May 2020 - Adventure, baby!

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Auburn Botanic Gardens Sydney

May 23, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Auburn Botanic Gardens Sydney

The delightfully zen Auburn Botanic Gardens are located in Auburn, in South-West Sydney. Established in 1977, the gardens are surprisingly tucked away in a suburban pocket between rows of houses. Spread over 9.7 hectares, the gardens are a serene place to enjoy nature.

The Auburn Botanical Gardens are broken into several distinct sections.

Japanese Garden

The most well-known is the Japanese garden, which a row of cherry blossom trees that blossom each spring, torii gates, a red bridge, waterfall and lake. The koi carp fish in the lake are beautiful, and when we visited there was a large cluster of peacocks, swans and ducks around the lake.

Fauna Reserve

Native animals such as kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and emus live in this nicely spread out nature reserve. Animal feedings take place daily (please don’t feed the animals yourself).

Sunken Rose Garden

This lovely area blooms in October and November.

Reflection Pool

The tree-lined pool is a haven for the many wild birds who live in the gardens, including peacocks and swans. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn.

Scented Garden

This part of the gardens smells amazing. It’s primarily used as an event space eg for weddings.

Equal Access Playground

Built in between the beautiful trees, the playground feature lots of accessible features including a liberty swing, maze and interactive play structure.

Australian Native and Rainforest Gardens

Set around a stunning billabong, these gardens are beautiful to wander through.

Things to know about visiting Auburn Botanic Gardens

Entry is $4 per person. Children under 16 free and residents of Cumberland Council are free.

The garden is largely accessibly for strollers and wheelchairs.

Picnics are allowed.

There are picnic tables and bbq facilities located outside the gardens near the carpark, with a toilet block and playground.

Free parking is available in the carpark outside the gardens.

There is no cafe inside the gardens to BYO food and drinks.

Auburn Botanic Gardens Sydney
Chisholm Rd &, Chiswick Rd, Auburn
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm.
During daylight saving time, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm.
cumberland.nsw.gov.au/auburn-botanic-gardens

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

Newmarket Dining Randwick: Eat, Play and Unwind

May 22, 2020 / Eastern Suburbs, Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Randwick, Sydney, Sydney Food, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Newmarket Dining Randwick: Eat, Play and Unwind

Sydney’s newest precinct, Newmarket Dining is a place to eat at cosy cafes and restaurants, picnic in the park and play at a state-of-the-art playground.

Officially opened in 2020, Newmarket Randwick was built on a site containing plenty of local history. The original inhabitants were thought to be the Cadigal and Biddigal Aboriginal people. In 1809, the land was granted to an ex-convict named Andrew Byrne, before becoming part of Randwick’s horse racing story. William Inglis & Son, Australia’s largest and oldest racehorse auctioneer, took over the site from 1917 – 2017, transforming it into the Newmarket Sales yard.

Some of Australia’s most famous horses paraded the sales yard, which has now been transformed into a children’s playground, and scenes from the movie Phar Lap were filmed in the Newmarket Big Stable, which is in the process of being resorted for use by the community.

Surrounded by a ring of shiny new apartments, the Newmarket Dining precinct at Newmarket Randwick has opened with Baccomatto Osteria, an Italian restaurant, RaRa Randwick, a Japanese diner, Cali Press, makers of seasonal salad bowls, Café Mckenzie, serving speciality coffee and a Middle Eastern menu in a family-friendly environment.

The outdoor space at Newmarket Randwick is designed to encourage community engagement, with space for picnics, BBQs and a brand new playground with lots of inclusive elements.

One challenge we noticed on our visit was that the bathrooms were locked and not generally accessible, so keep that in mind when visiting that if you need to use a toilet you will need to ask one of the shops/cafes for a key.

The easiest way to reach Newmarket is by public transport as parking in the area is a challenge. To use public transport, take the light rail or bus. The nearest light rail stops are UNSW High Street and Randwick.

