Where are avocados grown in Australia?
Avocados are grown in several regions across Australia, including Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Growing areas in different climates allow avocados to be supplied all year.
Queensland is the largest producer, with orchards on the Atherton Tablelands, around Bundaberg and in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. In Western Australia, the Pemberton and Manjimup districts in the southwest have become major growing areas.
Other regions include the north coast of New South Wales, the Central Coast, the Tristate area where Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia meet along the Murray River, and the Riverland of South Australia.
Hass and Shepard
The Hass avocado, with dark, bumpy skin that turns almost black when ripe, is the main variety sold in Australia. Shepard avocados have smooth green skin and are mainly harvested in Queensland in late summer and autumn.
Avocado consumption has grown strongly in Australia, partly due to the popularity of smashed avocado on toast in cafes. Avocados became symbolic in debates about younger Australians and housing affordability.
As production has increased, growers have sought export markets in Asia and the Middle East. Avocados need a lot of water and are vulnerable to frost, wind and heat, which influences where orchards are planted.
Did You Know?
Avocado trees can take several years to produce a commercial crop after planting.