Don’t pack fruit fly this Easter & Gather Round

As South Australia prepares for a surge in visitors over the Easter long weekend and the upcoming AFL Gather Round, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (SA) is reminding travellers that bringing restricted fruit and vegetables into the state can increase the risk of fruit fly spreading, giving the pest a free kick.

With more than 50,000 interstate footy fans expected to visit the state for the festival of footy alone, PIRSA is urging visitors to think before they pack and check for any restricted produce before travelling.

Jason Size, General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Program, said a little preparation before hitting the road can make a big difference.

“A quick check of your car, luggage or caravan for any fresh fruit or vegetables before you travel can help prevent fruit fly from spreading,” Mr Size said.

“Quarantine bins are available at key entry points into South Australia and the Riverland. If travellers are carrying any restricted items, they should either eat them beforehand or dispose of them in one of these bins.

“We will also have random roadblocks in place, with quarantine officers checking vehicles for fresh fruit and vegetables. Travellers found carrying restricted items may face a $420 fine.

“These rules are in place to help protect South Australia’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry from fruit fly.”

Restricted fruit and vegetables can move between areas without the risk of spreading fruit fly if they are canned, cooked, dried, frozen, grated, or pureed.

Travellers can check current fruit fly restrictions and maps at fruitfly outbreaks.

A full list of restricted fruit and vegetables can be found at restricted produce.

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

Current outbreak and end dates

Over the past 12 weeks, detections occurred in only 31 Riverland outbreak areas, with 27 areas recording no fruit fly detections at all. As of Monday, 30 March 2026 the end dates for all outbreaks are as follows:

• Riverland: 25 November 2026
• Elizabeth East: 13 May 2026
• Glynde: 31 March 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 pir.sa.gov.au/fabs or call the FaB mentors directly.