With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, there’s no better way to sweeten up your festive feasts than with some perfectly ripe cherries. The cherry season in Victoria usually starts in the first or second week of November, with the peak season in the weeks leading up to Christmas. However, due to all the wet weather we’ve been having, the season is running slightly later than usual, meaning that there will be plenty of cherries to nibble on beyond Christmas time. Savour the summer season and journey along the Victorian Cherry Trail for your local cherry fix.
“This year’s cherry season will ensure Australians can enjoy this summer staple not only over Christmas but well into the New Year,” said Alison Jones, President of The Victorian Cherry Association. “We are also delighted to welcome back Victorians to the Victorian Cherry Trail, which is always a great day out for families and friends whilst directly supporting Victorian farms after two challenging seasons.”
Victorian Cherry Trail
This Cherry Trail gives you the chance to meet the growers, buy directly from the orchard and even go cherry picking. The Victorian Cherry Trail covers seven orchards and businesses, located in three cherry-growing regions in Victoria – Yarra Valley Ranges, Upper Goulburn Valley and Macedon Ranges. Whether you visit just one orchard, or all of them, you’ll have a pleasant summer’s day outside. Of course, be sure to check opening times and the availability of cherries before you go!
1. Big Fella Cherries
Head to the Yarra Valley and pick plump cherries straight from the trees at this orchard in Coldstream. They are open from 9:30am to 4pm, Thursdays to Sundays, from mid-November to early January. They’re closed on Christmas Day. Keep up to date with the latest info here.
Find them at 38 Boundary Rd, Coldstream VIC 3770
2. Blue Hills Berries & Cherries
Pick your own cherries or purchase them fresh from the farm gate shop. Then, wander through the farm shop to try handmade treats and jams. Blue Hills is open from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, from mid-November to mid-January. They are closed on Christmas and New Years Day. Learn more about them here.
Find the cherries at either 30 Chapman Road, Silvan VIC, 3795 or 55 George Road, Silvan VIC, 3795.
3. CherryHill Orchards
After delighting us with their cherry blossom festival, CherryHill Orchards are back for the cherry picking season. On top of their Wandin cherry picking site, they’ve added a new orchard in Coldstream, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Cherry picking is a ticketed event, with special things to see and do, like trying cherry ice cream or indulging in a posh picnic. Learn more about it here.
Find CherryHill at either 474-480 Queens Rd Wandin East, VIC 3139 or 739 Maroonah Hwy, Colstream VIC 3770.
4. Wandin Valley Farms
Visit this farm in Wandin North during packing season from early November to mid-January. Head to the shop and purchase fresh cherries to take home, or check out their assortment of jams and sauces. See their website for more information.
Find them at 47 Hunter Rd, Wandin North VIC 3139.
5. Yarra Valley Cherries
Visit the Farmgate shop at Yarra Valley Cherries for their range of premium fresh cherries and cherry products, including jams and cold pressed cherry juice. They are currently open daily from 8:30am to 5pm, from mid-November until December 23.
Find them at 585 Victoria Rd, Seville VIC 3139.
6. Koala Cherries
Head to north east Victoria in the Upper Goulburn Valley and discover Koala Cherries. Purchase fresh cherries from their Shed Door, try cherry ice cream and see their selection of liqueur, preserves and sauces. They’re open daily from 9am to 5pm, from November to January, except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Stay up to date through their website.
Find them at 6547 Maroondah Hwy, Yarck VIC 3719.
7. Naturipe Fruits
This farm operates in Bacchus Marsh during many months across the year, as they’re open not only for cherry picking season, but for strawberries, apples, peaches and nectarines as well. Naturipe boasts more than 15 cherry types, including white cherries, red sweet cherries and sour cherries. Check out their website here.
Find them at 638 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340.