Hit the family fruit-picking trail for a Sydney day trip
Spend a day strolling through lush rows of fruit trees, stocking up on produce fresh from the farm. These are the best family fruit picking trails for a Sydney day trip.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A summer fruit pick has long been a tradition for many Sydney families and after a tough year, the 2020 harvest is finally ripe for visitors.
The Sydney basin is surrounded by lush orchards and farms producing some of the best stone fruit and berries around, and pick-your-own days have become extremely popular.
For the family-run businesses, many impacted by the Black Summer bushfires and COVID, the days provide a welcome bump in revenue, although demand has meant bookings are required at many as they juggle their own peak production season.
Picking is available until the ripe fruit is gone — unlike supermarkets, mother nature dictates availability — so if you miss out, more dates will open up as fruit continues to ripen.
An entry fee is charged at some properties to cover public liability insurance, clean-up costs and staffing, as well as any damage caused to crops during picking.
Visitors can pay for their pick at market rates, snap up produce like jams and honey and enjoy a picnic in the lush surrounds at these stunning properties, all within a 90 minute drive from Sydney.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl
Bilpin Fruit Bowl is an icon in the area, with a 22ha pick-your-own farm and cafe.
Stone fruit and summer vegetables are available from November 28 until the end of January, apples from January 26 until mid-June and figs from mid January until end February.
No bookings required but availability and picking times may vary due to weather. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates before heading out in case the farm is getting busy or the day’s pick is almost done.
The farm shop is open seven days and is packed with locally made products from the famous apple pies, meat pies, cakes and scones to preserves and spreads.
Where: 2093 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin NSW.
Open: Weekends for pick-your-own from 10am to 4pm or until fruit runs out.
Cost: Entry $2.50 per person, under threes free.
Contact: 02 4567 1152 or 0404 061 262.
Pine Crest Orchard
Famous for its apricots, nectarines and plums, Pine Crest Orchard’s next open dates are yet to be confirmed but should begin after Boxing Day every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A beautiful day out with friends and family, the farm also sells homemade jams including apricot, nectarine and traditional plum jams. The Shed also stocks local honey and nuts when in season. Call first, especially if you’re planning on going as a large group, and check the website or Facebook page for updates. Toilets and picnic facilities are available.
Where: 2549 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin
Open: After Boxing Day, dates TBA.
Cost: No charge, just pay for your pick.
Contact: Pine Crest Orchard or (02) 4567 1143
Canoelands Orchard
Canoelands’ major harvest is underway and is likely to finish before Christmas. The orchard is open seven days and the farm is now harvesting yellow nectarines, and berries when available.
The best chance to get some berries is Thursday, Friday or Saturday mornings. Candy plums are also ready to harvest.
The rule of thumb is if there’s berries ready when you visit to pick stone fruit, then go for it.
Weekends fill quickly and bookings are required via canoelandsorchard.com, unless for special occasions, large groups (over 20) or tour groups.
Once a session is sold out there is no more availability.
The cafe has tea, barista coffee, milkshakes, cold drinks, toasties, wraps and pies available.
Where: 27-29 Canoelands Rd, Canoelands.
Open: Seven days, bookings required.
Cost: Adult $5, Child (5-15) $3, under five free
Eco-friendly picking bags available but advised to BYO bags or containers.
Animal food is available for purchase.
Contact: canoelandsorchard@gmail.com or text 0419688039 or check their Facebook page for updates.
Blueberry Hills
Blueberry Hills on Comleroy grows chemical-free blueberries with picking season expected to start early December. The rain has done wonders to their blueberry orchard this year. with an abundant crop expected. Blueberry Hills includes an adult-only bed and breakfast so check the website for details.
Where: 464 Comleroy Road, Kurrajong.
Open: December, bookings required.
Cost: No entry but visitors must pick a minimum of 1kg.
Contact: 02 4576 0500 or email contact@blueberryhills.com.au
Berrylicious Strawberries
Berrylicious grows strawberries all year round in greenhouses. The plants are elevated 2m high in tunnels to eliminate pests and reduce the need for spraying. This place is a popular pick-your-own farm and regularly books out so be sure to reserve a spot before departing.
Where: 200b West Parade, Thirlmere
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm
Cost: Check the Facebook page, entry includes eating your fill, then pay for your take home pick.
Contact: berryliciousstrawbs@gmail.com or
Cedar Creek Orchards
Stone fruit season is open from November until January with yellow and white peaches and nectarines aplenty.
Bookings are essential with weekend spots fast filling up, and the shed is also open to buy essential food, but check their website for guidelines as it’s a working farm. Grab a bottle of Cedar Creek Black Label Apple Juice if you can, it’s crushed and bottled onsite.
Where: 269 Mulhollands Rd, Thirlmere
Open: Bookings can be made here
Cost: From $6 plus pay for your pick.
Contact: 02 4681 8457 or email enquiries@cedarcreekorchards.com.au. Follow Cedar Creek Orchards on Facebook for updated info.
Glenbernie Orchard
Glenbernie’s pick-your-own visit is a little different this year due to COVID. The farm is hosting an Orchard Experience Tour that provides a unique look at the working of the farms. You get a tour, a guide, a tractor chauffeur and will learn the secrets of picking the perfect fruit before being seated in your own row to grab your fill. Wander back to the lawn outside the Apple Shack for a Darkes Cider and finish with a visit to the farm shop packed with pies and preserves.
It’s perfect if you want an intimate day without the crowds. From November-February. Pick your own peaches, plums, nectarines, plus apples and raspberries if available.
Where: 259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest.
Open: Farm shop open 10am- 4:30pm. Orchard Experience bookings here.
Cost: The Orchard Experience Tour is $60 but that’s for up to five people (bookings are by the row, not per person) then pay for what you take home.
Contact: (02) 4294 3421 or visit the website or Facebook for up-to-date info.
I’m a dark sky expert, this spot is my No.1
Sydney-based dark-sky expert Marnie Ogg has travelled the world in search of the most breathtaking sky-watching sites - but it's an Australian spot that stands out for her.
Raging driver’s insane act on ambo goes viral
A video appearing to show a car doing a crazy action against an ambulance has gone viral.