How to Complete Your 88 Days in Australia: Practical Tips for WHV Holders
G'Day Backpacker Jobs
Published 5 July 2026 · Updated 27 July 2026
The 88 days is a rite of passage for backpackers in Australia. Done right, it's your ticket to a second year — more beaches, more adventures, more money. Done wrong, it costs you time, money and potentially your visa extension. This guide covers the practical reality of completing your regional work, based on what actually works in 2026.
Why 88 days matters
To qualify for a second-year Working Holiday Visa (and potentially a third), you must complete 88 days of "specified work" in a regional or remote area of Australia. This isn't optional — without it, your visa expires after 12 months and you must leave.
The 88 days requirement exists to support Australia's regional economy, particularly the agricultural sector which has consistent labour shortages. In exchange for your work, you get an extended stay — a pretty good deal if you're organised about it.
What types of work count?
Not all regional work counts. It must be in an approved industry AND in an approved postcode region. The most common qualifying categories are:
Fruit & vegetable picking
Strawberries, blueberries, capsicum, tomatoes
Orchard work
Mangoes, citrus, grapes, stone fruit
Grain & cotton farming
Harvesting, sorting, packaging
Livestock work
Mustering, dairy, shearing
Fishing & aquaculture
Prawn trawling, fish processing
Mining support
Site labouring in approved regions
Tree farming
Forestry, plantation work
Remote tourism
Only in approved remote facilities
Always check the postcode. Work must be in an approved postcode region. City and suburban postcodes do not qualify even if the work type is eligible.
Best regions to complete your 88 days
Bundaberg, Queensland
Season: May – November · Crops: Tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers
Large backpacker community, well-established hostels, consistent work — one of the most popular spots.
Bowen, Queensland
Season: April – October · Crops: Mangoes, tomatoes
Steady work with reputable farms, good pay rates, relatively low competition compared to Bundaberg.
Mildura, Victoria
Season: Year-round (various crops) · Crops: Grapes, citrus, stone fruit
Year-round availability thanks to irrigation. One of the most reliable regions in the country.
Riverina, New South Wales
Season: November – February · Crops: Stone fruit, tomatoes, wine grapes
High pay rates for stone fruit picking, especially cherries. Very short intense season.
Carnarvon, Western Australia
Season: June – October · Crops: Bananas, tomatoes, capsicum
Remote but very high wages and premium conditions. Fewer backpackers = less competition.
Farm and harvest pay varies by region and crop. Before you accept an offer in Bundaberg, Mildura or elsewhere, check the rate with our backpacker Pay Checker or read farm work pay rates Australia.
How to document your days (the right way)
Your documentation is everything. Without proper records, your 88 days mean nothing when you apply for your second-year visa. Here's exactly what you need:
Payslips for every pay period
Must show: your full name, employer ABN, employment dates, hours worked per day or period, and the employer's address (including postcode). Save PDFs and back them up to cloud storage immediately.
Tax File Number (TFN)
You must work on the books with a TFN. Apply online at the ATO before you start work. Without a TFN you'll be taxed at 45% withholding rate.
Employment contract or letter
Ask your employer for a written contract or start-of-work letter. This backs up your payslips if there's any dispute about dates or location.
Keep a personal spreadsheet
Track every day you work: date, employer name, ABN, location, hours, and pay. This lets you count your days accurately and catch any gaps.
Bank statements (optional but useful)
Bank records showing regular payments from farm employers add another layer of evidence. The Department of Home Affairs sometimes requests these.
5 mistakes that can sink your 88 days
✗ Working cash in hand
Fix: Always insist on formal employment. No payslips = no evidence = no second visa.
✗ Not checking the postcode before starting
Fix: The employer's postcode must be on the Department of Home Affairs approved list. Ask before you commit.
✗ Losing payslips
Fix: Photograph and back up every payslip the day you receive it. Email them to yourself. Store in Google Drive or Dropbox.
✗ Trusting the farm to track your days
Fix: Keep your own log. Farms can make mistakes, lose records or close down. You need your own backup.
✗ Leaving it until the last minute
Fix: Start your regional work early in your visa year. Seasonal work dries up and you don't want to be scrambling in month 11.
How much can you earn doing 88 days?
Pay varies enormously by crop, region and season. Here's a rough guide:
| Work Type | Pay Model | Est. Daily Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato / capsicum picking | Hourly (award rate) | ~$180–220 |
| Mango picking | Piece rate / hourly | ~$150–350 (speed dependent) |
| Berry picking (strawberries) | Piece rate | ~$100–280 (speed dependent) |
| Grape harvesting | Piece rate / hourly | ~$160–250 |
| Cherry picking | Piece rate | ~$200–500 (peak season) |
| General farm labouring | Hourly | ~$190–230 |
Estimates only. Actual earnings depend on crop conditions, picking speed and hours available.