With a population of around 35,000 and an estimated 3100 businesses, the Lockyer Valley is a vibrant location. It is a major Australian farming region.
The Lockyer Valley is central to many of South East Queensland’s tourist destinations, making it an ideal place to visit and work. Giving an opportunity for day trips and weekends away during your time off work.
Tour the region - find everything you need below!
Types of agriculture located in this region are:
Includes vegetables, fruit, flowers, tree nuts and viticulture (grapes). Most horticulture is very reliant on irrigation, and fertile soils so this industry will be found in regions that offer these needs. Although beef is the most valuable commodity in Queensland, production horticulture is the largest employer. The workforce is made up of Australians and international workers. Seasonal and ongoing work is available in picking and packing. With longer-term professional careers also available.
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Irrigation is a complex and scientific requirement critical to most other industries. Apart from farming, other sectors include installers, contractors, farmers, local, state and federal government.
Training opportunities: as irrigation is so important, it has it’s own nationally accredited Certificate III (AHC32419) and is now a ‘trade qualification’. You can also complete around 11 skillsets (short courses) to make yourself even more attractive to employers. Irrigation Australia is a registered training organisation (RTO), meaning they can conduct training to Australian standards and issue you a certificate that meets national guidelines.
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Sometimes call Amenity Horticulture, around 80% of this industry is located in South East Queensland with the industry reaching as far north as Cairns.
Nursery work has a few options as they can grow for the home gardener as well as seedlings for public parks, gardens and regeneration areas. The Production Horticultural industry also relies heavily on seedlings from nurseries, and larger companies will specialise in this type of production. These specialists are generally located in the significant Production Horticultural regions.
Gardens work involves the maintenance of council gardens, public parks and golf greens etc. Or private companies who specialise in the creation of beautiful outdoor spaces.
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Please note that the availability of work may change. Never arrive at a farm ready to start work. You must apply first.
Located 5 minutes from the town of Gatton
Grows and packs vegetable crops throughout multiple regions: Northern Qld, The Downs, Southern Qld.
Is an Australian government service that connects job seekers to harvest and packing work.
Visit: Harvest Trail
Is a government registered Harvest Trail Services Work office.
Can help with the general harvest and packing work along with all types of employment.
Check out what some of the work looks like! New videos being uploaded continuously!
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Once in the Lockyer Valley, you will most likely need a car or get a bus from your accommodation to your farm work. Many people have a car so they can get out of town on the weekends – it’s a day trip to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and further West.
You will find short to mid-term work in the Lockyer Valley mostly during autumn and winter, however, longer-term jobs are available all year round.
If you are after mainstream harvest and packing work, look for a job from around April to November.
Jobs outside this timeframe are possible, and they are well sought after.
If you would like to work all year round, it may require a longer-term commitment to a single employer. Make sure you ask when you apply for the job. Many employers are keen to find people who stay longer and it could be an advantage for you over others who are also applying for the same job.
The Lockyer Valley is located in South East Queensland, between Brisbane (coast) and Toowoomba (mountains). It is a ‘valley’ at the foot of mountain ranges. You can drive only a few hours to other farming regions (example Stanthorpe) which is located above the mountain ranges. Being at a higher altitude Stanthorpe experiences different weather, which means their crops and seasons will vary greatly from the Lockyer Valley, even though they are relatively close in distance.
Starting in this region is a popular choice as the cooler regions of Stanthorpe and Darling Downs are within a 2-hour drive and it is easy to move with the season. This can be really important if a weather event destroys crops etc. You will have options if you need to relocation for work.
There is a fair distance between accommodation and the farms, so you need to have a plan sooner than later.
Some of the backpacker lodges, labour-hire providers and contractors may also pick up workers from various accommodation.
If you do not have a car, be sure to ask about transport when you book your accommodation.
The weather in the Lockyer Valley can be hot and humid in summer and surprisingly cold and frosty in winter. With perfect beautiful weather in between the extremes.
Be prepared in autumn/winter for frosty mornings, warm sunny lunchtimes with the occasional icy wind.
Be prepared for heat and spectacular tropical storms in summer.
At all times of the year, it is imperative you are hydrated, prepared and dressed accordingly to reduce cold stress and heat stress. The FarmReady Card training will guide you through options.
The Lockyer Valley has some backpacker accommodation, which is suitable for midterm employment.
There are a number of real estate agents located in the Gatton town, who may be able to assist with longer-term accommodation.
It is critical to organise your accommodation before you arrive in this region.
| Name | Contact |
| Grantham Farmworkers Lodge New, modern3 levels of accommodationQuality share kitchensRestaurant, bar |
www.granthamfarmworkerslodge.com.au
75 Philps Road, Grantham, Queensland, Australia 4347 (located just out of the township of Gatton) hello@granthamfarmworkerslodge.com.au 0499 445 633 |
| Name | Contact |
| Gatton Freedom LifeStyle Park (Caravan Park) |
291 Eastern Drive, Gatton, Queensland Phone: (07) 5462 1198Gatton Freedom Lifestyle Park |
| Name | Contact |
| Helidon Freedom Lifestyle Park Caravan Park located just outside of Gatton township.Operates buses to and from work.10% Discount to FarmReady Card holders |
7828 Warrego Highway, Helidon, Queensland Phone: (07) 4697 6255Helidon Freedom Lifestyle Park |
| Organisation | Contact Number | Type of Assistance |
| Lockyer Community Centre | 14 Crescent St, Gatton (07) 5462 3355 |
Delivers the community diverse responsive and wide reaching services that employer people and build positive connections. |
| Our Community Centre | 13 Mary Street, Laidley (07) 5465 1889 www.ourcommunitycentre.org.au |
Delivers the community diverse responsive and wide reaching services that employer people and build positive connections. |
| Christian Life Centre | Cnr Golf Links Dr & Woodlands Rd, Gatton (07) 5462 3339 |
Contemporary church with a vibrant mix of cultures from around the world. |
| Church of Christ | Hickey Street, Gatton Qld (07) 5466 1775 |
Offers care and support services to the diverse multicultural Gatton community. |
| ADRA | 27 Railway Street Gatton (07) 5462 1104 |
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the official humanitarian agency of the Seventh day Adventist Church. |
| Lockyer Multicultural Association | Railway Street, Gatton Qld 4343 www.facebook.com/LockyerMulticulturalAssoc/ 0477 433 411 |
Promotes intercultural social interaction, activities and exhibitions, – encourage development and appreciation of different ethnic groups, – aid settlement into the community and – improve social networking for ethnic communities. |
| Lockyer Valley Regional Council | www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au 1800 005 872 |
Monthly BBQs for seasonal workers. Connections to multicultural organisations and assistance. |
| Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre | 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton Qld 4343 (07) 5466 3245 |
Complex includes: library, café, conference facilities, art gallery, visitor information. |
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