Western Australia is one of the best states to visit if you need to complete 88 days and the eastern states' harvests have already finished. WA's seasons run 4–8 weeks behind Queensland and NSW, which means a backpacker who has worked in Bundaberg in January–April can often head straight to Manjimup or Carnarvon and continue accumulating days through the WA season. Beyond farm work, WA offers extraordinary outback adventure in the Kimberley and a thriving construction and hospitality sector in Perth.
Manjimup and Pemberton: apples, pears and berries
The South West region of WA, centred on Manjimup and Pemberton, is the most important backpacker farm work destination in the state. The main crops are apples, pears and stonefruit (Donnybrook area). The harvest runs from approximately May through August — this timing is particularly valuable for backpackers who have finished Queensland work earlier in the year.
Manjimup is about 300 km south of Perth. Labour hire agencies in Manjimup place most of the harvest workers. Arrive in late April or early May to secure accommodation before demand peaks. Before accepting a picking or packing rate, compare it with our fruit picking pay guide or the backpacker Pay Checker.
Carnarvon: tomatoes, capsicum and tropical fruit
Carnarvon is located on WA's mid-west coast, about 900 km north of Perth. The region produces tomatoes, capsicum, bananas, mangoes and tropical fruit year-round, with peak production in winter (May–September) when the climate is ideal for vegetable farming.
The town has several backpacker hostels. Work availability is generally strong during the cool months. A car is helpful — farms are spread over a wide area. For seasons, weather, growers, transport and accommodation detail, read the full Carnarvon farm work guide.
Kununurra and the East Kimberley
Kununurra, in the far north of WA near the NT border, grows mangoes, melons, bananas and other tropical crops under irrigation in one of the world's most dramatic landscapes — the Kimberley region. Mango picking runs September–January. Melon picking typically runs July–October.
Kununurra is also the gateway to the Kimberley Ranges, Lake Argyle and the Bungle Bungle. Tourism and hospitality work is available during the dry season (April–October). It is a remote destination — accommodation books up quickly before the season.
Perth: hospitality, construction and resources
Perth is a large, fast-growing city with strong demand for hospitality, construction and retail workers. It has a more relaxed pace than Sydney or Melbourne and a large backpacker community centred in the Northbridge and Fremantle areas.
Perth does not count as an 88-day regional area, but it is an excellent base from which to plan South West WA farm work. Margaret River (wine harvest roughly February–March) is about 3 hours south of Perth by car and attracts workers for vineyards, wineries and hospitality.
Practical tips for working in WA
- WA's seasons run later than eastern states — this is a strategic advantage if you need to extend your visa year.
- Perth to Manjimup is about 3 hours by car. Distances in WA are huge — Perth to Kununurra is over 3,000 km. Plan your travel carefully.
- WA has strict biosecurity rules at the state border — do not bring fresh fruit or vegetables from another state.
- The Kimberley and Pilbara are extremely hot in summer — work in these areas is mainly suited to the dry season (April–October).
- Perth's Northbridge restaurant district has a large hospitality labour market. An RSA is required for bar work.
- Some areas of the Pilbara and Gascoyne are approved 88-day postcodes — verify specific addresses before accepting any role if this matters to you.