Short answer
Planting or tending trees in a plantation or forest that are meant to be felled, felling them, and transporting them to where they're first milled or processed all count. On a 417 it counts in regional Australia; on a 462, only in Northern Australia.
417 or 462: where it counts
| Visa | Where tree farming and felling counts |
|---|---|
| 417 Working Holiday | Counts in regional Australia (Table 4). |
| 462 Work and Holiday | Counts in Northern Australia only. |
What counts
“Tree farming and felling can be defined as planting or tending trees in a plantation or forest that are intended to be felled.”
Home Affairs, specified work
Examples Home Affairs gives:
- planting or tending trees in a plantation or forest that will be felled
- felling trees in a plantation or forest
- transporting felled trees to where they're first milled or processed
What doesn't count
- general gardening and tree care that isn't plantation or forestry work
- on a 462 visa: tree farming outside Northern Australia
How the days count
- Plantation planting is often seasonal and paid per tree. Keep your piece rate agreement and every payslip.
Well-known places where it counts
Each of these is on the official list for tree farming and felling on a 417 visa. Check the page for the 462 and any date conditions.
Listed postcodes by state
| State | 417 | 462 |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 440 | 0 |
| South Australia | 341 | 0 |
| Queensland | 295 | 119 |
| New South Wales | 291 | 0 |
| Western Australia | 275 | 28 |
| Tasmania | 115 | 0 |
| Northern Territory | 34 | 34 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 1 | 0 |
Number of postcodes with their own page where tree farming and felling is listed. PO-box-only postcodes aren't counted.
Questions people also ask
Does tree planting count?
Yes, planting trees in a plantation or forest that will be felled. Conservation and environmental reforestation work is listed under farm work (plant and animal cultivation).
Sources
General information, not immigration advice. Checked against Home Affairs on 21 October 2026.