How to Find Specified Regional Work in Australia

Like with most things the place to start is Google, a generic Google search will throw up numerous websites advertising all sorts of rural farm work, there are the larger job advertising sites such as Indeed or Jora however this is where everybody looks and you’re likely to be competing with a large number of backpackers! Similarly there is the Backpacker Job Board which can be helpful but often it is the same story.

If you are prepared to be a bit more proactive, find out which fruit and veg is in season in each state of Australia, as that tells you where there is likely to be work for the more seasonal produce. Many jobs are available through working backpacker hostels which are set up in rural areas where there are often jobs available, they all operate on a first come first serve basis and require you to stay at the hostel to secure the work so you have to venture there and find out.

Some of the most insightful information with regards to farm jobs is spread through word of mouth, so when you are out and about with fellow backpackers chat to them as there’s a good chance they’ve completed their 88 days and willing to help. Similarly there are useful Facebook groups that offer a similar service as well as job postings from farmers themselves. The one thing to watch out for is a scam, as unfortunately there are people out there trying to take advantage of the many backpackers travelling throughout Australia. Always do your research and keep your wits about you!

My tip would be try and go to the unpopular places, at unpopular times. Every backpacker in Australia wants to be in Queensland, picking Avocados in the sun during the winter. If you move to Bundaberg or Childers in July, you’re probably not going to get much work. Do your research and pick up the phone, as plenty of farms don’t advertise online. We are based in South Australia because we get the most jobs for backpackers here. Plus you can live right in Adelaide and still get your days.

We have written up the techniques we use ourselves in their own article: starting with the employer directory in The 88th Day app, then phoning businesses you find through the Yellow and White Pages and industry directories, and getting in front of employers rather than competing with everyone else on Gumtree and Facebook. Read the techniques in full.