Looking for work?Situated in the centre of ‘the food bowl of Australia’, the Cobram Barooga and district area is renowned for its magnificent climate and variety of available attractions and activities. Cobram is a large fruit growing area situated on the Murray River just 250 kms north of Melbourne and is the ideal place for those on a working holiday.
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Fruit picking
The Cobram region is host to many types of fruit trees all of which require harvesting at various times of the year. Below is a guide to general harvesting times. Note that this is a guide as harvest times can vary greatly among varieties and seasonal conditions;
The weather over the summer months can be particularly hot at times reaching over 40 degrees Celsius so working in an orchard can be tough going. Picking fruit involves very early morning starts, climbing and moving ladders, carrying heavy picking bags and most importantly following instructions from the fruit grower. Many crops are passed over by pickers up to three times, the first two picks focusing on the correct size fruit with the last pick known as the 'strip' pick.
Other work
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There are many other jobs available related to the harvesting of fruit;
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Things you need to know
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One of the main requirements for employment is that you have a valid work visa. The Australian Working Holiday visa scheme Provides a great opportunity for young people aged 18 – 30 to travel around Australia, whilst earning money to help fund the cost of your holiday through short-term employment for up to twelve months. You can only work for an individual employer for a maximum of six months however you can also study or train for up to four months using your Australian Working Holiday visa. There is even an opportunity to extend Australia Working Holiday Visas for up to another twelve months by completing three months specified work in Regional Australia whilst on your first Working Holiday visa.
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How do I get work?MADEC is one of many agencies that provides all year round Harvest Labour services to meet seasonal labour market needs. They supply labour to major harvest areas seeking large numbers of harvest workers to supplement local labour supply.
Alternatively the Harvest Job Search web site powered by JobSearch is a great online resource Email us at [email protected] |
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Transport in the area
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Cobram and Barooga are small towns so getting around is easy on foot or on a bike. Click here to download a town map.
Alternatively there is a local town bus service (Note this bus does not travel out of town to orchards). The service departs from; The terminus at Willow's Caravan Park on Ritchie Rd and runs via Ritchie Rd, Cobram-Koonoomoo Rd, Murray Valley Hwy, Punt Rd, Main St, High St (Post Office), Broadway St, O'Dwyer Av, Elizabeth St, Stokes Av, Karook St, Warkil St, Gregory St, Punt Rd, Campbell Rd, Murray Valley Hwy, William St, Hume St, Hovell Ct, then via Hume St, William St, Main St and High St to the terminus at the Post Office. Return trip commences from the terminus at Cobram Post Office and travels via the above description back to the Post Office terminus then continues via Market St, Terminus St, Broadway St, Murray Valley Hwy, Ritchie Rd and Cobram-Koonoomoo Rd to terminate at Oasis Village. NOTE: This service operates on Tuesday and Friday only. Bus operates to medical clinics on request. Phone bookings available on 5872 1800. Accommodation |
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As more jobs have been taken up by workers, accommodation has become more difficult to find. Some growers have onsite accommodation, but not all growers do. Make sure you check availability
Local caravan parks provide caravans for rent, cabins or camp sites. There is also a backpackers motel that can be booked through First National Real Estate. Below is a list of . For other options click the image on the right.
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