Australia’s Working Holiday Visa program offers backpackers the unique opportunity to explore the country while earning money. One popular job among backpackers is cherry picking, especially in regions like Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Known for its stunning landscapes and thriving orchards, Adelaide Hills is a hotspot for seasonal work. Here’s a comprehensive guide for backpackers looking to find a job in fruit picking in Adelaide Hills.
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Fruit Picking in Australia
Fruit Picking is an all-encompassing term for all manual work in the agricultural field. This includes picking fruit, packing fruit, pruning trees and planting seeds. These types of jobs are seasonal and are therefore perfect for those who wish to travel while working in Australia for short or medium periods of time. Very popular with Working Holiday Visa makers, picking jobs do not require any particular skills or a very good level of English. Agricultural jobs are physical, however, so you’ll need to be in good physical condition if you want to try.
Fruit picking work days usually start early. This is because the days are hot in Australia, so workers start as early as possible to keep cool. You’ll usually meet at the farm shed to get kitted up and head out to your picking trees… You’ll usually be out in the fields by 7am.
Why choose cherry picking in Adelaide Hills?
Cherry picking season in Adelaide Hills typically runs from late November to early January. During this period, orchards require a large number of workers to harvest the cherries at their peak ripeness. This high demand creates ample job opportunities for backpackers.
Cherry pickers are usually paid per kilogram of cherries picked, which means the more you pick, the more you earn. On average, you can expect to make between AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour, depending on your efficiency and the orchard’s pay rate.
Working in Adelaide Hills offers more than just a paycheck. The region is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards providing a stunning backdrop to your workday.
Cherry picking is often done in teams, which means you’ll be working alongside other backpackers and locals. This creates a sense of community and can lead to lasting friendships.
How to find a job in picking?
Government Website
The Australian government has set up a map dedicated to fruit picking. You can see some positions available in farms all over the country and get more details on the jobs. Once you click on the offer, you will get the contact details of the agency you need to go through or will need to call the Harvest Trail on 1800062332 to register.
The Backpackers Guide – farm contacts
The Backpackers Guide is a free guide that gives you access to many farm contacts (over 500 throughout the country). This is a great time saver as you will have a lot less work to do researching, and that is not negligible.
Download our complete guide to Work in Australia
- Best jobs in cities & farms
- Certificates & training requirements
- Visa options for residency
- Farms & Mining contact listing
Directly contacting Orchards
Door-to-door canvassing is one of the most effective ways to find a job. It is obvious that farmers will appreciate meeting you before giving you a job. For those who do not speak English well, contact will be easier than over telephone. Visit the farms during working hours to make sure you find someone on the property.
Word of mouth
Talk about your search to people around you. Don’t hesitate to talk to people you meet. At the pub, at the beach, in a park, talk to the locals. Australians are altruistic, and will not hesitate to lend you a hand if they have the opportunity. Talk to other backpackers you meet in hostels.
Local employment agencies
Contact local employment agencies in Adelaide or Adelaide Hills that specialize in agricultural and seasonal work. They can connect you with orchard owners looking for workers.
What fruit and vegetables to pick in Adelaide?
Adelaide Hills is located 30 kilometres east of Adelaide. It’s an important wine growing area, but you can also pick other fruits such as apples, pears and cherries. Here are the best times to pick fruit in the Adelaide area.
Apple and pear picking: February to May
Grape picking: February to April
Grape pruning: June to December (pruning of vines)
Cherry picking: November to January
Read also : Fruit Picking Calendar
Cherry Picking in Adelaide Hills – Feedback
A typical Day
When you arrive at your tree rows, the boss will come by to give you instructions. Then it’s off for several hours of picking… For cherry picking, you generally fill buckets before emptying them into a crate.
Mid the morning, you will have a 10 minutes break… it’s the smoko. You drink water, have a snack to get your strength back before going back into the trees.
After 4 hours of picking, it’s time for lunch. Back to the shed, you will have a break in the sun for lunch…
Then change of spot for another variety of cherries (this usually implies a slightly different picking). You will sometimes make surprising discoveries in the trees, birds’ nests or even things that are a bit less nice (we let you guess). After a few hours and to take a break from the heat, you stop picking.
Then comes the cherry packing part! Very repetitive task, it’s not the most fun part, except maybe when it’s 40°C outside!
The packing consists of sorting the cherries. The principle is simple: eyes riveted on the treadmill watching the cherries go by, you take the damaged ones, to put them in the bin.
The day usually ends around 5pm. You will have a break in the afternoon for a snack and especially to take a break from the packing.
Summary of our cherry picking experience
Cherries are not the most difficult fruit to pick, quite the contrary! Indeed, even if you have to be careful when picking them (to avoid damaging them and keeping the tail), they are light fruits so they are less painful for your back. The disadvantage is that it takes longer to fill our crates. The main thing is to be paid by the hour and not by the output! It should be noted that the Fair Work has passed legislation imposing a pay of 25$ per hour for pieceworkers.
Summary of the day : Intense and tiring, but cherry picking is still great !
Earnings : 130$net/person
Tips for success
Stay Fit and Healthy: Cherry picking is physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength. Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest to keep up with the work.
Be Efficient: Efficiency is key to maximizing your earnings. Learn the best techniques for picking cherries quickly and carefully to avoid damaging the fruit and trees.
Build Relationships: Forming good relationships with your employers and fellow workers can make your experience more enjoyable and may lead to additional job opportunities in the future.
Stay Positive: The work can be tough, but maintaining a positive attitude will help you persevere through the long days. Focus on the benefits, such as the money you’re earning and the beautiful environment you’re working in.
You’re also up for some Fruit Picking in Adelaide or somewhere else in Australia. Then check out our article about Fruit Picking in Australia.
