Regional Work Australia: What Qualifies and Where to Find It

Understanding Regional Work in Australia

Regional work in Australia is a crucial component for Working Holiday Visa holders looking to extend their stay. The '88 days regional work' requirement allows backpackers to qualify for a second or third-year visa. But what exactly counts as regional work, and where can you find these opportunities across Australia?

What Qualifies as Regional Work?

Regional work in Australia encompasses various industries and locations. Here's what you need to know:

• Plant and animal cultivation (e.g., farm work, fruit picking)
• Fishing and pearling
• Tree farming and felling
• Mining
• Construction
• Bushfire recovery work (in declared areas)
• Critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors
• Tourism and hospitality (in specific areas from June 22, 2021)

It's important to note that the work must be done in eligible regional areas, which can be verified using postcode checkers like the one available in The 88th Day app.

Regional Work Opportunities by State

Regional Work Victoria

Victoria offers diverse regional work opportunities, particularly in agriculture. Key areas include:

• Mildura (fruit picking, vineyard work)
• Shepparton (fruit orchards, dairy farming)
• Gippsland (vegetable farming, dairy)

Regional Work Tasmania

Tasmania, being entirely regional, provides numerous opportunities:

• Huon Valley (fruit picking, especially apples)
• Devonport (vegetable harvesting)
• East Coast (vineyard work, berry picking)

Regional Work WA (Western Australia)

Western Australia offers unique regional work experiences:

• Margaret River (vineyard work, hospitality)
• Kununurra (mango picking, station work)
• Carnarvon (banana plantations, vegetable farms)

Regional Work Perth

While Perth itself is not considered regional, nearby areas offer eligible work:

• Swan Valley (vineyard work, just outside Perth)
• Gingin (citrus fruit picking, about 90km north of Perth)
• Chittering Valley (fruit picking, farm work)

Regional Work NSW (New South Wales)

NSW provides a variety of regional work options:

• Orange (fruit picking, vineyard work)
• Griffith (citrus fruits, vineyards)
• Tamworth (crop farming, livestock)

Regional Work QLD (Queensland)

Queensland is known for its tropical fruit picking opportunities:

• Bundaberg (strawberry picking, macadamia harvesting)
• Cairns region (banana plantations)
• Stanthorpe (apple picking, vineyard work)

Regional Work SA (South Australia)

South Australia offers diverse regional work:

• Barossa Valley (vineyard work)
• Riverland (citrus fruit picking)
• Adelaide Hills (apple and pear picking)

Regional Work Adelaide

While Adelaide is a city, nearby regions offer eligible work:

• McLaren Vale (vineyard work, just south of Adelaide)
• Northern Adelaide Plains (vegetable farming)
• Adelaide Hills (fruit picking, easily accessible from the city)

How to Find Regional Work

Finding regional work in Australia can be challenging, but there are several resources available:

• Use The 88th Day app to access a database of eligible employers
• Check the Australian government's Harvest Trail website
• Join backpacker Facebook groups for job postings
• Contact local farmers directly, especially during harvest seasons
• Visit regional work hostels that often have connections with local employers

Tips for Successful Regional Work

• Start your regional work early in your visa to allow for unexpected delays
• Keep detailed records of your work, including payslips and employer details
• Use The 88th Day app to track your days and ensure your work location is eligible
• Be prepared for physical work and varying weather conditions
• Network with other backpackers to share opportunities and experiences