Tasmania is one of Australia's best-kept secrets for working holiday travellers. The entire state is an approved regional area for 88-day purposes, which simplifies planning enormously — you do not need to worry about whether a specific postcode is on a list. Tasmania produces some of Australia's most valuable apples, cherries, berries, cool-climate vegetables and hops, and the apple and cherry seasons in the Huon Valley are among the most consistent farm work periods in the country. Add a compact, walkable capital city with a thriving bar and restaurant scene, and you have a genuinely compelling destination.
Huon Valley: Australia's apple heartland
The Huon Valley runs south of Hobart along the Huon River. It produces a large proportion of Australia's apples and pears, along with cherries, plums and soft fruit. The apple harvest runs from approximately January through April or May, with peak demand in February and March.
Huonville, the main town in the valley, is about 40 km south of Hobart. Some orchards provide on-site accommodation for pickers. Labour hire agencies in Hobart and Huonville place most workers. Arrive at the beginning of January to secure a role before peak season.
Cherry picking in the Derwent Valley (around Bushy Park and New Norfolk) typically runs November–January. This is a shorter, more intense season.
Scottsdale and north-east Tasmania
The north-east of Tasmania, around Scottsdale and St Helens, has berry farms (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), mixed vegetables and poppies (grown legally for pharmaceutical purposes). Work availability here complements the Huon Valley — when one season finishes, the other may be starting.
The north-east is also close to some of Tasmania's most spectacular wilderness, including the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park.
Hobart: MONA, Salamanca and the best city on the island
Hobart is a compact and genuinely lovely city. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has transformed Tasmania's cultural landscape and brings large numbers of tourists to the city. MONA FOMA (January) and Dark MOFO (June) are the two main festivals and create significant hospitality demand.
The Salamanca Place and Battery Point precincts have a strong restaurant and bar culture. Hobart is small by mainland standards, which means the job market is tighter — local connections and timing matter more than in larger cities.
Launceston in the north has a growing hospitality scene and is closer to the north-east farm regions.
Getting to Tasmania
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry operates between Geelong (near Melbourne) and Devonport on Tasmania's north-west coast. The journey takes about 9–11 hours overnight. This is the best option if you have a car or bicycle, as public transport within Tasmania is limited.
Flights to Hobart and Launceston are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other capitals. The ferry must be booked well in advance during December–February as it fills up quickly.
Practical tips for working in Tasmania
- Tasmania is entirely an approved 88-day region. Any agricultural or farming work here should count — but still confirm your specific role with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Pack warm clothing even in summer — Tasmania's weather is changeable. The west coast in particular can be wet year-round.
- Public transport in regional Tasmania is very limited. A car, bicycle or moped is strongly recommended for farm work areas.
- The Huon Valley apple harvest starts to ramp up in January — arrive before Christmas to secure work and accommodation.
- Hobart's Salamanca Market (every Saturday) is a good place to meet locals and hear about job opportunities.
- Tasmania has some of Australia's best wilderness — Cradle Mountain, the Overland Track and the Bay of Fires are nearby. Work and travel combines well here.