Fruit Picking: Summer's Sweetest Tradition in Orange

Celebrate summer’s sweetest tradition in the Orange region with Euro-inspired fruit picking. Wander sunlit orchards, fill your basket with fresh cherries and stone fruits, and savour the season’s bounty in one of Australia’s finest fruit-growing regions.

There’s nothing that captures the essence of summer quite like fruit picking. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to connect with nature, celebrate the season’s bounty, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. And in the Orange region, this sweet tradition takes on a Euro-inspired twist. Picture yourself strolling through sun-dappled orchards, baskets in hand, picking juicy cherries, berries, and stone fruits that taste like summer. Fruit picking in Orange is the perfect way to enjoy a Euro-inspired summer getaway in the heart of EUROrange.

Why Fruit Picking in Orange?

Orange’s high-altitude climate and rich volcanic soil make it one of Australia’s prime fruit-growing regions. In summer, the orchards are bursting with cherries, strawberries, plums, and apricots - ripe for the picking. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out or simply want to enjoy the fresh, seasonal produce, Orange’s fruit farms offer a fun and delicious way to experience the region.

Fruit picking not only lets you indulge in the freshest fruits, but it also gives you the chance to support local farmers and learn about the region’s agricultural heritage. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to get your hands on produce, knowing it’s travelled straight from the farm to your basket.

The Best Orchards for Fruit Picking

1. Huntley Berry Farm

A visit to Huntley Berry Farm is a must for berry lovers. This family-owned farm allows you to pick your own strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries during the summer months. The kids will love the chance to roam the fields and pick juicy, sun-warmed berries straight from the vine. After you’ve filled your basket, stop by their farm shop to enjoy a berry-flavoured ice cream or grab some homemade jams to take home. It’s the perfect family-friendly day out that captures the sweetness of summer in EUROrange.

2. Hillside Harvest

For those who love a variety of fruits, Hillside Harvest is a fantastic choice. Located just outside of Orange, this picturesque orchard offers cherries, plums, nectarines, and apricots, giving you plenty of options for a fun fruit-picking adventure. The orchard overlooks rolling hills, and there’s nothing quite like wandering through the rows of trees, plucking ripe, juicy fruit right from the branches. Their farm gate shop also sells fresh juices, jams, and chutneys made from their produce, so you can continue the farm-fresh experience long after your visit.

3. Thornbrook Orchard

Just a short 5-minute drive from Orange on picturesque Nashdale Lane, Thornbrook Orchard is a summer must-visit. Owned and operated by the same family behind Hillside Harvest, this charming orchard has been cultivating fresh, flavourful fruit since 1947.

Gather your family or friends and immerse yourselves in the timeless joy of fruit picking, with cherries taking centre stage during the summer season. Stroll through the orchard, take in the stunning views, and savour the taste of sun-ripened fruit that captures the essence of an Orange region summer.

4. Borrodell Estate

Nestled on the scenic Lake Canobolas Road at the foothills of Mount Canobolas, Borrodell Estate is a 135-acre gem. More than just a renowned winery and top-class restaurant, this estate is home to an impressive variety of fruit trees, including apples, cherries, plums, quinces, persimmons, almonds, and even Black Perigord Truffles—the oldest truffle trees in Australia! Whether you're there for the wine, the food, or the fruit, Borrodell offers a truly unique taste of the Orange region.

A Family Tradition

Fruit picking in Orange isn’t just about the produce - it’s an experience that connects you with the land and creates lifelong memories. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy with kids, as they’ll love the hands-on experience of picking their own fruits. And for the adults, it’s a great way to slow down, soak in the sunshine, and savour the simple pleasures of summer.

Many orchards offer additional activities like farm tours and picnic spots, so you can make a whole day of your visit. Pack a picnic, wander through the orchards, and spend quality time with loved ones in a beautiful rural setting.

More Than Just Picking Fruit

Orange’s orchards often offer more than just fruit picking. Many feature farm shops where you can purchase fresh juices, jams, sauces, and even pies made from the fruits grown on-site. These artisanal goods make the perfect souvenir or gift to take home, allowing you to share a taste of the Orange region with friends and family.

If you’re a food lover, consider visiting during one of the region’s food and wine festivals, where fruit picking and fresh produce take centre stage. The Orange region is known for its vibrant farm-to-table culture, and summer is the perfect time to dive into that experience.

Tips for the Best Fruit Picking Experience

• Pick in the Morning: To beat the heat, head to the orchards in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and the fruits are at their freshest.

• Bring a Hat and Sunscreen: The summer sun in Orange can be strong, so make sure to protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen.

• Call Ahead: Some orchards may require bookings or may only offer certain fruits on specific days, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm availability.

• Pack a Picnic: Many orchards offer picnic spots, so bring along some snacks, cold drinks, and enjoy a relaxing day in the countryside.

Celebrate Summer in EUROrange

Fruit picking in the Orange region offers a delightful way to celebrate summer’s bounty and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re indulging in sweet cherries or filling your basket with ripe, juicy plums, the experience of fruit picking is one that brings you closer to the land and the people who work it. It’s a quintessential summer tradition that captures the heart of EUROrange.

Plan Your Fruit-Picking Adventure Today!

Ready to experience the sweetest part of summer? Grab your baskets, invite your family and friends, and head to the Orange region for a day of fun, flavour, and fresh air. There’s nothing like the taste of freshly picked fruit to make your summer in EUROrange unforgettable.