No free rides for fruit fly during Tour Down Under

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding people travelling during the Tour Down Under period that fruit and vegetables at risk to fruit fly must not be brought into South Australia or the Riverland, or they will face a $420 fine.

Fruit flies are notoriously small hitchhikers and masters of disguise, hiding as eggs or maggots in a variety of popular fruit and vegetables, which is why restrictions are in place.

Jason Size, General Manager of PIRSA’s Fruit Fly Response Program, said the restrictions apply to all travellers, including interstate visitors and those moving through the Riverland.

“PIRSA not only checks vehicles for restricted items at quarantine stations, such as Yamba, but we also conduct random roadblocks at other key locations,” Mr Size said.

“The simplest way for travellers to comply is to leave fruit and vegetables behind before they travel.”

To help prevent the spread of fruit fly, and avoid a fine, travellers can eat or bin any restricted items at one of PIRSA’s yellow quarantine bins, located at entry points into South Australia and the Riverland.

“Our quarantine bins are purpose-built with deep underground pits and are designed to safely hold large volumes of produce,” Mr Size said.

“They may not look big, but travellers should feel confident using them to dispose of any restricted fruit and vegetables.”

Mr Size said community cooperation was essential to protecting South Australia’s horticulture industry.

“We all have a part to play in protecting the Riverland and South Australia from the threat of fruit fly,” he said.

PIRSA’s Fruit Fly Response team continues to seek community support to help the Riverland regain its Pest Free Area status and continue to thrive as a global leader in horticulture.

During the 12-week period between 13 October 2025 to 4 January 2026 there were detections in 36 of the 56 Riverland outbreak areas. However, there have been no detections in 20 Riverland outbreak areas.

You can learn more about restricted fruit and vegetables, fruit fly, self-baiting, and the latest outbreak advice on the fruit fly website or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

Outbreak end dates

The end dates for all outbreaks as at Monday 12 January 2026 are:

• Riverland: 01 April 2026
• Glynde: 31 March 2026

Contact

PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentors are available to support Riverland industry through this challenging time. FaB mentors are available for a 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
• Brent Fletcher 0439 409 430.