A Guide to Fruit Picking Season in the Hawkesbury: What to Pick, When & Where
Nestled on the northwestern edge of Sydney, the Hawkesbury region is a stunning blend of fertile farmland, family-run orchards, and rustic countryside charm. With its rich soil, fresh mountain air, and temperate climate, it’s no. Every year, from late spring through to the end of autumn, the Hawkesbury transforms into a vibrant patchwork of blossoming trees and ripening fruit, offering visitors a hands-on fruit picking experience unlike any other.
More than just a fun day out, fruit picking in the Hawkesbury is about connection — to the land, to the growers, and to the food we eat. It’s a wholesome activity that brings generations together. Children learn where their food comes from, couples enjoy slow weekends surrounded by nature, and families fill baskets with apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, and more — all picked fresh under the sun. There’s something magical about tasting fruit still warm from the tree, knowing it was grown just metres from where you stand.
The region is home to a variety of welcoming orchards and pick-your-own farms, many of which have been run by local families for generations. Some offer tractor rides, picnic spots, or farm shops selling homemade jams, pies, and produce, adding to the charm of your visit. Whether you’re after a relaxed morning fruit picking apples in autumn or a lively summer day harvesting stone fruit, the options are as plentiful as the harvest itself.
If you’re new to fruit picking, don’t worry — many orchards provide helpful instructions and are more than happy to guide you through the process. For returning visitors, there’s always something new to discover, from lesser-known heirloom varieties to unique seasonal fruits like persimmons and quinces.
In this guide, we’ll take you through what’s in season and when, introduce you to the best orchards in the Hawkesbury, and offer practical tips to help you get the most out of your fruit picking adventure. Whether you’re seeking fresh flavours, fresh air, or a fresh family tradition, fruit picking in the Hawkesbury is an experience you’ll treasure — and taste — long after the day ends.
When Is Fruit Picking Season in the Hawkesbury?
Fruit picking in the Hawkesbury typically runs from late November through to May, depending on the fruit variety and the weather. Here’s a general seasonal guide:
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November – December: Cherries, early peaches, nectarines, plums
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January – February: Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, figs
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March – April: Apples (many varieties), pears, late stone fruit
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May: Persimmons, late apples, and chestnuts
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Late Winter – Early Spring: Some citrus varieties
It’s always wise to check with each orchard before visiting, as seasonal changes can affect availability.
Beyond the orchard rows, many farms offer so much more than just fruit picking. Families can enjoy petting zoos or animal enclosures, where children can meet goats, chickens, lambs, and even alpacas. These hands-on encounters are a favourite among younger visitors and make the outing even more memorable.
To refuel after a morning of fruit picking, you’ll find that several orchards have onsite cafés or picnic areas, where you can relax with coffee, house-made pies, or even seasonal treats like stone fruit tarts and fresh apple juice. Many also have farm stalls or souvenir shops selling local honey, jams, handmade gifts, and produce to take home.
With such variety and family-friendly charm, it’s no wonder that fruit picking has become a beloved tradition in the Hawkesbury. However, it’s always wise to call ahead or check online, as crop availability can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions.
Whether you’re heading out for cherries in December or apples in April, the Hawkesbury’s fruit picking season promises flavour, fun, and fresh air for all.
Top Orchards in the Hawkesbury for Fruit Picking
Whether you’re visiting for the day or enjoying a weekend at Chalet de Tranquillité in Kurrajong Village, the Hawkesbury region offers an abundance of fruit picking opportunities at pick-your-own orchards set among breathtaking countryside. Many of the region’s most popular farms are just a 15–30-minute scenic drive from the chalet, making them ideal for a relaxed day out followed by a cosy evening indoors.
Here are some of the best orchards to explore:
1. Bilpin Fruit Bowl – Bilpin (approx. 25 mins from Chalet de Tranquillité)
Fruit available: Apples, peaches, nectarines, plums
A long-standing family favourite, the Bilpin Fruit Bowl offers a wide range of seasonal fruit picking. Enjoy juicy stone fruits in summer and crisp apples in autumn. Families love the on-site farm shop selling homemade apple pies, jam, and honey—and the giant apple out front is a must-snap photo!
Bilpin Fruit Bowl
2. Pine Crest Orchard – Bilpin (approx. 20 mins from Chalet de Tranquillité)
Fruit available: Apples, pears, persimmons, plums, quinces
With more than 20 apple varieties and a rustic country charm, Pine Crest is a hidden gem. Enjoy fruit picking, picnicking, and learning about traditional orchard practices on this historic farm.
pinecrestorchard.com.au
4. TNT Produce (approx. 30mins from Chalet)
TNT Produce is a family-owned orchard nestled in the heart of Bilpin, operated by third-generation orchardists. The farm offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits, including apples, persimmons, strawberries, and more, depending on the season. Beyond fruit picking, families can enjoy interacting with friendly farm animals like alpacas, goats, chickens, and guinea pigs, making it an engaging experience for children.
The on-site café serves delicious homemade apple pies, hot meals, and beverages, providing a perfect spot to relax after a day of fruit picking. Additionally, the farm shop offers a range of local products such as honey, jams, cider, and Bilpin apple juice.
Perfect for Chalet de Tranquillité Guests
With most orchards just a short and scenic drive from Kurrajong Village, you can easily spend a full day outdoors, surrounded by fresh air and countryside charm, before returning to Chalet de Tranquillité — your cosy winter base. After a day of fruit picking and exploring, unwind with a hot drink, plush bedding, and the peaceful ambience of the mountains. It’s the perfect way to embrace the season’s slower pace while still making the most of your time away.
For a weekend escape that blends fresh air, fresh fruit, and local hospitality, the Hawkesbury delivers in every way. From sweet orchard adventures and hands-on farm visits to relaxed afternoons by the fire (or under a soft throw), this region offers experiences that nourish both body and soul.
While you’re exploring, why not stretch your trip with a few more stops? Take in the pine-fringed bushwalks that wind through the foothills, discover charming boutique cafés and bakeries, or cruise along quiet country roads that open up to panoramic valley views and quaint roadside stalls. Whether you’re travelling with kids, escaping as a couple, or enjoying a solo retreat, the Hawkesbury truly offers something for every traveler.
Make your getaway a memory — filled with nature, nourishment, annual events and the comfort of home-style living at Chalet de Tranquillité. And don’t forget your baskets – the regions fruit picking season is waiting to be savoured.