Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Fruit picker jobs in Australia is one of the most rewarding and easily accessible pathways for foreigners who dream of live and work in Australia

Every year, thousands of people from around the world travel to Australia’s farmlands to take part in the country’s booming agricultural industry — a sector that plays a vital role in feeding millions at home and abroad.

Australia’s vibrant agricultural sector is facing an ever-growing demand for labour, especially during harvest seasons when fruits like apples, mangoes, oranges, and berries are ripe for picking.

This demand has opened doors for foreign workers seeking both income and international experience. The best part? You don’t need a university degree or prior farm experience to get started.

With visa sponsorship opportunities available, a fruit picker job allows you to earn, travel, and enjoy the stunning Australian countryside while building a better future abroad.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing a fruit picker job in Australia with visa sponsorship.

What is a Fruit Picker Job?

A fruit picker job in Australia is a hands-on agricultural role where you help harvest fresh fruits from farms, orchards, and plantations during the growing season.

Your main task is to pick ripe fruits carefully, such as apples, oranges, grapes, berries, and mangoes, ensuring they are not bruised or damaged.

Fruit pickers are essential in Australia’s farming industry, especially during harvest months when crops are ready to be collected and packed for distribution.

Depending on the type of farm, you might also be involved in sorting, grading, and packing fruits, as well as maintaining orchard cleanliness and following safety procedures.

This job is perfect if you enjoy outdoor work, fresh air, and physical activity. It doesn’t require advanced skills or education — just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to work hard.

Responsibilities of a Fruit Picker

Working as a fruit picker in Australia involves a variety of practical, hands-on tasks that keep farms running smoothly during harvest season.

Your main goal is to ensure that fruits are picked, sorted, and packed efficiently while maintaining quality standards.

Here are the key responsibilities you’ll handle in a fruit picker job in Australia:

Harvesting ripe fruits: Carefully pick fruits by hand or with simple tools to avoid bruising or damaging them.
Sorting and grading: Separate fruits based on size, color, and quality before packaging.
Packing produce: Place fruits into crates, boxes, or bins for transportation and storage.
Carrying and lifting: Move filled baskets and containers safely throughout the workday.
Farm maintenance: Assist with cleaning work areas, removing debris, and caring for plants.
Following safety procedures: Wear protective gear, stay hydrated, and follow farm safety rules.
Team collaboration: Work closely with other pickers, supervisors, and packers to meet daily targets.

Benefits of a Fruit Picker Job

Taking on a fruit picker job in Australia comes with a wide range of personal, professional, and financial benefits. Here are some of the top benefits you can enjoy:

Easy entry and no experience required

You don’t need a degree or previous farm experience. Most employers provide on-the-job training, so anyone can start quickly.

Competitive pay rates

Fruit pickers in Australia typically earn between AUD $25 to $35 per hour, with opportunities for overtime or piece-rate bonuses during busy seasons.

Accommodation support

Many farms offer free or affordable shared housing and meals, helping you save more money.

Visa sponsorship opportunities

Several employers are willing to sponsor eligible foreign workers, making it easier to work legally in Australia.

Active and outdoor lifestyle

You’ll stay fit, enjoy fresh air, and work surrounded by nature.

Meet new people

Fruit picking attracts workers from all over the world, creating a vibrant, multicultural environment.

Seasonal flexibility

You can choose short-term or long-term work based on your travel or visa plans.

Why Australia Needs Fruit Pickers

Australia’s agricultural industry is one of the largest in the world, producing millions of tons of fruits every year for both local consumption and export.

However, despite this strong demand, the country faces a chronic shortage of farm labour, especially during harvest seasons. That’s why fruit picker jobs in Australia are always in high demand and why foreign workers like you play a crucial role in keeping the industry thriving.

Many of Australia’s fruit farms are located in rural and remote regions, far from major cities. Local workers often prefer urban jobs, leaving farms understaffed when it’s time to harvest crops.

As a result, the government and employers actively recruit international workers through visa sponsorship programs such as the Seasonal Worker Program and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

Taking a fruit picker job in Australia means you’re helping fill essential labour gaps, supporting farmers, and contributing to the country’s food supply chain — all while gaining valuable work experience in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Basic Requirements for Fruit Picker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

If you’re interested in a fruit picker job in Australia with visa sponsorship, the good news is that the requirements are simple and achievable for most foreigners.

Here are the key requirements you’ll need to meet:

Valid Passport:
You must have a valid passport from your home country to apply for both the job and visa.

Work Visa Eligibility:
Most fruit pickers work under the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 403) or the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP). These allow approved employers to sponsor foreign workers for short-term agricultural roles.

Physical Fitness:
Fruit picking involves bending, lifting, and working outdoors for long hours. You should be physically fit and capable of performing manual labour.

Basic English Skills:
Being able to understand and follow simple instructions helps you work safely and communicate with supervisors.

Reliability and Work Ethic:
Farms value workers who are punctual, consistent, and willing to complete their contract duration.

Health and Character Checks:
Australian visa regulations often require a basic medical exam and police clearance to ensure you meet health and character standards.

Willingness to Work in Rural Areas:
Most fruit picker jobs in Australia are located in regional towns or countryside areas — you’ll need to be open to living and working away from big cities.

Types of Fruit Picker Jobs and Salary

When you apply for a fruit picker job in Australia, you’ll discover that there are many types of picking roles depending on the region, season, and type of fruit being harvested.

Each type offers different work conditions, durations, and pay rates. This gives you flexibility to choose what fits your lifestyle and goals.

