Royal reminder for the King’s birthday long weekend

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding travellers to know the fruit fly quarantine rules before heading away for the upcoming King’s Birthday long weekend, particularly when travelling through the Riverland.

With thousands of South Australians expected to travel across regional areas over the long weekend, PIRSA is urging holidaymakers to be aware of restrictions around moving certain types of fruit and vegetables into the state, and the Riverland.

General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Jason Size, said increased travel during long weekends can raise the risk of spreading Queensland fruit fly to new areas.

“People often pack fresh fruit and vegetables for road trips, camping holidays and weekends away, but moving fresh produce out of restricted areas can unintentionally spread fruit fly,” Mr Size said.

Fruit fly eggs or maggots can be difficult to detect inside fresh fruit and vegetables. Even a small amount of infested fruit can start a new outbreak, or extend outbreak end dates, placing South Australia’s horticulture industry and backyard gardens at risk.

“If travellers are carrying any restricted items, they should either eat them beforehand or dispose of them in one of the yellow quarantine bins located at key entry points into South Australia and the Riverland.,” Mr Size said.

By understanding the quarantine rules and doing the right thing while travelling, South Australians can play an important role in helping protect the Riverland, and the state’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry from fruit fly.

Travellers are encouraged to:

• Check the fruit fly website for a list of restricted produce
• Pack fruit fly safe snacks for the ride such as carrot and cucumber with tatziki
• Use the yellow quarantine bins to dispose of any restricted fruit and vegetables.

For more information about restrictions, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

Current outbreak end dates

As of Monday 1 June 2026, the end dates for all outbreaks are as follows:

• 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.