Australia’s Working Holiday Visa program offers backpackers the unique opportunity to explore the country while earning money. One popular job among backpackers is cherry picking, especially in regions like Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Known for its stunning landscapes and thriving orchards, Adelaide Hills is a hotspot for seasonal work. Here’s a comprehensive guide for backpackers looking to find a job in fruit picking in Adelaide Hills.
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Fruit Picking in Australia
Fruit Picking is an all-encompassing term for all manual work in the agricultural field. This includes picking fruit, packing fruit, pruning trees and planting seeds. These types of jobs are seasonal and are therefore perfect for those who wish to travel while working in Australia for short or medium periods of time. Very popular with Working Holiday Visa makers, picking jobs do not require any particular skills or a very good level of English. Agricultural jobs are physical, however, so you’ll need to be in good physical condition if you want to try.
Fruit picking work days usually start early. This is because the days are hot in Australia, so workers start as early as possible to keep cool. You’ll usually meet at the farm shed to get kitted up and head out to your picking trees… You’ll usually be out in the fields by 7am.
Wages & Farm Jobs (2025 Rates)
🍇 Fruit Picking & Vineyard Work
- Casual pickers and vineyard hands earn between AU $28–$36/hour, with most listings around AU $31–35/hour.
- E.g., a Vineyard Operator role in Nuriootpa lists AU $28–35/hr.
📦 Packing & Production Role
- Fruit grader or packing positions at Pooraka (saint of Adelaide Hills area) show rates from AU $31–34.99/hour.
⚠️ Watch Out for Fair Work Issues
- A June 2025 Fair Work Ombudsman investigation revealed 92% of labour hire providers in Adelaide Hills were non-compliant—missing payslips, unpaid superannuation, and cash-in-hand wages as low as AU $19–25/hr.
- Always insist on official payslips, lawful time records, and legal minimum wages.
Why Choose Cherry Picking in Adelaide Hills?
Cherry picking season in Adelaide Hills typically runs from late November to early January. During this period, orchards require a large number of workers to harvest the cherries at their peak ripeness. This high demand creates ample job opportunities for backpackers.
Cherry pickers are usually paid per kilogram of cherries picked, which means the more you pick, the more you earn. On average, you can expect to make between AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour, depending on your efficiency and the orchard’s pay rate.
Working in Adelaide Hills offers more than just a paycheck. The region is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards providing a stunning backdrop to your workday.
Visa Eligibility & WHV Extensions
- Most fruit picking, vineyard, and packing roles in designated regional zones qualify as specified work for Working Holiday Visa extensions (88 days = Year 2; 179 = Year 3) as long as farm postcode is eligible.
- Keep payslips and employer details to document your days.
🚐 5% Discount with Travellers Autobarn
Travellers Autobarn is offering a 5% discount to Australia Backpackers Guide readers with promo code GUIDEEN
How to find a Job in picking?
Government Website
The Australian government has set up a map dedicated to fruit picking. You can see some positions available in farms all over the country and get more details on the jobs. Once you click on the offer, you will get the contact details of the agency you need to go through or will need to call the Harvest Trail on 1800062332 to register.
The Backpackers Guide – farm contacts
The Backpackers Guide is a free guide that gives you access to many farm contacts (over 500 throughout the country). This is a great time saver as you will have a lot less work to do researching, and that is not negligible.
Download our Complete Guide to Work in Australia
- Best jobs in cities & farms
- Certificates & training requirements
- Visa options for residency
- Farms & Mining contact listing
Direct contact to Orchards
Door-to-door canvassing is one of the most effective ways to find a job. It is obvious that farmers will appreciate meeting you before giving you a job. For those who do not speak English well, contact will be easier than over telephone. Visit the farms during working hours to make sure you find someone on the property.
Word of mouth
Talk about your search to people around you. Don’t hesitate to talk to people you meet. At the pub, at the beach, in a park, talk to the locals. Australians are altruistic, and will not hesitate to lend you a hand if they have the opportunity. Talk to other backpackers you meet in hostels.
Local employment agencies
Contact local employment agencies in Adelaide or Adelaide Hills that specialize in agricultural and seasonal work. They can connect you with orchard owners looking for workers.
Where & When to Pick
The Adelaide Hills region (just ~40 km from Adelaide) remains a top destination for fruit and harvest work, including apples, cherries, pears, strawberries, figs—and some wine grape harvesting.
Best picking seasons:
- Apples & pears: February–May
- Stone fruit (cherries, apricots): November–January
- Strawberries & berries: November to April, especially at Beerenberg Farm, famous for pick-your-own cropping.
Read also : Fruit Picking Calendar
Cherry Picking in Adelaide Hills – Feedback
A typical Day
When you arrive at your tree rows, the boss will come by to give you instructions. Then it’s off for several hours of picking… For cherry picking, you generally fill buckets before emptying them into a crate.
Mid the morning, you will have a 10 minutes break… it’s the smoko. You drink water, have a snack to get your strength back before going back into the trees.
After 4 hours of picking, it’s time for lunch. Back to the shed, you will have a break in the sun for lunch…
Then change of spot for another variety of cherries (this usually implies a slightly different picking). You will sometimes make surprising discoveries in the trees, birds’ nests or even things that are a bit less nice (we let you guess). After a few hours and to take a break from the heat, you stop picking.
Then comes the cherry packing part! Very repetitive task, it’s not the most fun part, except maybe when it’s 40°C outside!
The packing consists of sorting the cherries. The principle is simple: eyes riveted on the treadmill watching the cherries go by, you take the damaged ones, to put them in the bin.
The day usually ends around 5pm. You will have a break in the afternoon for a snack and especially to take a break from the packing.
Summary of our cherry picking experience
Cherries are not the most difficult fruit to pick, quite the contrary! Indeed, even if you have to be careful when picking them (to avoid damaging them and keeping the tail), they are light fruits so they are less painful for your back. The disadvantage is that it takes longer to fill our crates. The main thing is to be paid by the hour and not by the output!
Summary of the day : Intense and tiring, but cherry picking is still great !
Earnings : 140$net/person
Pro Tips for Fruit Pickers & Backpackers
- Cherry picking is physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength. Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest to keep up with the work.
- Apply in February–March for the best job availability at the start of picking seasons.
- Efficiency is key to maximizing your earnings. Learn the best techniques for picking cherries quickly and carefully to avoid damaging the fruit and trees.
- Forming good relationships with your employers and fellow workers can make your experience more enjoyable and may lead to additional job opportunities in the future.
- Bring layers and protective gloves—mornings and storms in the Hills can be cool.
You’re also up for some Fruit Picking in Adelaide or somewhere else in Australia. Then check out our article about Fruit Picking in Australia.
