There’s nothing quite like fresh fruit picked straight from the source, and what better way to enjoy the sweetness of nature than with your kids on one of Victoria’s fruit picking farms?
I’ve found that fruit picking with your kids is not only a fun outdoor activity, but it is also great for exposing them to the amazing outdoors while at the same time, teaching them about science and agriculture.
Believe it or not, Melbourne has a bunch of fantastic places that offer a fruit-picking experience! To help you find the perfect farm for fruit picking Victoria has to offer, I’ve listed all of the awesome places I could find in this ultimate fruit-picking list.
So without further ado, here are the best spots for fruit picking Melbourne wide.
Fruit Picking Melbourne
1. Naturipe Fruits, Bacchus Marsh
Growing fresh fruits for the last 20 years is family business Naturipe Fruits who also offer farm fruit picking.
Pick juicy fruits such as strawberries, apples and more at their fruit picking farm that is situated in the beautiful, peaceful and historic Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour. As well as offering a wonderful fruit picking experience for families in Melbourne, Naturipe Fruits also creates top quality produce through the use of their carefully cultivated varieties of fruit. They grow everything from the sweetest cherries to the tastiest tart apples.
You can also buy fresh, high quality fruit which they’ve picked daily directly from their farm.
Naturipe Fruits, 638 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh, +61 419 340 363
2. Beechworth Berries, Wooragee
For a pick your own fruit adventure, you can pick fresh strawberries and other flavoursome fruit at Beechworth Berries – a small local grower that always focuses on being able to provide their beloved consumers delicious fruits at the best price possible.
On top of visiting their farm to do some berry picking in Melbourne or buy your deliciously fresh berries, you can also catch them selling fruity goods at a few local markets!
Beechworth Berries, 46 Reids Way, Wooragee, beechworthberries@gmail.com, +61 438 287 377
3. Sunny Creek Organic, Trafalgar South
Head to Gippsland where you can find 10 hectares of sprawling orchards at Sunny Creek Organic Berry Farm which is beautifully nestled in the Strzelecki Ranges. The farm uses environmentally sustainable practices to yield over a hundred varieties of berries and heritage collections of apples, chestnuts and other assorted fruit making it a wonderful spot to enjoy fruit picking with kids.
Sunny Creek Organic, 69 Tudor Rd, Trafalgar South, info@sunnycreekorganic.com, +61 3 5634 7526
4. Rayner’s Orchard, Woori Yallock
A family-run, boutique fruit orchard in the Yarra Valley, not only does it offer apple picking near you but Rayner’s Orchard also grows over 450 varieties of different fruit including peaches, nectarines, plums, and more, and runs a signature Tractor Fruit Tasting Tour all throughout the year where guests are given the opportunity to taste at least 8 varieties of the freshest fruit.
In addition to this, Rayner’s Orchard also runs a café on the farm that serves delicious Devonshire tea, snacks, lunches and drinks, and a Tier Farm shop that sells fresh produce and a large range of fruit products which have all been made on site using fruit collected from their very own orchard. Products sold at the shop include jams, chutneys, bottled fruit, dried fruit, pure fruit juices, fruit leathers, fruit pies and seasonal fresh fruit.
Fruit picking at Rayner’s Orchard is available most of the year but it would be best to check their website first for any announcements regarding this activity.
Rayner’s Orchard, 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock, len@raynersorchard.com.au, +61 3 5964 7654
5. CherryHill Orchards, Wandin North
100% Australian-owned and grown, CherryHill Orchards has been producing fresh Aussie cherries every summer for 80 years, and offers the longest cherry growing season in all of Australia.
These long growing seasons mean that cherry lovers all throughout the country get the privilege of enjoying some of the best great-tasting cherries from early November to February!
To learn more about CherryHill Orchards, read my full review of the orchard and their cherry-pick experience here.
CherryHill Orchards, 474 Queens Road, Wandin North, info@cherryhill.com.au, 1300 243 779
6. Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, Silvan
Family owned and operated since 1894, Blue Hills Berries and Cherries is a farm in Silvan that is best known for its quality fresh and frozen fruit and provision of ‘Pick Your Own’ or ‘U-Pick’ berries and/or cherries.
