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 FarmRed 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 HillThe 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 & CherriesBlue 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

ChappiesChappies 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 OrchardsGeorge 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

Fairview Hill

88 Monbulk -Seville Road Wandin East 3139, P: 03 59644388 www.fairviewhill.com.au

Cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, lemons, sour cherries & persimmons Shop open daily 9am to 5pm Nov to March Shop open by appointment April to November frozen berries available all year U Pick Blueberries by appointment