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Exploring Agricultural Job Opportunities for Migrants in Australia
Hello everyone,
I’m currently reaching out from the Netherlands. I have been in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) for three months now, and I’m on the hunt for a farming or fruit-picking job that can help me achieve the 88 days required for my visa extension.
However, I’m becoming increasingly frustrated in my search.
Before arriving in Australia, I had heard encouraging stories from friends and read online about how readily available farming jobs are, the potential to earn good money, and the opportunity to meet new people. Unfortunately, my experience has been quite the opposite; it has become overwhelming and disheartening. To date, I have had no success in finding a farming position, and I’m currently located in Sydney, feeling isolated while living in a shared accommodation that doesn’t feel welcoming. I’m also working in a hospitality role that is less than satisfactory due to the poor treatment from my employer. On top of that, I’m struggling financially, as the cost of living in Australia is quite high, and I’m unable to save any money.
I’ve been utilizing several popular online job platforms such as Facebook, Gumtree, Backpacker Job Board, and Workforce Australia. However, I’ve noticed that the level of competition is extreme.
Many individuals are sharing their prior farming experiences in an effort to gain attention, which makes it difficult for newcomers like myself who lack relevant experience. To complicate matters further, I do not have a driver’s license, which limits my job prospects even more. Nevertheless, I have a strong motivation to succeed and keep pushing forward, but there are moments when I contemplate returning home to my family, feeling like I’ve hit a wall.
If anyone has insights or advice on securing farming work in Australia, especially advice that might help someone without prior experience, I would be incredibly grateful. I have invested considerable time and resources into coming here, and I’m determined not to let this chapter end in disappointment. If you can recommend a farm or any full-time employment opportunity that treats its workers with respect, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m open to relocating anywhere in Australia if that’s what it takes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and I wish you all the best in your own Australian migration journeys!
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3 Replies
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Hi Jason,
Thanks for sharing your experience so openly. It sounds like you’re going through a tough time, but don’t lose hope—there are still opportunities out there for you.
Here are some practical steps that might help:
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Use Farm-Specific Job Boards – While platforms like Gumtree and Facebook can be hit or miss, consider trying:
- Harvest Trail (Government-backed site with verified farm jobs)
- Agri Labour Australia (Reputable recruiter for farm jobs)
- Madec Australia (Offers seasonal work placements)
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Relocate to Farming Regions – Since you’re in Sydney, it may be best to move to a location where farms are actively recruiting. Popular regions include:
- Queensland: Bundaberg, Stanthorpe, Bowen
- Victoria: Shepparton, Mildura
- South Australia: Riverland
- Tasmania: Huon Valley
You might find backpacker hostels in these areas that offer job placement services.
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Consider Labour Hire Companies – Some farms hire workers through labour hire agencies. Be cautious of dodgy recruiters, but reputable ones include:
- WorkForceXS
- Labour Solutions Australia
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Network & Word of Mouth – Speak to fellow backpackers who have completed their farm work. Many jobs aren’t advertised online but are passed around through word-of-mouth.
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No License? No Problem – While a driver’s license helps, it’s not always a dealbreaker. Some farms provide accommodation and transport, and certain hostels arrange group transport to farms.
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Persevere & Stay Open-Minded – Some jobs are harder to land than others. Grapevine pruning, vegetable picking, and packing jobs might have less competition than fruit picking.
If you’re open to relocating immediately, it’s worth calling farms and labour-hire agencies directly. Let them know you’re ready to start ASAP.
Don’t give up yet; you’ve come this far! Australia has farming jobs available, but sometimes it takes persistence and a bit of luck to find the right one. Wishing you the best, and feel free to reach out if you need more guidance.
agrilabour.com.au
Agri Labour Australia - Agricultural Recruitment
Agri Labour Australia provides specialist recruitment and workforce optimisation solutions exclusively for the agriculture industry. Family-owned.
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Mark, thank you very much for the warm welcome and your comprehensive reply – I’ll take a look at the suggestions 😊
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No worries at all – good luck, and please let me know if you have any further questions.
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