The Best Pick Your Own Farms
If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or friends, fruit picking is an excellent option. Ballarat and its surrounding areas have several orchards and farms that offer pick-your-own experiences. Here are some of the top farms to consider:
Payne’s Orchards
🌱 Located near the Western Freeway on the way to Ballarat, Payne’s Orchards is a small family-owned farm that offers a range of fruits for picking.
🌷 During summer, visitors can pick cherries, berries, nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches. In autumn, a variety of apples are available.
🌳 The farm provides baskets and bags for picking, and visitors can also purchase fresh produce from the farm gate shop.
🍅 Entry fees are reasonable, and the farm is open seven days a week during the fruit season.
Naturipe Fruits
🐝 Naturipe Fruits is a family-owned farm that offers pick-your-own experiences for strawberries, cherries, peaches, and apples.
🌸 The farm is located in Bacchus Marsh, about 30 minutes from Ballarat. Visitors can also purchase fresh produce and gourmet products from the farm shop.
🥕 The farm provides baskets and bags for picking, and visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
🍓 Entry fees are reasonable, and the farm is open from November to May, depending on the fruit season.
Black Cat Truffles
🐌 For something a little different, Black Cat Truffles offers truffle hunting experiences in Wattle Flat, just 20 minutes outside of Ballarat.
🐞 Visitors can join a truffle hunt with the farm owners and their trained dogs, followed by a tasting of truffle-infused dishes.
🐰 The farm also offers picnic hampers and truffle products for purchase.
💚 Truffle season is from June to August, and bookings are essential.
These are just a few of the pick-your-own farms available near Ballarat. Before heading out, visitors should check the farm’s social media or website for seasonal fruit availability, entry fees, and any preparation tips or techniques. With a little planning, fruit picking can be a fun and rewarding experience for all ages.
Planning Your Fruit Picking Adventure
If you’re planning a fruit picking adventure near Ballarat, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your trip.
Firstly, it’s important to plan your trip according to the right season. Different fruits ripen at various times throughout the year, so make sure to check what fruit is available before you head out. Some of the popular fruits to pick in Ballarat include cherries, berries, nectarines, plums, apricots, peaches, and blueberries.
To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the top farms near Ballarat:
Paynes Orchards
Located near the Western Fwy on the way to Ballarat, Paynes Orchards offers a variety of fruits for picking, including cherries, berries, nectarines, plums, apricots, and peaches. The farm is open from December to April, and they also sell preserves, sauces, and jams made from their own produce.
Naturipe Fruits
Naturipe Fruits is a family-owned farm located in Buninyong, just outside of Ballarat. They offer a variety of fruits for picking, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. The farm is open from November to May, and they also sell their own jams and sauces.
Bacchus Marsh Main Farm
Located about an hour’s drive from Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh Main Farm offers a variety of fruits for picking, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The farm is open from November to May, and they also sell their own jams and preserves.
Ballarat Cherry Farm
Ballarat Cherry Farm is a family-owned farm located in the sub-region of Buninyong, just outside of Ballarat. They offer a variety of cherries for picking, and the farm is open from November to January.
Once you’ve decided on a farm to visit, make sure to check their website or give them a call to confirm their opening hours and any other important details. It’s also a good idea to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as well as a basket or container to collect your fruit.
In addition, it’s important to be mindful of the environment and the health of the trees when picking fruit. Carefully twist and pull the fruit from the tree, and avoid yanking or tugging, which can harm the fruit or the tree.
Overall, with a little planning and preparation, a fruit picking adventure near Ballarat can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Supporting Local Farms and Sustainability
Fruit picking is not only a fun activity but also a great way to support local farms and promote sustainability. By visiting farms in the Ballarat area, visitors can directly contribute to the local economy and help farmers continue their operations.
There are several farms in and around Ballarat that offer fruit picking experiences. Some of the top farms that visitors may want to check out include Sunnybank Farm, Paynes Orchards, and Black Cat Truffles.
🌱 Sunnybank Farm is a 600-acre farm located near Ballarat that offers a variety of fresh produce, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, honey, and meat. Visitors can pick their own produce and enjoy the fruits of their labor while supporting a local, multi-generational farm.
🍅 Paynes Orchards is another great option for fruit picking near Ballarat. Visitors can pick their own cherries, berries, nectarines, plums, apricots, peaches, and apples, depending on the season. The farm is located on Bacchus Marsh Rd, just a short drive from Ballarat.
🍄 Black Cat Truffles is a unique farm that specializes in growing truffles. Visitors can take a tour of the 1000-tree truffiere and learn about the history and cultivation of truffles. The farm is located in Wattle Flat, just 20 minutes outside of Ballarat.
When visiting these farms, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Visitors should also bring their own containers for the fruit they pick and be mindful of any instructions provided by the farm staff.
💦 Visitors can also help promote sustainability by using the fruit they pick to make their own sauces, jams, and other preserves. This not only reduces waste but also supports a more sustainable food system.
By supporting local farms and promoting sustainability, visitors can enjoy a fun and educational fruit picking experience while making a positive impact on the community and the environment.