Newmarket Randwick
154 Barker St, Randwick
https://newmarketrandwick.com.au/

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

A visit to Wildwood Garden Bilpin, Blue Mountains Sydney

May 20, 2020 / Australia, Bilpin, Blue Mountains, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

A visit to Wildwood Garden Bilpin Blue Mountains Sydney

Enjoy seasonal colours in the fresh mountain at at Wildwood Garden, a privately-owned cool climate garden in the Blue Mountains, 90 minutes drive west of Sydney.

Wildwood Garden was created over 38 years by Wayne and Sue Tapping. Located in Blipin, on the fringe of the Blue Mountains and deep in apple country, the garden has a glorious collection of plants which are stunning to behold throughout the year.

Currently the garden is only open each Saturday and Sunday between May 16 and June 7. Its final opening day before winter closure is Monday, June 8. During this time, the garden, cafe and shop will all be open in line with current Covid-19 restrictions. The garden will reopen in spring.

The garden features a waterfall, fairy grove and dragon den, lots of well-placed statues to discover, topiary animals, and plenty of seasonal in colour.

During autumn, the garden is alight with deciduous trees and shrubs change from green to red, orange and yellow. Spring brings a cheery walk which is in peak flower mid-September, a fragrant daphne hedge, and plenty of shrubs, climbers, bulbs and perennials bursting into bloom. WIldwood Garden is home to 600 camellia varieties, which bloom through late winter and spring. Summer brings roses and perennials to bloom.

Wildwood Garden is beautifully landscaped with wide gravel paths, which are suitable for some strollers and wheelchairs with bigger wheels.

The onsite cafe is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a stunning view of the gardens below with a coffee, cake or lunch. No kids’ menu, however plenty of the items are suitable for kids.

There is also a gift shop and nursery to check out before leaving.

Wildwood Garden
29 Powells Rd, Bilpin NSW
0417 042 460
wildwoodgarden.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

Chocolate Factory Gosford: Things To Do On The Central Coast

May 11, 2020 / Australia, Central Coast, NSW, Travel / 0 comment

Chocolate Factory Gosford

Make a sweet stop at the Chocolate Factory Gosford, home of Australian confectionery producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co.

The factory is open for visitors to enjoy trying and buying locally made chocolate, nougat and marshmallows, take a guided tour or enjoy a signature hot chocolate and cake in the cafe.

Kids can take part in a fun-filled Junior Chocolatiers Workshop.

The café is generally open Wednesday to Sunday 9am-4pm for all-day breakfast and brunch, serving up simple meals and a kids’ menu.

Factory tours are approximately 30 mins in duration and cost $10 pp, $8 for seniors and children under 14. Book your tour online in advance to ensure it’s not sold out.

Junior Chocolatiers Workshop run during the school holidays, for 60-80 mins in duration and cost $40 pp. The workshops are available to kids between the ages of 5 and 14.

Chocolate Factory Gosford
Hours: Daily, 9am-4pm
6 Jusfrute Dr, West Gosford NSW 2250
Phone: 02 4322 3222
chocolatefactorygosford.com.au

More things to do on the Central Coast

Find more things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park on the Central Coast.

Spend a day at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast. Get close to animals with their Mini Kids 2 Keeper program.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Find the best places to stop on a Sydney to Brisbane drive.

A month-by-month guide to Fruit Picking Sydney: strawberries, apples, oranges

May 5, 2020 / Seasonal Fun, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Fruit Picking Sydney: A month-by-month guide of where to go and what to pick

One of our new favourite activities is fruit picking in Sydney. We are so lucky to have so many pick-your-own orchards within 90 minutes of Sydney. Depending on the season, choose from strawberry picking, apple picking, orange picking and more.

All of the farms and orchards listed are within a 2-hour driving distance of Sydney’s CBD, making them all do-able for a weekend outing.

Fruit & Nut Picking Seasons

These are the peak seasons and locations for where fruit picking occurs in Sydney. Some crops run longer than others and crossover seasons.

January to June – Apples, Persimmons, Plums (Bilpin)

March to April – Chestnuts & Walnuts (Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine)

July to October – Oranges & Mandarins (Hawkesbury), strawberries (Bilpin and Thirlmere), sunflowers (Bilpin)

November to January – Peaches (Bilpin) and berries (Thirlmere, Bilpin and Dapto)

As the weather impacts the time when fruit will be ready for harvest it is advisable to call the orchards below and check which fruit is ready for picking as the charts on the various websites may vary by up to 2 weeks.

