Fruits picking tour from Melbourne

A Fresh Look at Melbourne’s Fruit Picking Tour

If you’re craving a day out that combines delicious farm-fresh berries, scenic farm visits, and sweet treats, this Fruits Picking Tour from Melbourne offers just that. Starting early in the morning, you’ll spend roughly 7 to 9 hours exploring Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, Rayner’s Orchard, and finishing with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. For a reasonable $432.47 per person, you’re paying for a full day of interactive fruit picking, farm excursions, and a little indulgence—and often, this tour is booked about 75 days in advance, showing how popular it is.

What really makes this tour stand out are two things: first, the all-you-can-eat berries at the farms, which is a real treat for anyone with a sweet tooth or a fondness for fresh fruit. Second, the tractor ride through Rayner’s Orchard gives you a taste of farm life in the Yarra Valley, making the experience both fun and educational. The only consideration? The cost may seem steep for some, especially as lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring some extra snacks or plan for a meal afterward.

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy outdoor activities, fresh food, and a relaxed pace. If you’re after a wholesome, tasty day out that combines nature, agriculture, and sweet indulgence, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-You-Can-Eat Berries: Unlimited strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries during harvest season.
• Farm Excursions: Tractor rides and fruit picking at Rayner’s Orchard offer an interactive farm experience.
• Sweet Finale: Visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery for chocolates and ice cream.
• Private Transport: Comfortably traveled in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup options.
• No Lunch Included: Be prepared to bring snacks or plan for a meal on your own.
• Weather Dependent: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

The Full Scoop: A Detailed Review

The Start of the Day: Blue Hills Berries and Cherries

The tour kicks off early at 9:00 am, with a shared pickup from your Melbourne accommodation or designated meeting point. The first stop is Blue Hills Berries and Cherries, a family-run farm run by the Chapman family. This place is a highlight for fruit lovers, especially during peak season when you can indulge in all-you-can-eat strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries. The farm has been cultivating a variety of berries for years, and the friendly staff (likely to be the same folks we heard about in reviews) are eager to share their knowledge.

Expect about an hour here, with admission included in the price. We loved the way the farm is laid out, making it easy to pick your own berries while enjoying the fresh air. The unlimited berries are a major perk, giving you the chance to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. If you’re traveling with kids or just love to snack on fresh fruit, this is a real win.

Rayner’s Orchard: A Farm Adventure

Next, the journey continues to Rayner’s Orchard in the Yarra Valley, about a 2-hour experience that combines fruit picking with a tractor ride through the orchard. This stop offers a wonderful contrast: instead of just picking berries, you get to walk among apple, pear, and stone fruit trees, and enjoy a tractor ride that showcases the farm’s size and operation. You’ll also have the chance to pick seasonal fruits, which adds a satisfying, hands-on element to your day.

The orchard’s staff are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, and the tractor ride is a favorite among guests, making it a real highlight. About 2 hours are allocated here, with admissions included. We appreciated the opportunity for some fresh air, farm scenery, and the chance to see how fruit is grown and harvested.

The Sweet Finish: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Before heading back to Melbourne, the tour makes a tasty stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. This is a brief 30-minute visit, but a sweet one—literally. You can sample chocolates, watch artisans at work, and indulge in some of the best ice creams in the region. It’s a delightful end to the farm-focused part of your day, especially if you love confections and dairy treats.

While entry to the Chocolaterie is free, the variety of chocolates and ice creams on offer provides plenty of opportunities to purchase souvenirs or indulge a little extra.

Practical Considerations

Transportation is comfortable and air-conditioned, which is much appreciated on warm days. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates—this keeps things relaxed and personalized. The start time at 9:00 am means you’ll need to get up early, but it’s worth it for the full day of activities.

One notable point is that lunch isn’t included. If you’re coming hungry, consider bringing some snacks or planning a meal after the tour. The itinerary’s timing allows enough flexibility to stop for a bite in the Yarra Valley or back in Melbourne.

And finally, keep in mind that bad weather could affect the tour. Since the experience depends heavily on outdoor activities, cancellations are fully refundable or can be rescheduled if the weather turns poor.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This fruit picking adventure is ideal for families wanting a fun, interactive outdoor activity, or for foodies eager to taste fresh berries and chocolates. It’s also great for those who want a relaxed, day-long escape from the city with plenty of opportunities for photos and hands-on experiences. If you enjoy small-group tours or want a private experience that’s easy to customize, this tour ticks all the boxes.

It’s less suitable if you’re on a tight budget, as the cost might be high considering you’ll need extra for lunch or souvenirs. Also, if you’re not comfortable with outdoor farm activities or have mobility issues, some parts might be less accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation with pickup from your Melbourne accommodation.

How long is the tour?
Expect the tour to last approximately 7 to 9 hours, including travel time, farm visits, and chocolate tasting.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, admission to Blue Hills Berries and Cherries and Rayner’s Orchard are included in the price. Entrance to the Chocolaterie is free.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, sunscreen, hat, and maybe some snacks or a light lunch, as the tour does not include meals.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
While the tour focuses on fruit and chocolate tastings, check with the provider if you have specific dietary needs; they can advise on options.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the farm activities, especially the berry picking and tractor ride.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, people book about 75 days ahead, so consider reserving early to secure your spot.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of all-you-can-eat berries, hands-on farm experiences, and a chocolate treat at the end make this a fun, tasty, and memorable day out in the Melbourne area.

Final Thoughts

This Fruits Picking Tour from Melbourne offers a lively, flavorful way to experience the Yarra Valley’s agricultural side. It’s perfect for those wanting to get outside, enjoy fresh produce, and taste some of Australia’s best chocolates. The emphasis on interactive farm visits and unlimited berries makes it stand apart from more passive sightseeing options.

While it’s not the cheapest experience, the value comes in the personalized, full-day nature of the tour, the quality of the farm visits, and the delicious finale. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a partner, or friends, it’s a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and indulge your sweet tooth.

If you’re looking for an authentic, active day out that combines nature, food, and fun, this tour is a smart pick. Just remember to come prepared for outdoor activities and possibly an extra snack or two to keep your energy up.