Strawberry picking in Sydney is a great way to spend time outside with the kids. Partially due to the Sydney climate and a selection of strawberry plants that fruit both in the winter and summer, there are many farms in Sydney, NSW, where you can go alone and pick strawberries throughout the year.
Activities connected to strawberry harvesting include eating strawberry ice cream, attending educational programs, touring berry farms, and even preparing meals with strawberries. Filling up buckets and boxes with delicious candy is fun for kids.
Awful weather, huh? Read on for the top things to do in Sydney while it’s pouring outside.
When Is Strawberry Season in Sydney?
Strawberries are now available year-round, not only in the summer. Now, depending on where you go, you can pick strawberries for the better part of the year thanks to the widespread cultivation of hybrid varieties. Sydney is no different, with rain falling most of the year.
Even though strawberries and other winter-specific fruits can be grown in this climate all year round, it’s best to call ahead to make sure the farm you want to visit is open for picking; this can vary depending on the plant’s success.
Tips for Strawberry Picking With Kids
While picking strawberries as a family is always a good time, there are some things to remember to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
A fantastic slogan with excellent advice is “first, be prepared.” When working outside, it’s essential to dress appropriately; wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is a must when squatting among the strawberry plants.
Because you could be out in the elements for quite some time, it’s a good idea to dress comfortably and wear sun protection.
Picking strawberries on a farm means being exposed to various plants and pollen, so those with allergies should prepare accordingly.
If you want to attend, make sure a session is open by phoning ahead, particularly outside of the summer months, and if you have small children, try to figure out when they are the busiest.
You should teach your children how to identify ripe plants and arrange a safe point when they have finished picking in a specific area so that they don’t get lost, but if they are easily distracted, choose a location with other activities to enjoy, like a petting zoo, park, cafe, etc. Above all, enjoy yourself!
Where to Go Strawberry Picking in Sydney?
When deciding how to organise your strawberry-picking excursion, you have a variety of possibilities. Choosing between farms near Sydney, regional strawberry-picking farms in rural areas, and cutting-edge strawberry-picking fields and greenhouses might be challenging.
Here are some options to consider:
1. Berrylicious Strawberries Thirlmere
Anyone looking to go strawberry picking near Sydney (only an hour away) will find this popular venue near the top of their list.
Incredibly popular, this farm specialises in growing strawberries. Once posted, these programs fill up quickly, so be sure to book your spot as soon as possible. The strawberries are produced uniquely in greenhouses around 2 meters from the ground.
Your smaller party members will appreciate the inclusion of steps. Greenhouses protect them from the elements, but the ground may get muddy if it rains.
Sessions are offered throughout the year, so you may go strawberry picking whenever you choose (though you should still double-check with the location).
You may taste strawberries as you pick them at this family-friendly farm, where kids are encouraged to learn about proper strawberry harvesting techniques.
The farm is in an excellent location for families since there are other attractions nearby that they may visit if they have time, such as a water park and the NSW Rail Museum. Session schedules and hours are flexible.
2. Ricardoes, Tomatoes & Strawberries Port Macquarie
This cutting-edge facility with two acres of greenhouses is located ten minutes north of Port Macquarie. Strawberries are planted in five different types and are accessible for picking all year round. You only pay for the options you choose; entry is free.
Because the strawberry rows are spaced at various heights, the tall and short family members can easily access them.
Additionally, there is a café on the property, and daily farm tours begin at 11 am. You may purchase pasta, jams, and other presents for loved ones at the on-site store. So if you’re nearby, why not go strawberry picking?
3. Clyde River Berry Farm South Coast NSW
This area will only be open for pick-your-own strawberry picking for a few months in 2021–2022. The best time to go is between December and January since those months coincide with school summer break. This strawberry-picking farm is 45 minutes (or 3.5 hours) from Batemans Bay.
The whole family can enjoy picking strawberries on a farm thanks to this. When you arrive, you are handed a bucket, and the personnel will advise you on where to focus your search.
Numerous other berries, particularly blueberries, can be found at the location, and you can buy ice cream and jam there.
4. Bidgee Strawberries and Cream Wagga Wagga
The season is winding down at this strawberry farm near Sydney, but you should take advantage of it when it reopens the next year.
This newly-recognized business gives you everything you need to harvest strawberries from their fields. Lay down a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy some fresh strawberries (and ice cream, if you have space)!
