TRAVELLERS FROM OVERSEAS.

To enter the Farmgate workforce as a recent traveller from overseas, you will be required to comply with current vaccination and quarintine laws (where applicable).

How do I get to Farmgate Backpackers?

CHILDERS

Farmgate Backpackers is located at 28965 Bruce Hwy Childers, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours North of Brisbane. Greyhound bus services offer transport to and from Brisbane. We offer pick up service from Childers bus stop for a $10.00 per person fee. Pick ups are available from 10am to 7.30pm.

BUNDABERG EAST

Farmgate Backpackers is located at 20 Princess St Bundaberg East. A train service arrives in Bundaberg and we are a short taxi ride from the station. Pick ups can be arranged subject to availability. (Note: In 2024 this campus is exclusively available to PALM Scheme Pacific Island workers).

Once you have completed your online registration form we will contact you to arrange an arrival date and time. We will also discuss transport and transfers to/from the bus and train stations.

If I’m an overseas backpacker/traveller wanting to work in Australia, what must I do?

You need to do 3 things:

  1. Obtain a working holiday visa from the department of immigration. Otherwise you will not be able to work for payment.

  2. Apply for a Tax file Number from the ATO otherwise you will be taxed at the highest rate.

  3. Open an Australian bank account.

  4. Join a superannuation (retirement) fund. Go to Prime Super, it takes 5 minutes to join. You will earn an additional 11% on ever dollar you earn?

What does seasonal farm work involve?

It can involve anything farm related – eg. picking, packing and sorting fruit or vegetables. It may also involve general farm labour such as mending fences, irrigation work or product quality assurance. Your harvest work will be on a farm, but it may be outside in an orchard or inside a packing shed.

How will I be paid?

You will generally be employed and paid directly by the farm you are working for. You will be paid hourly, and sometimes with additional bonuses– this is at the discretion of the farm. Any bonus/piece rate offered cannot be less than the casual minimum Award hourly rate.

What hours does seasonal farm work involve?

Put simply – IT VARIES! Farm work can start early in the morning and finish late in the afternoon. There can be shift work or night work and working weeks can be 5, 6 or 7 days. Work can even be interrupted or cancelled due to bad weather or machinery breakdown.

What happens if I am sacked from my employment?

This will be dealt with on a case by case basis. If you have been sacked because of conduct that is contrary to your employment agreement, we will not assist you in finding more farm work – further more, we may ask you to leave the hostel.

How will I get to work from Farmgate Backpackers?

You can either drive your own car, or we can provide transport for a weekly fee from Farmgate to your place of work.