
How to find farm work in Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia’s breakaway state. It is known for its vast rugged landscape, national parks, and nature reserves. It is also host to a variety of different farms that employ backpackers every year to help with harvest. Tasmania is all about cherries and berries and the two can be found growing on all corners of the island. Discover how to find farm work in Tasmania with our guide.
Farmwork in Tasmania
These types of agriculture operations have farm work going year round – not to mention plenty of other Tasmania farm jobs that become available from time to time. It’s always worth checking Agri Labour Australia’s Facebook page or website to see what roles are on offer in Tasmania.
Also read: www.agrilabour.com.au/candidates/current-positions/jobs-in-tasmania
Finding the best area to do your farm work in Tasmania
To obtain your second-year visa, you have to complete your 88 days of agricultural work in a rural area. Here are some areas Tasmania has to offer.
Tamar Valley
In the Tamar Valley, the small soft fruit season runs during the summer months between December and February, when it’s warm enough to be down there! Several farms in the valley hire backpackers every year.
Devonport
Although technically a city, there are lots of opportunities just outside of Devonport, and is a good place to start your search. Peak season is between January and May. The work is very quiet between June to November, although with some luck it can be found.
The most common crops are: apples, berries, cherries, grapes, hops, stone Fruit, and vegetables.
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! Tasmania has a host of great backpacker groups that employers post jobs on, or you can post your advert that highlights yourself and your availability. Some of the best Facebook groups in Tasmania for finding agricultural work are:
facebook/tassiefarmjobs
facebook/Jobs-in-Tasmania-Australia
facebook/Jobs-in-Tasmania-Australia
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 Tasmania. Google a 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. However, we must warn you to always be wary when searching through Gumtree, as anyone can post on Gumtree and scams are not exactly uncommon.
How Gumtree works
Gumtree allows you to search for current job vacancies in any area, or let you post your 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 hire you.
- Farm Work Agencies: Look for recruitment agencies specializing in agricultural placements. They often have connections with farms across Tasmania and can assist you in finding suitable positions.
- Local Farm Visits: Visit farms in rural areas of Tasmania and inquire about job vacancies in person. Some farmers may advertise openings locally or be willing to hire on the spot.
- Networking: Inform your network of friends, family, and acquaintances about your job search. They may have contacts in the agricultural industry or know of available farm work opportunities.
Types of farm jobs in Tasmania
Fruit Picking and Packing:
Apples, cherries, berries, and grapes are major crops. Jobs involve harvesting, sorting, and packing fruits.
Vegetable Farming:
Potatoes, carrots, onions, and broccoli are commonly grown. Roles include planting, weeding, harvesting, and packing vegetables.
Dairy Farming:
Tasmania has a significant dairy industry. Jobs include milking cows, feeding, herd management, and general farm maintenance.
Vegetable Harvesting:
Potatoes, carrots, and onions are among the vegetables grown year round.
Viticulture:
Tasmania has a growing wine industry, and work is available in vineyards, particularly during harvest time in late summer and early autumn.
Utilize Online Resources
Several websites and platforms specialize in connecting workers with farm job opportunities:
- Job Search Websites: Websites like Seek (seek.com.au), Indeed (indeed.com.au), and Gumtree (gumtree.com.au) list farm job vacancies.
- Backpacker Job Boards: Websites such as Backpacker Job Board (backpackerjobboard.com.au) and Harvest Trail (harvesttrail.gov.au) cater specifically to travelers and seasonal workers.
- WWOOF Australia (Willing Workers on Organic Farms): This program offers opportunities to work on organic farms for food and accommodation. Visit wwoof.com.au for more information.
Local Resources and Networking
- Agricultural Shows and Events: Attending local agricultural shows and events can provide networking opportunities for farmers.
- Local Newspapers and Community Boards: Job advertisements for farm work can often be found in local newspapers and on community noticeboards.
More farm work in Tasmania
Left Field offers farm work and agriculture jobs in Tasmania, Australia, from fruit picking jobs to harvesting, fork lifting, backpacking, dairy, and more.
By Paraic Walker
Also read: ozvisainfo.com