As I previously mentioned in an earlier post there are 12 working hostels in the town of Bundaberg and in this post I will draw a link to all the hostels which have their own independent website. I think it is really important to give a firsthand review with photographs of working town hostels as there is currently only vague and washy information available online which doesn’t give much away with regards to their availability and working schedules.

It can be quite stressful for backpackers who are wanting to undertake their second year visa when they attempt to try and find working hostels so hopefully this guide will at least offer a more detailed insight into Bundaberg which is positioned in Queensland (notoriously the best place in Oz to gather regional work due to the climate’s consistency and stability throughout the year).
The most common fruits/harvest in Bundaberg
January to December – Sweet potatoes
February to September – Avocados
March to July – Citrus
March to December – Zucchinis
April to May – Beans
April to August – Capsicums
April to June – Cucumbers, custard apples
April to August – Tomatoes
May to July – Pumpkins
August to November – Cherry tomatoes

August to September – Strawberries
October to November – Beans, cucumbers
October to December – Capsicums, tomatoes, melons
November to December – Pumpkins
December to February – Mangoes
I am currently picking macadamia nuts now and its March and is expected to run for up to 12 weeks. If you can get Macadamias as a job

then be sure to go for it as good money can be made here as a bonus on top of your already great $20.20 per hour wage. I have recently found out as well that if you do 12 straight weeks with the same farmer then this is all the time you have to do to extend your working holiday visa instead of the usual 88 days that is required if you chop and change regions, farms and areas. If you really want to save some money though then doing the full 88 days is recommended.
The working hostels
East Bundy Backpackers

Central Lodge Backpackers
Footprints Bigfoot Backpackers
Workers and Divers Backpackers
Cellblock Backpackers

City Centre Backpackers

Bundaberg Backpackers

Bus Stop Backpackers
So whether you book ahead before arriving in Bundaberg or not you will always find a place to stay for one or two nights on their night by night tariffs. However, if you want to guarantee your work and avoid possible disappointment then I would advise booking a hostel 1 to 2 weeks beforehand to get yourself on the jobs list and secure yourself some harvest work for when you arrive. Bundaberg isn’t one of those towns where there is an abundance of activities to fill your time so it is also recommended to get your regional work in place sooner so you’re not sitting around twiddling your thumbs.
Cheers,
Thomo