FRUIT PICKING

The beautiful Queensland town of Bowen is known as the Gem of the Coral Coast, and is one of the largest produce growing regions in Australia.
Tomatoes, mangoes, cucumbers, capsicums, corn, beans and paw paw are just some of the many crops grown in the region, and it's possible for workers to get up to six months' seasonal work.
Between 3000 and 5000 casual pickers are needed during the year, with the tomato harvest requiring the most.
Vegetable harvesting begins as early as May and continues until November, while the mango harvest commences late in November and lasts for about six weeks.
Produce crops are harvested solely for the fresh food market, which requires great care when picking and handling, with most growers paying piece rates based on the quantity picked.
Bowen's spectacular coral reefs make it something of a Mecca for divers, but be warned ? many people who've gone to work in Bowan have decided to remain there permanently.

About 300km south of Darwin, Katherine is a haven for crocodile watchers and mango lovers. And for people who like both and want to earn some bucks along the way, demand for casual labour is at its peak in the region between September and November.
Manballoo Mangoes is the largest farm in the Territory and is 24 km from Katherine. The fruit is sold on the local Australian market and for export.
Watermelons are also harvested in Katherine from October to December, while station hands, hospitality and retail workers are also in demand from late March until October.
Construction of the Alice Springs to Darwin railway line, which could take up to two years, will also increase demand for skilled and unskilled labour.
And after a hard day's work, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is an environmental wonderland ? with cruises available that showcase, Aboriginal paintings dotted on cliff walls ?and the Katherine River's other famous attraction, crocodiles.

Berry, in the heart of the SA Riverland, is one of Australia's largest citrus areas and produces the bulk of fresh fruit juice for the domestic market.
Little wonder that it's home to the Big Orange, the largest fibreglass sphere
in the southern hemisphere.
Camping enthusiasts enjoy many scenic areas along the river, including the River Murray National Park, which also features the Kia Kia nature trail.
Mandarins and naval oranges are harvested from May to August, with valencia oranges picked from August to late December. The apricot harvest starts in December, with the grape
harvest in full swing from February until mid-April. As well as picking there’s a demand for other workers, including shed hands, drivers, packers and maintenance staff.

Harvest guide

Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania

Fruit picking