Suppose you want to understand more about the strawberry farming process. This is a wonderful way to experience it with the family since tours are available, and you can buy recently harvested food, including chocolate-coated strawberries.
5. Canoelands NSW
This picturesque rural area, located 60 kilometres north of Sydney, is home to various fruit trees. This is a terrific option if you’re looking for a spot to go strawberry picking and picking other fruits, including stone fruits, tomatoes, eggplants, blueberries, and citrus.
If you want to take a break from strawberry picking, there is a café where you can have milkshakes, tea, coffee, and nibbles like toasties. For a current list of available pick-up items, see their website.
6. Bilpin Fruit Bowl Bilpin
Since they offer a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables for picking or purchase, they put less emphasis on strawberry picking in Bilpin. Starting in August 2021, you may take the kids’ strawberry picking in the Blue Mountains.
Roads in Bilpin, also known as the Land of the Mountain Apple, are commonly lined with vendors offering tourists fresh, locally grown goods.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl accepts Dine and Discover coupons, so you can treat yourself to some of the finest apple pie in town without breaking the bank.
Travellers who appreciate seasonal flavours should bring the kids here, but they should call ahead to ensure what kinds of products are in season and, therefore, available.
7. Strawberry Festivals in Sydney
Here’s something unusual: a festival dedicated to the humble strawberry! This is a smaller celebration commemorating the fruit, not to be confused with the yearly music festival called Strawberry Fields celebration, held in the wilderness region along the Murray River.
The whole area, especially the Hunter Valley, celebrates its food and wine from May through June.
Valley is just two hours drive from Sydney, so you can easily stop for a taste of the local cuisine on the way. If you want to attend a festival dedicated to strawberries, though, the one held every year in Wagga Wagga is a lot of fun for the whole family.
8. Bidgee Strawberries and Cream Strawberry Festival
The penultimate weekend of the New South Wales (NSW) Easter school vacation is set aside for this yearly event. Wagga Wagga is famous for its pick-your-own strawberries, and this site is in the heart of strawberry country.
They have a yearly party, welcoming visitors with activities like strawberry picking, face painting, and a petting zoo. In 2022, be on the lookout for this festival dedicated to all things strawberry.
9. Canoelands Orchard
Canoelands Orchard is about one hour’s drive to the northwest of Sydney and offers a wide variety of fresh fruit.
You may pick blood plums, candy plums, white nectarines, and yellow nectarines, and you can also purchase raw honey that is fresh and unpasteurised at any time of the year! The orchard is accessible every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas Day.
10. Pine Crest
This idyllic orchard is filled with trees with abundant white peaches, apricots, and nectarines. You may choose your own for about $4 per kg, and the freshness will be worth every penny you spend.
This secluded spot in the Bilpin district of New South Wales, Australia, makes for the ideal summer outing with the children.
11. Bilpin Fruit Bowl
The Bilpin Fruit Bowl is the place to go if you’re searching for a wide selection of summer vegetables and fruits. Other fruits and vegetables include lettuce, Chinese cabbage, zucchini, and kale.
The market is open when you pay for what you choose between 10 am and 4 pm. Because it offers so much, you should schedule enough time to explore one of the orchards near Sydney.
12. Cedar Creek Orchards
Cedar Creek Orchard is found in the rolling hills just outside of Picton and is home to over 23,000 trees.
This orchard, which is in its fourth generation, has expansive grounds teeming with fruit, including apples, peaches, nectarines, and persimmons.
Cedar Creek Black Label Apple Juice is 100% pure apple juice that is crushed and bottled right there on the premises, and you shouldn’t let the opportunity to purchase any pass you by while you’re there.
13. Glenbernie Orchard
Glenbernie is located around 30 kilometres north of Wollongong and has an abundance of peaches, plums, and nectarines available for purchase.
If you want to travel to the south of Australia, consider Glenbernie. Take part in a tour called “Pick Your Own Experience,” which is an excellent activity for families and opens in mid-November.
Because of the high volume of customers, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
14. Clyde River Berry Farm
Clyde River Berry Farm is the place to go if you’ve always thought a day spent fruit picking would look like picking strawberries since that’s what you can do there. At the height of the summer season, nothing can compare to the flavour of freshly picked blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Include it as part of a weekend getaway to nearby Ulladulla or Batemans Bay, and you’ll be able to bring back hordes of berries to store in the freezer when you get back home.
