Is it your idea to travel around Australia for free? It sounds impossible but not completely, you are in the right place.

While driving along Australian East Coast through the rural and outback in our slowly hippie campervan I have noticed few handwritten posters advertising some work opportunity on farms.

Harvest jobs throughout Australia are in fact very popular especially among the backpackers since farmers rely on their casual labour. Surely it’s hard work and you will need a Working Holiday Visa if you want to earn few bucks but, if you are happy to do it in exchange only of food and accommodation, you don’t need one.

Either way, I reckon it’s a brilliant way to put aside your funds while you enjoy some stress-free work, meet new friends, get to know the locals, get a nice tan, do some workout, and, why not, learn something new.

Maybe working in a farm is not your cup of tea but don’t worry you can also find seasonal work in hostels or even on sailing boats with the same deal: free food and a place to sleep but not money earned in trade of your sweat. This is good if for whatever reason you couldn’t get the WHV but remember even if you do have one in the fruit-picking you are paid for how much you pick, it won’t make you millionaire.

If you like to plan your trip in advance, here below are some online resources that will definitely help:

• Helpexchange: free online listing of host farms, lodges, B&B, hostels and even sailing boats offering work;
• WWOOF: (willing workers on organic farms) for a small fee you will receive a book with full contacts’ details of 1700 Hosts properties where you can stay in exchange of your energy;
• The Harvest Trail: an Australian government’s site that offer a free service to connect travellers and employers, just call on 1800062332.

Fruit picking is also a great way to eat fresh, healthy and free as all the farmer-for-a-day we met they had their bellyful with the same fruits harvested; it’s already taken in account.

For some other on the house fresh food you just need to follow my steps:

• buy a fishing road;
• go nearby a lake, river or along the seaside where you spot other fishermen;
• talk to the fishermen, ask them what they catch and how, (if you offer them a beer they might be also exchanged it with their catch);
• do what they do; I promise you will come back with dinner!

Don’t have a place to cook it? Don’t worry that’s free too. Most of the beach and parks around Australia have free electric bbq and pick nick area, perfect to cook your catch. If you are like enough to catch too many fishes for your stomach just offer it to someone else or a farmer and I am sure they will be happy to exchange it maybe with some fresh seasonal vegetable, your meal is now complete.

Next post: is there such a thing as free transport in Australia?