HARVEST WORK VICTORIA
There’s no shortage of seasonal and harvest work opportunities in regional Victoria, especially between November and April. Famous grape growing areas in the Yarra Valley, Rutherglen and Victoria's Murray region, become hubs for seasonal work and are great places to base yourself to experience the 'real Australia'. Though January to April tends to be the busiest time for fruit picking, you're sure to be able to pick up work year round in Victoria's north east region.
You will need your passport, with a valid working holiday visa, bank account and tax file number to work.
"Specified" work and Visa extensions
Working Holiday Makers who spend at least 3 months (88 days) doing "specified work" in regional Australia are eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa and extend their stay in Australia by 12 months. For more information on Australian Working Holiday Visas and "specified work", visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at www.immi.gov.au.
Finding Harvest Work
You can apply for work directly through the vineyard or contact theHarvest Labour Provider in key regional locations including the Yarra Valley, Shepparton,
Cobram and Mildura. Many vineyards advertise in backpacker magazines and on–line job sites.
| Time | Region | Produce |
| December to March | Swan Hill / Cobram / | Stonefruit |
| Shepparton | ||
| February to April | Yarra Valley / Mildura / | Grapes / Citrus |
| Robin Vale / Swan Hill | ||
| Echuca / Shepparton | Tomatoes / Vegetables | |
| Mornington Peninsula | Grapes / Strawberries | |
| Late February to May | Yarra Valley / Shepparton | Apples / Pears |
| November to April | Mornington Peninsula / | Strawberries |
| Yarra Valley |
Four Victorian regions provide the most harvest work opportunities:
North–Western Victoria
| Swan Hill | Mildura | Piangil | Nyah |
| Nangiloc | Red Cliffs | Vinifera | Lake Boga |
| Robinvale | Woorinen | Merbein |
North–Eastern Victoria
| Beechworth | Kyabram | Shepparton | Cobram | |
| Myrtleford | Stanley | Echuca | Rutherglen | Tatura |
Melbourne Surrounds
| Koo Wee Rup | Mornington Peninsula | Yarra Valley |
Gippsland
| Bairnsdale | Lindenow | Maffra |
Read more about harvest work opportunities, plus working conditions, transport and accommodation in regional Victoria, on the Australian Government's Harvest Trail website.
