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By: Sophia Russell , 10 January 2026
Where to go Cherry Picking in Melbourne in 2026
By: Sophia Russell , 10 January 2026
As far as family activities go, you can't beat cherry picking in Melbourne! Picking cherries at a fruit orchard ticks all the right boxes: a great way to exercise? Tick. Fun for all ages? Tick. Cheap entertainment? Tick. Getting out in nature? Tick. Getting to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labour afterwards? Tick tick!
Cherry picking in Melbourne is one of those sweet little traditions that turns an ordinary day out into a core memory for kids and parents alike. When summer rolls around, and the orchards are heavy with bright red fruit, families can swap shopping aisles for fresh air, gumboots and baskets filled straight from the tree.
Add these popular cherry-picking farms to your summer hitlist and don't forget to bring your baskets!
Best Cherry Picking in Melbourne 2026: Top Places to Visit
Melbourne cherry-picking offers hands-on, delicious fun where kids can learn where their food comes from, taste cherries at their juiciest, and run free among the rows while parents soak up those laid-back country vibes. Best of all, many cherry farms around Melbourne are set up with families in mind, making it easy to turn a simple pick-your-own outing into a full day of summer fun. Some farms even provide baskets or buckets before sending you off into the orchard, where kids can pick cherries straight from the tree, sample a few along the way and learn how to choose the ripest fruit.
Cherry Picking at a Glance
The cherry-picking season in Melbourne typically runs from mid-November through early January, with the peak period for the juiciest, readily available cherries usually falling between late November and mid-December, when the trees are heavy with ripe fruit and family-friendly picking sessions are in full swing.
Most pick-your-own orchards charge a per-person entry fee plus payment for cherries by weight. At popular spots, adults generally pay around $22.50 to $25, children about $13-$15, and family tickets are available, while other farms may include entry and all-you-can-eat on-tree picking for roughly $20-$25 per adult and $10-$15 per child, with cherries to take home usually priced around $10-$22 per kilogram depending on the orchard and season.
For families new to cherry picking, CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley is an especially great choice thanks to its long-running pick-your-own festival vibe, clear guidance for visitors, scenic, easy-to-navigate orchard layout and added family-friendly treats like cherry ice cream and picnic spots.
1. CherryHill Orchards
CherryHill Orchards
If cherry-picking in the gorgeous Yarra Valley is what you're after (and really, you had me at Yarra Valley), then give CherryHill Orchards a try.
This third-generation family-owned orchard opens its gates from early November through to early January each year, welcoming visitors to wander among beautiful acres of cherry trees and pick their own cherries to enjoy on the spot and take home. Picnic lawns and scenic views of the valley make it a relaxed day out in nature.
Tickets include a set picking time slot during which you can taste as many cherries as you like while harvesting. Afterwards, there's plenty to explore, with an on-site farmgate store and café serving cherry-inspired treats, including their much-loved cherry ice cream, beverages, and other goodies. Dates and prices vary each season, so it's best to book in advance to secure your spot during the peak picking period.
Never been cherry-picking in Melbourne before? Don’t worry, the team at CherryHill Orchards will show you how to pick the ripest cherries off the tree. There's also a rotating roster of food trucks to enjoy, so you'll be sure to come away with a very happy tummy!
Location: 480 Queens Rd, Wandin East and 739 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream Picking season: 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 Opening hours: 7 days a week from 9 am to 5.30 pm Cost:
Weekday pricing - $22.50 per adult; $13 for kids (3+); Under 3s go FREE; Family packages for $60 Weekend pricing - $25 per adult; $15 for kids (3+); Under 3s go FREE; Family packages for $65
A view of the farm at Blue Hills Berries & Cherries.
For some of the best cherry picking in Melbourne, Blue Hills Berries & Cherries is a charming family-run pick-your-own farm nestled at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley, just over an hour's drive from Melbourne.
The Chapman family has been farming in Silvan since the late 1800s, bringing generations of experience to their sustainable fruit-growing and creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that's perfect for families seeking a hands-on outdoor adventure.
