Margaret River Backpackers

Margaret River is one of Australia’s renowned wine regions. Close to the coast, it also has some fantastic surfing breaks.

How to Find Work in Margaret River

Margaret River YHA works extensively with local job agencies and labour hire companies to help working holiday makers and backpackers to find seasonal work.

The hostel has good contacts with 5-6 of the main vineyards.

Hostel staff also recommend going door-to-door with your CV/resume as a successful way of looking for work. 

Training and Qualifications

The labour hire companies run training for backpackers and also provide all the tools required, which, as with Dunsborough, are taken out of the backpacker’s wages in instalments.

If you need your RSA certification, the hostel will provide you with free internet time to do the course online, which in WA, generally only takes a couple of hours. 

Employer Requirements

Backpackers need to source their own wet-weather gear, but the hostel has a good supply of second-hand clothing, which they sell at discounted prices and will also buy back at the end of a backpacker’s stay. This can save up to 50% on the cost of new clothing.

Getting to Work in Margaret River

YHA Margaret River also runs a Work Bus, which they use to transport backpackers to their various jobs, for a small fee, to cover the cost of petrol.

Some farmers will also pick their workers up and other backpackers will set up car pool arrangements with their fellow working holiday makers. 

Types of Jobs in Margaret River

Calls offering work come in every week, throughout the year, although the grape vine pruning (June-September) and grape picking (February-April) periods are the peak season for jobs.

There is a staff shortage year-round in Margaret River, with many of the local bars, restaurants and shops in Margaret River town posting notices in their windows, looking for workers.

There is also other work available on local farms. 

Length of Employment in Margaret River

The average job lasts for about three months, which matches up with the requirements for a visa extension.

If it is a visa extension that you’re seeking, pruning season is better suited to this than picking season. Pruning season involves three months of working full days, whereas grape picking takes place in the early morning and generally only offers a couple of hours work per day.

You can also work in hospitality, in a vineyard restaurant, to qualify for the extension.