Discover how cool-climate orchards and coastal berry fields shape Tasmania’s agricultural identity. This one-page guide dives deep into varieties, growing practices, microclimates, harvest techniques, and the vital role of working holiday makers who bring each season to life.
Vibrant berry rows near the coast; rolling apple orchards inland.
Tasmania’s island position south of mainland Australia delivers a temperate maritime climate with long, mild summers and cool nights. These conditions foster slow, even ripening that concentrates sugars and aromas—exactly what strawberries and apples love. Clean air, abundant rainfall, and rich, well-drained soils—from sandy loams along the north coast to ferrosols and alluvial pockets inland—create a mosaic of micro-terroirs.
The horticultural calendar here is tuned to the southern hemisphere seasons: berry fields burst to life from late spring, while apple orchards focus on blossom management, thinning, and canopy balance through summer before harvest in late summer and autumn. Modern growers combine traditional craft—pruning, hand-picking, and careful grading—with innovations like drip irrigation, fertigation, rain covers, and integrated pest management (IPM).
Crucially, Tasmania’s harvest energy comes from a diverse workforce that includes many backpackers/working holiday makers. Their adaptability, stamina, and global perspective are part of what makes the season not only productive but culturally vibrant.
Understanding the site means understanding the season: soil, sun, wind, and water steer every decision.
Coastal fields benefit from sea breezes that moderate daytime heat and reduce disease pressure. Inland valleys enjoy cool nights, enhancing color development and sugar accumulation—vital for crisp apples and aromatic berries.
Efficient drip irrigation and mulching conserve water while targeting the root zone. Loams and ferrosols provide structure and fertility; raised beds and mounded rows improve drainage for strawberries, keeping crowns dry and roots oxygenated.
Integrated pest management combines canopy airflow, netting, beneficial insects, and targeted sprays only when thresholds are reached—protecting both yield and beneficials while supporting pollinators.
Tasmanian strawberries are commonly grown on raised, plastic-mulched beds with twin drip lines beneath. The mulch suppresses weeds, warms soils in spring, and keeps fruit clean after rain. Day-neutral and short-day cultivars are selected for flavor, shelf life, and disease tolerance, with staggered plantings to smooth out peaks.
Pre-harvest work includes runner removal, leaf tidying, net repairs, and path maintenance. During harvest, fruit is hand-picked every 1–3 days, with strict grading: fully red, glossy berries go to punnets; underripe or damaged fruit is diverted to processing. Pickers move fast but carefully—squeezed berries bleed and mold quickly.
Post-harvest, rapid cooling and gentle handling protect shelf life. Clean punnets, clear traceability, and cold-chain discipline are non-negotiable for premium markets.
Keep your non-dominant hand under the truss; twist the stem, don’t pull the berry. Fill punnets evenly to avoid crushing, and shade your tray when pausing.
From blossom set to bins on trucks, orchard rhythm is a choreography of details.
High-density trellised orchards dominate, with dwarfing rootstocks and narrow canopies to maximize light interception. Thinning is a craft—balancing size and color, removing clusters that shade neighbors, and spacing fruit to avoid rub marks.
Color development depends on sunlight and cool nights; reflective ground covers and leaf removal around clusters can help blush varieties reach spec without overheating the fruit.
Apples are picked at maturity windows indicated by starch tests, background color, firmness, and Brix. Pickers roll fruit into the palm—no fingernail pressure—keeping stems attached and placing gently into bags or bins.
Bins are shaded and transported promptly to cool rooms. Variety timing staggers from early summer strains to late-autumn heritage picks, letting crews move block to block.
Working holiday makers—often called backpackers—form a flexible workforce that can move quickly as crops ripen. Their contribution is more than labor: they bring languages, music, recipes, and calm under pressure when weather compresses picking windows. Teams are trained in orchard etiquette, hygiene, and safety, then matched to tasks like hand-thinning, ladder work, berry picking, packing, and quality control.
Productivity hinges on technique, pacing, and ergonomics. A good picker anticipates where ripe fruit is likely to be, plans ladder placements, and keeps a steady tempo that minimizes re-handling. Many farms pay hourly for training days and move to piece-rates when pick quality and speed are consistent—always within legal frameworks.
Compost, cover crops, and gentle traffic reduce compaction. Regular leaf & soil tests guide balanced nutrition while protecting waterways from runoff.
Hedgerows and flowering strips support beneficial insects and pollinators; netting strategies balance bird protection with habitat considerations.
Recyclable punnets, optimized pallet loads, and re-usable field gear reduce footprint. Cold rooms powered by efficient systems keep post-harvest emissions in check.
Strawberries enter early pick; apples in blossom set and early thinning.
Peak strawberry harvest; apples size up, canopy work intensifies, early strains start.
Main apple harvest: Gala to Pink Lady and Granny Smith; late berry flushes possible.
Dormancy and pruning; infrastructure maintenance, soil building, planning.
A passion for earth
Get the full Backpacker’s Harvest Guide to Tasmanian Strawberries & Apples: packing lists, in-depth variety charts, piece-rate tips, quality specs, safety checklists, accommodation advice, and a printable first-week plan.
No. Most farms train you on day one. Focus on quality, follow instructions, and your speed will improve naturally within a few days.
Depending on the task and employer, you may be paid hourly or by piece rate. Training must be paid, and legal minimums always apply. Ask for written terms.
Berry picking can pause to protect fruit quality; orchard work may continue if safe. Bring rain gear and follow supervisor guidance on wet-weather protocols.
Yes—many crews rotate across crops as seasons shift. It’s a great way to maintain consistent work and learn multiple skill sets.