Visitors of all ages can wander through the orchard's lush rows of fruit and enjoy harvesting sweet, ripe cherries straight from the tree in season, with entry giving you plenty of chances to taste while you pick, and the fruit you take home is weighed and paid for on exit. In addition to cherries, the farm also grows a variety of berries, and there's a farm gate shop where you can buy fresh-picked produce and local treats or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by scenic views.
Because fruit availability can change with weather and ripeness, it's a good idea to check the daily fruit report before you visit to make the most of your cherry-picking day out.
Surrounded by wineries, Blue Hills is an excellent destination for interstate friends: you can pick cherries in the morning and then relax with a family barbecue lunch at the picturesque Silvan Reservoir nearby.
Location: 30 Chapman Rd, Silvan and 55 George Rd, Silvan Picking season: 30 November 2025 to 5 January 2026 Opening hours: 7 days a week from 9 am to 4.30 pm Cost: $18 per adult; $9 for kids (4+); Under 4s go FREE
3. Paynes Orchard
Paynes Orchard
Located just a 40-minute drive from Melbourne, Paynes Orchard is an excellent option if you have only a few hours to spare. It's also easy on the hip pocket – just $5 for entry with no charge for littlies!
The orchard is a genuine small family operation set amidst plenty of space for kids to explore and parents to snap photos. Beyond their juicy cherries, the family orchard grows a variety of other stone fruits and apples throughout the warmer months.
Open daily during the main picking season, with friendly staff on hand to guide first-timers, it offers a laid-back rural outing where everyone can enjoy the taste of fruit at its freshest, straight from the orchard.
Location: 372 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh Picking season: Until 24 December 2025 Opening hours: Daily from 9 am- bookings available online Cost: $5 per adult; $2 for ages 3-12 | $30 per kilo of cherries
4. Lanidale Cherry Orchard
Lanidale Cherry Orchard
Tucked away in regional Victoria, Lanidale, aka 'The Cherry Well', is another family-run orchard that welcomes visitors to slow down, breathe in the country air, and enjoy the simple joy of picking bright, juicy cherries straight from the tree.
Kids love the freedom to roam between the trees, filling buckets and sneaking the occasional taste, while parents appreciate the relaxed vibe and easygoing pace that makes the day feel like a mini holiday. With friendly faces on hand, plenty of space to explore and cherries at their absolute freshest, Lanidale is the kind of place where hands get a little sticky, and everyone heads home smiling with a bag full of summer sweetness.
Location: 3139/235 Beenak Rd, Wandin North Picking season: UsuallyNovember to January Opening hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm unless sold out Cost: $18 per adult | $15 per kilo of cherries
5. Naturipe Fruits
A basket of cherries fresh from Naturipe Fruits.
Located in the historical Bacchus Marsh Avenue Of Honour, the family-run Naturipe Fruits is one of the most popular spots for cherry picking in Melbourne.
The farm features more than 15 cherry types across six hectares of orchard, including Rainier cherries, which are a premium golden-hued variety with a delicate and sweet flavour. Rainier cherries are larger than the familiar red variety, harder to grow, and best eaten fresh or baked into a dessert – yum!
Location: 638 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh Picking season: From 15 December 2025 until mid-January - visit the website for regular updates Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm Cost: FREE entry | $15 per kilo of cherries
6. Cherry Haven
There are 30 different varieties of cherries at Cherry Haven!
Cherry Haven is a 'pick your own' orchard only, so you can be sure you're getting the best cherries the season has to offer here!
Only a 50-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD, Cherry Haven features a whopping 30 different types of cherries! Each variety ripens at different stages, so there is always something new to try when you visit.
As a bonus, dogs and picnics in the orchard are allowed on-site, making it a great location for a whole family day out.
Location: 470 Queens Rd, Wandin East Picking season: From 14 December 2025 - see Facebook for regular updates Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm Cost: $20 per adult; $10 for ages 4-13; under 3s go FREE
7. Ripe 'n' Ready Cherry Farm
Ripe 'n' Ready Cherry Farm
Ripe 'n' Ready Cherry Farm in Red Hill on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula is the perfect cherry-picking spot over summer.
If you want to wander through the dappled shade of a gorgeous cherry orchard picking your own fruit and enjoying farm-fresh produce, then Ripe 'n' Ready Cherry Farm is for you. With an excellent range of seasonal fruits, free-range eggs, and honey, you're sure to come away with plenty to put in the pantry!
