A Seasonal Guide to Fruit Picking Around Australia

Picking your own fruit is as fresh as it gets. Have your basket at the ready and make a beeline for the farm gate, because there’s something to pick in every season.

Australia’s wide range of climates means that when it comes to fruit, there’s an incredible array of produce. From the cool, verdant landscapes of Tasmania where sweet berries thrive to the sweltering Queensland sun that ripens juicy tropical fruits like mangos and dragonfruit, fruit picking in Australia is as diverse as it is delicious.

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There’s also no greater satisfaction than eating a fruit you’ve picked yourself. Not only is picking your own as fresh as it gets, but it’s an activity that allows you to connect with the landscape and its seasons. Luckily, there’s always something fruiting on our vast continent. So we’ve broken down what to pick and where to pick it in this guide to pick-your-own fruit experiences around Australia.

Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring

Fruit picking in summer

Cherries and berries

It’s no surprise that the pristine landscapes of Tasmania produce some of the sweetest cherries and berries in Australia. In the summer, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all in full swing. Picking your own is a must-do Tassie experience, and there’s an abundance of farm gates and orchards where you can get your hands on fresh, ripe fruit.

For PYO berries, try out family-owned Hillwood Farms near Launceston. Call into Turners Beach Berry Patch near Devonport – and don’t pass up their famous berry ice cream from their farm cafe.

Pick berries in Tasmania — You can pick your own berries at plenty of farms in Tasmania, such as Turners Beach Berry Patch. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There are lots of cherry orchards clustered around Hobart where you can pluck the ruby-red gems straight from the tree. Check out Oneys Creek Cherries and Plenty Park Fruit Farm, which offers homemade cherry jam at the farm shop.

You’ll also find sweet, juicy cherries all across the tri-state area, too – with Young in Central West NSW especially well-known for its high-quality cherry produce.

Valley Fresh Cherries in Young NSW — Get the pick of the bunch at Valley Fresh Cherries in Young, NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

Mangoes and tropical fruits

Nothing signals summer like the syrupy flesh of a mango or the candy-like sweetness of a lychee. In the hottest months of the year, the orchards of Queensland heave with tropical delights ready for the picking. Get your tropical fix at the Longan Farm in Narangba , just 34 kilometres north of Brisbane, where you can pick your own juicy mangoes and ripe longans (a tropical fruit similar to a lychee). Mangos are one of our top Australian foods worth travelling for.

Queensland Mango picking — The hot Queensland sun ripens tropical fruits like mangos to perfection. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’ll find lashings of lychees across the state, which you can pick and gorge on at farms like family-run Lush Lychees in South Yaamba, Central Queensland.

For those with an adventurous palate, rare tropical fruits await in North Queensland. Guests at Wildwood Retreat, located on Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm can walk through the orchards sampling fruity delights such as dragonfruits, mangosteens, rambutans and papayas. Or, pop by for a fruit tour, where you can sample rarities like breadfruit, durians, and pangium edule (football fruit).

Lychees on tree — Pick and gorge on lychees in Central Queensland.

Peaches and other stonefruits

Everything’s just peachy during stonefruit season in NSW. The hot, dry summers yield sweet, juicy fruits, which are ready to be picked when the mercury’s on the rise. The Peach Farm near Yamba on NSW’s North Coast is an off-grid and pet-friendly fruit farm that offers PYO peaches and nectarines by the bucket. It’s also a campsite, perfect for parking up for a night and watching the farm’s adorable troupe of pet ducks roam around.

Closer to Sydney, Cedar Creek Orchard in Thirlmere is a fruit farm that has been active since the 1940s, and in summer, you’ll find the trees dripping with peaches and juicy nectarines that can be picked.

In the Yarra Valley, you can pick peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and so much more at family-run, boutique fruit orchard Rayner’s Orchard .

Peaches on a tree — Everything’s just peachy during stonefruit season.

Fruit picking in autumn

Figs

Is there anything better than a soft, jammy fig? As autumn kicks into gear, the fig trees across the country’s south swell with these natural sugar bombs. To pick your own, head to Pot & Still in the Adelaide Hills, a 175-year-old estate and distillery that creates a range of fig-flavoured spirits. After you’ve collected your bounty, head to the onsite fig bar for a fig-inspired tipple.

Persimmons

A ripe persimmon is nature’s candy. This vibrant fruit adapts well to many climates but grows well along NSW’s coast. Pick your fill at a number of orchards close to Sydney, such as Cedar Creek Orchard or at the Bilpin Fruit Bowl located in the Greater Blue Mountains Area.

Apples

They don’t call Tasmania the Apple Isle for nothing. The southernmost state has been growing apples for 170 years and has a reputation as a producer of some of the country’s best. Picking your own apples in Tasmania is less common than picking cherries and berries, but you’ll still find some smaller farms like Sorrell Fruit Farm that will welcome visitors looking to pick their own.

You can also get your apple fix on the Tasmanian Cider Trail , which connects makers across the state.

