Scenic Tasmanian coast — lush green hills meeting the sea

WHV jobs in Tasmania: 88-day regions, seasons & work types

Island wilderness, world-class produce and one of Australia's most rewarding harvest regions

Tasmania is a small island state with a big reputation for premium produce and natural beauty. Its cool climate makes it ideal for apples, cherries, berries, pears and cool-climate vegetables that are highly sought after across Australia and internationally. The Huon Valley south of Hobart and the Derwent Valley, Tamar Valley and Scottsdale in the north are the main growing regions. For backpackers, Tasmania offers a unique experience: a slower pace, spectacular wilderness, and an extremely strong farm work sector that counts toward 88-day visa requirements. Hobart is a compact, walkable city with a thriving restaurant and pub scene, and Launceston is growing rapidly as a hospitality destination in the north.

Current jobs in Tasmania

Crop Worker

Owen Pacific Workforce Pty Ltd

DEVONPORT, TasmaniaCrop Farm Workers4 September 2026

Farm Attendant - Harvest

Employer

PORT HUON, TasmaniaAnimal Attendants and Trainers2 September 2026

Australian Wheat Harvest 2026

Employer

PRESTON, TasmaniaAgricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator1 September 2026

Expressions of Interest Senior Farm Hands and Farm Hands - Smithton Region

Employer

SMITHTON, TasmaniaMixed Crop and Livestock Farm Workers1 September 2026

Dairy Cattle Farm Operator

Global Skilled Employment Services

MEANDER, TasmaniaLivestock Farm Workers31 August 2026

Senior Farm Hand

Employer

BURNIE, TasmaniaMixed Crop and Livestock Farm Workers31 August 2026

Popular regions and cities in Tasmania

Apple capital of Australia. The Huon Valley runs south of Hobart and harvests from January–May.

Poppies, berries and vegetables in north-east Tasmania. Reliable 88-day farm work.

Restaurants, bars, MONA museum hospitality and the famous Salamanca Market scene.

Growing hospitality and retail sector in the north. Gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region.

Vegetables, dairy and logistics. The main arrival point for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Vegetables, construction and logistics on the north-west coast.

Main industries hiring backpackers in Tasmania

Apple & Cherry Picking

The Huon Valley and Derwent Valley are among Australia's most productive apple-growing regions.

Berries & Stonefruit

Strawberries, raspberries and cherries in the north-east and Huon Valley, January–April.

Farm Work

Poppies (legal pharmaceutical crops), potatoes, peas, onions and mixed vegetables statewide.

Hospitality

Hobart and Launceston have strong pub, bar and restaurant cultures. MONA-linked tourism is growing.

Tourism & Outdoors

Wilderness tours, fishing charters, kayaking and walking tours in the Cradle Mountain and east coast regions.

Dairy & Livestock

Tasmania is a significant dairy producer. Farm hand roles are available statewide.

Seasonal work calendar — Tasmania

Approximate seasonal patterns. Actual harvest dates vary each year depending on weather and growing conditions.

Period	Typical work available
Nov–Dec	✓Cherries begin (Huon Valley, Derwent Valley) ✓Pre-harvest preparation ✓Summer tourism peaks
Jan–Feb	✓Cherries and berries (north-east) ✓Apples begin (Huon Valley) ✓Peas and vegetables (statewide)
Mar–Apr	✓Apples peak (Huon Valley) ✓Pears ✓Hops (Derwent Valley) ✓Onions and potatoes
May–Jun	✓Apples final weeks ✓Poppies planting (north) ✓Pruning begins in orchards
Jul–Sep	✓Pruning (orchards and vineyards) ✓Poppies growing season ✓Skiing at Ben Lomond
Oct–Nov	✓Spring vegetables begin ✓Pre-cherry maintenance ✓Tourism picks up

88-day and specified work in Tasmania

Tasmania is an approved state for specified work under WHV regulations. Almost all farm and agricultural work in Tasmania qualifies, including apple and cherry picking, berry harvesting, poppy cultivation, potato and vegetable work, and dairy. Tasmania is considered an "approved regional area" in its entirety. However, always confirm your specific location with the Department of Home Affairs.

Check the official approved postcodes list →

Accommodation and housing in Tasmania

Tasmania's farm regions have a mix of on-site accommodation and backpacker hostels. In the Huon Valley, some orchards provide accommodation on site. Hobart and Launceston both have multiple backpacker hostels. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport is an affordable and convenient way to arrive with a vehicle — book during high season.

Getting around Tasmania

Distances in Tasmania are much shorter than mainland Australia. Hobart to Launceston takes about 2 hours by car. Public transport in regional areas is very limited — a car, bicycle or scooter is strongly recommended for farm work. RedLine Coaches connects Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Cycling is feasible in flatter coastal areas.

Practical tips for working in Tasmania

Pack warm, waterproof clothing — Tasmania's weather changes quickly even in summer.
The Huon Valley apple harvest (January–April) is the busiest period. Arrive before Christmas to secure a picking role.
Tasmania is entirely an approved region for 88-day visa purposes — this simplifies planning significantly.
Hobart's hospitality scene is vibrant but small. Competition for roles is high during MONA FOMA and Dark MOFO festivals.
Bring a rain jacket even in January — Tasmania's west coast in particular gets extremely wet.

Frequently asked questions

Does all farm work in Tasmania count toward the 88 days?

Yes. Tasmania is entirely designated as an approved regional area for WHV second-year purposes. Agricultural and farming work (including apple picking, berry harvesting, dairy, vegetables and poppies) throughout the state generally counts. As always, check your specific employer details and ensure you receive proper payslips.

When is apple picking in the Huon Valley?

Apple picking in the Huon Valley typically runs from January through to April or early May, depending on variety and conditions. Peak demand is February–March. Arrive in the valley before January to find accommodation and register with labour hire companies.

How do I get to Tasmania?

The most convenient option for those with a car or bicycle is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which operates from Geelong (near Melbourne) to Devonport. The journey takes about 9–11 hours and runs nightly. Flights to Hobart and Launceston are also available from all mainland capitals.

Start your Tasmania job search today

Browse live backpacker jobs across Tasmania. Filter by category, visa eligibility and city.