A very cherry Christmas

A very cherry Christmas Nothing says Christmas quite so much as a bowl of ripe, juicy red cherries. The delicious fruit is in season in Australia and whether its to be made into a pie, adorn a cheesecake or pavlova or to be simply be gifted in a beautiful bowl – there are many places around Victoria for visitors to pick their own cherries in what is a fun activity for all the family.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Red Hill Cherry Farm
Red Hill Cherry Farm is the oldest U-Pick cherry farm in Victoria located in Red Hill’s hidden valley in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s Hinterland. Cherries can be picked from mid November through to early January. The cherries are fully ripened on the tree for maximum taste and flavour. Sour Morello Cherries are available late December and January.  61-69 Prossors Ln, Red Hill, Victoria 3937, ph +61 (0) 3 5989 2237  or 0407 819 751  
Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm at Red Hill
The biggest pick-your-own Cherry Farm on the Mornington Peninsula, Ripe N Ready Cherry Farm also offers delicious cherry and berry ice creams and sorbets. The property also has its own trout farm and Rainbow Trout can be seen leaping out of the water on the trout farm. Trout fishing available by appointment. 52 Arkwells Lane, Red Hill, Victoria 3937 , +61 (0) 3 5989 2578
YARRA VALLEY
Blue Hills U-Pick Berries & Cherries
Blue Hills Berries and Cherries has been in the Chapman family’s Silvan farm since 1894.  Quality fresh u-pick and frozen cherries and berries include raspberries, blackberries, youngberries, loganberries, boysenberries, blueberries, and strawberries.  Visitors can purchase jams, relishes, sauces, chocolates, honey, biscuits, confectionery and cordials in the gift shop. 27 Parker Road Silvan 3795, P: (03) 9737 9400
Chappies
Chappies is a 4th generation business that has been growing fruit for more than 100 years. Famous for u-pick cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. The farm is a 50 hectares property in Silvan in Yarra Valley –  just one hour drive from the centre of Melbourne. With an abundance of fruit to pick and buy fresh in the shop, visitors are guaranteed a fun family day out. 21 Parker Road Silvan Vic 3795 , +61 (0)3 9737 9534
Cherryhill Orchards
George Riseborough. planted his first cherry trees in Victoria’s fertile Yarra Valley in 1940, more than 75 years later, the family still proudly carries on this cherry growing tradition with diligence and passion to at Cherryhill Orchards. Pre-packed export quality cherries are also available at the farm or online. A bunch of cherry drinks are also available including cherry wines, beers, cider, gin, and juice. 474 Queens Road Wandin East 3139, P: 1300 243 779
CENTRAL VICTORIA
Koala Cherries U-Pick Farm Experience
The family-owned Koala U-Pick cherry farm offers fresh, juicy, sweet cherries to pick each weekend in December then every day in January. Visitors can explore the orchard, bring a picnic and relax. A 1k box of cherries can be ordered now for Christmas, or visitors can take away products including chutney, sauce, liqueur and cherry ice-cream. Koala Cherries U-Pick Farm, 51 Middle Creek Road, Yarck, Victoria, 371
Article courtesy of Visit Victoria
Would you like to emigrate to Victoria? Speak to Visatec