Working Holidays - Central Highlands Queensland

Gen Zs looking for a rural adventure, or grey nomads on the trip of their lifetime, can take advantage of seasonal work in the Central Queensland Highlands to combine travel with paid gigs.

Advantages

Let’s talk dollars. Casual agriculture employees can earn more money than people working in either retail or hospitality because they, on average, receive a similar or better hourly wage, and have the opportunity to work more hours over the working week.

In addition to boosting your bank account, seasonal work can help you build new skills, make lasting social connections and provide a true rural Australia experience.

If that’s not enough, you’ll be helping farmers get their produce to market to feed the nation.

Skills

All skill levels, with or without qualifications, ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Agriculture has a job for everyone! Some roles such as fruit picking require strength and stamina, however there are also roles such as packing and quality control that are indoors and not as physically demanding.

Horticulture

Commodities: mandarins, grapes, lemons, limes and macadamias

Opportunities: picking, packing, quality control, tree maintenance, supervisors, machinery operators

Earn: Fruit picking is normally paid on a piece rate, therefore long hours can see you earning $800-$1,000 per week. Take a relaxed approach and you will earn around $400-$600.

Farming

Commodities: cotton, grains, pulses, cattle

Opportunities: farm/ station hand, tractor drivers, irrigation assistants, governess

Earn: Wages start at $700 per week and are dependent on experience levels and additional benefits such as accommodation.

Other Opportunities

Other seasonal work opportunities exist in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Permanent, full time roles are also available in agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness.

Accommodation

Accommodation may be supplied on farm as part of the job package. Alternatively, local caravan and cabin parks offer budget-friendly, short-term accommodation.

Mobile Coverage

You’ll find mobile coverage in all towns across the Central Queensland Highlands. There is generally some level of reception on farms however it may be limited.

Financial Support

Financial assistance may be available for eligible people who relocate to undertake work in agriculture.

This includes the #pickqld campaign, which offers $1,500 (on top of your wage) to assist with costs such as accommodation, travel, training, and workwear.

Check the Queensland and Australian Government websites for further information.