Our family loves the opportunity to pick fruit and in the past we’ve been mandarin, apple, strawberry and blueberry picking. BJ particularly likes fruit picking because he can usually help or do it himself. The less delicate the fruit the better. Yesterday we headed to the Central Coast to Cedar Farm at Dooralong to pick oranges and the outing was a success. Best of all, it’s the most accessible fruit picking we’ve done so far.
PICK YOUR OWN ORANGES – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE FAMILY FUN
We’re loving being outdoors and we are keen to find as many activities we can do where we can socially distance in the current COVID-19 climate. Pick your own oranges is ideal with rows and rows of orchard to choose from, fresh air and no crowds.
On arrival at Cedar Farm at Dooralong we were advised we could choose from the lower orchard, where there is lower hanging fruit which BJ could reach, or go up the hill to the orchard where we would need a picking stick to pull down the oranges.
I thought BJ would prefer to pick his own oranges so we chose the easier lower hanging fruit and filled two bags fairly quickly and easily.
BJ was happy with the fruits of his labour (sorry I couldn’t help myself!).
Before we left we decided to show BJ how to get the fruit with a picking stick and he thought it was hilarious. The oranges came down with great speed. One landed on BJ’s lap and another flew past his face, which made the outing even more fun.
Many families visiting the orchard took advantage of the lovely atmosphere and brought a picnic to enjoy. Tables and chairs are set up for visitors to use.
Along with our oranges we went home with farm fresh eggs. I love the fact the rescue chickens, Marjorie, Doreen and Brenda are enjoying a peaceful retirement at Cedar Farm.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PICK YOUR OWN ORANGES AT CEDAR FARM
Parking is located close to the orchard so there’s not a long way to walk or wheel from where you park.
We visited after a week of fine weather and the ground was hard and easy to wheel across.
Take your own bags, pick as many oranges as you like and then take them to be weighed. Pick your own oranges at Cedar Farm cost $1.50 a kilo. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.
No chemicals are used on the oranges.
There is no toilet available at Cedar Farm, so stop before you get there at Dooralong Community Hall where you’ll find a stand-alone unisex accessible bathroom.
Check the Cedar Farm Facebook page for detailed directions to the orchard.
Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead.
Pick your own oranges is available Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm during orange season. Picking should run through to September but check the Cedar Farm Facebook page before visiting. Fruit availability determines the season.
Cedar Farm 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong, New South Wales
Since we returned home I’ve been Googling recipes to use with the 14 kilos of oranges BJ managed to pick. The first one I’ve decided on is this Donna Hay Orange and Poppy Seed Cake.
If you have a good recipe which uses oranges please send it my way.
HWWT Tip – And keep an eye out in the surrounding paddocks for a mob of kangaroos.
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