Tips on fruit picking in Sydney

Get all the info first
Check the orchard’s Facebook page for the most current information on their stock levels. Many orchards are bookings only. Some require and entrance fee on top of cost per kilogram for purchasing the fruit at the end.

Wear appropriate clothes
It can be dirty work, picking fruit, through muddy fields, so wear appropriate clothes. Most nut farms provide gloves for picking, but double check before turning up to pick prickly nuts. Most farms are an hour and a half drive out of Sydney and the temperature might be different to that at home, so check the weather before leaving home. Bilpin in particular can get cold.

Bring your own bags
Heavy duty reusable supermarket bags are best. Some people take boxes which is a good option for keeping fruit safe from bruising. Most orchards will provide you with plastic bags if needed.

Stock up on produce
Most orchards sell other pre-packed produce either grown on their own farm or locally. You will be able to pick up fresh eggs, juice, fruit, vegetables and often fruit pies.

Fruit Picking during COVID-19

Many orchards are open during the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict social distancing rules in place. Entry to farms are limited by numbers so if the farm doesn’t take bookings, I suggest arriving when the farm opens as that’s when the least amount of people will be there. During this time it is especially important to look at the farm’s most recent updates on their opening hours and social distancing procedures before driving all the way there and being turned away.

If you are self isolating but want to pick up fresh produce, many farms are doing contactless pick up of their produce, usually by phone order or they have stalls out the front with pre-packaged produce.

Fruit picking with kids

Kids of all ages generally love fruit picking. It’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. When visiting a farm with kids, remember to keep a close eye on them. Any fruit picked must be bought – before it’s eaten. Remind kids before starting to pick fruit of the rules. Anything picked goes into the bags, and definitely no throwing fruit, or trampling the plants on the farm.

Farm Reviews

Watkins Family Farm

Glenbernie Family Farm

Bilpin Fruit Bowl strawberry picking.

Canoelands Orchard

Summer: Peaches, nectarines, strawberries, oranges, nectarines, plums, apples, lemons, pears, quinces, blueberries, blackberries, figs, raspberries, tomatoes

December

Blueberries
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blackberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Peaches
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Nectarines
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Oranges
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Plums
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

January

Peaches
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Apples
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee.
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Shields Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee. Call ahead to reserve your spot.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Peaches
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Lemons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Oranges
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only

Pears
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Quinces
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Plums
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blueberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blackberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

February

Apples
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee;
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Shields Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee. Call ahead to reserve your spot.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Peaches
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Lemons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Pears
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Quinces
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Plums
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Persimmons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Figs
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Raspberries
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blackberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blueberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Tomatoes
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Autumn: Apples, lemons, limes, pears, quinces, plums, persimmons, walnuts, chestnuts, tomatoes, figs, mandarins, oranges

March

Apples
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Shields Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee. Call ahead to reserve your spot.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Lemons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Pears
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Quinces
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Plums
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Persimmons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Figs
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Raspberries
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

Walnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Nutwood Farm at Mt Irvine: Weekends, no admission fee.
Kookootonga at Mt Irvine

Chestnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Fern Hill Farm at Mt Wilson
Nutwood Farm at Mt Irvine: Weekends, no admission fee.
Kookootonga at Mt Irvine

Tomatoes
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

April

Apples
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: Weekends, entry fee
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Lemons
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Pears
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Persimmons
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Quinces
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

Figs
Bilpin Springs Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee but min purchase $5 per adult

Walnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Nutwood Farm at Mt Irvine: Weekends, no admission fee.
Kookootonga at Mt Irvine

Chestnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Fern Hill Farm at Mt Wilson
Nutwood Farm at Mt Irvine: Weekends, no admission fee.
Kookootonga at Mt Irvine

Tomatoes
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

May

Apples
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.
Shields Orchard: Weekends, no entry fee. Call ahead to reserve your spot.
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Walnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Chestnuts
Pine Crest Orchard: Fri, Sat & Sun, public holidays, no admission fee.

