Where to go fruit picking near Sydney

Drive time: 1h 20m

At this strawberry farm in Thirlmere, just past Picton, the fruit is grown inside greenhouses, draping out of tunnels elevated two metres from the ground. It’s a little surreal to walk around under a thick Christmas-coloured ceiling when you’ve been expecting a traditional strawberry field with its rows of soil mounds, but you’ll soon forget the topsy-turvyness of it all as you find yourself enthusiastically reaching overhead to snap up the juicy red orbs. The owners say the system helps eliminate pests and bacteria, reducing their need to spray the fruit with chemicals – plus, because everything’s undercover, you can pick through rain, hail or shine. Entry is $22 per person ($11 for kids), for which you’re invited to stuff yourself with as many berries as you can, before taking home the rest (strawberries to take home will cost you $25 per kilo).

Time Out tip: This particular pick-your-own farm is super popular and regularly books out, so make sure to save yourself a spot over the phone before making the journey.

Drive time: 1h 30m

This picturesque orchard in Bilpin has been run by the Galbraith family for more than 40 years. Manager of the farm John is also an avid horticulturalist, so at different times of the year you’ll be able to spot various flowers on the property, from daffodils to cherry blossoms, as well as birdlife like rosellas, New Holland honeyeaters and parrots in all colours of the rainbow. But what you’re really here for are the crisp, rosy apples – and that feeling of reaching for a perfectly formed fruit and with a light twist the treasure’s yours for the taking. They grow different varieties throughout the year, starting with Tydemans and akanes in January, before royal gala, golden delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith and pink lady apples carry the season until late May. If you come at the right time, you might also be able to pick peaches, plums, pears, persimmons and even cherries. All apples cost $5 per kilo, and the price of other produce varies. This one generally open from 10am until 3pm  Saturdays and Sundays, but check their Facebook page to confirm before you visit. 

Time Out tip: Stop by the nearby Bilpin Cider Co for a post-pick cider in the sunshine. 

Drive time: 1h 40m

As their name suggests, Bilpin Fruit Bowl offers a cornucopia of sweet treats for picking, from yellow peaches and nectarines in summer to Granny Smith and Fuji apples in autumn. But they’re one of the few places that also permits you to forage your own veggies too – the bounty they offer, depending on the season, includes zucchini, yellow squash bok choy, lettuce, capsicum and even green kale. Entry is $20 for adults and $10 for kids, after that you simply pay for what you pick. The farm’s been owned and operated by the same family for over 30 years, and they diligently update their Facebook page each week with details of the produce that will be available, so you can start planning ahead for that colourful stir fry.

Time Out tip: After a gallop through the fields and orchards, replenish your energy stores with a slice of freshly baked apple pie from the farm shop, which also stocks homemade jams and local honeys you can enjoy on the ample picnic grounds outside.

Drive time: 1h 33m

This beautiful family-run farm on the outskirts of Sydney is home to rolling apple orchards with lots of varieties, plus smaller paddocks growing peaches, nectarines and persimmons. The farm shop (which specialises in apple juice) is open most weekdays at varying times throughout the year, with pick your own only available at weekends. 

Time Out tip: Opening times vary, so it’s worth checking their website for up-to-date availability and bookings.

Drive time: 4h

This magical family farm is a fair drive from Sydney, but beyond worth it once you’re there. Our advice? Add it to your Sydney to Melbourne road trip hit list, with an overnight stay and excellent dinner at the nearby Sir George. During cherry season (November to December), the farm is open from 8am until 5pm seven days a week, so you can stop by, spend an hour or so between the cherry trees, then settle down for a glass of wine (there’s a vineyard on site) and a slice of handmade cherry pie and a scoop of cherry ice cream – it’s the best I’ve ever tasted. Entry to the cherry orchard is $5, and you can take home your haul for $12 per kilogram (there’s a minimum pick of one kilogram per person, so give yourself enough time to make the most of it). Booking ahead of time is recommended – you can do that here.

Time Out tip: Want to elevate your harvest? Book in for a Ballinaclash cherry pie making workshop.

Drive time: 1h 50m

If you’re not afraid of a little heavy lifting, there’s a charming citrus orchard less than two hour's drive north where you can pick more zesty goods than you can throw at an industrial juicer. At Ford’s they specialise in mandarins – satsuma, imperial and hickson varieties are all grown here, and some of the original emperor mandarin trees planted over 50 years ago are still bearing fruit today. You can also pick Tahitian and kaffir limes, lemons and cumquats, tiny oval shaped fruits that are both sweet and tart, and incredibly fun to pop in your mouth whole. Make a day of your visit – there are picnic areas, a farm shop selling homemade chutney, and sheep to feed.

Time Out tip: If you’re driving, there’s plenty to do before and after your citrus stockpiling session. Located right on the Hawkesbury River, the farm is wedged between two massive national parks – Dharug up north, and Marramarra down south, plus the historic town of Wisemans Ferry is on the way, just 20 minutes out.

Drive time: 3h 50m

If you're a fruit fiend who knows no limits, Hillside Harvest has got your back: with sprawling orchards bursting with fruit a solid seven months of the year. You can pick your own cherries from November through December, then move onto a stone fruit, boysenberry, blackberry and pear diet from January through February. From March through June, figs and apples are the fruit du jour, and there's a farm shop on site to stock up on the other essential crumble and cake ingredients to take your harvest haul to the next level.

Time Out tip: It's a long drive to get there, so make a weekend of it with our guide to Orange.