All thanks to the Chapman family’s passed-down wealth of farming knowledge, Blue Hills Berries and Cherries is a spot where you are guaranteed to get nothing less than the very best quality fruit in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong ranges.
After getting the satisfaction of harvesting your own sweet, ripe berries and cherries, Blue Hills Berries and Cherries also offers fresh-picked fruits for purchase and a gift shop where you can discover delicious handmade treats from local artisan producers and sample the berry jams made right at the farm.
Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, 27 Parker Rd, Silvan, info@upickberries.com.au, +61 3 9737 9400
7. Chappies U-Pick, Silvan
Chappies U-Pick has been growing fruit for over 120 years and offers a variety of crops for picking or purchase at their farm gate shop! So whether you’re looking for cherries, raspberries, or blackberries to buy fresh or pick, you can count on this farm to be the place for you and your family.
The 50-hectare farm can be found at Silvan in the Yarra Valley, which is around an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, making it the perfect day trip activity for the family.
Chappies U-Pick, 21 Parker Road, Silvan, enquiries@chappies.com.au, +61 3 9737 9534
8. Cherry Haven, Wandin East
Family-owned u-pick cherry orchard, Cherry Haven is the place to pick your own fresh cherries as you overlook the picturesque Yarra Valley in Victoria.
The orchard is less than an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD and is situated in the best spot for producing quality cherries with the added gift of great views and a lovely countryside setting to complete your family day out.
Cherry Haven is home to over 30 different types of cherries, and you get the privilege of tasting and finding just the ones that you love!
Cherry picking season only comes around once a year in the Summer months so make sure to add this fun activity to your list of summer activities to enjoy with the kids.
Cherry Haven, 470 Queens Road, Wandin East, cherryhaven@gmail.com +61 408 805 359
9. Fielderberry Farm U-pick Berry Farm, Cockatoo
If you’re looking for berry picking Melbourne, look no further than Fielderberry Farm. Set on 5 acres, Fielderberry Farm, a pick your own berry farm, is located in Cockatoo and is open seasonally from November up until May each year for guests to come and pick a variety of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
Starting in December, Fielderberry Farm will be open every Thursday to Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm.
Fielderberry Farm, 11 Fielder Road, Cockatoo, +61 409 846 419
10. Folly Farm Blueberries, Olinda
Situated in Olinda, Folly Farm U-Pick blueberries is a spot that produces some of the most exceptional berries and it’s all thanks to the location’s rich soils, long winters and cool summer days. Also, the Farm’s beautifully inspiring surroundings offer the perfect background for berry picking.
Blueberries from Folly Farm are available for u-pick in January and February. They also have fresh and frozen blueberries available for sale.
Kindly note that picking your blueberries at Folly Farm Blueberries is by appointment only, so make your booking a few days ahead.
Folly Farm Blueberries, 192 Falls Road, Olinda, follyfarm@iprimus.com.au, +61 3 9751 2184 / +61 437 005 010
11. Jay Berries, Wandin East
This beautiful berry farm situated in the Yarra Valley not only lets families pick their own berries straight from the bush but also shows how strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are grown!
As well as this, homegrown organic vegetables, pre-picked fruit and various products made from their own fruit are available for purchase at Jay Berries.
Jay Berries, 140 Wandin Creek Road, Wandin East, info@jayberries.com.au, +61 3 5964 4451
12. Kinglake Raspberries, Pheasant Creek
Just north-east of Melbourne and peacefully nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is Kinglake Raspberries – a 25-hectare raspberry farm where you can pick your own or purchase pre-picked fresh Raspberries during the Summer and Autumn Seasons.
During harvest season, Kinglake Raspberries are open every day, and if you decide to pick your own berries, the farm will supply you with a basket that holds around 1kg of berries and even teach you how to properly pick berries in case you’ve never done it before.
