Farm work in Swan Hill
Mallee, VIC 3585
A Murray River town between Echuca and Mildura, surrounded by almond orchards, table grape vineyards and stone fruit blocks. The busiest harvest work runs through summer and early autumn.
What’s grown here
When the work is
Peak season is usually January to April. Seasons move with the weather, so call ahead and aim to arrive a week or two before the rush.
| Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums) | Roughly November–March |
| Table grapes | Roughly January–April |
| Almonds | Roughly February–April |
| Vine pruning | Roughly June–August |
Right now (Nov) is usually a busy time in Swan Hill.
Jobs near Swan Hill
No jobs listed within about 120 km of Swan Hill right now. Set a job alert for VIC and you’ll hear first, or add your card so local farms can find you.
All VIC jobs that count · Let farms find you
Does it count for my second year?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 3585 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 4.5 hours’ drive north-west of Melbourne.
- V/Line trains run from Melbourne to Swan Hill via Bendigo, taking about 4.5 hours.
- Robinvale is about 1.5 hours north-west, and Mildura is about 2.5 hours away.
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 Swan Hill 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
Most harvest jobs go through contractors and labour hire companies, or straight to growers. Local Facebook job groups and the Backpack Aus jobs board are good places to start.
The government Harvest Trail service closed on 30 June 2024, so ignore older pages that tell you to ring a Harvest Trail office.
Where to stay
There aren’t many hostels in Swan Hill, and beds tend to go to long-stay workers. Caravan parks along the river and share houses are the other options.
Book early for January to March, when the grape and almond seasons overlap.
Phone and insurance
Mobile coverage drops off fast between farm towns, so check the coverage map for Swan Hill 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
- Summer days can go past 40°C. Grape and stone fruit crews start early to beat the heat.
- Almond harvest is mostly done by machine, so ask about shaker, sweeper and processing work as well as picking.
Pack for the paddock
More in what to wear fruit picking and looking after your back.
Nearby farm towns
Robinvale, VIC
Peak: January to April
Mildura, VIC
Peak: January to April
Shepparton, VIC
Peak: January to April
Questions about Swan Hill
Does farm work in Swan Hill count for the 88 days?
Yes. Farm work in postcode 3585 counts as specified work for both the 417 and 462 visas. Always check the exact postcode of the farm.
When is harvest season in Swan Hill?
The busiest time is usually January to April. Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums): Roughly November–March. Table grapes: Roughly January–April. Almonds: Roughly February–April. Vine pruning: Roughly June–August.
What is grown in Swan Hill?
Almonds, Table grapes, Wine grapes, Stone fruit, Vegetables.
How much do fruit pickers get paid in Swan Hill?
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 Swan Hill?
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.
What’s the main harvest season in Swan Hill?
Roughly January to April, when table grapes and almonds overlap. Stone fruit starts earlier, around late spring, and vine pruning keeps some people busy in winter.
Can I get to Swan Hill by train?
Yes. V/Line runs trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross station to Swan Hill via Bendigo. Check the V/Line timetable, as coaches sometimes replace trains during track works.
Is Swan Hill a good base for Robinvale and Mildura?
It’s within reach of both. Robinvale is about 1.5 hours away and Mildura a bit further, so you can follow the grape and citrus seasons up the Murray.
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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