15. Montrose Berry Farm
The beautiful Sutton Forest in New South Wales is home to the Montrose Berry Farm. This farm offers a wide selection of berries that are ready to be picked, including raspberries, loganberries, boysenberries, and red currants.
In addition, there is a farm store on the premises that specialises in selling berry pies. In addition, there is a beautiful small house on the premises that can be rented out for overnight stays.
This excursion is a little more expensive than others, charging adults an admission charge of $12.50. However, this includes 0.5 kilograms of berries, so start gathering them immediately!
16. National Cherry Picking Festival
The festival occurs on the first weekend in December and is held at Young, New South Wales, which is widely regarded as the prime location for cherry harvesting in New South Wales.
The festival will resume its activities in 2021 and will be kid-friendly, including various entertaining events and cherry-picking.
17. Wombat Heights Orchard
You may freely explore and select cherries, sugar plums, and peaches at Wombat Heights Orchard, making it the ideal place for cherry-picking in Sydney. In addition to cherries, you can also pick peaches and sugar plums here.
After an exhausting day of cherry picking, you and your family may unwind with a picnic in one of the stunning gardens on the property.
18. Allambie Orchard
Allambie Orchard, also found in the breathtaking Wombat area, offers lots of cherries for you and your family to harvest, which will help get you into the mood for the holiday season.
Because there is no charge to enter and a café on the premises where you can get a pick-me-up cup of coffee, you will leave feeling calm and well-prepared for all of the Christmas celebrations you have planned.
19. Kookootonga Chestnut and Walnut Farm
Kookootonga, tucked away in the breathtaking location of Mount Irvine in the Blue Mountains, provides everything you could want for the fall months.
The farm is open throughout March and April, and plenty of chestnuts and walnuts are waiting to be chosen and taken away with you.
20. Nutwood Farm
This chestnut and walnut orchard spans 20 hectares and is located on the outskirts of Wollangambee National Park.
It is stocked with various fresh nuts, including chestnuts and walnuts. This should be a stop on your traditional winter day trip to the Blue Mountains, which you can reach from Sydney in only two hours by car.
21. Bilpin Fruit Bowl
The Bilpin Fruit Bowl is located ninety minutes northwest of Sydney in the district of Bilpin, which is known for its apple harvesting and has lots to offer.
Aside from having peaches and apples ready to be picked, the orchard also has a playground where children can burn off any excess energy before heading home.
22. Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens
Various activities are available at this location, known as the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.
The gardens include other activities such as nature walks, excursions, exhibits, and apple picking. Produce and plants sourced locally are offered for sale at the Gardens.
23. Bilpin Springs Orchard
This little commercial orchard is also in Bilpin, brimming with apples, pears, plums, and peaches. After a trip here, the family will be excited about packing their lunches for the next few weeks!
24. Pine Crest Orchard
Pine Crest Orchard is yet another excellent choice for fruit picking in the Bilpin area, and it is only open on the weekends from January through May.
After picking all the apples, plums, and pears from the trees, you can purchase locally-produced apple juice, apple jam, and honey. The trees are also loaded with pears and apples.
25. Glenbernie Orchard
Glenbernie Orchard is a family-owned and -operated orchard specialising in producing delicious apples, peaches, and nectarines. It is situated in Darkes Forest. They also provide excursions suitable for families and take you around the orchard, where you can pick your apples!
26. TNT Produce
If apples are the only fruit you’re interested in, TNT Produce can provide you with practically every variation. Apples of several sorts, including Royal Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious, and Pink Lady, are grown here, so there is always a supply.
They are open throughout various school holidays and on weekends, which is a benefit since it helps parents find things to do with their children during the extended time off together.
27. Cedar Creek Orchard
This orchard is maintained by a family and is located in the picturesque town of Thirlmere in New South Wales. It contains over 23,000 trees laden with peach, apple, and persimmon fruit.
This site has a lot to offer, so it may become extremely crowded, so if you want to make sure you have a spot, you need to make a reservation or arrange a tour that takes you to various picking regions.
28. Watkins Family Farm
The Watkins Family Farm has a variety of activities, including fruit harvesting, that are ideal for a winter excursion with the family. Pick fresh Imperial Mandarins bursting with juice and let the kids stop to feed the roaming sheep and goats.
This activity takes place in a stunning mountainous region. There is no entry cost; you must only pay for your chosen items.
