When I first started looking into working abroad, I never imagined that fruit picking jobs in Australia would be my doorway. I wasn’t a farmer. I wasn’t even outdoorsy. But here I am today, sharing my real journey—from applying for a visa to working in the Australian countryside—and how this “unskilled” job ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.
Why I Chose Fruit Picking in Australia
Back home, opportunities were limited. I was looking for a job that didn’t require a degree, gave me the chance to work abroad, and ideally, offered visa sponsorship. That’s when I stumbled upon Australia’s seasonal work program—specifically fruit picking jobs with visa sponsorship under the Working Holiday Visa and Seasonal Worker Program.
It wasn’t glamorous. But it was real, legal work. And it paid.
Visa Options for Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia
Depending on where you are from and your age, there exist a few visa options:
First Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)
- In case of individuals between the age of 18-30 (35 in some countries)
- You can work for up to 12 months (with extensions possible)
- Allows you to work in regional areas like farms, orchards, and vineyards
- Common for young people from countries like UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, etc.
2. Seasonal Worker Program (SWP)
- Target audience: individuals of certain nations located in the Pacific, Southeast and South Asia (such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal)
- Sponsorship is provided by approved Australian employers
- Contracts last between 3 to 9 months
- Employers usually cover flights, accommodation, and work permits
Note: I was eligible under SWP, and my employer handled the sponsorship. All I had to do was apply, show my documents, and wait for approval.
How I Found the Job
I started searching online and joined a few job forums and Facebook groups where farmers and contractors post vacancies. Some sites I used:
- Official government job boards (like Harvest Trail)
- Recruitment agencies specializing in farm work
- Word-of-mouth from people already working in Australia
After emailing a few farms and sharing my passport and documents, I finally got an offer from a fruit farm in Victoria—they were harvesting apples and pears.
The Process of Getting Sponsored
Once selected, the employer submitted my details under the SWP. The steps were:
- Job offer received
- Visa paperwork submitted through the Australian government portal
- Medical check-up and police clearance
- Visa granted in about 3–4 weeks
- Airline ticket secured (the employer partially covers the expenses)
The working conditions that came with the visa were very clear, and the employer offered a place to stay, close to the farm, transport to the job site, and a work contract that specified my hours and paying rates.
What It is Like: The Actual Fruit Picking Business
Picking of fruits is tough. It is not sugar-coated. You get up early say at 5 or 6 AM and work till mid-afternoon. There’s:
- Apple picking, mango picking, berries, citrus fruits
- Sorting and packing in the sheds
- Standing long hours under the sun
But here’s the good part:
Hourly pay ranged from AUD $22 to $30
Weekends were sometimes optional (for extra cash)
Overtime pay during peak season
Chance to meet people from different countries
Over the course of 6 months, I saved enough money to send back home, explore a few cities on my off days, and even renew my contract for another season.
Why Visa Sponsorship Matters
For people like me who don’t qualify for a Working Holiday Visa, visa sponsorship through programs like the SWP is a golden ticket. It’s:
- Legal and protected work
- Often comes with pre-arranged housing
- Helps build a work history in Australia
- Possible pathway to skilled visa programs later on
Some people I worked with eventually moved on to training roles, farm supervisors, or even got sponsored for full-time farm work visas.
Related: Hotel Jobs in Germany for Foreign Workers
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in Australia (With Sponsorship)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Work Visa | Sponsored through SWP or WHV programs |
| Good Earning Potential | AUD $1,000–$1,500 per fortnight (depends on effort and season) |
| Free/Low-Cost Accommodation | Often provided by employer or farm contractor |
| Multicultural Environment | Work with people from Asia, Europe, South America, etc. |
| No Formal Education Required | Just physical ability, discipline, and willingness to work hard |
Final Reflection: Is It Worth It?
100% yes. It’s not a forever job, but it’s a life-changing opportunity. I gained:
- International work experience
- A legal path to earn abroad
- New friends and life lessons
- The satisfaction of doing honest, hard work in a new country
So, if you’re sitting there wondering, “Can I really go to Australia without a degree and make a living?” — let me tell you, yes, you can. You just need to be willing to start somewhere.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Am I able to get a fruit picking job in Australia without any experience?
Yes it is possible. Fruit picking jobs are mostly entry-level jobs that do not demand any experience. Unless you are physically capable and ready to work under different climatic conditions, then you can apply.
What visa will I require to work at a fruit picking job in Australia?
You normally require one of the following:
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) – The working holiday visa is available to individuals aged 1830 or 35 where you are staying in countries that have a working holiday agreement with Australia.
Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) – consists of workers of specific countries, and frequently employer sponsorship is provided.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme- the same as SWP but longer term rural/agricultural work.
What are the ways of locating visa sponsored fruit-picking work in Australia?
There are ways to find jobs by:
Governmental areas such as harvest trail
Farm labor contractors who have been registered
The authorized SWP /PALM program employers
Farm work recruitment firms
Are fruit picking jobs high paying in Australia?
Wages are also different among farms and fruit seasons. The minimum hourly rate that you will receive is AUD 22-30 on average. Other farms are piece rates (pay per bucket or crate), others work on the hour.
Will accommodation be availed by the employer?
Most of the employers will provide or offer shared accommodation around the farm. Depending on the contract, it can be offered at a discounted weekly rate or be free.
Is fruit picking work going to bring permanent residence?
It cannot in a direct way, but it can acquire work history in Australia. With the experience you acquire, you can be in a position to apply for regional sponsorship, skilled migration, and even the employer nomination through the other visa categories.