If you’re coming to Australia on a Working Holiday visa, chances are you’ve heard about the 88 days of regional work you need to qualify for your second year visa. Most backpackers start with every intention of ticking it off. But the reality is, plenty don’t make it.
Some run out of time. Some can’t find the right farm work. Others quit because the job was harder, longer, or more remote than they expected. And before they know it, their visa is running out, and so is their chance to stay.
If you don’t want that to be your story, here’s how to stack the odds in your favour, whether you’re still at home planning your trip, or already in Australia and feeling the crunch.
Before You Leave Home, Set Yourself Up Right
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Get realistic about the work: It’s physical, it can be repetitive, and the hours can be long. Watch real videos, talk to backpackers who’ve done it, and know what you’re walking into.
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Budget for the gaps: You might not always get 5-6 days a week. Having a small financial buffer stops you from having to quit and take a city job mid-way.
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Pick the right season and region: Mango picking in winter? Broccoli planting in summer? You’ll want to match the work to the right harvest season so you’re not wasting time job hunting.
Once You’re in Australia, Make it Count
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Start early: Don’t leave your 88 days until the end of your visa. The weather, crop failures, or farm slow downs can throw your plans off.
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Track your days properly: The government only counts eligible days, so make sure you’re getting payslips and working in the right postcode and industry.
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Be open to moving: If work dries up on one farm, be ready to pack your bag and chase the harvest elsewhere.
If You’re Close to the Deadline, Don’t Panic
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Go where the work is: Even if it’s not glamorous, steady hours matter more than the job title right now.
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Avoid ‘cash jobs’: They won’t count toward your 88 days, no matter how many hours you put in.
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Get help from the right labour hire agency: With Left Field, for example, we place backpackers across multiple farms, so if one slows down, you can move to another without starting from scratch. That flexibility can mean the difference between hitting 88 days or going home early.
Reality is the 88 day rule catches people out because they underestimate the work, overestimate how much time they have, and don’t have a backup plan. If you start smart, stay flexible, and keep your eye on the calendar, you’ll give yourself the best shot at that second year in Australia.