29. Fords Farm
Fords Farm, located close to the quaint community of Wisemans Ferry, has all of your citrus requirements met. There is a $6 admission charge and a $15 price for each bucket, so choosing your citrus fruit wisely is important.
The tree is loaded with mandarins, oranges, lemons, and limes. There is also a picnic place where you may have a sunny winter meal, although you should be careful since sheep are known to wander about in this area.
23. Ricardoes, Tomatoes & Strawberries
Visit Ricardo’s Tomatoes & Strawberries as part of your plans for a weekend getaway in Port Macquarie if you’re considering going there.
Strawberry picking is an enjoyable activity that you can enjoy throughout the year with the entire family, and even better, there is no charge to enter this location.
The succulent hydroponic strawberries and tomatoes will serve as the ideal memento to remind you of your relaxing weekend getaway for weeks to come.
24. Canoelands Orchard
Peaches and nectarines that are still fresh and delicious may be seen hanging from the trees at Canoelands Orchard.
These fruits are ready to be picked. In addition, there is raw, fresh honey available for purchase, as well as a café on the premises, and for the children, there are entertaining tractor rides available for only $3.
25. Bilpin Fruit Bowl
Beginning in the middle of November, visitors to Bilpin Fruit Bowl can select their peaches. This orchard is approximately a 90-minute drive from Sydney, making it the ideal destination for a fun spring fruit-picking day with the family. Open exclusively on the weekends, admission is just $2.50, and children under three may select for free.
26. Huntley Berry Farm
The Huntley Berry Farm may be tucked away in a picturesque field close to the small hamlet of Orange.
This farm is home to a field of luscious strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. After you have finished picking strawberries, a shop sells ice blocks for the children, gourmet jams for the parents, and free-range chickens to which the children can say hello.
27. Stockmans Ridge
Stockmans Ridge is the ideal location to visit during spring if you want to spend the day cherry-picking. This location is a fruit farm and a cellar door, so you can bring the kids to pick their fresh cherries and then have a glass or two of wine here!
Because of its proximity to Orange, it is an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend excursion.
28. Watkins Family Farm
The Watkins Family Farm maintains its mandarin crop throughout the winter and into the spring months. They are open for business throughout the first week of the school break and during the long weekend in October.
This wonderful family farm does not charge admission, so all you need to bring is yourself, a bucket, and a positive attitude.
Best Rooftop Tents for Outdoor Adventure
1. Gold Creek Reservoir, Upper Brookfield
As you go along this hiking route, take in the verdant scenery and let your mind wander. The Gold Creek Reservoir is a picturesque pool, and it is located close to the D’Aguilar National Park, which offers additional trekking opportunities for those who are interested.
You can get away from it all at this reservoir, where there is a gorgeous bushwalk, breathtaking countryside views, and an abundance of species just waiting to be found.
2. Summit Track, Mt Coot-tha
The Central Business District of Brisbane may be reached by car about 15 minutes from Mt. Coot-tha, a local bushwalking treasure. You may anticipate visiting natural parks as well as open eucalyptus forests.
When you get to the top of Summit, you will find a lot of locals and tourists there, and when you get to the bottom, you will be able to explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Planetarium.
3. Holmans Break, Walkabout Creek
Nature and animal enthusiasts will like Holmans Break. During this hike, you may come across goannas, singing birds, and reptiles basking along the dam. In addition to its natural beauty, this region contains a wildlife centre, woodland pathways, and a reservoir where visitors may swim and paddleboard.
Some of the most breathtaking views of Mount Cootha and the surrounding mountain ranges can be seen at Holmans Break. The walking pathways on this hidden treasure are among the finest that Brisbane has to offer.
4. Morelia Walking Track, Mt Nebo, D’Aguilar National Park
If you take the trail at Morelia’s name to heart, you’ll know to expect more than just your typical strolling path there. Imagine a lush eucalypt forest, cabbage tree palms – easily recognisable by their enormous, fan-shaped leaves – and the breathtaking view of Mt. Nebo, which views out over Samford Valley and into Moreton Bay.
5. Northbrook Gorges, Brisbane Forest Park
The Northbrook Gorges trek requires you to get your feet wet as you go through two different freshwater gorges; this activity is particularly enjoyable in the summer. Walking upstream will take around half an hour to reach the first gorge on your way.
You should not be concerned; a route leads up a high hill that will take you around the first gorge.
However, to reach the wondrous Wivenhoe Lookout, you must swim through the following gorge and then follow the narrow trail—one of the most exciting walking routes in the Brisbane area for individuals looking for an exciting experience.
