Frolic to your heart’s desire on your next Australian fruit picking or flower farm-visiting adventure with these top five tips.
From the red centre to the coast, Australia has a plethora of picturesque landscapes that spread across our diverse country. Much of this includes rich farmland and rolling hills that produce everything from fruit and vegetables to gorgeous flowering blooms that paint the countryside.
If you’re feeling the inclination to explore some of this gorgeous farmland, there are plenty of fruit-picking and flower farms to choose from, but it is important to do a little bit of research before you hit the road.
So, to ensure you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the top five tips for you to keep in mind before setting off on your journey.
1. Time it Right
There’s no point heading out to do some fruit picking or to take some gorgeous snaps amongst the wildflowers if they aren’t in bloom. Before you plan your trip, you will want to check what fruits, flowers or blooms are in season in the areas you’re planning to visit.
Late spring or early summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the soothing smell of lavender, while late summer is peak season for the bright blooms of sunflowers. When wanting to visit a fruit picking farm, it is especially important to research when that particular variety of fruit is in season so you get the best pick of the bunch. The time of day you choose to visit can also be an important factor when planning your visit. Many pick-your-own-fruit farms recommend coming in early in the day, not only to avoid the midday sun, but to make sure you have a better chance of picking the best fruit available.
Kooroomba Lavender Field and Vineyard. Photographed by Rob Downer. Image via Shutterstock
2. Come Prepared
Any good outdoor adventure requires a little bit of preparation when it comes to supplies and necessities to take along with you. At the top of this list should be a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from those harsh Australian rays, especially in summer. If you’re going to be spending a prolonged period outdoors wandering among the blooms or fruit picking, you’ll want as much sun protection as possible which includes sunglasses and a nice wide-brimmed hat.
It’s also a good idea to bring your own water bottle with you so you don’t get dehydrated – a good hack is to fill it with ice or leave it in the freezer the night before so it will stay cooler for longer. Closed-in shoes are also highly recommended as there is a possibility you will encounter either long walking distances, mud, sticks and prickles, or hidden nasties such as snakes and spiders within some long grass. Depending on the type of farm and the location, the terrain may vary, but having closed-in shoes means you’ll be prepared for anything.
Kid Picking Strawberries. Photographed by Irina Schmidt. Image via Shutterstock
3. Be Aware of your Surroundings
While out and about, it is vital to remember where you are. You are on someone else’s property who makes a living from the crops that are farmed there, so you need to respect it as such. If there are designated picking zones for certain fruits, make sure you stay within those areas; they are there for a reason and stepping outside those zones may ruin upcoming harvests.
If you are visiting a sunflower field that is precariously placed on the side of the road in a rural town, it is still someone’s property, so stick to the edges and don’t go trampling too far through the field. If you are picking fruit, it is common courtesy to respect the other patrons who want to enjoy their day just as much as you, so make sure to leave enough fruit to go around. All in all, respect the farms and respect others and you’ll have a fantastic day out.
Allora Sunflower Field. Photographed by Madeline Paulsen. Image supplied via Hunter and Bligh
4. Be Patient
It’s true what they say – patience is a virtue – and it is definitely a saying to live by when it comes to visiting fruit and flower farms around Australia. Taking your time picking fruit and not charging like a bull at a gate when you first arrive is more important than you might think. Let your mind wander and be patient as you stroll through the orchards, vines and trees. If you’re on a trip to search for the best sunflower field in the area, this will also require a lot of patience. You might find an exceptional field on your first try, but it may also take a lot of driving in circles, back and forth, before you arrive at the perfect spot for that coveted Instagram shot. Don’t rush, enjoy the scenery and let the day take you wherever it may go.
Woman Picking Apples in Orchard. Photographed by Ekaterina Pokrovsky. Image via Shutterstock
5. Make a Day Of It
Since you’re already out about, you should get to know the surrounding areas and make it a worthwhile day trip. Explore the nearby towns and treat some local businesses to your patronage – you never know what treasures you may find. There are a myriad of exceptional country bakeries dotted around the country with some scrumptious goodies, so pop in for an afternoon tea snack and soak up the atmosphere away from city life. Take the time to really get out and about and discover the areas and surrounds. If you’re stuck on some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with our extensive list of Australian travel guides.
Woman in Rose Farm. Photographed by FabrikaSimf. Image via Shutterstock
Ready to head off on an adventure? Start by frolicking through fields of lavender thanks to our guide to the 12 best lavender fields to visit around Australia in 2021. Or, if you’d like to wander and pick up a sweet treat, these 10 best fruit picking farms in Australia will have everything you’re looking for!