Kinglake Raspberries, 86 Tooheys Road, Pheasant Creek, rasp@kinglake-raspberries.com.au, +61 3 5786 5360
13. Sanders Apples, Yarra Valley
Sanders Apples is a family-owned and operated apple orchard that offers families in Melbourne and surrounds the opportunity to hand-pick their own crisp, juicy Royal Gala, Kanzi, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples from fresh rows and rows of apple trees. On top of this, guests can also enjoy a tractor ride or pack a picnic lunch which can be enjoyed as they take in the stunning scenery.
Sanders Apples, 1020 Yarra Junction-Noojee Road, Three Bridges kate@sandersapples.com.au, +61 430 589 310
14. Yarra Valley Gateway Estate U-Pick, Yarra Valley
At Yarra Valley Gateway Estate, there is no need to put on your gumboots and old farm clothes just to pick some delicious strawberries! Why you might ask? Because at Yarra Valley Gateway Estate, all of their strawberries are grown indoors in a healthy balanced environment which has proven to be the key to growing some of the freshest and tastiest strawberries in the area.
In addition to enjoying some indoor strawberry picking, the estate also has a cafe where guests are invited to sit back and relax for a while as they take a bite to eat outrageously good home-cooked food and sip on an energising cup of coffee. Looking for something else to snack on? The Yarra Valley Gateway Estate cafe also offers fragrant teas and decadent cakes.
Yarra Valley Gateway Estate, 667 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, info@gatewayestate.com.au, +61 3 9739 0568
15. Sherwood Park Orchard, Bunyip
Have a relaxing day picking fresh Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples at Sherwood Park Orchard or unwind in their bakery cafe which offers the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a good cup of coffee as you indulge in a treat from their selection of freshly baked goods.
Running out of time? The orchard offers a delicious range of fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, jams, sauces, eggs and juices that you can purchase and enjoy in the comfort of your home.
Pick Your Own Apples at Sherwood Park Orchard is available from April – June and costs around $3/kg depending on the quantity you purchase.
Sherwood Park Orchard, 3165 Princes Highway, Bunyip, info@sherwood-park.com.au, +61 3 5629 5139
16. Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm, Red Hill
Pick your own cherries from early November to Mid-January at Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm. They also have freshly picked cherries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, marionberries, and blueberries up for sale directly at their farm gate, and a large trout fishing dam full of rainbow trout.
Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm 52 Arkwells Lane, Red Hill, mrcherryfarmer@gmail.com, +61 3 5989 2578
17. Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, Main Ridge
The ultimate strawberry picking Melbourne experience, Rocky Creek Farm (formerly known as Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm) is Australia’s largest strawberry producer, and their fields are the perfect spot for indulging in a total strawberry experience as you explore and pick your very own world-famous Rocky Creek strawberries. Looking to pick something other than strawberries? The farm also has raspberries and cherries up for picking.
While you’re there, make sure you try out their heavenly desserts, chocolate fondue berries, boutique fruit wines/liqueurs and local gourmet produce at the farm’s cafe.
Strawberry picking at Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm (formerly known as Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm) is available from November to April. Treat yourself to heavenly desserts, chocolate fondue berries, boutique fruit wines/liqueurs and local gourmet produce.
Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, Cnr Mornington-Flinders Rd and Shands Road, Main Ridge, info@rockycreek.com.au, +61 3 5989 4500
18. The Bramble Farm, Langwarrin
Sometime in early November or December, be sure to keep an eye out for The Bramble Farm’s fruit-picking activities!
The farm is about an hour’s drive south-east of the CBD and is home to around 10,000 vines of summer cropping brambleberries, and 28,000 canes of summer and autumn cropping raspberries; both of which are probably some of the best you’ll ever taste in the area.
The Bramble Farm’s harvest time takes place over several months, usually from November to April. During this time, you’ll get to spend a very delightful hour or two picking your own choice of brambleberries and raspberries.
The Bramble Farm, 25 Lyppards Road, Langwarrin, brambleb@bigpond.com, +61 3 9776 7018
19. Lomas Orchards, Wallington
In addition to bringing you delicious seasonal produce from their farm as well as offering other locally made crafts, Lomas Orchards is also a great spot to go strawberry picking with your family and friends.
