Australian macadamia nut growers are predicting a profitable season for the first time in three years with volumes expected to show a 33% year-on-year rise, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

Macadamia Society chief executive officer Jolyon Burnett said the season looked extremely promising.

"We've got to be careful not to put the kiss of death by making pronouncements too early but we are looking at a crop of around 38,000 metric tonnes (MT) this year, given that the crop last year came in at just over 28,000, that's a significant improvement."

New South Wales' biggest macadamia orchard manager Warren Elvery was equally upbeat about the season where the first harvests started last week.

"Everyone is super keen to capitalize on what is shaping up to be a good season," he said from orchards in Victoria Park Plantations in Rous Mill.

Nambucca, Northern Rivers, Glass House Mountains, Gympie and Bundaberg are mong the country's key growing areas.

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Photo: Nutsonline.com

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