Farm Work in Tasmania

About tasmania

Cherry pickers in the Huon Valley can earn $300 to $400 a day during peak harvest in December. The season is short, roughly six weeks, but that's exactly why growers pay well and hire fast.

Tasmania has the shortest overall harvest season of any Australian state. Everything kicks off in November and most picking wraps by April. But the whole island is classified as a regional area for your 88 days, so you can stack visa days quickly in a compact window. If you want a sprint rather than a marathon, Tasmania is the play.

Harvest Calendar

Key Regions

Huon Valley

The main event. South of Hobart, the Huon Valley produces most of Tasmania's cherries and a good share of its apples. Cherry season runs December to January. Apples carry through to April. This is where most backpackers head, and accommodation fills up fast once cherry season starts. Book a bed before you arrive in December, especially in the smaller towns like Huonville and Cygnet.

Tamar Valley

North of Launceston, the Tamar Valley grows wine grapes, apples and berries. The season runs January to April. It's quieter than the Huon Valley and has fewer backpackers, which can mean less competition for work. Launceston is a good base with more accommodation options than the small towns further south.

Devonport and North Coast

Vegetables and berries on the north coast. The season runs November to April. The work is less glamorous than cherry picking, but it's steadier and the north coast is easy to reach from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Devonport.

Pay

Cherry picking is paid by the kilogram. Your first few days will be slow while you learn to pick cleanly and quickly. Experienced pickers earn $300 to $400 per day during peak weeks when trees are heavy. Apple picking pays per bin, typically earning $25 to $35 per hour equivalent. The casual minimum is $30.91 per hour for hourly roles.

See our farm work pay rates guide for more detail.

Getting Around

Public transport in Tasmania is limited outside Hobart and Launceston. A car helps a lot, especially in the Huon Valley where farms are spread across the area. Some employers run group transport from Hobart during cherry season, but don't count on it. If you're arriving by ferry, Devonport is on the north coast with work nearby. If you're flying in, Hobart puts you closer to the Huon Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is cherry picking season in Tasmania?

Early December to late January, with peak harvest around mid-December to early January. The Huon Valley south of Hobart is the main cherry region. The window is roughly six weeks, so growers hire quickly.

Does all of Tasmania count for 88 days?

Yes. The entire state is classified as a regional area. Any eligible farm work anywhere on the island counts toward your Working Holiday Visa days.

How much can I earn cherry picking in Tasmania?

Beginners earn around minimum wage equivalent while learning. Experienced pickers can earn $300 to $400 or more per day during peak harvest. Speed matters, and the best earners are those who've done a season before.

Do I need a car in Tasmania?

A car helps a lot. Public transport is limited outside Hobart. The Huon Valley is about 40 minutes south, and farms are spread across the valley. Some employers provide group transport during peak season.

Is there farm work in Tasmania outside summer?

Limited. Apple picking runs into April and May. Some vegetable work continues on the north coast. But most picking wraps by April. Tasmania has the shortest harvest season of any state.

After Tassie, head to Victoria for stone fruit in Shepparton, or cross to South Australia for grape harvest.

See the full harvest calendar or read our 88 days guide to plan your next move.

Where are the tasmania jobs?