Are you planning to backpack your way around Australia and looking for a way to fund your adventures as you go? Backpackers are in consistently high demand on farms around the country, and if you want to earn, explore and experience the best of Australia, securing a farm job can allow you to do both.
Backpackers who find work through Agri Labour Australia have the opportunity to travel far and wide while earning a good wage – an ideal solution for travellers who want to work amongst truly unique regional scenery, from the bright orange plains and brilliant sunrises to glorious starry nights.
If you’re considering funding your Aussie backpacking trip with a job in the agriculture industry, you may have a few questions about the process of finding work. For example, our candidates often want to know:
How do I get a farm job in Australia?
What jobs are available on a farm?
What is considered regional work in Australia?
Do you get paid for regional work in Australia?
How much does farm work pay in Australia?
What is the best place to do farm work in Australia?
We’ve compiled the answers to all of these questions in one place for you below.
How do I get a farm job in Australia?
In order to get a backpacker job in Australia, the first thing you’ll need is the legal right to work in the country. For those travelling from overseas, this means applying for and securing the appropriate visa for the type of work you intend to do. For more information on the different visa categories and the terms relating to each, visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Once all of the relevant documentation has been arranged and approved, it’s time to start making applications. The challenge, then, is determining which job will be the best fit for you – particularly if you have not worked in the agriculture industry before. As job availability can vary by location and season, it’s wise to research the work opportunities that coincide with your planned trip. Finding a job that offers good conditions, suits your strengths and aligns with your travel plans may require the expertise of a certified, compliant agricultural recruitment agency may be the best approach, particularly for new entrants to the industry. Then, with the right job, fair treatment and good pay, you’ll be able to enjoy your Australian adventure to the fullest.
What jobs are available on a farm?
Given the variety of job opportunities available on farms all year round, it’s important to go in with an understanding of the type of work you want to do. Out in the field, there’s an abundance of work available, from fruit picking and crop harvesting to operating various machinery, provided you have the right licence. If you prefer to work indoors, there are also plenty of jobs available in packing and weighing facilities. Given that you could be working long days in the job you choose, it’s important to find something that you enjoy. This way, even the longest days will be memorable for the right reasons.
What is considered regional work in Australia?
Regional work generally refers to any work done in the agriculture, forestry, mining, construction and fishing industries. While international workers often take on these jobs to meet their visa work obligations and extend their stay in Australia, the opportunities are also available to locals.
Do you get paid for regional work in Australia?
Yes – provided that you go through a compliant employer, any regional work you do should be paid at or above award rates; however, the final rate of pay may differ depending on the level of skill and experience required for the job and the employer’s pay structure. In addition to the information you’ll receive from employers, it’s important to do your own research into the correct rates of pay for the industry and type of work so that you can go into the job knowledgeable and prepared.
How much does farm work pay in Australia?
For a prospective farm worker, the agriculture industry is full of opportunities to fund your travels, top up your savings or send money to your family overseas. However, as pay can vary by role, employer award and pay structure (hourly wage or piece rate), it’s important to get familiar with standard rates for your industry and position. Those who are able to work quickly and consistently over long periods of time have the potential to rake in significant financial rewards, particularly under a piece rate pay structure, and highly experienced candidates may be eligible to take on more senior positions and earn higher rates.
Where is the best place to do farm work in Australia?
“Farm work” is a blanket term for a wide variety of job opportunities, and with reputable employers stationed across the country, there’s almost no limit to what you could see and experience in the Aussie outback. With so much on offer, the idea of the “best” place to do farm work becomes subjective – however, as the type of work available in the agriculture industry can vary significantly depending on location, it is a major factor in many candidates’ job selection.
Workers with the travel bug may choose their jobs based on proximity to Australia’s many unique tourist destinations and attractions. Of course, if there are many different attractions on your agenda, Australia’s harvest season offers the perfect opportunity to extend your working experience and travel across the country. To find out more about available harvest roles, click here.
Ready for the ultimate backpacker experience in Australia?
There’s so much to explore around Australia, and with such a wide variety of roles on offer, it’s a great time to embrace the backpacker lifestyle. With a job that aligns with your travel plans, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the best of life on the land like so many of the candidates who have become part of #myagrifamily. To find out more about what it’s like to work in the Aussie ag industry, check out our candidate testimonials or read stories from our past candidates on our blog.
Talk to the agricultural recruitment specialists
If you’re looking for work in the Australian agriculture industry, Agri Labour Australia has a wide range of opportunities to suit your skills and preferences. We have been recruiting workers in the agricultural industry since 2010, and our candidate care policy makes us an employer of choice for thousands of workers who come from overseas to work, travel and play in Australia. When you secure a position with Agri Labour Australia, you don’t just take a job – you become part of a family, and our thousands-strong #myagrifamily candidate network is always growing.
Want to join us on a job? This is your chance to earn and experience more – click here for more information about our available opportunities.
