Vegetable farming is one of the most accessible and consistent sources of farm work for Working Holiday Visa holders. Unlike seasonal fruit picking that follows narrow harvest windows, vegetable work is available year-round in many parts of Australia. The work includes picking, planting, sorting and packing a wide variety of crops from tomatoes and capsicums to pumpkin and lettuce. Most vegetable farms are located in designated regional areas, so the days count toward your 88-day visa extension requirement.
Typical Positions
- •Picker -- Harvesting vegetables by hand in the field. Can involve bending, kneeling and carrying heavy buckets.
- •Sorter -- Grading and sorting vegetables by size and quality on sorting lines. Usually in a packing shed.
- •Planter -- Transplanting seedlings and preparing beds. Often done at the start of a growing season.
- •Tractor Driver -- Operating farm machinery for planting, spraying or harvesting. Requires a valid licence and some experience.
- •Irrigation Worker -- Setting up, monitoring and maintaining irrigation systems. More technical and higher paid.
Expected Salary
| Role | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Picker | $26-30/hr | Outdoor, physically demanding |
| Sorter | $26-28/hr | Packing shed, quality control |
| Planter | $26-30/hr | Seasonal planting cycles |
| Tractor Driver | $30-32/hr | Requires licence/experience |
| Irrigation Worker | $28-32/hr | Setting up and maintaining systems |
Seasonality
Vegetable work is available year-round, but specific crops have peak seasons. Moving between regions and crops lets you work continuously throughout the year.
| Crop | Peak Season | Main Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Oct - Apr | QLD, VIC |
| Capsicums | May - Dec | QLD |
| Zucchini | Year-round | QLD, VIC |
| Pumpkin | Feb - Jun | QLD, NSW |
| Lettuce | Year-round | VIC, QLD |
| Onions | Dec - Mar | SA, TAS |
Top Regions
Bundaberg, QLD
One of Australia's biggest vegetable-growing areas. Tomatoes, capsicums, zucchini and sweet potatoes. Work available most of the year.
Mildura, VIC
Major horticultural hub along the Murray River. Large-scale vegetable operations alongside citrus and grape farming.
Riverland, SA
Irrigated farming region producing a wide range of vegetables. Steady demand for farm workers year-round.
Carnarvon, WA
Remote tropical region in Western Australia. Tomatoes, capsicums and beans. Higher pay due to remote location.
Bowen, QLD
Known as the "Tomato Capital" of Australia. Huge demand from May to November. Popular backpacker destination.
Visa Eligibility
💡 Counts Toward 88 Days
Vegetable picking, planting and packing in designated regional areas counts toward the 88 days of specified work required for a second or third year Working Holiday Visa. Most major vegetable-growing regions are in eligible postcodes. Read our complete 88-day guide →