Australia is a BIG country. There are countless regions to find farm work/ fruit picking to extend your 2nd Year Visa, from the sunny tropics of North Queensland down to the wine regions of South Australia and Western Australia. Here are 5 regions recommended by iBackpacker to check out on your travels:
1. Margaret River, Western Australia
Home to beautiful beaches, expansive vineyards, ancient forests, and friendly locals, Margaret River is a hidden gem that is worth the trip to WA. Located 3 hours south of Perth by car, your best bet here is to look for vineyard work or farm jobs year round. Learn how to surf, do a wine tour, and sample the cheese and chocolate factories while in the area!
2. Mildura, Victoria
The citrus centre of Victoria, Mildura boasts a bustling regional town centre with some classic Aussie pubs and hotels. Citrus picking and packing season runs throughout the whole year and there is always some pruning and maintenance work to be done as well. While staying near Mildura definitely go for a hike in the Murray Sunset National Park to see some native Australian wildlife and fauna.
3.Young, New South Wales
Located 4 hours by car from Sydney, Young is the cherry producing capital of Australia. With gentle rolling hills and countless cute country towns around this regional is a great place to experience the quiet Australian regional lifestyle. Between the many cherry producers and farms in the area there is always work available, so be sure to keep this in mind when venturing west from Sydney!
4. Mundubbera, Queensland
Mundubbera is a Queensland staple when it comes to farm work and fruit picking, with citrus, mangoes, avocadoes, and stonefruit being grown in the area year round. While Mundubbera attracts seasonal workers from around the world, the town remains relatively undeveloped leaving a classic Australian charm within its borders. Known as a gateway to the outback, Mundubbera can be your last stop before venturing out into the sun burnt centre of Australia.
5. Bowen, Queensland
Backpackers have been going bananas for Bowen for years now, as one of the banana growing hubs of the North and home to consistently beautiful sunny weather. You might recognize Bowen in the movie Australia produced by Baz Luhrmann, and while you are here make sure to check out the countless stunning beaches nearby including Kings Beach, Queens Beach, Horseshoe Bay, and Front Beach.
All of these regions are beautiful and offer a different perspective on the Australian regional lifestyle, and are great boxes to tick while completing your required work for your 2nd year visa. If you are looking for backpacker jobs in Australia, remember to check out the iBackpacker mobile app!
