The Hunter Valley is known as one of Australia’s oldest and most successful wine regions, with a number of landmark labels being established in the area, including Lindemans and Tyrell’s Wine. Taking in around 12,000 square kilometres, the region extends from 120km to 310km North of Sydney and this includes a massive 120 wineries. With beautiful scenery and a large number of tourist attractions, the Hunter Valley really is a great place to go fruit picking.
 

Fruit Picking Work in Hunter Valley

January to March – Grape picking
March to June – Olives
June to September – Vine pruning

Fruit Picking Jobs in the Hunter Valley

Fruit Picking Jobs in New South Wales

Where’s the Hunter Valley

Getting There

If driving from Sydney go north from the city via Harbour Bridge or tunnel. Follow the signs to Newcastle and North Coast onto the Pacific Highway and take the exit to National One at Waitara. Then just follow the signs to Cessnock and Hunter Valley Vineyards’. Its about a 2 hour drive all up.

There are buses that operate daily from Sydney direct to the Hunter Valley.

There are also daily flights to Newcastle from all major cities.
Rail services operate on a daily basis from Sydney through Broadmeadow (Newcastle), Maitland and
Singleton.

Accommodation

There is a massive choice of hotels, motels, backpacker hostels, caravan and cabin parks, B&Bs and farmstays throughout the Hunter Valley. Some vineyards will also accommodate fruit pickers with their own camping equipment or put them up in dorm style bedding.

Not Fruit Picking – What to do?

• Check out Pokolbin, the wine growing centre of the Valley. There are a large number of excellent wineries with attached restaurants in the area and set amid stunning scenery.
• If beer is more your thing, have a look at Blue Tounge Brewery and Potters Hotel and Brewery.
• Go to one of the horse riding centres and take a ride around the breathtaking area taking in the amazing scenery.

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.

Get in Contact with the local tourist centre