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WA grain harvest 2026: when does it start and where are the jobs?

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Short answer

The WA grain harvest usually starts in October and finishes in December, depending on weather. CBH Group runs receival sites across the wheatbelt from Geraldton to Esperance and out to Merredin, with a $34 an hour starting rate, shifts up to 12 hours and free basic accommodation at most country sites. Its 2026/27 intake opened on 1 July, so farm jobs are the next door.

When

CBH says the season generally starts in October and finishes in December, and that at any one site it lasts up to about 6 weeks, depending on the weather and when growers deliver. Bunge, which also receives grain in WA, says most of its harvest roles run from October to January. Harvest moves from the north of the wheatbelt to the south, so Geraldton-area sites usually start before Albany and Esperance.

Where

CBH's country receival sites are spread across 19 areas from Geraldton to Esperance and out to Merredin, with plant operator roles at the Geraldton, Albany and Esperance port terminals and grain technician roles at the Forrestfield metro sites. Most sites are in small wheatbelt towns, some far from the nearest shop, so you need your own transport.

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The jobs and the pay

Receival point operator and sampler (CBH)

Weighbridge and sampling at country sites. No experience needed: online training plus a day onsite. Starting rate $34 an hour, confirmed nearer the start date.

Plant operator (CBH terminals)

Port terminals at Geraldton, Albany and Esperance. No accommodation at the terminals.

Header and chaser bin driver (farms)

Hired by the farms themselves, usually wanting tractor or harvest experience. Covered by the Pastoral Award; ask for the classification level in writing.

Truck driver (farms and carriers)

Carting grain to the bin on public roads needs the right licence class. In WA you can only drive what your licence authorises.

What CBH tells applicants

  • Applications for the 2026/27 intake opened on 1 July 2026 and usually close around September. Check the careers page for late openings.
  • Shifts can be up to 12 hours, and sometimes 6 days in 7, including weekends and public holidays.
  • Free, basic accommodation at most country receival sites, none at the terminals. Bring food for your shifts and your own transport.
  • Bring composite toe boots, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water. Leggings and sneakers are not allowed.
  • You need evidence of your right to work, such as your passport.

Does it count for the 88 days?

Harvest work on a farm is plant cultivation, and WA postcodes 6200 to 6799, which cover the wheatbelt, are on the regional list. Receival site work is less clear: Home Affairs does not mention grain handling on its specified work page. If the days matter, ask Home Affairs before you rely on them, and keep every payslip and the site postcode.

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Fire season

Harvest is fire season. WA local governments issue harvest and vehicle movement bans that stop machinery at high-risk times. Ask your employer how ban days work and whether you are paid for them.

Common follow-up questions

When does the WA grain harvest start in 2026?

CBH says the WA season usually starts in October and finishes in December, depending on weather. Northern areas around Geraldton usually start first; Albany and Esperance later.

How much does CBH pay harvest casuals?

CBH's published starting rate is $34 an hour, confirmed nearer your start date depending on the role and experience. Shifts can be up to 12 hours.

Does CBH provide accommodation?

Free, basic accommodation is available at most country receival sites, but not at the port terminals. Sites can be remote, so bring food and your own transport.

Is it too late to apply for WA grain harvest work in October?

CBH's intake opened on 1 July and usually closes around September, so check its careers page for late openings. Farms hire header, chaser bin and truck drivers right up to harvest, so ask farms and contract harvesters directly.

Does WA grain harvest work count for the 88 days?

Harvest work on a farm in an eligible postcode is plant cultivation and WA postcodes 6200 to 6799 are regional. Receival site work is not clearly covered, so check with Home Affairs before relying on those days.

General information only, not immigration or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a registered migration agent (check the OMARA register) or a registered tax agent (TPB register).

Sources

General information, not migration or legal advice. Rules and pay rates change, so confirm anything your visa depends on with the official source.

More quick answers

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