Situated on the banks of the Lachlan River, Hillston is known as the ‘outback’ of the Riverina due to its rustic and rural nature. Located on the Great Artesian Basin, the largest freshwater underground basin in the world, the local agricultural industry thrives off this infinite resource. Hillston is also known for its extreme temperatures, with the summer months being very hot and the winter months really cold.
Fruit Picking Work in Hillston
April to June – Cotton
June to September – Potatoes
October to August – Citrus
November – Cherries
November to December – Onions
Fruit Picking Jobs in Hillston
Fruit Picking Jobs in New South Wales
Where’s Hillston
Getting There
Hillston is a true outback Australian town, meaning it is pretty much far away from anything. If driving, it is 682 kms west of Sydney. Take the Mid Western Highway and Kidman Way and then travel a further 109 kms north west of Griffith.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport to or around Hillston but you may be able to share a ride with other fruit pickers or hitch-hike your way there.
Accommodation
There are a number of hotels and motels, as well as a caravan park in town, all on the High Street.
Some farms may also provide dorm style bedding or accommodate fruit pickers with their own camping equipment.
Not Fruit Picking – What to do?
- Go for a water-ski around Lake Woorabinda, a man-made lake that is also encircled by a scenic walking track.
- Check out Willandra National Park just to the North of the town, where there is a massive variety of local flora and fauna for you to see if you’re lucky.
- Head to Milne’s Butchers and taste test their famous traditional meats, including smoked meats using red gum sawdust sourced from the Murrumbidgee River.
Extending Your Australian Working Holiday Visa
Many harvest jobs will meet the Second Australian Working Holiday Visa eligibility and count towards the 88 days of specified work. Some regional locations and jobs are ineligible which could lead to the Department of Immigration rejecting your application. So remember to confirm whether or not your fruit picking or harvest job will count towards the Second Australian WHV.
