Agricultural Labor and Boxo's Bizarre Down Under Expedition
In the land down under, backpackers can find a unique and rewarding work opportunity: farm work. From information exchanges with fellow travellers to job postings on hostel noticeboards, Facebook groups, and websites like Backpackerjobboard.com.au, finding farm jobs in Australia is within reach.
The author, a backpacker who recently arrived in Australia at the end of November 2023, embarked on a journey to complete the 88 days required for a second year working holiday visa through farm work. The challenges of farm work are numerous, including weather conditions, physical demands, and the initial difficulty managing the work. However, the author offers a helpful tip: focus on jobs that involve picking fruits from belly or shoulder height, such as lychees and avocados, as these are easier on the body compared to fruits that grow on the ground, like strawberries and potatoes.
The author's first farm job was picking lychees on Van Rooyen's farm in Queensland. After four days, they were promoted to buggy driver. The workdays for lychee picking were from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm, as the heat made the fruits soft and damaged them too quickly. The avocado season started in March, and the author worked five days a week from 7 am to 3/4 pm.
Australia is one of the largest agricultural operators in the world, offering a variety of vegetable, fruit, and grain jobs. The harvest season in Queensland starts around November and can last until late August or early September. Farm work can encompass harvest work on plantations, preparatory work, animal farm work like stable work or caring for cows, and more.
The author found job listings for farm work on the website backpackerjobboard.com.au but was not successful with their applications. However, they were fortunate to help with cleanup work on the farm for another month after the lychee season ended, providing them with full-time employment.
The author's manager and supervisor during the avocado season, Mick, was a larger-than-life Aussie character who occasionally joined the workers for drinks at the pub.
Here's a breakdown of key regions and their primary crops in Australia:
| Region | Primary Crops | |-------|--------------| | Queensland | Bananas, mangoes, sugarcane | | New South Wales | Berries, grapes, dairy, citrus | | Victoria | Dairy farms, orchards, vegetables | | South Australia | Vineyards, stone fruits | | Western Australia | Wheat, sheep, melon farms | | Tasmania | Berries, apples, seasonal harvest |
These regions offer a variety of farm work opportunities during different parts of the harvest season. For example, blueberry picking occurs primarily in Tasmania, Victoria, and parts of New South Wales from early summer to early autumn.
Tips for finding farm work include checking job listings on websites like RFTTEJOBS for cattle and sheep stations, Left Field for various farm work, and BackpackerJobBoard for fruit picking jobs. It's also essential to consider visa requirements, such as the PALM scheme or other visa sponsorships offered by some farms. Lastly, planning your job search according to the harvest seasons in different regions can maximize opportunities.
In conclusion, farm work in Australia offers a unique opportunity for backpackers to learn about agriculture, engage in physical activity, meet new people, and potentially save money. With the right approach and a bit of perseverance, farm work can be a rewarding experience for those seeking adventure and a chance to immerse themselves in the Australian countryside.
To supplement their working holiday visa, the author recommends considering other lifestyle options, such as home-and-garden jobs, in addition to farm work. For instance, during the off-season, one could look into gardening or landscaping opportunities in various regions.
The author's experiences demonstrate that by focusing on lifestyle jobs that cater to one's physical abilities, like home-and-garden work or fruit-picking from shoulder or belly height, one can ensure a more comfortable and rewarding work experience in Australia.
