apteds orchards, arthurs creek
/Mamma and her family had been counting down the days for their U-Pick adventure, and it was finally here. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Arthurs Creek, Apted's Orchard is full of all kinds of apples, Gala, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, and Mamma's favorite, Honeycrisp. There are also several varieties of pears to choose from. This haul is sure to make packing lunchboxes for the school term much easier, with plenty of tasty treats to keep little bellies happy.
We set off to pick the apples and pears, and let’s just say we ended up loving almost every variety. Once our baskets were full, and we couldn’t carry any more, we found a shady spot under the pear trees for a picnic. It was the perfect place to relax, listen to the birds, and enjoy a little snack.
When we arrived, it turned out to be the orchard’s first-ever Twilight Picking event. We got to pick apples during golden hour (starting at 4 p.m.), enjoy live music, taste wine from the nearby Shaws Rd Winery, and join in on fun activities for the whole family.
If you missed the Twilight Picking event, don’t worry, the U-Pick is available for the rest of the season, so you can still enjoy picking your own fruit and have a picnic in the orchard. Be sure to check out their roadside hut, too, where you can stock up on delicious local honey, pre-packed bags of apples, and other seasonal produce.
A quick heads-up for families: The orchard’s hilly grounds might be a bit tricky for little ones, so make sure they wear comfy shoes or gumboots. The terrain isn’t very pram-friendly, but the good news is there are plenty of spots where they can take a rest.
the nitty gritty
864 Cottlesbridge-Strathewen Rd,
Arthurs Creek
OPEN
U-Pick by appointment via their website
No toilet facilities
- On-site parking - Seasonal roadside hut and U-Pick - Delivery for local orders - Baskets available to borrow at the gate - Bookings available online or at the gate
Mamma's special mention: If you're looking for more adventure, why not stop by a nearby playground? Depending on your route, you could visit Bollygum Park or Yan Yean Reservoir.