Frequently Asked Questions

Our 2024 cherry season has now concluded.

Our cherry season typically runs for approximately 6 weeks, usually starting sometime between late October and mid-November. However, the exact start date can vary depending on weather conditions.

Keep an eye on our social media pages for the latest updates on the start of the 2025 season. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive timely notifications and other important information.”

We grow several different varieties of cherries so that we can extend our season. These are roughly divided into Early Season, Mid -Season & Late Season Varieties.

We also grow White Cherries and Sour Cherries.

The varieties we grow include; Early Sweet, Supreme, Vista, Vagas (White Cherry), Santina, Ron, Samone, Stella, Lappin, Siliva, Rejinas, Morellas (Sour Cherry) and Sweet Georgia.

It’s a good idea to bring a hat ,sunscreen and insect repellent. Enclosed, comfortable shoes are best as cherry picking involves some walking.

You may like to pack a picnic and enjoy our shady picnic area or make use of our shared free electric BBQ. Tables and seats are  limited so you may want to bring your own, or a picnic rug.

Don’t forget your water bottle, however if you do, we sell cold drinks at our shed shop.

It’s also a good idea to bring an esky and ice packs to transport your cherries home.

In an effort for sustainability, we also encourage you to BYO boxes/containers for your cherries.

As with all of our fruit, the ripening is weather dependent. The apricots usually start late November or beginning of December, however they could be slightly earlier or later, depending on the season.

If you keep an eye on this website or our social media, we will keep you updated; if you can not find your answer on our website then contact us for more information.

You may be hoping for beautiful sunny weather for your day out picking cherries, but rest assured we are hoping and praying even harder for that perfect weather!  Of course this is completely out of our control, however we usually experience good weather during the cherry season.

Regardless of the weather, we are open 7 days a week during the cherry season, creating an authentic farm experience. No refunds will be given as a result of weather as cherry picking is an all-weather event – just come prepared!

If it does happen to rain and you would rather wait for a shower to pass before you go out to pick, we offer shelter in our shed

If you are waiting for the rain to pass, why not  book a wine tasting and sample our award winning wines at the Cellar Door, participate in a cherry pie making class (you will need to book these online), enjoy eating our homemade cherry pie, have a cherry ice-cream, sample our full of fruit jams and much more.

To check on the weather prior to your visit, you can click on the link below. If rain is forecast just remember to pack your coat!

https://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/southwest-slopes/young

You can pre-book a lunch pack or a picnic pack when you make your online booking. We also sell cherry pie and ice cream and cherry ice cream.

On some days we will be offering lunch. On some weekends we offer delicious locally home baked pies from The Pastor’s Pleasures.  Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

You are also very welcome to bring a picnic or why not pop into town, just down the road, and visit one of our great local cafes.

Yes we do. They usually ripen late November/early December. Keep an eye on our Website, Facebook or Instagram for seasonal updates. These will more than likely be later this year.

Yes we do. We grow Montmorency and Morello varieties. These are late variety cherries so usually ripen mid to late December. We do not always have these available for the public as we love using them for our cooking and products so it depends on the season as to whether we have enough. Keep an eye on our Website, Facebook or Instagram for seasonal updates.

We have a minimal entry fee of $5.00 for all adults and school aged children. Preschoolers and infants are free.

* Please note a condition of entry is that there is a minimum pick of 1kg for anyone over 12 years of age which means you will be charged for 1kg even if you pick less, so it’s well worth picking your kilogram!

*Please note, there is a small booking fee for bus & coach bookings. Buses & coaches must pre-book via email and all information and costs will be forwarded then.

Our cherries and apricots are available for pick your own but we also grow other fruits that we sell in our Farm Gate Shop. These fruits are available when in season: janerik plums, cherries, apricots, loquats, plums, nectarines, peaches, figs, sugar plums, table grapes, wine grapes and quinces.

Dogs are permitted in the orchard on the condition that they are kept on a lead at all times, they do not disturb or upset others and their droppings are immediately cleaned up and properly disposed of by their owner.
Strictly no dogs or animals of any kind are allowed in or near the shed, with the exclusion of registered assistance animals.

We reserve the right to ask you and your dog to leave if any or all of these conditions of entry are not adhered to. This is in the best interest of all of our customers.

Other animals are not permitted without prior written arrangement with owners.

Unfortunately we are unable to store your fruit in our cool room so bring along your eskies and coolers if you can!

Online bookings are highly recommended so that you don’t miss out. People with a booking are guaranteed entry. If you arrive at Ballinaclash without a booking and we do not have sufficient fruit, you will unfortunately be unable to enter our pick your own. Click here to book online. 

Absolutely! One of the unique things about Ballinaclash is that it is a Pick Your Own Orchard, Cellar Door and Farm Gate Shop, so really, a one stop shop! Make sure you book your wine tasting online so you don’t miss out!

Our Cherry Pie Making Classes will resume for the 2023 Season! As we are busy churning out our cherry pies for sale in our Farm Gate Shop throughout the cherry season, there are only limited times and spots available. All bookings are online via the Booking Tab on our website.

During the Cherry Season, we are open 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm.

Our cherry season usually goes from early November through until close to Christmas.

Our days and hours of opening vary out of cherry season, depending on what is happening on the farm, so it is best to check our website or social media for updates.

During the quieter Autumn and Winter months we open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm and offer a number of wine tasting experiences, some accompanied with local food options. These can be booked online via our website. We also host live music and lunch events from time to time.

Once you have booked, if you want to add more people to your booking, you will need to book them in as a separate booking. Every person needs a booking. If bookings are full, you will be unable to add extras.

If you wish to cancel a booking, please send us an email with your Booking Number and we will cancel it for you.

Refunds will only be given if 48 hours notice is given via email. No refunds will be accepted over the phone.

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We appreciate you doing so, as this enables others to take your spot.

Generally speaking, we do not allow people to drive into the orchard. Cherry picking is a physical activity and involves some walking and also some carrying of buckets.

Cherry picking is a physical activity and involves some walking and carrying of buckets. Ballinaclash is a working farm and as such, there is uneven ground. A condition of entry is that you accept these conditions.

Every cherry season is different due to things completely out of our control such as weather, seasonal variations and even pandemics, so when you book online we recommend that you revisit our website just prior to your visit to check on how the season is going. We do not contact you directly with seasonal updates.

No alcohol is to be brought onto our premises. We have water, soft drinks and of course our award winning Ballinaclash wine available for purchase.

Yes we have free parking at Ballinaclash Orchard.

Please email us at fruitandwine@ballinaclash.com.au if you have lost any personal belongings and we will get into contact with you if they are handed in or found by one of our staff members.

Yes we have newly renovated toilets for Ballinaclsh customers only. We also have a disable toilet facility.

We have in-season premium fruit including cherries and stone fruit. We also have cherry pies and cherry icecream avialable.

Take home Ballinaclash wines, jams, sauces, and other goods. All made onsite from Ballinaclash fruit.