Fruit picking in the Tamar Valley & Launceston

Hillwood Berries, on the eastern side of the Tamar about 30 minutes from Launceston, is the region's main pick-your-own strawberry farm, growing across a long October-to-May season alongside raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Longford Berries, south of Launceston, also grows strawberries through a similar mid-November to mid-April window.

Lees Orchard at Dilston and Aunita Cherries at Mount Direction both pick cherries in the classic Tasmanian December-to-January window, roughly 20 minutes from Launceston. It's a short season that can sell out quickly in a good year, so calling ahead before driving out is worthwhile.

Berries run the longest, from around October through to May, with blueberries at Crestview typically peaking in January and February. Cherries are a short December-to-January window at Dilston and Mount Direction, and apples and pears at Lees Orchard follow from late summer into autumn. Confirm exact opening with the farm before visiting.

Pricing is generally pay-for-what-you-pick. Hillwood Berries has historically charged around $5 per punnet, Longford Berries around $10/kg for strawberries with no entry fee, and Crestview Blueberries around $7/kg. Several cherry and apple orchards don't publish prices online, so it's best to confirm on the day.

Crestview Blueberries recommends booking, and the Tamar Valley Flower Patch charges a booking fee per visitor for its flower picking. Hillwood Berries, Longford Berries and the local cherry orchards generally don't require a booking, though calling ahead is sensible during a short cherry season.