Avoid fruit fly fines during winter travel

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding South Australians to check fruit fly movement restrictions before travelling during the winter school holidays, with fines increasing from 1 July 2026 as part of the annual CPI review.

With many families expected to take road trips across regional South Australia, including through the Riverland, travellers are being urged to leave restricted fruit and vegetables at home and familiarise themselves with current outbreak areas and quarantine requirements.

General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Jason Size, said holiday travel presents an increased risk of spreading Queensland fruit fly to new locations.

"Many people pack fresh fruit and vegetables for road trips, camping holidays and family getaways, but fruit fly can hide inside produce without any obvious signs," Mr Size said.

"Moving restricted fruit and vegetables from outbreak areas can spread fruit fly to new locations and place South Australia's horticulture industry at risk."

From 1 July 2026, the fine for moving restricted fruit and vegetables in South Australia will increase to up to $423. The penalty applies to help reinforce the importance of complying with fruit fly quarantine and movement restrictions, particularly when travelling through outbreak and suspension areas.

Travellers cannot bring restricted fruit and vegetables into the Riverland Pest Free Area (PFA) from other areas of SA, or from interstate. When visiting the Riverland, travellers can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from accredited retailers in the Riverland PFA.

Travellers are encouraged to continue supporting local shops and enjoying local produce as they travel through the Riverland, and should not buy restricted items from unaccredited retailers, including some roadside stalls, private homes or on websites like Marketplace.

“Untreated fruit risks spreading fruit fly, and you may be fined if caught travelling with restricted items.” Mr Size added.

These measures are in place to reduce the risk of spreading Queensland fruit fly, which can cause significant damage to home gardens, commercial crops and the state’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry. Travellers are reminded to check the rules before they travel and ensure any restricted produce is left at home or disposed of responsibly.

Random fruit fly roadblocks and inspections may be conducted throughout the school holiday period, in addition to normal operations at the Yamba Quarantine Station.

Travellers are encouraged to:

• Check current fruit fly outbreak and suspension areas before travelling
• Avoid moving restricted fruit and vegetables from outbreak areas
• Use quarantine bins where available
• Practice good garden hygiene before leaving home by harvesting ripe produce and disposing of fallen fruit.

Find out more about travel restrictions

Find out more about restricted fruit and vegetables

For more information about fruit fly, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruit fly or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

Current outbreak end dates

As of Monday 29 June 2026, the end dates for all outbreaks remain as:

• Riverland: 23 December 2026
• Elizabeth East: 12 December 2026

Contact

PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentors are available to support Riverland residents through this challenging time. FaB mentors are available for free, informal, confidential, and independent conversation in person or over the phone.
Riverland and Murraylands FaB mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672), and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). Learn more at fabs or call the FaB mentors directly.