Farm work in Devonport & the North West
North West Tasmania, TAS 7310
Devonport is where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks, and it’s surrounded by some of Tasmania’s richest farmland. Berry farms are the big summer employer, with vegetable harvests running into autumn and winter.
What’s grown here
When the work is
Peak season is usually December to March. Seasons move with the weather, so call ahead and aim to arrive a week or two before the rush.
| Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) | Roughly December–May |
| Potatoes | Roughly February–August |
| Carrots | Roughly January–August |
| Apples | Roughly February–May |
Nov is usually quieter in Devonport & the North West, so line work up before you go.
Jobs near Devonport & the North West
No jobs listed within about 120 km of Devonport & the North West right now. Set a job alert for TAS and you’ll hear first, or add your card so local farms can find you.
All TAS jobs that count · Let farms find you
Does it count for my second year?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 7310 counts as specified work for both the 417 and 462 visas. The job also has to be eligible work, paid at award rates, with payslips.
Log every job in the 88-day tracker so you know exactly where you stand.
UK passport holder? If you apply on or after 1 July 2024 you don’t need specified work for a second or third 417 visa. 88 days explained
What you should be paid
Farm work is covered by the Horticulture Award. You’re paid by the hour or by the piece (per bin, bucket or tray). Since April 2022, piece-rate workers must still earn at least the minimum hourly rate for every hour worked, and casuals get a casual loading on top.
- You should get a payslip for every pay, showing your hours or pieces, the rate and your super.
- Never pay a fee to get a job, and walk away from cash-in-hand work with no payslips: those days won’t count for your visa.
- Unsure about a job? Check the rate with the Fair Work pay calculator before you start.
Getting there
- The Spirit of Tasmania ferry sails overnight from Geelong to Devonport. The new ships, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, were scheduled to start carrying passengers from 31 October 2026, so check the Spirit of Tasmania website for current sailings.
- Devonport airport has flights from Melbourne, and Launceston airport is about an hour’s drive away.
- Coaches run along the north coast between Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Check current timetables.
Imoova
Campervan and car relocations from $1 a day, often with fuel included. Fixed dates, so grab one when it suits.
JUCY
Campervan hire for the road-trip-sleep-anywhere life.
Where to stay
Working hostels in Devonport & the North West often line up farm work and drive you there. Read recent reviews and ask how long guests wait for work before you pay. Caravan parks and share houses are cheaper for longer stays.
Before you hand over money, ask:
- How many guests are waiting for work right now, and for how long?
- Is there a bond or “job deposit”? (A fee for a job is a red flag.)
- Will the farm give me payslips, and is it in an eligible postcode?
Hostelworld
The biggest range of hostels in every Aussie city and beach town.
Booking.com
Private rooms, motels and longer stays when you need a break from dorms.
Finding work here
The Tasmanian Government’s harvest jobs page (on the NRE Tasmania website) lists what’s picked in each region and when. It suggests starting with the Regional Jobs Hub, then backpacker job boards, local Facebook groups and general job sites.
Costa runs large berry farms in the North West and has hired working holiday makers alongside local and Pacific workers in past seasons. Check its careers page before the season starts.
Where to stay
Devonport has caravan parks, motels and some share houses. Some big growers help with housing or transport for their pickers, so ask about it when you apply.
Rentals get tight in summer, so line up a bed before you arrive.
Phone and insurance
Mobile coverage drops off fast between farm towns, so check the coverage map for Devonport & the North West before you choose a plan. Your employer’s workers compensation covers injuries at work; travel insurance is for everything else.
Lyca Mobile
Cheap prepaid plans with no contract, for once you’re settled.
SafetyWing
Monthly travel medical cover you can start and stop as you go.
Local tips
- Bring your car on the ferry if you can. Farms are spread along the coast and public transport between them is thin.
- Berry picking usually peaks in January and February, so apply in spring.
Pack for the paddock
More in what to wear fruit picking and looking after your back.
Nearby farm towns
Questions about Devonport & the North West
Does farm work in Devonport & the North West count for the 88 days?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 7310 counts as specified work for both the 417 and 462 visas. Always check the exact postcode of the farm.
When is harvest season in Devonport & the North West?
The busiest time is usually December to March. Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): Roughly December–May. Potatoes: Roughly February–August. Carrots: Roughly January–August. Apples: Roughly February–May.
What is grown in Devonport & the North West?
Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Potatoes, Carrots, Broccoli, Apples.
How much do fruit pickers get paid in Devonport & the North West?
Farm work falls under the Horticulture Award. You’re paid by the hour or by the piece (per bin or bucket), and since April 2022 piece-rate workers must still earn at least the minimum hourly rate for the hours they work. Check your rate with the Fair Work pay calculator.
Is it worth staying in a working hostel in Devonport & the North West?
It can be, because many line up work and transport. Before you pay, ask how many guests are waiting for work, whether there’s a bond or deposit, and never pay a fee for a job.
When is berry season near Devonport?
Strawberries can start in October, but the main berry harvest runs from about December to May. The busiest weeks are usually January and February.
Is there work after the berries finish?
Often, yes. Potato, carrot and other vegetable harvests carry on through autumn and into winter, and some apple orchards pick from February to May.
Should I take my car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
If you have one, it’s worth it. Most farm jobs in the North West are outside town and you’ll need your own way to get there. Book early for summer sailings.
Read next
- 88 days explained: what counts
- How to find farm work
- Harvest calendar: what’s picked when
- Working hostels: how to pick a good one
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