How to find farm work in Victoria

The state of Victoria in South Eastern Australia is most famous for the hipster metropolis of Melbourne, but rural Victoria is also a hub for backpackers looking to complete their 88 days agricultural work required to obtain a second year visa in Australia. Victoria has a host of different crops that are perfect for backpackers looking for rural work, these include: tomatoes, apples, grapes, strawberries, lychees and a variety of vegetables. There is generally farm work going all year round in Victoria so you don’t have to worry about seasons!

Finding the best area to do your farm work in Victoria

To obtain your second year visa you have to complete your 88 days agricultural work in a rural area. Victoria has many areas frequently visited by backpackers looking to get their hands dirty on the farms.

Mildura

This rural Victorian town has tons of citrus, grape and vegetable farms all looking for hard working backpackers.

Shepparton

Located on the banks of the Goulbourn River, Shepparton is known as the food bowl of Asutralia. Here you’ll find picking jobs in stone fruits, pears, apples, cherries and apricots.

Yarra Valley

Home of Victorias wine region, the Yarra Valley is host to a range of famous wineries, which means they have plenty of Grapes that need picking! Located not too far outside of Melbourne, this would be the ideal location for any wine enthusiasts looking to complete their 88 days.

Facebook

Once you have some idea of where you would like to call home for the next few months, your next task will be finding a farm to employ you. This can be a daunting task but also one that can be done while doing something you love, scrolling down Facebook! Victoria has a host of great backpacker groups that employers post jobs on, or you can post your own advert that highlights yourself and your availability. Some of the best Facebook groups in Victoria for finding agricultural work are:
facebook/groups/88days.Victoria
facebook/farmwork
facebook/IrishAroundMelbourne
facebook/melbournesjobs
facebook.com/melbournesjobs

Working Hostels

Often regarded as the easiest way to find farm work when speaking to people who have done it, Working Hostels are a great way to get a job and transport to work sorted. There is certainly no shortage of working hostels in Victoria. Simply Google working hostel in whichever town takes your pick and give them a call to see if they have any space.  This can often be a more expensive option, but when getting your work found for you and your transport to the farm provided, it can work out to be a small price to pay.

Gumtree

Forever Australia’s go to site for finding casual work, Gumtree is also a leader in advertising for farm work.  It is especially popular with the smaller farms that are looking to recruit people for picking jobs. Although, we must warn you to always be wary when searching through Gumtree, as anyone can post on Gumtree and scams are not exactly uncommon.
Gumtree allows you to search for current job vacancies in any area, or let you post your own availability advertisement to attract prospective farmers. On here you can post your availability, contact details, current location, experience and any other relevant information you feel would attract farmers to hiring you.
By Paraic Walker