Though they also grow a wide range of fruit and vegetables such as heritage apples, pears and apricots, strawberries are the only fruits allowed to be picked from the property.
If you’re looking to take something delicious home with you, you’ll be happy to hear that Lomas Orchards has recently opened a new farm shop right on the property.
Lomas Orchards, 570 Wallington Road, Wallington, lomasfruit@hotmail.com, +61 438 503 993
20. Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm, Murroon
Head on over to Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm where you can pick your own organically grown raspberries. On top of raspberries, the farm also offers a variety of other berries including brambleberries, youngberries, boysenberries, marionberries, strawberries, jostaberries, loganberries and red and black currants.
The cafe at Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm called Ciderhouse Cafe serves light meals, snacks and refreshing cold drinks which are perfect for refuelling after berry-picking.
Be sure to have a taste of their famous freshly-cooked scones and jam alongside some relaxing afternoon tea. Other things to try while you’re there are their berry gins and soda plus the fresh berry ice creams, which have been a staple for many years.
Lastly, the farm also has a cosy, self-contained cottage accommodation which is available for couples to book year-round.
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm, 115 Division Road, Murroon, info@pennyroyalraspberry.com, +61 3 5236 3238
21. Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, Duneed
Together with your kids, hunt for the biggest, ripest berries that are spread all throughout the amazing 90 acres of Surf Coast Strawberry Fields!
In addition to enjoying berry-picking activities, kids will also get to see tractors, discover farm life and understand where their food comes from as they wander through the farm’s wide open spaces.
Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, 2 McCanns Road, Mount Duneed, strawberryfields.sc@outlook.com
22. Tuckerberry Hill, Drysdale
Tuckerberry Hill is a welcoming pick-your-own blueberry and strawberry farm that boasts panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Children and their families, tourists and locals alike are welcome to enjoy this fantastic activity as well as enjoy delicious treats from the farm’s very own onsite cafe and berry shop.
The farm’s menu includes cool refreshments and coffee, sandwiches and cakes, plus all things blueberry such as freshly picked blueberries, homemade blueberry muffins and blueberry ice cream!
Tuckerberry Hill, 35 Becks Road, Drysdale tuckerberry@bigpond.com, +61 3 5251 3468
23. Paynes Orchards, Bacchus Marsh
Just 40 minutes from Melbourne is Paynes Orchards – one of Australia’s remaining small family orchards where you can pick-your-own farm fresh fruit that is as ripe and juicy as can be!
The farm provides buckets for all your fruit picking needs as well as assistance in finding the fruit you like. Fruits available for picking at different times throughout the year are cherries, berries, nectarines, plums, apricots, apples and peaches.
Here is the usual schedule of the fruit’s availability at Paynes Orchards:
- Cherries – November/December
- Sour Cherries – Late December
- Berries – December/January/February
- Apricots – January/February
- Peaches and nectarines – January/February
- Apples – March/April/May
Paynes Orchards, 372 The Avenue, Bacchus Marsh, +61 3 5367 2548 / +61 3 8676 0172
24. The Strawberry Forest, Bacchus Marsh
Whether you have a toddler, a bad back or are massively tall, The Strawberry Forest at Bacchus Marsh has the perfect height for you when you’re off fruit picking, and it’s all thanks to their vertical growing plants.
All of the strawberries at The Strawberry Forest are chemical-free and to make sure that this experience is accessible to everyone, all of the plants are spaced out enough to ensure that there is enough area for wheelchair and pram access.
While you’re there wandering around and picking your deliciously juicy fruits, be sure to keep an eye out for their ‘Strawberry Secrets’ Treasure Hunt! Where if you find 4 of the hidden secret treasures, you’ll get to receive a 5% off voucher at “The Fruits of Life” where you can indulge in some energising and refreshing drinks or top up on your farm-fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Strawberry Forest, 276 The Avenue Of Honour, Bacchus Marsh, +61 3 5367 0606
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