Most seasonal and harvest workers in Australia are working holiday makers. Many need 3 or 6 months of regional farm work for their next visa, so they actively look for farm jobs in eligible postcodes. Advertise 3 to 6 weeks before your season, say clearly that the work counts for visa days, list the pay rate and any accommodation, and pay at least the award rate. Piece rates must let workers earn at least the minimum hourly rate.
Last checked: 13 November 2026
Who seasonal workers are
Australia’s harvest relies on two main groups: working holiday makers on 417 and 462 visas, and workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Working holiday makers are the most flexible option for short seasons. They can start within days, move between farms, and many are motivated by second and third year visa days.
Why visa days matter to your ad
Most 417 and 462 visa holders who want a second year visa need to complete 3 months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia, and 6 months for a third year. Plant and animal cultivation in an eligible postcode is the most common way to do it. UK citizens no longer need specified work. If your farm is in an eligible postcode, put it in the first line of your ad. Our regional postcode checker lets travellers confirm it.
Give accurate payslips and sign off work honestly. Home Affairs checks specified work claims, and fake sign-offs can cost both the traveller and the business.
When to advertise
- Grapes and vintage (Mildura, Barossa, Margaret River, Hunter): February to April. Advertise in January.
- Cherries (Tasmania, Young, Orange, Adelaide Hills): December to February. Advertise in November.
- Mangoes (Darwin, Katherine, Bowen, Mareeba): September to December. Advertise in August.
- Bundaberg and Queensland vegetables and fruit: most of the year, peaking March to November.
- Citrus (Riverland, Sunraysia, Riverina): most of the year.
Our harvest calendar lists every season by state.
What to pay
Most farm work is covered by the Horticulture Award or the Pastoral Award. Workers must get at least the minimum award rate for their level, plus the 25% casual loading for casuals. The national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026 ($33.05 casual), and award rates rose 4.75% on the same date.
Under the Horticulture Award, piece rates are allowed but must be set so workers earn at least the minimum hourly rate for their level. You need a written piecework agreement and records of hours worked. Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator and the Horticulture Award pay guide.
Accommodation and transport
Most travellers don’t have a car. Ads that include accommodation and transport to the farm get far more applications. If you charge for accommodation, it must be fair and agreed in writing, and deductions from pay must be authorised in writing and not unreasonable. Working hostels in farm towns can also house and transport your workers.
Using labour hire
If you use a labour hire provider, check they are licensed in states that require it, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. A licensed provider must pay award rates and keep proper records, and you can be caught up in their breaches.
How to write a farm job ad that works
- Start with the crop, the town and the start date.
- Say whether it counts for second or third year visa days.
- Give the pay: hourly rate, or piece rate with an honest estimate.
- List accommodation, transport and what workers need to bring.
- Say how long the season runs and how many hours a week to expect.
On TAW you can paste your ad or let our AI write it from a few answers.
Hire working holiday makers for free
Post a job in 2 minutes. Our team checks it, usually within one business day, and every application comes to your email with the CV attached.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I advertise for harvest workers?
Three to six weeks before you need them. Travellers plan their 88 days ahead and book accommodation early.
Can working holiday makers work longer than 6 months on my farm?
Yes. Plant and animal cultivation and agriculture are exempt from the 6 month limit anywhere in Australia.
Can I pay piece rates?
Yes, under a written piecework agreement, as long as the rate lets workers earn at least the minimum hourly rate for their level.
Does my farm count for the second year visa?
It does if the work is specified work, such as plant and animal cultivation, and your postcode is on the Home Affairs eligible list.
Is it free to post farm jobs on TAW?
Yes. Posting is free and applications come straight to your email with the CV attached.
Sources: Home Affairs: specified work conditions, Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work: minimum wage 2026. General information only.
