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Pick Your Own Farms

Fruit picking in Grampians & Ballarat

Aerial panorama of Sovereign Hill and Ballarat
A view from Grampians & Ballarat. Confirm opening and crop availability with individual farms before travelling. "1 ballarat sovereign hill aerial panorama 2018" by Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

In October, strawberries are picking in Grampians & Ballarat. We list 7 farms across this region — browse the listings below and call ahead to confirm what's ripe before you travel.

The country west of Melbourne around Ballarat is roughly 70 to 100 minutes' drive from the city, stretching further out towards the Grampians. It's mostly berry country rather than orchard country. Blueberries at Thistleberry Farm at Scotsburn run from late December through to March, with Buninyong Blueberry Farm picking a shorter late-January-to-February window, and Ballarat Cherry Farm at Buninyong grows cherries alongside raspberries and blackberries over roughly December and January. Strawberries are picked at Morningswood Farm near Daylesford from December to March, Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Dunnstown opens its paddock in February and March, and two choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms — Sam's at Bungal and Victoria Christmas Tree Farm at Napoleons — open from late November. Always call ahead to confirm what's picking, as frost and heat can shift these dates from year to year.

Around Ballarat, about 90 minutes west of Melbourne

Compare farms in this region

Farms compared by picking status, typical season, price, booking and whether they suit kids.
Farm Status Typical season Entry / price Booking Kids
Morningswood Farm In season Dec-Mar — — —
Ballarat Cherry Farm In season soon roughly Dec-Jan (based on a Dec 2024 season update posted via a related Facebook page; farm's own site gives no fixed dates and directs visitors to check Facebook for current-season timing); not stated Not published on the farm's own website or its dedicated Facebook page (site text: 'Please check our Facebook page for produce in season, opening hours and pricing'). A Dec 2024 post via the Naturipe Fruits Facebook page, referring to 'our Ballarat Cherry Farm', stated cherries at $15/kg with no entry fee — a historical data point, not confirmed as current. — Yes
Buninyong Blueberry Farm In season soon late Jan-Feb — — —
Sam's Christmas Trees In season soon Late Nov-20 Dec Trees from $50, free netting — —
Thistleberry Farm In season soon late Dec-Mar — Booking recommended —
Victoria Christmas Tree Farm In season soon Late Nov-22 Dec — No booking needed —
Pick Your Own Sunflowers Dunnstown Closed for season Feb-Mar Sunflowers $2/stem; under-5s free; secateur hire $5 Booking recommended Yes

Open or in season now in this region

  • Morningswood Farm Eganstown · Strawberries View
  • Ballarat Cherry Farm Buninyong · Cherries View
  • Buninyong Blueberry Farm Buninyong · Blueberries View
  • Sam's Christmas Trees Bungal · Christmas Trees View
  • Thistleberry Farm Scotsburn · Blueberries View
  • Victoria Christmas Tree Farm Napoleons · Christmas Trees View

Farms in this region

7 farms

Farm experiences in this region

Compare farm experiences here

Farm experiences compared by type, access, current status and location.
Farm Experience Access Status Where
Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes Farm tours Booking required Currently offered Grampians & Ballarat, VIC
Chris & Julie's Respite Farm Meet the animals & Stay on the farm Booking required Currently offered Grampians & Ballarat, VIC
Rosehaven Farms Meet the animals & Farm tours Booking required Currently offered Grampians & Ballarat, VIC
Village Dreaming Cooking and Traditional Skills School Hands-on workshops Booking required Currently offered Grampians & Ballarat, VIC

Farms in Grampians & Ballarat

View farm list

11 farms

Nearby regions

Dandenong Ranges 30 farms Cherries · Blueberries · Strawberries Yarra Valley 13 farms Cherries · Blueberries · Raspberries Mornington Peninsula 10 farms Christmas Trees · Strawberries · Cherries Gippsland 16 farms Strawberries · Raspberries · Apples Macedon Ranges 11 farms Flowers · Christmas Trees · Raspberries

Pick a crop near this region

Plan your day in Grampians & Ballarat

Last verified 19 Oct 2026. We check listings against farms' own sources and re-verify regularly. How we verify Report a change

Frequently asked questions

Where can I pick cherries near Ballarat?

Ballarat Cherry Farm at Buninyong is the region's cherry farm, growing cherries alongside raspberries and blackberries over roughly December and January. It publishes its open days, hours and prices on its Facebook page rather than its website, so check there and call ahead — cherry seasons are short and weather-dependent.

Where can I pick blueberries near Ballarat?

Thistleberry Farm at Scotsburn and Buninyong Blueberry Farm both grow pick-your-own blueberries close to Ballarat, with Buninyong's season running late January into February and Thistleberry picking from late December through to March. Both recommend or require booking ahead, so reserve your spot before you drive out, especially on weekends when the bushes are at their best.

When can you pick sunflowers near Ballarat?

Pick Your Own Sunflowers at Dunnstown opens its paddock from February into March, once the flowers reach full bloom. Booking ahead is recommended, since sunflower fields open for a short window and can sell out on good-weather weekends. Bloom timing shifts year to year with rainfall and heat, so check the farm's socials before you head out.

What is the best time to visit for fruit picking?

Summer is the highlight, when cherries, stone fruit and blueberries overlap from December through February around Harcourt, Scotsburn and Buninyong. Sunflowers extend the season into March at Dunnstown, and apples at Harcourt run on through to May. Whichever crop you're chasing, ring ahead, since Victoria's changeable summer weather can bring a season forward or cut it short.

How much does fruit picking cost around Ballarat?

Exact pricing isn't published for most of these farms, but pick-your-own here is typically charged by the kilogram at the orchard gate, with sunflower picking priced per stem or bunch. Booking fees may apply where booking is required, such as at Thistleberry Farm and Buninyong Blueberry Farm. Call the farm directly to confirm current prices before you visit.