What fruit is in season in May?

May is a shoulder month as apples and pears wind down in the south while citrus builds in the north and west. WA's Perth Hills and Chittering Valley move into olives, persimmons, kiwifruit and citrus, Bundaberg in Queensland starts its citrus and early strawberry season, and the Top End's dry-season crops, including passionfruit and the first tomatoes, are underway. Southern berry season is largely finished.

Only in a few places by May. Queensland's Bundaberg region starts its strawberry season early in May, and a handful of late Orange and Fleurieu patches in NSW and SA may still have fruit, but the wider southern strawberry season has finished for the year. It's worth calling ahead, since availability at this point depends heavily on the individual farm.

May is when citrus season really starts to build. Bundaberg in Queensland, the Sydney Basin and Central Coast in NSW, and Chittering Valley in WA all begin or ramp up citrus picking around this time, though the fullest citrus season typically runs into July. Check with the farm which varieties are ready, as mandarins and oranges often ripen at different times.

Near Perth, May means olives at their peak in the northern suburbs, persimmons and early kiwifruit in the Perth Hills, and citrus starting around Chittering Valley. Apple season in the Perth Hills is winding down but a few late orchards may still have fruit. Confirm with each farm what's currently ready before heading out, since availability shifts quickly this time of year.

May's picking is more niche, so booking requirements vary by farm. Olive, citrus and persimmon picking generally doesn't need advance booking, though it's still worth calling first to confirm opening days, since some orchards move to weekends-only or close as their main season ends. Always check availability before you drive out.