There’s no doubt about it, the country is therapeutic for the soul. But when you think Sydney, you certainly don’t think country. Luckily for those of us who live in the Hills District it’s right on our doorstep.
The rural Hills and Hawkesbury region is an absolutely beautiful area and Canoelands is no exception. Canoelands Orchard has been owned by the Christie family since 1923. Their main produce is nectarines, but they also grow plums, peaches, passionfruit and tomatoes. Obviously produce is seasonal and right now there are tomatoes available to pick your own.
Canoelands Orchard is run by a close family. When we arrived we were warmly welcomed by Rusty the beautiful beagle, then by Nathan Christie who, along with his wife Jaime (a Hills District Mum), are the current managers of the farm.
After a 40 minute drive my girls couldn’t wait to get out and explore. We went straight to the shop and grabbed a basket from Ma and Jaime kindly took us to the pick your own area. My girls had a ball filling their basket.
Once finished we explored the property. There are guinea pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, cows, pigs and goats. The animals are beautiful and friendly and we were taken on a personal tour by Rexy the dog. They also have some play equipment for little ones and a large grassed area perfect for a picnic. And during the school holidays there’s a free tractor ride at 10am (outside of this, it’s $3 per person).
To get to Canoelands Orchard you just follow Old Northern Road past Glenorie and turn right onto Canoelands Road. Canoelands Orchard is about 3.5km down the road on the left. There’s a little shop which sells homemade goodies, snacks, ice creams and coffee and tea but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
On the way home we couldn’t resist stopping in at the Glenorie Bakery. Yum yum! The perfect end to a lovely day.
Additional information:
Bookings only required for groups of 20 or more on weekends and bookings are required on weekdays. The orchard is open 9.30am – 3pm weekends, school holidays and public holidays, now through to the end of tomato harvest.
Entry is $5 per adult, $3 per child (5-15 years) and under 5 years is free. Tomatoes picked are $6 per kilo and you must pay for everything you pick.
27 Canoelands Road, Canoelands.
