You can’t do the Great Ocean Road without stopping at a local berry farm where the produce is as gorgeous as the views. Famous for its views and soil, this route has plenty of opportunities to get your hands dirty with hands-on experiences like berry picking. From strawberries at Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm to blueberries at Otway Blueberries, you’re spoiled by choice. Go on an adventure, pick your own blueberries and stone fruits, and indulge in some berry treats along the way.
The Joy of Picking Berries
Berry picking is more than a basket of fresh food; it’s an experience. Whether it’s 250gm of blueberries or a variety of berries, each visit to a berry farm is full of family fun and sensory moments. At farms like Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm and Strawberry Fields, you can fill your baskets with ripe berries while being surrounded by the produce and views. Pick your own is a great way to taste the region’s organic berries, perfect for summer holiday destinations or day trips along the coast.
Reasons to Go Berry Picking
There are many reasons to go berry picking along the Great Ocean Road. Berry farms showcase the quality and freshness of fruit picked on the farm, a direct farm gate experience that supports local agriculture and reduces food miles. Visitors love the freedom to pick the ripest berries and enjoy other farm features like farm animals and artisan ice creams. For berry pickers with a sweet tooth, the farms have strawberry and blueberry treats, and others have ice cream and other berry delights for the ultimate food experience.
Featured Berry Farms Along the Great Ocean Road
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm
In the Otway foothills, Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm is famous for its produce and peacefulness. Along with their fruit, they offer homemade berry products and gourmet food products like jams and syrups. You can even take a break from picking to try award-winning wines from local wineries nearby and make it a day out for lunch or a fruit-filled adventure.
Gentle Annie Berry Gardens
Gentle Annie Berry Gardens is a family favourite for family outings, with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries to pick. This farm is loved for its farm cafe, with fresh blueberry cakes, berry gins and other berry treats. Their berry orchards have a range of fruit and are perfect for a relaxing day in nature with a morning of flower picking for bouquet enthusiasts.
Gentle Annie Berry Gardens
Gentle Annie Berry Gardens is a family favourite for family outings, with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries to pick. This farm is loved for its farm cafe, with fresh blueberry cakes, berry gins and other berry treats. Their berry orchards have a range of fruit and are perfect for a relaxing day in nature with a morning of flower picking for bouquet enthusiasts.
Otway Blueberries
If blueberries are your favourite, Otway Blueberries is a must-stop. They specialise in pesticide-free blueberries and have a strong focus on sustainability. They sell fresh and frozen blueberries so you can enjoy them at home. Otway Blueberries also has bags in the blueberry fields for ease of picking, and visitors can try their artisan ice creams made from their own berries.
Fresh Market Warrnambool
For those who want the feel of a berry farm but the convenience of a market, Fresh Market Warrnambool is the way to go. With a range of fresh summer fruit, berries, and stone fruit, Fresh Market Warrnambool celebrates seasonal produce, including a wide range of fresh blueberries, juicy strawberries, and more. Fresh Market Warrnambool is also a great place for berry pickers to stock up on locally grown fresh food for picnics and barbecues along the Great Ocean Road.
When to Pick
Timing is everything for a successful berry picking day, the season is from late spring to early autumn. Each berry has its own peak season so you can pick what you like.
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the first berries to be ready to pick, usually from November to February. They love the warm summer sun so late spring and early summer is the best time to pick strawberries.
Blueberries
Blueberries have a slightly later season, usually from December to March. Juicy, tart and full of antioxidants, blueberries are a favourite for those who want to pick fresh berries during the warmer months.
Raspberries
Raspberries love the mid summer heat and are usually ready from December to late February. Red and sweet they’re a favourite for pickers. Raspberries can be eaten fresh or made into delicious jams so they’re a great berry for anyone’s basket.
Culinary Delights Beyond the Picking
Many of the berry farms along the Great Ocean Road are known for offering delicious culinary treats crafted from their own fresh produce. From berry-infused gins and stone fruit pies to refreshing smoothies and gourmet cheeses, these delectable offerings perfectly enhance your farm-picking experience. Some farms even host cooking classes where you can learn to create your own artisanal delights using locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick morning pick or spending the entire day indulging in farm-fresh treats, these spots are an absolute highlight of The Great Ocean Road tours.
FAQ
What do I need to bring to pick up along Great Ocean Road?
Reusable bags or containers, sun protection, comfortable shoes and a cooler if you plan to take home frozen berries or other perishables.
Are berry farms open on public holidays?
Some are open on public holidays but always best to check ahead to ensure berries are available and the farm is open.
Are there other things to do near the berry farms?
Yes! Many of the berry farms are near award winning wineries, lakeside restaurants and scenic spots with stunning views so they make perfect stops on your road trip.
Do berry farms sell pre-picked berries if I don’t want to pick my own?
Most farms sell pre-picked berries if you don’t want to pick your own. This can be fresh and frozen berries so you can enjoy the region’s best produce.
What other berries can I find?
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and maybe even sour cherries and organic berries.
