Australia’s agriculture industry offers a wide range of opportunities for farm workers, including fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, livestock work, packing, pruning and general farm labour. Jobs are available across regional areas of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and other parts of the country.
For people looking for seasonal or regional employment, farm worker jobs in Australia can be an attractive option. However, workers should understand visa requirements, wages, working conditions and how to avoid job scams before accepting an offer.
Types of Farm Worker Jobs in Australia
Farm work can involve different duties depending on the season and location. Common positions include:
- Fruit and vegetable pickers
- Fruit and vegetable packers
- Farm labourers
- Crop farm workers
- General farm hands
- Livestock farm workers
- Pruning and thinning workers
- Planting workers
- Nursery workers
- Machinery and equipment operators
- Harvest workers
- Dairy farm workers
Current listings on the Australian Government’s Workforce Australia platform include banana farm workers, citrus fruit pickers, mushroom farm workers, horticulture workers and general farm hands.
Where Can You Find Farm Jobs in Australia?
Agricultural jobs are often located in regional and rural areas rather than major cities. Opportunities can change throughout the year according to harvest seasons.
Some areas commonly associated with agricultural employment include:
Queensland
Queensland has opportunities in banana, avocado, citrus and other horticultural operations. Recent Workforce Australia listings include farm positions around Mareeba, East Palmerston, Japoonvale, Lakeland and other regional locations.
New South Wales
The Riverina and other regional areas have significant agricultural activity, including fruit and vegetable production.
Victoria
Victoria offers opportunities in horticulture, fruit production, vegetable growing and other agricultural industries. Workforce Australia currently lists horticulture positions in regional Victoria.
Western Australia
Western Australia also has seasonal agricultural employment, including farm hand and horticulture positions.
How to Find Farm Worker Jobs
One of the best places to start is the Australian Government’s Workforce Australia job-search platform. You can search for terms such as:
- “Farm Worker”
- “Farm Hand”
- “Fruit Picker”
- “Fruit Picker and Packer”
- “Harvest Worker”
- “Horticulture Worker”
- “Crop Farm Worker”
- “Livestock Farm Worker”
Workforce Australia provides filters for agriculture-related occupations, including crop farm workers, livestock farm workers, nursery workers and agricultural machinery operators.
Search farm jobs on Workforce Australia
Do You Need a Visa to Work on an Australian Farm?
Yes. If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you generally need a visa that allows you to work in Australia.
The appropriate visa depends on your circumstances, including how long you want to stay, your qualifications and the type of work you intend to perform. Workforce Australia notes that harvest work may be available to people holding eligible visas, including Working Holiday visas and workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Visa conditions can vary, so applicants should check their specific visa conditions before starting employment. Visa holders can use VEVO to check their current visa details and conditions.
Farm Worker Pay in Australia
Farm workers must receive the minimum pay and employment conditions that apply to their work.
For example, the Fair Work Ombudsman states that, from 1 July 2026, an adult casual worker picking fruit or vegetables and being paid an hourly rate should receive at least $32.18 per hour under the applicable horticulture arrangements. Different rates and arrangements can apply depending on the job, employment type and award.
Piece-rate workers also have specific protections. Employers must comply with applicable guaranteed minimum payment requirements when workers are paid according to how much they pick.
Always check the applicable award and your employment agreement before accepting a job.
Your Rights as a Farm Worker
Working on a visa does not mean you lose your workplace rights. Visa holders and migrant workers have workplace protections under Australian workplace law.
Before starting a farm job, make sure you understand:
- Your hourly or piece rate
- Working hours
- Overtime and penalty rates, where applicable
- Accommodation costs
- Transport costs
- Tax arrangements
- Superannuation
- Your employment conditions
Keep copies of your employment documents, timesheets and payslips.
Be Careful of Farm Job Scams
Unfortunately, some people looking for agricultural work can be targeted by dishonest labour-hire operators or fake job advertisements.
Be cautious if someone:
- Asks you to pay money to obtain a job
- Promises a guaranteed visa or sponsorship
- Offers unusually high earnings with little or no work
- Gives very little information about the employer
- Pressures you to travel immediately
- Cannot provide the legal business name or ABN
- Demands unexplained fees for accommodation or transport
The Fair Work Ombudsman specifically warns workers about job offers requiring upfront fees and offers that guarantee a quick visa or sponsored employment. It also advises workers to research the employer and check the business’s Australian Business Number (ABN).
Recent regulatory activity also shows why workers should check employers carefully. Australian authorities have been investigating alleged wage, tax and workplace-law breaches in the horticulture sector.
Tips for Getting a Farm Job
To improve your chances of finding work:
- Prepare a simple Australian-style resume.
- Mention any previous farm, warehouse, construction or physical-work experience.
- Highlight your availability and preferred work location.
- Apply through reputable job websites.
- Check the employer before travelling to a remote location.
- Confirm the pay rate and working conditions in writing.
- Make sure your visa permits the work.
- Keep records of hours worked and payments received.
Final Thoughts
Farm worker jobs in Australia can provide opportunities for people interested in seasonal, horticultural and agricultural employment. Jobs can include fruit picking, packing, planting, pruning, livestock work and general farm labour.
The most important steps are to find a legitimate employer, confirm that your visa permits the work, understand your pay and employment conditions, and know your workplace rights.
For current vacancies, start with Workforce Australia and search for terms such as “farm worker,” “fruit picker,” “farm hand” and “horticulture worker.” Always verify the latest visa and employment requirements through official Australian Government sources before travelling or accepting a job.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not immigration or legal advice. Visa rules, job vacancies and employment rates can change, so check the relevant Australian Government and Fair Work sources for the latest information.