Completing your 88 days of regional work is one of the most important milestones of your Working Holiday Visa in Australia. If you’re based in Cairns, you’re in one of the best locations in the country to get it done quickly.
Where to Find Farm Work Near Cairns
The Atherton Tablelands, just 90 minutes west of Cairns, is the most popular region for backpackers completing their 88 days. The area produces tropical fruits year-round — avocados, bananas, mangoes, lychees and more.
Key Towns on the Tablelands
- Mareeba — largest town, most employers, good hostel options
- Atherton — quieter, good for longer stays
- Innisfail — banana farming, very popular with backpackers
- Tully — banana capital of Australia, guaranteed work most of the year
How to Get Your 88 Days Signed Off
Your employer must be in a designated regional postcode. Always check the current list on the immigration website before starting work. Keep your payslips, take photos of your timesheets, and make sure your VEVO record is updated regularly.
The Atherton Tablelands Facebook group "Backpackers & Farm Work Cairns Region" is updated daily with job ads directly from farmers — more reliable than most agencies.
Pay Rates for Farm Work Near Cairns
Most farm work near Cairns is paid as piecework — per bin, per kilo, or per row. Experienced pickers can earn 00-350 per day. As a beginner, expect 20-180 per day while you build up speed.
Work Hostels Near Cairns
Several hostels in the Atherton Tablelands area operate as work hostels — they organise transport to farms and help you find work in exchange for slightly higher weekly rates. This is the easiest option for first-timers.
Arrive with at least AUD $2,000 in savings before heading to the farms. The first 1-2 weeks you'll be getting started and pay can be inconsistent.
📊 Key Facts at a Glance
❓ FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete my 88 days near Cairns?
Yes — the Atherton Tablelands (Mareeba, Atherton, Malanda) is one of the most popular 88-days regions in Australia, located 45–90 minutes from Cairns. Farm work including avocados, bananas, coffee and tropical fruits is available most of the year.
How much do you earn doing farm work near Cairns?
Casual farm work near Cairns typically pays AUD $22–27/hour. Some operations use piece-rate (paid per bin/kg) which can earn more for fast workers. Weekend penalty rates apply under Australian law — typically 150–175% of base rate.
Farm work pays AUD $22–27/hour or piece rate. Experienced pickers can earn AUD $200+/day on piece rate once they know what they're doing.
How do I get my 88 days signed off?
Your employer fills out the Working Holiday Visa evidence form (available on the Home Affairs website) at the end of your employment. Keep all payslips as backup. You can spread 88 days across multiple employers — they don’t all need to be on one farm.
What if I can’t find farm work near Cairns?
If Cairns region is slow, try Innisfail (banana plantations, 90km south) or Tully (sugarcane, 140km south). Facebook groups like ‘Farm Work Australia’ and ‘Cairns Backpackers Jobs’ have live job postings. The hostel job boards in Cairns CBD also list farm work regularly.
Some farm work near Cairns slows during the wet season (Nov–Jan) but banana work runs year-round. Innisfail farms are often less affected by wet season than the Tablelands.
Does farm work in the Atherton Tablelands count for 88 days?
Yes — work in the Atherton Tablelands counts as regional work for your Working Holiday Visa extension. Mareeba, Atherton, Malanda and Innisfail are all in eligible postcodes. Check the current PALM scheme and regional work postcodes on the Australian Home Affairs website.
