Farm work in Gayndah & Mundubbera
North Burnett, QLD 4625
Gayndah and its neighbour Mundubbera sit in the middle of one of Queensland’s main citrus-growing areas, inland from Bundaberg. Mandarin, orange, lemon and lime picking keeps orchards busy from autumn into spring.
What’s grown here
When the work is
Peak season is usually April to September. Seasons move with the weather, so call ahead and aim to arrive a week or two before the rush.
| Lemons and limes | Roughly March–May |
| Imperial mandarins | Roughly April–June |
| Murcott mandarins and late citrus | Roughly July–October |
Nov is usually quieter in Gayndah & Mundubbera, so line work up before you go.
Jobs near Gayndah & Mundubbera
No jobs listed within about 120 km of Gayndah & Mundubbera right now. Set a job alert for QLD and you’ll hear first, or add your card so local farms can find you.
All QLD jobs that count · Let farms find you
Does it count for my second year?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 4625 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
- About 2 hours’ drive inland from Bundaberg, or 4–5 hours north-west of Brisbane.
- Mundubbera is about 45 km further west along the Burnett Highway, around 35–40 minutes’ drive.
- Public transport is very limited, so a car makes life a lot easier. Check the North Burnett Regional Council website for local bus services.
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 Gayndah & Mundubbera 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
Gayndah Fruitgrowers has run a “Pick the Burnett” campaign in past seasons to get harvest job information out to travellers. Search for it, and for local Facebook groups for Gayndah and Mundubbera, before the season starts.
Growers here often hire people who turn up early and ready to work. Check the jobs near town further up this page too.
Gayndah or Mundubbera?
They’re friendly rivals. Both towns are proud of their citrus: Gayndah holds an Orange Festival, and Mundubbera has the Big Mandarin. The orchards are spread around both towns, so where you stay depends on where you get work.
Where to stay
Both towns are small, with caravan parks, a few motels and some farm accommodation. Ask growers whether they offer on-farm housing or camping before you book anything long-term.
Phone and insurance
Mobile coverage drops off fast between farm towns, so check the coverage map for Gayndah & Mundubbera 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
- Citrus picking is usually paid by the bin. Your first week is slow while you learn, so budget for it.
- Mandarin trees are prickly and the ladders are heavy. Long sleeves and good gloves help.
Pack for the paddock
More in what to wear fruit picking and looking after your back.
Nearby farm towns
Childers, QLD
Peak: April to November
Bundaberg, QLD
Peak: April to November
Emerald, QLD
Peak: November to January
Questions about Gayndah & Mundubbera
Does farm work in Gayndah & Mundubbera count for the 88 days?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 4625 counts as specified work for both the 417 and 462 visas. Always check the exact postcode of the farm.
When is harvest season in Gayndah & Mundubbera?
The busiest time is usually April to September. Lemons and limes: Roughly March–May. Imperial mandarins: Roughly April–June. Murcott mandarins and late citrus: Roughly July–October.
What is grown in Gayndah & Mundubbera?
Mandarins, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit.
How much do fruit pickers get paid in Gayndah & Mundubbera?
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 Gayndah & Mundubbera?
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 does citrus picking start in Gayndah?
Lemons and limes usually come first in autumn, then Imperial mandarins, then Murcotts later in winter. The season often runs into October. Dates change each year, so check with growers.
Can I get to Gayndah without a car?
It’s hard. There’s no train, and bus links are limited and may only run a few days a week. Most pickers drive in, or share a ride with other backpackers.
Is it close to Bundaberg and Childers?
Fairly close. Bundaberg is about 2 hours’ drive and Childers is a bit less. That makes it easy to move between the coastal vegetable farms and the inland citrus orchards as the seasons change.
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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