Australia Short-Term Work

Traveling for long periods of time can be hard on the wallet. Many travelers try their hand at odd jobs for a few weeks at a time to help pay for another month or two of touring around. In Oz, fruit and vegetable picking is generally a backpacker’s best bet, as climatic diversity across the continent ensures that picking jobs are available year-round. The popularity of the work has in fact created a kind of fruit-picking subculture. Many hostels in picking areas cater specifically to workers, offering transportation to worksites and other such amenities. Pay varies from crop to crop, but pickers can expect to be paid by the hour and work approximately 40hr. weeks.

Picking Opportunities By Region
State	Location	Australian Season	Work Available
New South Wales	Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange North coast	Summer Year-round	Orchard and stone fruits, cotton. Avocadoes, nuts, lychees.
Northern Territory	Darwin	Year-round	Bananas, citrus, vegetables, tropical fruits, melons.
Queensland	Stanthorpe Northern coast Central coast Bundaberg, Childers	Summer Year-round Winter Year-round	Orchard and stone fruits, grapes. Bananas. Sugar cane, cotton, grapes, citrus. Citrus, vegetables, melons, avocadoes, tomatoes.
South Australia	Barossa Valley Riverland	Fall Summer, fall	Grapes. Grapes, stone fruits.
Tasmania	Northern region	Year-round	Potatoes, vegetables.
Victoria	North-central region	Summer, fall	Orchard and stone fruits, citrus, vegetables, grapes.
Western Australia	Southwest West coast Northeast	Summer Year-round Year-round	Grapes, berries. Grapes, mangoes, tomatoes, vegetables, bananas, melons. Stone fruits, mangoes, citrus, vegetables, melons.

Pearling has also emerged as a favorite occupation for those looking for short-term work. Broome, on the continent’s northwest coast, produces some of the finest pearls in the world. Backpackers who try pearling experience Australia’s diverse marine life up close; meet, swim, fish, and socialize with other travelers; and earn a nice, round $1000 paycheck for 10 days of work.

Some tour companies take workers in exchange for a trip or adventure experience. Those who can’t afford the expense of a Whitsunday sailing safari, for example, may be able to see the islands by volunteering on a boat. “Vollies,” as volunteers are affectionately called, do much of the cooking and cleaning but still get a little time to enjoy the beach. These positions are competitive, however. Some companies have waiting lists for volunteers, while others may offer jobs on an informal basis. The best way to find work is to ask around.

Another popular option is to work several hours per day at a hostel in exchange for free or discounted room and/or board. Most often, these short-term jobs are found by word of mouth or by expressing interest to hostel or restaurant owners. Due to high turnover in the tourism industry, many places are eager for help. Let’s Go lists temporary jobs of this nature whenever possible; look in the Practical Information sections of larger cities or see below.

Many employers also join nationwide job-listing networks. These services often charge a membership fee, but their (free) websites alone can be helpful. The following resources provide information and access to job networks.

Australian Job Search (www.jobsearch.gov.au). A government agency with tens of thousands of employment listings. The website includes “Harvest Trail,” a resource that provides information for backpackers on how best to find harvesting work in Australia.
Ready Workforce (☎02 8913 7777; www.readyworkforce.com.au). Industrial specialist recruiting for Australia and New Zealand. Their harvest and agriculture division, “Go Harvest,” places beginner and experienced agricultural workers alike in permanent and temporary positions, including picking, truck driving, and machinery operating.
Harvest Hotline Australia (☎07 4922 6033; www.harvesthotlineaustralia.com.au). Recruits seasonal backpackers for picking work and provides members with assistance in filing taxes and setting up medical insurance and bank accounts, discount travel packages, and phone cards. Membership $60 for 3 months, $120 for a year.
Jobaroo (www.jobaroo.com). Offers online job listings and general information and advice for those looking for work in Australia. Includes a helpful section for backpackers in the market for harvesting, construction, hospitality, and pearling jobs.
Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) (☎03 5155 0218; www.wwoof.com.au). Exchange labor for food and accommodations. Work is generally at farms or cooperatives, where workers learn about organic growing skills. Average expectations are 4-6hr. of service per day. Membership costs $55, or $65 for 2 people.
Workabout Australia (☎02 6884 7777; www.workaboutaustralia.com.au). Website at which one can buy Workabout Australia , a book containing seasonal and casual employment info by state. One can also join the Workabout Australia Club here; membership costs $55, and provides individuals with job opportunities, employment contacts, tips, hints, and general advice and information. The site offers a free preview list of short-term employment vacancies by state, including employers’ contact information.
Workstay (☎08 9226 0510; www.workstay.com.au). Arranges live-in work at country pubs, farms, and cattle stations in WA. Open M-F 9:30am-5:30pm.