By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
The diverse landscape of our ‘sunburnt country and land of sweeping plains’ ensures those seeking access to flavour-packed produce will find it with relative ease.
However, there’s nothing quite as fresh as the first-hand experience of skipping the supermarket and going straight to the source. From coast to coast and the bits in between, Australia is home to hundreds of farms where you can handpick fresh produce directly from the source.
Whether it’s ripe cherries, juicy strawberries or even macadamia nuts, there’s something for every season and palate. Here’s a guide to some of the top Aussie farms where you can get your hands dirty and enjoy the ultimate farm-to-table experience.
If you find yourself in Victoria’s stunning Yarra Valley, make sure to book a time slot at CherryHill Orchards. Established in 1940, this family-run orchard is a cherry lover’s paradise. You’ll wander through rows of trees, handpicking the plumpest cherries straight from the branches.
After you've harvested your cherries, you can enjoy a peaceful picnic in the orchard. Vintage furniture sets the scene for an idyllic afternoon amongst the leafy rows, making this a perfect spot for families and couples alike.
Nestled in Wagga Wagga, Bidgee Strawberries and Cream is a fantastic spot for strawberry enthusiasts. The farm offers a unique experience where you can pick pesticide-free strawberries in your own designated row, ensuring a safe and physically-distanced experience.
With the strawberry season running through to the first weekend in May, it’s the perfect activity for a relaxing day out in the country.
For those with an adventurous palate, head to North Queensland for a truly unique fruit-picking experience. At Wildwood Retreat, located within the Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm, you’ll walk through orchards full of rare tropical fruits.
Sample dragonfruit, mangosteen, rambutan and papaya, or join a fruit tour to explore even rarer finds like breadfruit and pangium edule (football fruit). It’s an adventure for the senses and a perfect way to experience the region’s tropical bounty.
Located in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Beerenberg Farm is a ‘berry’ fun option for food lovers. Famous for its jams, sauces and condiments, this family-owned farm has been a staple of the Australian food scene for generations.
Open year-round (except Christmas Day), the farm offers a chance to pick your own produce while browsing the extensive range of homemade products at the farm shop. From strawberries to tomatoes, there’s always something to gather and after you’re done, you can stock up on their delicious creations to take home.
Extend your fruit-picking adventures beyond Summer and into the Autumn months, by planning a trip to The Farm in Byron Bay. As well as opportunities to dine at the on-site restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, stock up on organic, spray-free seedlings at the Wormticklers Nursery and grab a bouquet of freshly picked flowers grown on-site, guests can pick their macadamias, crack them as they stroll and enjoy their nutty goodness.
Nestled in the heart of Bacchus Marsh, a mere 40 minutes from Melbourne, Paynes Orchards is a charming family-run farm where tradition meets fresh, juicy innovation. One of the last remaining small orchards in Australia, it offers a delightful ‘Pick Your Own’ experience, inviting visitors to wander through rows of fruit-laden trees and taste nature at its finest all year round.
Here, stone fruit is the place to start - with plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots all showcasing the abundance of Australia’s best produce in Summer. However, a variety of apples are also available in Autumn, making Paynes Orchard is the perfect place for a countryside escape. Keep an eye out for the fluttering flags; they signal that the fruit is ripe and ready for picking!
For something a little different, visit Pot & Still in the Adelaide Hills, a 175-year-old estate and distillery. The farm is known for its fig-flavoured spirits and after picking your own figs, you can head to the onsite fig bar for a refreshing, fig-inspired cocktail. It’s a unique farm experience that blends the best of both worlds - farm-fresh produce and deliciously crafted spirits.
While Tasmania may be Australia’s official Apple Isle, S&R Orchard Perth, offers a popular spot for those wanting to pick their own fruit on the mainland While a variety of produce is on offer, the farm’s stunning orchards are a particularly perfect place to gather delicious apples, which can be used in everything from homemade apple pies to fresh juice.
Plus, at just $12 entry - which will get you the use of the orchard grounds, all-you-can-eat fruit (directly from the trees) and a 2 kg take-home bag of fruit - it’s sure to be the apple of the eye of bargain lovers.
