Best pick-your-own farms near Sydney: what's in season

Canoelands (about 1 hour). Canoelands Orchard is often the first to open for nectarines and peaches, usually from late October until around Christmas.

Darkes Forest (about 1 hour south). Darkes Glenbernie Orchard runs pick-your-own from mid-November: stone fruit first, apples from January, persimmons in autumn. Combine it with Symbio Wildlife Park at Helensburgh.

Macarthur and Wollondilly. Cedar Creek Orchard at Thirlmere opens on select, booked dates. Berrylicious at Buxton grows strawberries at picking height in a greenhouse, which is great with toddlers and prams.

Tips for going with kids

• Go early: fruit is cooler and the best trees haven't been picked over.
• Bring hats, sunscreen, water, closed shoes and a damp cloth for sticky hands.
• Most farms charge by weight, some add an entry fee. Card is usually fine, but carry a little cash.
• Teach the "gentle twist": ripe fruit comes away easily; if you have to pull, it isn't ready.
• Dogs are usually not allowed in orchards.

Seasons and opening days are a guide only and change every year.