Peach picking in Australia

Peach picking generally runs from November to February, with most regions peaking in December or January. Queensland's Granite Belt starts earliest, from November, followed closely by NSW's Hawkesbury-Bilpin district and Victoria's Yarra Valley and Bacchus Marsh areas through December and January. Canberra and Tasmania's smaller orchards tend to pick later, into January and February. Always check with the farm before you drive, as a hot spell can bring the season forward.

Most orchards charge for fruit by weight rather than a flat entry fee, with prices commonly around $4.50 to $8 a kilogram depending on the farm and how far into the season you visit. Some farms add a small entry charge or bucket rental, often around $5 to $8 per adult, with children cheaper or free. Cash and EFTPOS are both common, but it pays to check before you go.

Yes. The Hawkesbury-Bilpin district, about an hour to 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD, has several orchards picking peaches from November into the new year, and Canoelands Orchard further north also grows peaches alongside plums. The Illawarra and Southern Highlands, roughly an hour south, are another option through the same summer window. Call ahead, as availability shifts week to week.

Yes, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, under 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, have orchards picking peaches from December through to February. Bacchus Marsh, on the western side of the city, offers a similar summer stone fruit season. Both regions grow peaches alongside nectarines, plums and apricots, so it's worth asking what else is ripe on the day.

Ripe peaches give slightly under gentle thumb pressure near the stem and come away from the branch with a light twist, not a hard pull. Fragrance is a good sign too — a ripe peach usually smells sweet close up. Firmer fruit will keep ripening for a day or two at home, so if in doubt, pick a little on the firm side rather than overripe.