Here are the most common types of fruit picking jobs available across Australia:

Berry Picking

Includes strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. This work is often fast-paced and paid by the piece (per kilogram or tray). Berry picking is popular in Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria.

Apple and Pear Picking

Found mainly in Victoria and Tasmania. Work involves climbing ladders, picking fruits by hand, and carrying heavy bags. Pay is usually hourly or piece-based.

Citrus Fruit Picking

Oranges, lemons, and mandarins are picked in Queensland and New South Wales. The work is consistent and pays well for those with stamina.

Grape Picking

Common in South Australia’s wine regions like the Barossa Valley. You’ll help harvest grapes for wine production — a favourite among working holidaymakers.

Mango and Avocado Picking

These tropical fruits are harvested in Northern Territory and North Queensland. Work is often seasonal but pays higher rates due to hot conditions.

Salary and Earnings

The average fruit picker salary in Australia ranges from AUD $25 to $35 per hour, depending on the farm, crop type, and experience.

Some farms use piece-rate pay, where your earnings depend on how much you pick — the faster you work, the more you make.

On average, a dedicated worker can earn AUD $900–$1,200 per week during peak seasons.

A fruit picker job in Australia offers steady income, flexibility, and the chance to enjoy life outdoors while saving money, whether you prefer a short-term contract or a full harvest season.

How to Apply for Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship

Applying for a fruit picker job in Australia with visa sponsorship is straightforward once you know the right steps. Follow the steps below to start your journey toward living and working in Australia:

1. Check Your Visa Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you qualify for a visa that allows farm work. The most common options include:

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 403) under the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP)
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) for eligible countries
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme for Pacific island nationals

2. Search for Job Openings

Visit trusted Australian job portals and recruitment agencies such as:

SEEK
Indeed Australia
Agri Labour Australia
Harvest Trail
MADEC Australia

3. Prepare Your Documents

Have the following ready:

Updated resume or CV
Valid passport copy
Proof of work experience (if any)
Police clearance and health certificates

4. Apply Directly to Employers

Submit your application through the farm’s website or via a recruitment agency. Some employers may conduct short video or phone interviews.

5. Receive Job Offer and Visa Sponsorship

Once hired, your employer will nominate you for visa sponsorship. After visa approval, you can travel to Australia and begin work.

Top Employers Hiring Fruit Pickers with Visa Sponsorship

Employer / Agency	Key Info / Region	Notes on Visa Sponsorship or Ad Status
Costa Group	Farms across QLD, NSW, SA, TAS	Often lists blueberry, strawberry & citrus roles; may offer SWP/PALM sponsorship.
Viterra	Victoria & South Australia (Grampians, Horsham)	Seasonal harvest roles; sponsorship mentioned in some vacancies.
Cubbie Ag	Western Queensland	Farm hand roles with meals & accommodation; visa sponsorship possible.
Simfresh SA	Riverland, South Australia	Regular seasonal hires; visa sponsorship advertised at times.
Serra Farming Pty Ltd	Tolga, Cairns & Far North QLD	Avocado & banana roles; sponsorship appears in some listings.
Fox Orchards Pty Ltd	Pemberton, Bunbury & SW WA	Seasonal fruit farm workers; visa sponsorship in some adverts.
GO.FARM Australia Pty Ltd	Katunga, Shepparton & Goulburn Valley, VIC	Farm hands frequently recruited; “visa sponsorship available” appears in some ads.
FMD Produce Pty Ltd	Rocklea, Brisbane, QLD	Picker & packer roles; some postings note sponsorship support.
Aurora Dairies	Tasmania (Montagu area)	Farm hand roles listed with sponsorship mentions for full-time positions.
Genesis Co. Pty Ltd	Bowen, Northern Queensland	Farm worker vacancies sometimes show visa sponsorship flags.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia

1. Can I get a fruit picker job in Australia without a degree?
Yes! Most farms don’t require any formal education. Hard work, reliability, and physical fitness matter more than qualifications.

2. Do these jobs really come with visa sponsorship?
Many do. Employers under programs like the Seasonal Worker Programme or PALM Scheme can sponsor eligible workers.

3. What’s the minimum age to apply?
You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for most visas and farm work contracts.

4. How long does the visa process take?
It depends on your country and visa type, but usually 4–8 weeks once all documents are submitted.

5. Do I need to speak perfect English?
Not at all — basic conversational English is enough to follow instructions and communicate with team members.

6. How long are fruit picker contracts?
Most last between 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the crop and season.

7. Can couples or friends apply together?
Yes, many farms welcome group applications, especially if you’re flexible about work location.

8. Is accommodation included?
Often yes. Many employers provide on-site or nearby housing at a small weekly deduction from your pay.

9. What kind of visa do I need?
Common options include the Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462) or the Temporary Work Visa (403) for sponsored roles.

10. Can fruit picking lead to permanent residency?
Potentially. Completing regional work can help you qualify for extended visas or future skilled migration pathways.

Conclusion

If you’ve been dreaming about working abroad and starting a new chapter, a fruit picker job in Australia could be your perfect opportunity.

These jobs open the door to cultural exchange, travel, and personal growth. You’ll meet people from all over the world, enjoy Australia’s stunning rural landscapes, and gain hands-on experience in one of the country’s most vital industries.

With visa sponsorship available for qualified workers, the path is simpler than you might think. Whether you want short-term seasonal work or a long-term career in agriculture, Australia’s farming sector welcomes hardworking and motivated individuals like you.

So, if you’re ready to take the leap, apply for a fruit picker job in Australia.

Fruit Picker Jobs in Australia With Visa Sponsorship

What is a Fruit Picker Job?

Responsibilities of a Fruit Picker