Fruit picking jobs in Australia – What, where, how (and why!)

1. Protect yourself in the sun

Unsurprisingly, it can be very hot and sunny in Australia! Unless you’re working indoors (e.g. packing fruits and vegetables), make sure to:

• Apply sunscreen regularly: make applying it several times a day part of your routine, especially when you’re outside during high exposure time (noon to 3 p.m.). Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world—follow local recommendations regarding the level of protection you need and how much cream you need to apply. Pay attention to exposed body parts, like your face, hands and lower back (when you bend down a lot!).
• Stay hydrated: bring a large refillable bottle and drink regularly during the workday. Heat can be intense between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and the work is physical. You may want to consider bringing a high-energy snack or electrolyte powder sachets as well.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat: sunscreen isn’t enough; you also need to protect your head and eyes! Shop around for practical sunglasses—they shouldn’t be a cheap fashion accessory, as it’s more important they offer strong UV protection. If you’re wearing a sunhat, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your ears. Try and buy the hats that come with a flap protecting your neck from the sun.
• Use bug spray: if you’re working outdoors, mosquitoes will eat you alive, especially towards the end of the day when it’s hot and humid.

2. Dress for the job

In Australia, working outdoors often means working in the heat. Fruit picking is physical work and you will get dirty and sweaty—don’t wear your favourite T-shirt and designer shorts, unless you’re happy throwing them away after a few weeks as a picker!

Now is the time to use stained, old clothes and wear a pair of shoes you are happy to throw away at the end of your farm work. Need cheap clothes for the job? Head to the second-hand thrift stores (op shops) for great deals!

Finally, don’t wear sandals, both for safety reasons and to avoid getting bug bites on your feet.

3. Secure your valuables

You’re going to spend long hours at the farm, away from your expensive belongings (your camera, cash, laptop, etc.). Many backpackers wonder what to do with their valuables—the best approach is probably a mix of common sense, trust and respect:

• If a safe is available at the hostel, use it. If you can lock the door in your dorm, do it so that the whole team can go to work knowing no one will enter. Don’t leave your valuables lying around; at the very least, hide your cash in your backpack. Don’t travel with unique, irreplaceable items.
• Respect other people’s property—but you knew that already, right?
• Remember that everyone is in the same boat. Trust the backpacker’s honour system. Most people travel with valuables and don’t go around stealing stuff.

4. Plan for your breaks

You’ll get a few “smokos” (“cigarette break,” a term that applies to non-smokers as well; it just means your break) throughout the day. Bring a sandwich or an easy-to-carry snack (e.g. a protein or granola bar) so that you can refuel.

Check with your employer if you can listen to music. If they don’t mind, charge your phone, download your favourite tunes or podcasts and bring earphones. Your workday will go by faster if you can listen to music.

5. Take interstate quarantine seriously

Remember when you were asked whether you were bringing food into Australia when you flew in? Well, the same rule applies when you travel from one state to another.

Australia has strict biosecurity procedures to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases, and there are quarantine zones between states (or even within different parts of the same state). You can download a copy of Australian Interstate Quarantine: A traveller’s guide for more info.

Check restrictions before you travel, “eat it or bin it” and be aware that hefty fines are given on the spot if you’re caught breaking the rules.