Farm work in Margaret River
South West, WA 6285
Margaret River is one of Australia’s best-known wine regions, between the surf beaches and the forest in WA’s far south-west. Vintage brings a rush of grape picking in late summer, and pruning keeps vineyards busy through winter.
What’s grown here
When the work is
Peak season is usually February to April. Seasons move with the weather, so call ahead and aim to arrive a week or two before the rush.
| Grape vintage | Roughly February–April |
| Vine pruning | Roughly June–September |
Nov is usually quieter in Margaret River, so line work up before you go.
Jobs near Margaret River
No jobs listed within about 120 km of Margaret River right now. Set a job alert for WA and you’ll hear first, or add your card so local farms can find you.
All WA jobs that count · Let farms find you
Does it count for my second year?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 6285 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 3 hours’ drive south of Perth.
- Transwa’s SW1 coach runs from East Perth to Augusta via Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River. Check transwa.wa.gov.au for times.
- Fly into Perth, then take the coach or hire a car.
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 Margaret River 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
Much of the vintage hiring goes through local labour hire companies, and some wineries advertise casual picker roles on job sites. Margaret River Backpackers (YHA) says it works with local job agencies and labour hire companies to place working holiday makers.
Hospitality is busy over summer too, but hospitality work only counts for a second or third visa in some areas. Check the postcode with our postcode checker before you rely on it.
Where to stay
Margaret River is a holiday town, so beds are expensive and hard to find in summer and over school holidays. Book a hostel or caravan park before vintage, or look in nearby towns.
Phone and insurance
Mobile coverage drops off fast between farm towns, so check the coverage map for Margaret River 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
- Vintage start dates move by a few weeks each year with the weather. Register with labour hire before February so you’re ready when picking starts.
- Some picking starts before sunrise, especially for white grapes. Bring a head torch and warm layers.
Pack for the paddock
More in what to wear fruit picking and looking after your back.
Nearby farm towns
Questions about Margaret River
Does farm work in Margaret River count for the 88 days?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 6285 counts as specified work for both the 417 and 462 visas. Always check the exact postcode of the farm.
When is harvest season in Margaret River?
The busiest time is usually February to April. Grape vintage: Roughly February–April. Vine pruning: Roughly June–September.
What is grown in Margaret River?
Wine grapes.
How much do fruit pickers get paid in Margaret River?
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 Margaret River?
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 vintage in Margaret River?
Usually February to April. Warm years start earlier and cool years later, so keep an eye on local news and labour hire updates from January.
Is there vineyard work outside vintage?
Yes. Pruning runs from about June to September and needs a lot of hands. It’s cold, wet work, so bring proper rain gear.
Do I need a car in Margaret River?
It helps. Vineyards are spread across the region and early starts don’t line up with coach times. Many pickers share lifts or are driven out by labour hire crews.
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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