Cherry season is one of the most cherished times of year in Orange and Young, NSW. Not only is there the delectable fruits to pick at various farms, but it seems Orange and Young comes alive during cherry season. People come from all over Australia to pick our cherries.
Cherry Season
Cherry season has typically lasted from mid-November through the end of January year after year. Over the past few years, cherry season has moved to the end of October to the end of December – right after Christmas.
Not to worry though. The cherry farmers in Orange and Young, NSW have been able to adapt to different weather conditions and continue to grow delicious cherries featuring a range of sweetness profiles.
While you’re out picking cherries, you may notice several shades of red they grow into. Lighter-coloured cherries will be far more tart and sour to the taste. On the other hand, darker and deeper-red cherries will have more ripe-fruit notes. They will also have a higher sugar content, a large part of what gives them this flavour.
Where to Pick Cherries in Orange and Young NSW
There are tons of places where you can pick cherries in Orange and Young , NSW. Here’s a short list:
Thornbrook Orchard
Known for growing their cherries on volcanic soil, Thornbook has a strong reputation for having some of the best cherries around.
You can also find specifically sour cherries, a treat for anyone who loves a nice pucker.
Hillside Harvest
This luscious and sprawling 75-acre farm is a favorite source for produce for locals.
Their cherries and many other fruits are sold at their own farmstand, and draws customers from all over Orange.
Huntley Berry Farm
Owned by the Orange Community Training and Education Center, Huntley Berry Farm is a proud supplier of vocational training and disability opportunities while serving up some of the best produce Orange has to offer.
Young – the Cherry Capital of Australia
If there’s one fruit that speaks Australian Christmas then it’s the cherry.
This is probably in part due to the fact that cherry season runs from November to December when the cherries are at their ripest and juiciest – and you can get the best of the best by visiting and cherry picking in Young, NSW.
What better way to get your cherries than to head to a beautiful part of the NSW countryside and pick your own, immersed in stunning hillside scenery. Cherry picking in Young gives you just that –just 2 hours from Canberra and 4 hours from Sydney.
Main Range Orchard
At Main Range Orchard, we love for you to get a taste (literally!) of life on a cherry orchard. Our pick-your-own orchard offers just that. You get to enjoy fresh cherries, straight from the tree, picked by you. It’s a fun activity, so get some friends and family together and come for a visit! You’re very welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the orchard.
During the season pick-your-own is open every weekend from 8am to 5pm. If you would like to come during the week this can often be arranged – simply contact us.
Picking buckets are provided and hold approximately 5 kilos. You may like to bring an esky to keep your freshly picked cherries cool – cherries are very perishable and should be cooled as soon as possible after picking.
