The Harvest Trail is an Australian Government initiative bringing together many produce growers from around the country who're seeking workers on a short-term seasonal basis. Via the Harvest Trail website, along with an information guidebook and telephone number, the Trail is a great opportunity for those who wish to travel around various rural and outback areas of Australia while earning money to supplement their trip.
The Pick of the Farming Jobs
Due to the fact that a portion of the work on produce farms is seasonal, many of those farms find it difficult to get workers for the short-term periods of their harvesting. For those wishing to travel and work, seasonal jobs on produce farms may be ideal. The Harvest Trail Website gives details of farms, seasons, accommodation and availability of work for those wishing to follow the fruit-picking and packing seasons around Australia.
Finding Harvest Work Online
The Harvest Trail culminates in a Website run by the Australian government that allows users to search jobs on the Harvest Trail by state, date and type of job. There is also a helpline (1800 062 332) that potential workers can call to get various information on jobs and issues relating to the Harvest Trail. Finally there is a booklet that can be downloaded from the Website that gives detailed information on times of harvest and locations of potential employers right across the country.
Types of Jobs on the Harvest Trail
While fruit picking is one of the major types of labour required by employers on the Harvest Trail, there are many other jobs available as a result of the harvesting season. Other jobs can include packing, carting, general farm maintenance, tending to vines and trees to name a few. Generally the bulk of the jobs will be centred around harvesting and will be very labour intensive, involving long days and usually 6-day weeks, so a high level of fitness and enthusiasm is necessary.
Finding Jobs in Outback Australia
One means of finding short-term employment in rural Australia is via agencies listed under the Harvest Trail Website search function, or via calling the Harvest Trail hotline. Alternatively, many workers have found success through a more direct approach. Word of mouth both on the job and at worker hostels often becomes the main means of finding employment for many people following the Trail. Once becoming involved, mixing and making friends with other workers to share stories will help regards finding future employment.
Transport and Accommodation on the Harvest Trail
Transport to and from locations on the Harvest Trail is generally the responsibility of the worker and, due to the remote locations of many of the farms, getting to a job can be difficult without some form of personal transport. Public transport in Australia is of a good quality though, and there are usually options available. Accommodation is sometimes available for workers on larger locations, on some occasions on the property or at a nearby caravan park or hostel. On many occasions workers will have to organise their own bed, so a caravan or camper van is a good idea. Accommodation varies depending on each job, so it's best to enquire at the time of applying for, or agreeing to employment.
Ideal Jobs for Overseas Visitors
International visitors are welcome on the Trail and are often an important source of labour, considering the short-term nature of the work. Overseas visitors wishing to work in Australia require a Working Visa, details for which can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Hit the Harvest Road
The Harvest Trail is a great way for people to experience the wonders of Outback Australia, while earning some money as they travel. The Harvest Trail Website and booklet are simply a guide, bringing together a variety of employers under one searchable banner. Each job must be approached individually and jobs and their terms will vary.
