Fruit Picking Jobs Stanthorpe QLD
Stanthorpe sits at the heart of Queensland's Granite Belt — 800 metres above sea level and Australia's most productive stone fruit region outside of Tasmania. For Working Holiday Visa holders targeting their 88-day regional work requirement, Stanthorpe is one of the most reliable year-round destinations in the state.
What Fruit Picking Work Is Available in Stanthorpe?
Stanthorpe's elevation and cool climate create ideal conditions for stone fruit and apples. The town sits at the centre of Queensland's most diverse temperate fruit region — home to over 50 commercial orchards across the Granite Belt.
- Peaches & nectarines — December to February. High volume, fast-paced harvest. Most backpackers work here.
- Plums & apricots — January to March. Slightly slower pace, good for first-timers.
- Apples — February to May. Some mechanical harvesting but hand picking still dominant.
- Wine grapes — February to April (vintage). Vineyard work is often less physically demanding than stone fruit harvest.
- Pruning & thinning — Year-round. Canopy management April–September. Less glamorous but steady and good for extending a stay.
Stanthorpe & the 88-Day Visa Requirement
Stanthorpe postcode 4380 is in a designated regional area. Every day of farm work performed here counts toward the 88-day requirement for a second Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462).
Requirements to document your days:
- Payslips from your employer — keep every one
- Written employment record with employer name, ABN, dates, and location
- Superannuation statements as additional proof of employment
- Log your days in the Department of Home Affairs visa tracking portal
AussieWork Connect verifies every employer in Stanthorpe against the Australian Business Register before listing — so you know the job counts before you start.
Pay, Accommodation & Getting Around
Earnings
Piece-rate harvest work: $25–$38/hr for fast pickers. Hourly packing/shed work: $24–$28/hr. Peak season (Jan–Feb) is when the most hours are available. Ask about the piece-rate average before accepting — employers must ensure it meets minimum wage.
Accommodation
Backpacker hostels in town from $110–$160/week. Some farms offer on-site accommodation or caravan sites. Christmas–February is peak season — book accommodation before you arrive.
Transport
Most farms are 15–40km outside Stanthorpe town. A car is a significant advantage. Without one, check if your employer offers transport or if there's a shared arrangement with other workers.
Best Time to Arrive
December is peak season for stone fruit. Aim to arrive by mid-November to secure accommodation and find work before the harvest rush. Vintage (grape harvest) runs February–April.
How to Find Safe Fruit Picking Work in Stanthorpe
The Granite Belt farm work sector is well-established and has better protections than many regional areas. Still, use these checks before accepting any job:
- Look for the ABN-verified badge on listings — AussieWork Connect checks every employer against the Australian Business Register
- Never pay upfront fees to a labour hire company or employer
- Confirm pay structure in writing before starting — piece rate average must meet award minimums
- Check Fair Work Ombudsman rates for your industry
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See also: Farm Work Queensland · 88-Day Visa Jobs · Mining Jobs Moranbah