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• Harvest Guide

If you are carrying fruit around Australia....

Be fruit fly fine aware!
If you are travelling to work in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, you need to be aware of the restrictions on carrying fresh fruit and vegetables in quarantine areas such as the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone, Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area and Riverina Production Areas, and across state borders. On the spot fines increase to $315 from July 1.
Find out more at www.fruitfly.net.au .

Backpacking can be a bit like running out of petrol - you come to a dead stop when you run out of money, and get going again when the dollar-tank has been refilled.

If you're lucky you'll find work at the spot where your finances come to an untimely end.

Far better though to plan ahead, for there is lots of casual work around Australia, but much of it is seasonal.

Fruitpicking is the most popular work among backpackers. You earn every cent you get - it can be very hard work - but you get to meeet lots of other backpackers and it can be fun.

The Harvest Guide (in our Aussie Backpacker Guide) will help you work out what seasonal work is available, where and when.

Remember though that you will need to organise accommodation - and sometimes the closest bunk is a long way from the farm.

A word of warning as well - make sure you work out with your prospective employer, before you start work, exactly what you are to be paid, what hours you will work, and other work conditions.

Temping is another good way to get a job, especially if you have professional qualifications, but keep in mind that most of the work tends to be in large cities and you need to be there when you apply for a position.

Working on island resorts is very popular. This is a great way to earn dollars, and see some of Queensland's famous holiday spots - for nothing.

Some resorts use local employment services for recruiting staff - a quick phone call to the resort of your choice will tell you how and where to apply.

Station work is a great way to experience real outback life. Some organisations provide you will the training for work on the land.

If you want the Aussie experience, and the dollar situation is not critical, the Australian Trust for Conservations Volunteers can provide you with an (unpaid) working holiday of a lifetime. The ACTV has a range of projects on the go, all round Oz.

Local hostel operators can be very helpful with advice about where to find work.

So too can fellow backpackers. Failing that, local newspapers are a good place to start looking.

Don't forget that, no matter where you work, you need to be aware of your Tax and Visa  reqirements. The Australian Taxation Office can help you here.