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For countries in the northern hemisphere, November and December mark the beginning of winter, bringing with them chillingly cold winds. However, for a country situated entirely within the southern hemisphere's climate zone, this is the season of golden sunshine and orchards laden with fruit.
Victoria, Australia, is considered to have the most cherry orchards in the country, as well as the best quality fruit, due to its suitable climate and soil conditions. The cherry season in Victoria runs from November to the end of January each year. Each cherry orchard has different entrance fees, ranging from US$5 to US$15 per person. Visitors can enjoy cherries directly in the orchards or buy them as souvenirs if desired.
Below are images of the peaceful countryside of Victoria, Australia, where people can pick ripe cherries themselves and enjoy the refreshing taste of nature.
Cherry Hill Orchards
Cherry Hill Orchards, known as Australia's largest cherry orchard, is located a 45-minute drive from Melbourne and is open to visitors every day of the week, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Besides experiencing the thrill of picking cherries themselves, visitors can buy cherries to take home, or other products made from cherries by the orchard owners, such as jam, wine, and fruit beer, at prices ranging from 30 to 100 USD.
Red Hill Cherry Farm
With over 4,000 cherry trees, Red Hill Cherry Orchard is one of Australia's best-producing and highest-quality cherry orchards. If visitors wish to pick cherries themselves, the orchard also provides bags or baskets.
The orchard also offers many products derived from cherries, such as dried fruit, jam, wine, beer, and especially ice cream.
Blue Hills Cherry Farm
What could be more enjoyable than immersing yourself in nature and picking your favorite fruits? Located in the Dandenong Ranges, an hour's drive from Melbourne, Blue Hills Orchard offers you two choices: cherries and berries!
Paynes Orchards
Paynes Gardens is located in Bacchus Marsh, a fertile valley northwest of Melbourne, renowned for its orchards, historical sites, and natural wonders. From Melbourne's Southern Cross station, it takes only about 40 minutes by train to reach this charming town.
For nature enthusiasts, visitors can explore the canyons, glacial valleys, and national parks surrounding the Bacchus Marsh, such as Lerderderg Gorge, Werribee Gorge, Long Forest Reserve, or Wombat National Forest.
Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm
Visitors will have a wonderful time experiencing the thrill of "trying their hand at cherry picking" at Ripe N Ready orchard.
To tell if a cherry is ripe, pay attention to how it feels when you pick it from the branch. If it's difficult to pull off, it means it's not ripe yet. If the cherry looks a bit mushy on the outside, don't waste your time; try another bunch.
