Cherry Picking Jobs in Australia is done in accordance with the sun. Australia’s southeastern states see the most activity during the harvest season, which normally lasts from mid-November to January. Leading the way is Tasmania, whose cherry season begins in mid December. Seasonal workers have a plethora of options, while Victoria and New South Wales trail closely behind. Cherry season is brief and intensive, in contrast to berry picking, which is available all year round. This situation creates a sense of urgency as well as opportunity farms require a large number of workers rapidly, so jobs are plentiful for those who arrive at the right moment.
Salary and Working Conditions
- Rates per hour: AUD $32 to AUD $39, contingent on award rates.
- Piece rates: Fast pickers might make more money at some farms that pay by the bucket.
- Workplace environments include scorching weather, repetitive lifting, and long hours spent outside.
- Accommodations: Many farms offer affordable lodging or camping spaces.
Australia Top Cherry Picking Regions
The cherry harvest in Australia takes place in several states, each with its own distinct climate, terrain, and employment prospects. Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley in Victoria are two of the biggest cherry-producing regions, with orchards spanning lush plains. Here, the season usually lasts from late November to December, and farms frequently employ a lot of working holiday visa holders and backpackers. Hourly wages range from AUD $30 to AUD $35, and the work is both physically taxing and fulfilling. Going north, the Young and Orange areas of New South Wales are well-known as the “Cherry Capital of Australia.” These places are perfect for cherry orchards because of their rich soils and cold climate, and December is the busiest harvest month. Long days working outside are to be expected, but the experience is made more culturally rich by the lively local communities and cherry festivals. Seasonal laborers can more easily settle in during the harvest because many of the farms here also provide lodging. Tasmania’s Spreyton and Launceston, located further south, are known for growing some of the nation’s sweetest cherries. Workers have more opportunities to make money because the picking season lasts into January due to the chilly weather. Tasmanian farms are frequently commended for their well-organized employment procedures and welcoming work conditions. Pay rates are competitive, frequently ranging from AUD $35 to AUD $39 per hour, and casual contracts are prevalent. The Adelaide Hills in South Australia are home to smaller but no less important cherry orchards. There, boutique farms offer seasonal labor in a charming environment. Despite having a lesser size than Victoria or New South Wales, the area provides stable summer employment. Cherry picking is less common in Western Australia; however, there are sporadic chances close to Perth, especially in Jandakot.
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Advantages of Cherry Picking Jobs in Australia
Cherry-picking is indeed labor-intensive. Your arms will be sore, your back will hurt, and most nights you’ll be exhausted when you go to bed. However, there is something particularly fulfilling about this type of work that attracts repeat customers. Benefits include events that can truly improve your life and go far beyond the weekly salary. One of the most significant advantages cherry picking offers to holders of working holiday visas is the possibility of a visa extension. You may be able to extend your stay in Australia for a second or even third year if you work in cherry orchards in regional Australia, which counts toward the 88 days of specified jobs required for visa renewal. Because it enables them to continue their Australian journey while earning money, this one perk alone attracts thousands of foreign workers to the orchards each season. Many employers provide accommodation support to ease the transition because they recognize the difficulties associated with moving to a rural region. Shared housing is frequently offered on-site or close by, which significantly lowers living expenses and removes the hassle of looking for lodging in new places. Rent is usually affordable and includes utilities, so you can save a large amount of your income. Particularly for more outlying jobs, some farms even offer refreshments during the workday in addition to transportation to and from work.
Responsibilities
Being aware of what is expected of you as a cherry picker helps you in your physical and mental preparation for the labor that lies ahead. Your particular role will determine the duties, but all jobs demand commitment meticulousness, and a strong work ethic. Harvesting ripe cherries from trees while upholding the highest standards of quality is the major duty of a cherry picker. This entails removing any underripe or broken fruit from the tree and carefully choosing those cherries that fit the ripeness and size specifications. To remove each cherry without harming the fruit or the tree, hold it by the stem between your thumb and index finger and twist gently close to the bud. Although it seems easy, mastering this technique takes practice, and performing it correctly thousands of times a day requires both physical stamina and focus. It is impossible to overstate the work’s physical aspect. In order to finish picking before the afternoon heat becomes intolerable, you’ll be on your feet for the majority of the day, frequently beginning at dawn. In addition to hauling picking buckets that can weigh seven to eight kilograms when full though they feel much heavier at the end of a long day you will get accustomed to climbing ladders frequently to reach fruit on larger branches. In order to reach cherries in challenging locations, your arms will be reaching overhead all the time, and your body will be bending and extending. Working outside requires adjusting to a variety of weather conditions, such as chilly mornings that leave dew on the grass, sweltering afternoons that tax your stamina, and sporadic downpours that can completely stop work.
How to Apply Cherry Picking Jobs in Australia
Many large firms have already opened applications for the 2025–2026 season. For example, Koala Cherries hires employees starting in November, while Reid Fruits only takes applications via their official website. Get the paperwork ready. The tax filing number (TFN), passport, and visa information are crucial.