Willie Smith's Apple Shed — Taste crisp Tassie cider at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed. (Image: Stu Gibson)

In NSW, you can get pickin’ at a number of orchards such as TNT Produce in Bilpin which is well-known for its apple produce. It’s a great spot to hunt out a range of delicious apple goodies such as juice, cider or sweet, freshly-baked apple pie. There’s also Glenbernie Orchard in Darkes Forest, where you can kick back at their onsite brewery with a glass of crisp apple cider to cap off a day of picking.

Glenbernie Orchard, Darkes Forest. — Crisp, fresh apples at Glenbernie Orchard in Darkes Forest, NSW. (Image: Dee Kramer Photography)

Pomegranates

The pomegranate is a mythic fruit. Full of hundreds of glistening ruby-like seeds, pomegranates have been an important symbol across many cultures since ancient times. These fruits grow particularly well in Western Australia. Come autumn, you can pick your own at orchards such as Gingin Pomegranates, just over an hour from Perth.

Pomegranate on tree — Pomegranate’s grow particularly well in WA.

Tomatoes

The Italian word for tomato is pomodoro. The word comes from pomo d’oro, literally ‘apple of gold’ – which tells you just how spectacular these fruits are. Whether you’re whipping up a passata or making a fresh garden salad, a freshly picked tomato levels up any meal.

You can get your pick of the bunch at Canoelands Orchard in North Sydney, or Emily Hill Farm in Dewhurst, Victoria. Want the heavy lifting done for you? The farm gate at Ricardos Tomatoes in Port Macquarie has plenty of fresh tomatoes, as well as a range of handmade sauces and chutneys, too.

Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries located in Port Macquarie — It doesn’t get fresher than Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries in Port Macquarie, NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pears

Paracombe Premium Perry is a family-owned pear orchard and cidery – pick your own on select days. When you’re done, amble over to the shed door and treat yourself to a crisp, refreshing glass of pear cider. The onsite restaurant also serves up tasty sweet and savoury pear-inspired dishes, like pear and blue cheese pizza.

Fruit picking in winter

Macadamias

The delicious macadamia nut is native to north-east NSW and south-east Queensland and has been an important Indigenous bush food for millennia. Gathering these delicious, nutrient-rich nuts is easy: when they are ready, they’ll drop to the ground.

To gather macadamias, head to The Farm and Summerland Farm , both in Byron Bay. Here, you can wander through macadamia orchards, gathering the nuts and cracking them with the nut-cracker provided on the grounds.

In Queensland, check out Macadamias Australia , a family-owned farm in Bundaberg, where visitors can take tours of the orchard to learn the journey of this native Aussie nut from tree to table.

Macadamias being peeled at Tropical Fruit World, Duranbah. The nut is native to NSW and Queensland. (Image: Destination NSW)

Citrus

The zesty fragrance of a citrus tree is sure to cut right through your winter blues. Spend a day among the orange trees gathering the sweet, golden orbs, which fruit during the cooler months. Ford’s Farm on the Central Coast grows lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins and kumquats, and has operated as a Pick Your Own Orchard for more than 22 years. The shed sells homemade jam, chutneys, and oils – as well as coffee to warm you up after a day of picking.

Freshly picked oranges from an orchard in Cornwallis, NSW — Picking oranges in NSW will cut right through your winter blues. (Image: Destination NSW)

Fruit picking in spring

Avocados

Avocados are nature’s butter – creamy, delicious and packed with health benefits. You can bag your very own at orchards like Meliora Farm in Peats Ridge, an avocado and citrus farm that has been growing fruit since 1925.

Strawberries

It’s good news for strawberry lovers. These sweet delights are commonly grown across Australia, meaning it’s always strawberry season somewhere. This fruit is mostly associated with the summer, but they are still plentiful in the spring, too.

Victoria has over 100 strawberry farms, big and small. Here, the strawberry season typically begins in October, For picking your own, The Big Strawberry in Koonoomoo is a good sport to call in, where you’ll find a cafe, playground and their own strawberry liquor. Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm on the Bellarine Peninsula also has a produce market and cafe.

Baskets of freshly picked strawberries — Victoria has over 100 strawberry farms.

South Australia is known for its great fruit-growing conditions, but its grapes tend to get all the glory as it’s home to some of the most esteemed wine regions in the world. But strawberries grow just as well the grapes, with many farms such as Harvest the Fleurieu , just an hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD.

There are plenty of growers in NSW, too, with the Riverina region being a particular highlight. Here, you can get your hands on some delicious strawberry jam, strawberry pie and strawberry ice cream – made fresh using local milk. Closer to Sydney, there’s Berrylicious Strawberries in Thilmere, just an hour’s drive from the CBD.

Riverina Strawberries — Strawberries grow well across NSW, Tas, Vic and SA. (Image: Penelope Beveridge; Margan Winery and Restaurant)

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

A seasonal guide to fruit picking around Australia