Throwing all the kids in the car and heading off fruit picking is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy! It’s a great way to show kids where their fruit comes from while also being out in the sunshine and fresh air. We’re lucky here in the Hills to have fabulous farms right on our doorstep – as we all know, with young kids there’s no such thing as enjoying a long, leisurely drive!
Here are our tips for places to visit this Autumn. Most places charge a price for for what you pick. Also, things change due to seasons and weather, so make sure you check the farm’s website or Facebook page for opening times before you set off. And don’t forget to take your own bags.
Apples
Bilpin is the place we head for apple picking. Past Richmond, at the foot of the Blue Mountains this is a beautiful part of NSW and a place that you’re guaranteed to pick up a delicious apple pie – a secondary perk! While you’re out this way it’s worth stopping off at Bilpin Cider Co and The Grumpy Baker.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl
Address: 2093 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin
Open: 7 days a week from 10.00 am till 4:00 pm. Closed Christmas Day. Bookings required.
Website: bilpinfruitbowl.com.au or Facebook
Bilpin Springs Orchard
Address: 2550 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin, NSW
Open: Saturday and Sunday. Check website for times – currently 8am to 1pm but not open over Easter.
Website: bilpinspringsorchard.com.au
Other fruit available: Pears, Stonefruit (just depends on time you visit)
Pine Crest Orchard
Address: 2549 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin
Open: Saturday to Sunday. 10am to 3pm.
Website: pinecrestorchard.com.au or Facebook
Other fruit available: Pears
TNT Produce
Address: 2070 Bells Line of Rd, Bilpin
Open: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Website: tntproduce.com.au or Facebook
Other vegetables available: Capsicums, Zucchinis, Cucumbers
They also have farm animals, alpacas, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits, chickens and lots more for the kids to see.
Tomatoes
Canoelands Orchard
Canoelands Orchard is our pick (‘scuse the pun!) for tomatoes. It has been owned by the Christie family since 1923 and is now managed by Hills District Mum Jaime and her husband Nathan. The orchid’s main produce is nectarines, but they also grow plums, peaches, passionfruit and tomatoes.
In addition to picking your own, you can explore the property. There are guinea pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, cows, pigs and goats. The animals are beautiful and friendly. They also have some play equipment for little ones and a large grassed area perfect for a picnic.
Check out Canoelands Orchard’s Facebook page for the latest information on pick your own. Tomatoes usually start late March but they do have other fruit available earlier.
Address: 27 Canoelands Road, Canoelands, NSW
Open: Open daily. Bookings required.
Website: canoelandsorchard.com.au or Facebook
Chestnuts and walnuts
OK, so not a good one if anyone in the family is allergic to these nuts, but it’s fun for everyone else. Make sure your wear sturdy shoes and good quality gloves to protect you from chestnut burrs.
Kookootonga Nut Farm
Address: 247 Mt. Irvine Road, Mt Irvine, NSW
Open: 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm. Opens on 9 March until late April.
Website: kookootonga.com.au or Facebook
Nutwood Farm
Address: 22 Danes Way, Mt Irvine, NSW
Open: Saturday and Sunday. 9am to 4pm. Opens mid-March to late April.
Website: nutwoodfarm.com.au or Facebook
