Roster patterns
2/1 FIFO roster — 2 weeks on, 1 week off
The 2/1 roster is one of the most common FIFO rotation patterns in Australia. Workers spend 14 consecutive days on swing at site, then return home for 7 days of R&R before the cycle repeats. The pattern results in roughly two-thirds of each three-week period spent at site.
How the 2/1 cycle works
On swing
14 days
2 weeks at site
R&R
7 days
1 week at home
Full cycle
21 days
repeating
28-day roster preview
Days 1–14 on swing, days 15–21 R&R, days 22–28 back on swing (next cycle).
Planning a 2/1 roster with FIFO Planner
FIFO Planner includes a built-in 2/1 Standard template. Set your swing start date, and the planner calculates every future swing and R&R period automatically. From there you can export your full schedule as an ICS file to Apple, Google, or Outlook Calendar, and enable Australian public holiday overlays for your state. The app works fully offline at remote sites — no mobile signal required.
Who uses the 2/1 FIFO roster?
The 2/1 rotation is the single most common FIFO schedule in Australia. It is used across a wide range of resource and remote industries:
- Mining — Open-cut and underground operations in WA's Pilbara and Goldfields regions, Queensland's Bowen Basin coal fields, and South Australia's remote outback.
- Oil & gas — Onshore LNG and gas processing plants in the NT and WA, plus offshore platform crews running modified 2/1 patterns.
- Civil construction — Major road, rail, and infrastructure projects across remote WA, NT, and QLD where the workforce camps on site.
- Remote healthcare — Nurses, paramedics, and allied health workers staffing remote clinics and Aboriginal community health services.
- Utilities & energy — Workers maintaining power stations, water treatment plants, and renewable energy sites in remote areas.
Because 2/1 is so widespread, it is the roster most labour hire companies, mining contractors, and major operators use as their default. Workers on this pattern can generally find roles more easily than those requiring less common schedules.
Pros and cons of the 2/1 roster
Advantages
- Most common pattern — widest job availability across all industries and states
- Approximately 243 days on site per year means strong earnings potential
- Regular 7-day breaks allow meaningful time with family without long gaps
- Predictable cycle makes travel and accommodation planning straightforward
- Recognised by most enterprise agreements and award conditions
Disadvantages
- 14 consecutive days away from home can strain relationships and mental health
- Only one week off — not long enough for long-haul travel or extended family commitments
- High on-site ratio (two-thirds of the year) leads to burnout for some workers over time
- Family events and school activities are frequently missed during long swings
Common questions about the 2/1 roster
Is the 2/1 roster suitable for workers with young families?
It depends on the individual and their support network. The 14 days away is manageable for many families, and the regular 7-day breaks provide consistent touchpoints. FIFO Planner's family-share links let your partner see your exact swing dates and countdown timers so everyone stays on the same page.
How does the 2/1 compare to the 4/2 roster?
Both patterns result in roughly the same number of days on site per year (around 243), but they distribute time very differently. The 2/1 gives you a shorter, more frequent break (7 days every 3 weeks). The 4/2 gives you a longer, less frequent break (14 days every 6 weeks). Workers who prefer longer home stretches for travel or recovery typically prefer the 4/2.
Can I use the 2/1 roster pattern in Queensland?
Yes. The 2/1 pattern is standard across Queensland's Bowen Basin, Galilee Basin, and remote north Queensland. Queensland-specific public holidays (including the Brisbane Show Day and regional show days) are available in FIFO Planner's QLD holiday overlay.
What does R&R mean in FIFO work?
R&R stands for Rest and Recreation. It refers to the period a FIFO worker spends at home between swings. On a 2/1 roster, R&R is 7 days. During R&R you are not contracted to be on site — it is your personal time. FIFO Planner labels R&R periods clearly on your calendar so the distinction from swing days is always visible.
What pay rates apply on a 2/1 FIFO roster?
Pay rates depend on your enterprise agreement, award, or individual contract — the roster pattern itself does not determine rates. Most FIFO roles on a 2/1 are covered by the Mining Industry Award or a site-specific enterprise agreement. Many contracts include a daily site allowance on top of base rates. Consult your employer or Fair Work Australia for specifics.
2/1 roster calendars by state
See how your 2/1 swing schedule aligns with public holidays for your home state.