With the warm summer weather finally dawning upon us,cherry-picking season is officially in full swing! Last weekend, after grabbing my sunglasses and popping on my Converse sneakers, I embarked on my trip to Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door with the promise of all things cherry.
I was not disappointed to say the least.
Ballinaclash Orchard and Cellar Door, located 6km south ofYoung, is a gorgeous pick-your own orchard with an expanse of neatly lined rowsof cherry and apricot trees.
Upon arriving, I was provided with a bucket by one of theorchard staff and was told to follow the power lines to the cherry and apricottrees.
Ballinaclash Orchard produce red and white cherry varieties. Red cherries tend to be sweeter whilst white cherries tend to be more tart. Do not mistake the white cherries (yellow-orange in colour) to be unripe red cherries. Both varieties are delicious and packed full of antioxidants!
Unfortunately, they only have one variety of apricot. The ripe ones were super sweet and juicy!
3 hours in the hot sun and 3.5 kilograms of picked cherries later, I was exhausted (with sunburnt shoulders). I could not tell you how delighted I was when I saw they sold freshly made cherry soft serve at the canteen! Not only was it refreshing, it was absolutely delicious! It Definitely the cherry on top to a fun and enjoyable day!
Getting There
Address: 4321-4335 Olympic Hwy, Young NSW 2594
Trip Duration: Approximately 4 hours from Sydney and 2 hours from Canberra
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
Cost of Entry
Entry to pick and eat whilst you pick your own cherries and apricots (yes, EAT!) is FREE (so eat to your heart’s content! I did!).But, you do have to pay for the cherries and apricots you pick to take home with you. As of December 2018, the cost per kilogram for cherries is $8, and apricots $5.
Other Attractions
It was almost 5pm by the time I was ready to leave. However, if you do spend a day at Ballinaclash Orchard definitely try their:
- Award winning wines, jams and sauces at the Cellar Door
- Cherry pies
- Attend a cherry pie making class
For more information, visit the Ballinaclash Orchard website at: https://ballinaclash.com.au/whats-on/
What are your experiences with fruit/cherry picking? Are there any orchards you would definitely recommend? Please leave your comments in the comment box down below!