Lismore

Only 40km outside of the beautiful Byron Bay, many backpackers get jobs fruit picking in Lismore while living in Byron Bay, where they can also surf and party. Lismore is the region’s capital, located halfway between the rainforest and the sea, with a strong coffee and food scene. Other localities nearby include the alternative Nimbin, known for its relaxed laws on marijuana cultivation.
 

Fruit Picking Work in Lismore

February to March – Lychees
April to September – Macadamias nuts, avocados
June to September – Custard apples
September to December – Stonefruit
October to December – Coffee
October to January – Blueberries

Fruit Picking Jobs in the Lismore

Fruit Picking Jobs in New South Wales

Where’s Lismore

Getting There

There is a regular bus service from Sydney (800km away) and Brisbane (225km away). There is also a regular plane service from Sydney. Being close to Byron Bay, it is easily accessible by car from all major centres including the Gold Coast, and you will find many other back packers driving this route with the possibility of hitchhiking as well.

Accommodation

There is an excellent choice of hotels, motels, B&Bs, apartments, backpacker hostels and caravan parks conveniently located in the centre of town. There is also a wide variety of accommodation options in nearby Byron Bay.

Not Fruit Picking – What to do?

• Grab a surfboard and check out nearby Byron Bay. Also you’ll have to stay a bit later to see the nightlife, which is renowned as wild pretty much every night.
• Take a trip to Nimbin where you will find that the local shops sell hash cookies, weed and all other types of smoking paraphernalia.
• The last Thursday of September is Lismore Cup Day, so frock up and head to the races.

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.