Don’t let springtime fruit flies hitch a ride

With school holidays approaching and AFL Grand Final travel on the horizon, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding South Australians to check fruit fly restrictions before travelling with fresh produce.

Visitors to Riverland areas with fruit fly outbreaks including Barmera, Berri, Loxton, Renmark and Waikerie, are encouraged to enjoy local produce in the region and avoid moving fresh produce into or out of the Riverland.

Travellers are reminded that significant fines apply to anyone caught moving restricted produce into or out of outbreak areas.

As of Thursday 17 September 2026, 39 of the 58 Riverland outbreak areas have recorded no fruit fly detections in the past 12 weeks.

Cross-border travellers are reminded to pay attention to roadside quarantine signs as they approach South Australia.

General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Jason Size, said travellers can help protect South Australia’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry by planning ahead these school holidays.

“If you’re traveling these spring school holidays, make sure you know of any existing fruit fly restrictions in the region you’re visiting,” Mr Size said.

“Check the maps before you go and make sure you know what you can and can’t travel with.”

PIRSA staff may check vehicles at quarantine stations and random roadblocks, with fines of up to $423 applying to people caught carrying restricted fresh produce.

“If you do find yourself with restricted fresh produce in the car, eat it before you reach a quarantine checkpoint or dispose of it in an appropriate quarantine bin.” Mr Size added.

Travellers are encouraged to:

• Check current fruit fly outbreak and suspension areas before travelling
• Avoid moving restricted fresh produce into and out of outbreak areas
• Use quarantine bins where available
• Buy and enjoy local fresh fruit and vegetables from accredited retailers in the Riverland

Travellers can check current South Australian fruit fly restrictions and outbreak maps at outbreak map.

For more information, visit travelling restrictions or call the 24-hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.