Location: 52 Arkwells Lane, Red Hill Picking season: Until 2 January 2026 | Closed Christmas Day Opening hours: 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm Cost: $25 entry | $18-$35 per kilo of cherries, depending on the varieties
What to Bring for Cherry Picking
Make your next cherry-picking adventure a stress-free one by planning a few must-haves with these handy tips and FAQs.
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty, as cherry picking usually means brushing past branches, sitting on the ground and ending the day with a few juice stains.
Closed-toe shoes are a must, especially for kids, as orchards often have uneven ground, grass, mud or fallen fruit underfoot.
Sun protection is essential, so pack hats and sunscreen. Even on cooler days, you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors with limited shade between rows.
Water bottles and snacks will keep little pickers happy and hydrated, particularly on warm days. Some orchards have cafés or food trucks, but it's always good to have backup snacks on hand.
Most farms provide buckets or baskets, but feel free to bring your own containers.
Wet wipes, tissues or a small towel are lifesavers for sticky fingers and faces, especially if kids are sampling cherries straight from the tree.
Cash or a card for entry fees, cherries by the kilo and farm-gate treats.
A cooler bag for the drive home if you want to keep your cherries fresh on hot days.
If you're bringing your furry friend to a dog-friendly orchard, don't forget a lead, water bowl and poop bags, and always check the farm's pet rules before you go.
FAQs About Cherry Picking in Melbourne
1. Do I need to book ahead for cherry picking?
Yes - most cherry orchards around Melbourne require online bookings, especially during peak season and on weekends. Availability can change quickly depending on crop conditions, so families planning a visit should always check the orchard's website or social pages before heading out.
2. When does cherry-picking season start in Melbourne?
The Melbourne cherry-picking season typically runs from mid-November through to early January, with exact dates varying each year based on weather and ripening conditions.
3. When is the best time for cherry picking in Melbourne?
Early in the season is often best for firm, plentiful fruit, while early morning visits are ideal for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially if you're visiting with younger kids.
4. How much does cherry picking cost in Melbourne?
Costs vary by orchard, but families can generally expect to pay an entry fee plus a per-kilogram price for the cherries they take home. Prices typically range from $7 to $22 per kilogram, and entry fees range from free for young kids to $20 per adult.
5. Which cherry orchard is best for my family?
For first-timers and families with young kids, well-known orchards like CherryHill Orchards are popular thanks to clear guidance, easy-to-navigate layouts and extra treats like cafes and picnic areas. For relaxed, low-key visits, smaller family-run farms like Landiale are a great option.
6. Which orchards are best for kids?
Family favourites include CherryHill Orchards, Blue Hills Berries & Cherries, Lanidale, and Paynes Orchard, all known for their welcoming atmosphere, spacious rows, and facilities that make visits easier with prams and little legs.
7. Are there any free cherry-picking farms near Melbourne?
Yes, some orchards offer free entry and only charge by the kilogram for the fruit you pick. These can be a great budget-friendly option for families, though facilities may be simpler, and availability can be more limited.
8. Are dogs allowed at cherry-picking farms?
Dog policies vary by orchard. Some farms allow dogs on leads, while others don't permit pets due to food safety rules. Farms that currently allow dogs include Cherry Haven and Blue Hills Berries & Cherries (but not in picnic areas).
9. What cherry varieties can we expect to find?
Most Melbourne orchards grow sweet red cherries, with some also offering Rainier cherries and sour varieties depending on the farm. Early-season cherries tend to be firmer, while late-season fruit is often darker and extra juicy.
10. How do you know if cherries are ripe when picking?
Ripe cherries are usually deep in colour, glossy and firm to the touch. They should come off the stem easily without feeling soft or shrivelled.
11. What weather or safety considerations should families keep in mind?
Cherry picking is an outdoor activity, so sun protection, hats, water bottles, and closed shoes are essential. It's also a good idea to check weather forecasts and orchard updates in case of heat, rain or sudden closures.
12. What is the best time of day for cherry-picking photos?
Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for photos, offering softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer people lurking in the background.
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