6. Araucaria Track, Brisbane Forest Park
If you are looking for a simple stroll, your quest is over. The Araucaria Track is geared at families, and you’ll often encounter happy people walking beside and ahead of you on the path.
Bring your cell phone to take pictures of the vibrant plants and animals you see along the trail. You will likely see many bellbirds and whip birds when you go bushwalking.
7. Mermaid Mountain, Brisbane Forest Park
Looking for a challenging hike? Then you should visit Mermaid Mountain in South D’Aguilar National Park.
A little-known hiking trail in Brisbane provides a view of Lake Manchester. After reaching the mountain’s peak, treat yourself to a relaxing break where you may munch on cuisine and enjoy the scenery.
8. Boondall Wetlands Bikeway, Boondall Wetlands
The Boondall Wetland Bikeway is Brisbane’s greatest wetland paradise and is home to tidal flats, salt marshes, mangroves, wetlands, grasslands, and open woodland.
Take a stroll, a bike ride along the tracks, or a kayaking or canoeing excursion along the mangrove boardwalks. Furthermore, since beaches encircle wetlands, you can have a well-earned picnic at the nearby Nudgee Beach picnic area.
9. Crebra Circuit
This 900-meter circuit is only a 20-minute drive north of Brisbane and consists of fire trails and forestry. The best way to characterise Crebra Circuit is as a passageway from mountains to mangroves.
It begins in Ironbark Gully and ascends to the ridgeline before returning to the parking lot via side paths to Lomandra. The track is ideal for individuals who wish to perform cheerful laps.
10. Bunyaville Track
Bunyaville Track, about 15 km from Brisbane’s central business district, is a popular trail for bicycling and trekking nearby.
To reach the southernmost part of the day-use area, follow this trail through the open eucalyptus forest. If you’re lucky, you could glimpse a carpet python lazing in the sun. If not, you can always hear the kookaburras laughing instead.
11. Devils Break Loop
Rest assured that this song is not evil. Near Brisbane, there is a trail with a moderate amount of traffic called the Devil’s Break Loop.
This area is a wildlife habitat corridor with rocky slopes and some magnificent vistas of Brisbane and Ipswich. Additionally, it enables wildlife viewing and is frequently used for bird watching.
12. Lake Manchester Loop
As a general rule, remember to carry lots of water for this one. This challenging clockwise circle skirts the lake’s shore before ascending into the hills.
It starts at the day-use area past the dam wall. Lake Manchester Loop also typifies the wetland landscape. Therefore, be prepared for creek crossings, flies, and a modest hiking challenge.
13. Poets Rock
Pack your bags and head to Poets Rock whether you’re a writer, poet, or want to escape. The summit of the rock is an excellent area to reflect and write creatively once you’ve finished the trek. The bushwalk stands out from the others since it has several grassy areas to relax and unwind.
14. Buhot Creek Circuit
Daisy Hill State Forest is primarily an open eucalyptus forest. However, this straightforward 9-kilometre walk can get complicated, so bring a map.
One of the longest routes in Daisy Hill State Forest that is great for an immersive experience is the Buhot Creek Circuit. If you’re tempted, you can also access the stream to swim!
15. Venman Circuit
Venman Circuit has been one of Brisbane’s most well-travelled paths for decades. Wildlife such as koalas, possums (both ringtail and brushtail), gliders (both sugar and larger), wallabies (both swamp and red-necked), owls, and other birds call the circuit home.
You may witness frogs, water rats, and even eastern water dragons if you go near any streams.
16. Stockyard Creek Walking Track
Stockyard Creek is beautiful all around, but the boardwalk crossing stands out. Hear the rosellas and rainbow lorikeets sing, and keep an eye out for swamp wallabies.
Many of Australia’s koalas make their home in these woods. There’s also a chance you’ll see a mother koala and her cub enjoying a snack of gum tree leaves.
17. Summit & Federation Track
The Summit and Federation Tracks are the only routes up Mt. Gravatt that provide a 360-degree panorama at the peak. Many trails exist, and they all feature lots of loose rocks, steps, and bridges.
Turn left onto the Azania Way track and follow the route to the peak. It was an experience well worth having.
Strawberry Picking Sydney
You now know the answer! The following is a list of the top strawberry-picking locations in Sydney suitable for families. If you believe that we have overlooked anything, please let us know.