Payslips

   • Received weekly or bi-weekly
   • Must include dates, hours, employer information

2. Employment Contract

   • Start date and end date specified

3. Bank Statements

   • Proof of salary deposits

4. 1221 Form (Optional)

   • Certificate completed by farm owner
   • Useful if Fair Work was involved

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7. Farm Life Guide

7.1. Preparation Items

Essential Items:

• 🧤 Gloves: 2-3 pairs (tear frequently)
• 👕 Long-sleeve shirt (sun protection)
• 👖 Long pants (insect/scratch protection)
• 🧢 Wide-brimmed hat
• 😎 Sunglasses
• 🧴 Sunscreen SPF50+
• 💧 Water bottle (2-3L)
• 🎒 Backpack (for lunch/water)
• 👟 Sturdy shoes (work boots recommended)

7.2. Daily Routine

Typical Farm Day:

• 06:00 - Wake up
• 06:30 - Arrive at farm
• 07:00 - Work starts
• 10:00 - Morning Tea (15-minute break)
• 12:00 - Lunch (30 min-1 hour)
• 15:00 - Afternoon Tea (15 minutes)
• 17:00 - Work ends
• 18:00 - Return to accommodation, shower
• 19:00 - Dinner
• 21:00 - Sleep

💡 Tip:

• Sleep early, wake early (6 hours minimum)
• Prepare lunch box (sandwiches, fruit, snacks)
• Do laundry and grocery shopping on weekends

7.3. Fitness Management

First 2 weeks are hardest:

• Muscle pain (especially back and shoulders)
• Accumulated fatigue
• Sun exposure (burns)

Solutions:

• Stretching (morning and evening)
• Adequate hydration (3-4L per day)
• Protein intake (muscle recovery)
• Sleep (minimum 6-7 hours)

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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I complete 88 days in 3 months?

A. Yes, if you work 7 days a week. However, most farms only operate 5-6 days per week.

Q2. Can I work at multiple farms?

A. Yes, as long as you complete a total of 88 days. Farm A for 50 days + Farm B for 38 days = 88 days ✅

Q3. What if piece rate is below minimum wage?

A. This is illegal. Report to Fair Work or move to another farm.

Q4. Can I apply for second visa immediately after 88 days?

A. Yes, you can apply after completing 88 days. Applications can be made from inside or outside Australia.

Q5. Farm work is too hard. Can I quit?

A. Yes, you can quit anytime. However, giving 2 weeks' notice is professional courtesy.

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Conclusion

Farm work is challenging but offers both second visa and savings.

Key Summary:

1. ✅ Choose good farms (hourly rate $25+, 30-40 hours/week)
2. ✅ Plan seasons (use Harvest Trail)
3. ✅ Avoid scams (payslips essential, report to Fair Work)
4. ✅ Manage fitness (first 2 weeks are critical)
5. ✅ Keep 88-day proof documents

Next Steps:

1. Visit Harvest Trail website
2. Choose season and region
3. Prepare resume
4. Book backpacker hostel or sharehouse

Best of luck completing your 88 days! 🌾🚜🇦🇺✨

Related Articles:

• Australian Accommodation Complete Guide
• Australian TFN Application Complete Guide
• Australian Tax Return Complete Guide
• Australian Working Holiday Resume Writing Guide

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Related Articles

• Australian Working Holiday Resume Writing Guide
• Brisbane Working Holiday Guide
• Perth Working Holiday Guide
• Australian Accommodation Guide

About the Author The WHRESUME team is in their 3rd year living in Melbourne and genuinely supports Australian working holiday makers. This guide is based on feedback from the working holiday community and analysis of official Australian sources.

💬 Feedback Welcome: If you find outdated or inaccurate information, please let us know via Contact Us!

📌 Latest Information:

• Fair Work Ombudsman - Minimum wages and working conditions
• Harvest Trail - Farm job information
• Department of Home Affairs - Visa and 88-day requirements