Many hands make light work, and for agricultural businesses across the state, the summer months are the busiest of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With thousands of berries ripe for the picking, Cressy-based Burlington Berries is one business utilising backpackers from all over the world.
For Denmark's Cecilie Stamenov, Tasmania offered the perfect conditions for travelling, as well as an opportunity to learn more about her country’s crown princess.
"I wanted to see where our favourite Princess Mary came from," she said.
"Originally I was wanting to just complete my 88 days.
"Since working here, I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people and enjoying the countryside.
"I hope to save more money for future travels."
Many backpackers in Tasmania are looking to complete three months, or 88 days, of rural work in order to be eligible for a second-year working holiday visa.
Burlington Berries publicity manager Emma Sutherland said the industry was very dependent on backpackers, with her own parents meeting while working on a farm.
"My mother was originally a backpacker from England," she said.
"Thirty-five years ago she met my dad whilst she was working on a farm in the Upper Murray.
"I know we have a few backpackers on the farm in search of a romantic love story of their own."
England's Gabi Cerenzia said she met her Tasmanian boyfriend while overseas.
She has now returned to Burlington Berries for her second season of picking.
"I was particularly interested in completing my second-year work visa in Tasmania as it is known for its diverse farming practices," she said.
"It is a great place in a beautiful location.
"I worked here last season for three months and really enjoyed it. I am planning on doing another few months here before starting my studies in nursing.”
A year on from the federal government's backpacker tax ruling, there had been concerns within the industry that higher taxes would deter backpackers from taking seasonal jobs in regional areas.
Miss Sutherland said Tasmania had established a solid reputation as being a safe and reliable place for backpackers to work – something that far outweighed concerns over higher taxes.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
