Harvest Towns, Crops & Seasons

Ayr

Where is Ayr?

Ayr is located 85km South of Townsville. It is recognised as one of the most productive sugar-cane growing areas in Australia. It boasts over 300 sunny days per year. Situated on the Northern approach to the Burdekin Bridge, the district offers the natural beauty of The Burdekin River, creeks and miles of sandy beaches making the area a mecca for fishing, crabbing and watersports.

Bowen  

Where is Bowen?

Bowen is a coastal town located 1165 km to the north of Brisbane and 206km south of Townsville. It has many lovely beaches, especially to the north of the town and a large jetty at Port Denison which is used for the loading of coal, salt and fish for export. Bowen and the surrounding area are well known for the large production of tomatoes, vegetables and mangoes.

 Bundaberg 

Where is Bundaberg?

Bundaberg is 360 km north of Brisbane. It is on the Burnett River and 14km from the coast. It is a city in the sub-tropics where the rainfall is considerable and the average daily summer temperatures vary between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Bundaberg is a significant centre for the Queensland sugar industry. The large refineries and sugar mills support the population of the thriving city. There is also a large production of beef and dairy cattle, tropical fruit and vegetables. The area produces nearly one-fifth of Australia's sugar from its large mills and is transported from the bulk handling port. It is also recognised for the production of its famous brown rum. It is the countries largest producer of tomatoes.

Caboolture

Where is Caboolture?

Caboolture is located 40 kms north of Brisbane, approximately half way between the State's capital and the beautiful Sunshine Coast. A short drive to picturesque waterways along the Pumicestone Passage at Bribie Island and unspoiled hinterland scenery through the inland. The Caboolture farming region takes in the areas of Ningi, Toorbul, Donnybrook, Elimbah, Bellmere and Wamuran. The Caboolture area is one of Australia's largest strawberry producing districts. 

Emerald

Where is Emerald?

Emerald is located in the Central Highlands of Queensland on the Nogoa River. It is approximately 900 km from Brisbane and 263 km west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway. The Emerald Shire has a population of approximately 13,000 residents and the town almost doubles in population during the picking season.

Whilst largely at cattle growing area, sorghum plantings more than 50 years ago proved the fertility of the land. The completion of the building of the Fairbairn Dam, south of the town in the 1970's, allowed the area to grow cotton and most farmers changed to the new crop. The region now supplies 25% of Queensland's cotton. The area has recently become popular for the growing of table grapes, melons and citrus possible due to Emerald's northerly latitude.

Seasonal workers enjoy the town's hospitality, shopping and tourist attractions. The area is situated on the edge of the gem fields and this also attracts many visitors to the area.

 Gatton

Where is Gatton?

Situated in the heart of the rich and fertile Lockyer Valley, Gatton was initially a stop over point for the mail and coach service between Brisbane and the Darling Downs. The region was one of the first areas of settlement in Queensland and has traditionally been a producer of fine cattle and a wide range of vegetable crops, tomatoes and melons. Processing of some of the crops through canning also occurs in the Gatton area and provides an extra level of employment in the region as do the many cattle and horse studs which are situated in the rich valley.

Gayndah

Where is Gayndah?

Gayndah is situated 350Km North West of Brisbane and approximately 180km in land (two hour drive) from Maryborough and Bundaberg.

The Gayndah shire has a population of 3000 and the town doubles in population during the picking season. Pickers enjoy the town's hospitality, shopping and internet cafes. Sport is also popular with seasonal workers.

Giru

Where is Giru?

The rural township of Giru is located approximately 52km south of Townsville and 34km North of Ayr. It is situated 4km off the Bruce Highway on the banks of the Haughton River.

Mareeba

Where is Mareeba?

The largest town on the Atherton Tablelands, Mareeba is less than one hour's drive west of Cairns, Mareeba is a gateway town; from her hub travellers continue north to Cooktown, Weipa and the tip of Cape York. Mareeba is a bread bowl township, the heart of Australia's thriving tropical fruits and coffee industry. Where you will find large mangoes and paw paw farms, coffee, and macadamia nuts plantations, along with sugar cane, pineapples, cashews, bananas and a whole banquet of other crops flourish.

St George

Where is St George?

St. George is a Queensland rural town on the vast flatlands beyond the Great Dividing Range. It is located 479 kms from Brisbane and approximately 370 kms north of Moree. St. George has a population of 2,800. Primarily it is a service centre for the surrounding wheat, sheep and cotton farmers.

Stanthorpe

Where is Stanthorpe?

Located on the New England Highway 220 km South West from Brisbane on the Queensland/NSW border. It is part of the Granite Belt, so named for the remarkable landscape of protruding granite. The area boasts 4 spectacular National Parks and numerous wineries. At an altitude of 950m, Stanthorpe is the coldest place in Queensland and produces a diverse range of fruit and vegetables.

Yarra Valley

Where is Yarra Valley?

The Yarra Valley covers an area from Lilydale, 40 kms north of Melbourne, right through to Yea and Alexandra in the north. A large variety of cool climate crops have traditionally been grown in the Valley, including apples, lemons, pears, cherries and berries. There are around 85 vineyards and wineries in the Valley and many different selections of wines, many with cellar door tastings, accommodation, and restaurants.