Key Industries
Agriculture & Farming
The backbone of the Mareeba economy. Sugar cane, mangoes, avocados, lychees, coffee, bananas, citrus, and cattle.
Major Employers
- • Local farms and plantations
- • De Brueys Boutique Wines
- • Skybury Coffee
- • Coffee Works
- • Golden Drop Winery
Seasonal Info
Mango picking (Dec-Feb), Coffee harvest (May-Sep), Citrus (May-Sep), Avocado (Mar-Jun), Sugar cane cutting (Jun-Nov)
Tourism & Hospitality
Growing sector driven by Kuranda tourism, hot air ballooning, Lake Tinaroo, and the Tablelands food trail.
Major Employers
- • Kuranda Scenic Railway
- • Skyrail
- • Hot Air Cairns
- • Granite Gorge Nature Park
- • Hotels and motels
- • Cafes and restaurants
Seasonal Info
Peak season May-October (dry season). Most roles year-round.
Local Government
Mareeba Shire Council is one of the shire's largest employers with roles in roads, water, parks, administration, and community services.
Major Employers
- • Mareeba Shire Council (roads, water, parks, admin)
- • Libraries
- • Swimming pool
- • Waste services
Seasonal Info
Year-round. Check msc.qld.gov.au/careers for current vacancies.
Healthcare & Education
Hospital, medical centres, schools, and childcare provide steady employment.
Major Employers
- • Mareeba Hospital (QLD Health)
- • Medical centres and GP clinics
- • Schools (state and private)
- • Childcare centres
- • Pharmacies
Seasonal Info
Year-round positions. Rural health incentives available for GPs and nurses.
Working Holiday Visa Holders
Mareeba Shire is in a designated regional area, meaning agricultural work here counts toward your second and third year visa extensions (subclass 417 and 462).
You need 88 days of specified work for a second year visa, and a further 6 months for a third year.
Popular Seasonal Work
- Mango picking/packing (December - February) - Busiest season, many farms hiring
- Coffee harvesting (May - September) - Unique Australian experience
- Avocado picking (March - June) - Increasingly popular crop
- Citrus picking (May - September) - Oranges, lemons, limes
- Sugar cane (June - November) - Harvesting and mill work
Tips for Backpackers
- Get a Tax File Number (TFN) before starting work
- Register with the Harvest Labour Information Service
- Accommodation: hostels in Mareeba, caravan parks, or farm-provided housing
- Bring work boots, hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves
- Most farms pay weekly by bank transfer - you will need an Australian bank account
Job Search Resources
Moving to Mareeba?
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