The Autumn and Winter seasons have been truly wonderful, offering an abundance of delightful seasonal produce to enjoy throughout the Sydney basin. I had the pleasure of joining Simon Marnie on the Weekend Morning show on ABC Radio this morning, discussing all the exciting things to do along the harvest trails.
Feel free to check out the links below to discover farms where you can personally hand-pick your own produce, enjoy the company of friendly livestock, and support local Aussie farmers by purchasing their produce directly. Thanks, Daniela
Where you can Pick Your Own Oranges this Winter
Wyuna Farms Central Coast
Last chance in 2023 to PYO juicy Winter Navel oranges.
Open Saturday and Sunday (August 19th & 20th) 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.
$20 PYO Bring your own shopping bag.
After this weekend, the rest will be picked for the markets. George Downes Dr, Kulnura
https://www.facebook.com/wyunafarms
Also, on the Central Coast
Pick Your Own Oranges Dooralong
Still plenty of fruit on the trees, and they will be open for the next couple of weekends.
Bring some bread or vegie scraps to feed their animals. Chickens & Cows.
10 am to 4 pm. No booking and no entry fee. Pay for what you pick.
48 Dittons Road, Dooralong. Pick your own Oranges Dooralong
Photo credit : PICK YOUR OWN DOORALONG
Anderson Farm
PYO Oranges, Mandarines and bush lemons on the banks of the Hawkesbury River.
Jump on their website to book your time slot this and next weekend.
Book via their website. 951 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North,
https://andersonfarm.com.au/online-bookings
Watkins Family Farm
PYO Imperial & Hickson mandarines.
A great season as the trees are loaded with juicy fruit on the 8th Generation of Watkins Family Citrus Growers.
Also, take the time and have some fun feeding their sheep, chickens and cows surrounded by over 2,000 fruit trees in Beautiful Hidden Valley.
Their PYO season runs until mid-September.
Open weekends only $10 per adult, includes the fruit and children free
1006 Singleton Road Laughtondale
https://watkinsfamilyfarm.com.au
Wildwood Gardens Bilpin
Have you heard that the private gardens in Bilpin have just recently re-opened? They're absolutely stunning and have been crafted by passionate gardeners Wayne and Sue Tapping over the last 40 years. You can visit them on weekends and Mondays from 10 am to 4 pm, but be quick as they're only open twice a year!
Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens, admire the waterfalls, and keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or to grab a cuppa and relax in the tranquil surroundings. They're open four days a week, so there's plenty of time to stop by and take in the beauty of these amazing gardens.
https://www.wildwoodgarden.com.au
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Celebrate National Science Week with a family-friendly science bonanza.
Sunday, they will be running a free, interactive program of science talks, outdoor activities, wildlife encounters and First Nations bush food walks.
Admission is free, but registration is a must. You can choose either a morning session (10am-12.30pm) or afternoon session (12.30pm-3pm) this Sunday.
Also, hear the weirdest science questions and answers with Dr Karl from the University of Sydney and the ABC, have a go at plant science experiments with the Garden's botanists, and learn about First Nations science knowledge.
The Australian PlantBank
362 Narellan Rd, Mount Annan NSW 2567
https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/whats-on/sydney-science-trail-community-day
This weekend Markets to enjoy
Northside Produce Market North Sydney
Now in its 24th year, Northside Produce Market operates rain or shine on each month's 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
It’s been an excellent Winter citrus season this year now is our last chance to enjoy Blood Oranges at the markets. 8 am to 12 noon.
Ted Mack Civic park - 200 Miller Street, North Sydney.
https://www.northsydneycentre.com.au/markets/northside-produce-market
Carriageworks Farmers Market
245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Enjoy the last of Winter Seasonal Produce! Open 8 am-1 pm.
Jump on their website's weekly stallholder list. https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market/
Look out for Organic Food Markets across Sydney inLillyfield, Camden, St Ives, Seaforth, just to name a few.https://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au/market
Photo credit: ABC Radio and Simon Marnie.
Listen to the ABC Radio here.
Special thanks to Simon Marnie and Producers Fiona, Georgia from the ABC Weekend Mornings.