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

Tomatoes
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Winter: Apples, cumquats, lemons, limes, mandarins, oranges, persimmons, pecans

June

Apples
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Cumquats
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Watkins Family Farm: Weekends, no entry fee.
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Pecans
The Pecan Lady

Persimmons
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

July

Cumquats
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Watkins Family Farm: Weekends, no entry fee.
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

August

Cumquats
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Watkins Family Farm: Weekends, no entry fee.
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

Spring: Cumquats, lemons, limes, mandarins, oranges, peaches, plums, nectarines

September

Cumquats
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Limes
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Watkins Family Farm: Weekends, no entry fee.
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.

October

Lemons
Kathleen Groves Farm: Weekends.
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.

Mandarins
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Oranges
Ford’s Farm: Entry fee, bookings only.
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: bookings essential, entry fee.

Sunflowers
Glenbernie Family Farm: Entry fee, bookings essential.

November

Oranges
Wyuna Farms: Bookings only
Anderson Farm: Closed Thursdays, cash only.

Peaches
TNT Produce: Weekends, entry fee.

Plums
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Nectarines
Canoelands Orchard: Weekends, entry fee, bookings essential.

Strawberries
Berrylicious Strawberries, Thirlmere: Weekends only, bookings essential, entry fee.
Bilpin Fruit Bowl: bookings essential, entry fee.
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blueberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

Blackberries
Kareelah Farms, Dapto

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Where is your favourite place to go fruit picking in Sydney?

Four Stunning NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

May 1, 2020 / Australia, NSW / 0 comment

Stunning NSW Road Trips To Start Planning Today

Dreaming of hitting the road? Us too. Start planning your NSW road trips that will take you to beautiful beaches, lush wineries, and cosy country towns.

North: Sydney to Coolangatta

It’s about nine hours to drive straight from Sydney to the northernmost coastal NSW town of Coolangatta, perched on the NSW/Qld border. Along the way are some of the prettiest coastal towns you’ll ever see, each one worth a trip to alone.

Only an hour north of Sydney you’ll find the beautiful Central Coast, followed by Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and plenty of tiny little towns in between until you hit Coffs Harbour. Further north is Yamba, Lennox Head, Byron Bay and then Coolangatta.

I highly recommend a few days in the stunning Hunter Valley region, which is north-west of Newcastle, and renowned for its wineries, cheese and chocolate.

Plot your route and plan your future northern NSW road trips between Sydney and Brisbane / Gold Coast with these tips.

North-West: Sydney to Dubbo

Go west and head inland to Dubbo (approx 5 hours direct), and stop off at some of NSW’s best country towns along the way. Head to the Blue Mountains and spend a few days exploring the stunning bush, flowing waterfalls and cosy cafes, then take the route that goes through the historic wine town of Mudgee in one direction, and return via the route with Orange (another great wine town), Bathurst and Mayfield Garden.

When you get to Dubbo, spend a few days exploring the town (including the famous Dubbo Goal), and of course, Taronga Western Plains Zoo! If it’s on your budget, glamp overnight in a Zoofari Lodge.

South-East: Sydney to Albury

It will take around 5 and a half hours to drive direct to Albury, the town perched on the Murray River at the border of NSW and Victoria. Keep going to hit Melbourne, or just enjoy the little towns along the way such as Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn and Holbrook.

Plan NSW road trips, with tips on where to stop inland between Sydney and Melbourne.

South: Sydney to Eden

This spectacular road trip down Sydney’s south coast takes around 6 and a half hours if you do it all in one hit. We highly recommend taking at least a week however to do this stunning drive, which winds down through some of Australia’s most beautiful white sand beaches.

Start with a few days in Kiama and Jervis Bay, home to the world’s whitest sand beach, then stop by Mollymook, Ulladulla, meet the friendly kangas at Pebbly Beach, Bateman’s Bay, nearby Mogo Zoo, inland cheese town Bega, popular beach town Merimbula and Tura Beach, ending in Eden and the stunning Ben Boyd National Park.

Plan your NSW road trip, with tips on where to stop between Sydney and Melbourne.

Want more ideas on NSW roadtrips? Get ideas from the Destination NSW website.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

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Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.