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A fair proportion of Sydneysiders would agree that summer is the best season – where days are made for lazing on our beautiful beaches and golden hour rolls effortlessly into balmy nights, perfect for sunset picnics and outdoor barbecues. But there’s another, often overlooked reason to love the warmer months Down Under – it’s prime fruit-picking season, and cherries are the star of the show right now.
If you’re looking for a sweet trivia nugget, Australia produces more than 20,000 tonnes of cherries every year. These sweet, heart-shaped gems come in all shapes and sizes, with 80 varieties grown across the country – from the humid Granite Belt in Queensland to the sun-soaked orchards of Victoria’s Sunraysia and the cool, temperate climate of Tasmania.
We reckon nothing beats biting into a big, juicy cherry plucked straight from the tree – and this summer, you can experience the sweetness for yourself on a cherry-picking adventure. Handily, the nation’s fastest-growing automotive guide – Chery (yes, we see what they did there) – has put together a state-by-state guide to the best pick-your-own cherry spots in Australia. For the best experience, the experts recommend setting off in the morning when it’s cooler and quieter, as cherries stay fresher when picked earlier in the day. While frolicking through the orchards, look for firm, plump fruits with a deep red-purple colour, and pick them with the stem on to keep them fresher for longer.
Cherry season lasts all summer long in Australia, but make sure to check each orchard’s opening days and hours – some orchards are already starting to wrap up for the season, but we’re listing them here anyway so you can add them to your hit list for next year. Find your closest cherry farm using the list below, or plan a cherry-picking road trip with the Chery Cherry Trail here.
These are the best cherry picking spots in NSW
Wombat Heights Orchard – Approx 3.5–4 hours from Sydney
This idyllic orchard is a magical spot for a cherry-laden picnic, with sugar plums and peaches also available to pick during stone fruit season.
Allambie Orchard – Approx 3.5–4 hours from Sydney
This fun, family-run spot offers pick your own cherries during the season’s peak (the 2025/2026 season has currently wrapped up) and donates profits to charities. Bookmark for next summer.
Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door – 3.5-4 hours from Sydney
This beloved orchard-cum-cellar door that feels like the beating heart of cherry country – a family-fun vineyard where you’ll find excellent wine, cherry pie making workshops and a wildly delicious cherry ice cream.
Roth Family Orchard – Approx 4-4.5 hours from Sydney (near Mudgee)
This family orchard north of Mudgee offers hands-on cherry picking among trees pruned low for easy picking – perfect for kids.
10'S Estate – Approx 4 hours from Sydney (near Mudgee)
Part vineyard, part orchard playground, 10’S Estate is another excellent option for cherry pickers looking to reward themselves with a glass of local vino.
Hillside Harvest – Approx 3.5–4 hours from Sydney (near Orange)
As the name suggests, there’s a whole lot of produce on offer at this gorgeous orchard hiding in the hills – and their cherry crops are particularly good thanks to the region’s high altitude.
Stockmans Ridge Wines – Approx 3.5–4 hours from Sydney (near Orange)
Another vineyard-based option is the nearby Stockmans Ridge Wines, home to eight different varieties of cherries waiting to be plucked from the tree. This one is also closed for the season, but add to your list for next year (or drop in for a high tea in the garden – no picking required).
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