Considering a day filled with fresh berries, orchard strolls, and sweet surprises? This Fruits Picking Tour from Melbourne offers a fresh way to explore rural Victoria while satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s a neat blend of farm fun, scenic tractor rides, and indulgent chocolate and ice cream stops—all packaged into a flexible, private experience.
What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic, hands-on farm experiences and the chance to pick your own fruit—something you rarely find in typical sightseeing. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery adds a delicious finishing touch.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is designed for those who enjoy a leisurely, mostly outdoor day, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with farm environments and a bit of walking.
This experience is ideal for families, couples, or friends wanting a relaxed, flavorful glimpse into Victoria’s fruit-growing region without the hassle of planning. With group discounts and private transport, it offers good value for those looking for a memorable, authentic outing.
Key Points
- Hands-on fruit picking at blue-hued farms during harvest season
- Scenic farm tractor rides through orchards in Yarra Valley
- Sweet treats at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
- Private, air-conditioned transportation for comfort and convenience
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Suitable for most travelers, with the tour operating on good weather conditions
👉 Check out our guide to the 5 Best Dining Experiences In Melbourne
Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary in Detail
- Blue Hills Berries and Cherries: The Farm Start
- Rayner’s Orchard: Orchard Exploration with a Tractor Ride
- Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: A Sweet Finish
- What’s Included and What’s Not?
- How the Experience Unfolds
- Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Tours in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
The Itinerary in Detail
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Blue Hills Berries and Cherries: The Farm Start
Your day begins early with a pickup around 9:00 am, heading straight to Blue Hills Berries and Cherries. This family-run farm has been cultivating a wide variety of berries—strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries—for years. The highlight is the chance to enjoy all-you-can-eat berries during the season, making it a real treat for berry lovers.
Expect a lively, farm atmosphere—think familiar faces from the Chapman family, waving from the fields. You’ll love the way the farm’s expansive plantations are laid out, making it easy to wander among the plants while sampling fresh fruit. The admission ticket is included, ensuring you get full access to the berry fields.
A review note: Travelers appreciate the “friendly farm staff” and the opportunity to taste ripe, juicy berries straight from the plant. It’s an authentic farm experience with plenty of photo ops and fresh flavors.
Rayner’s Orchard: Orchard Exploration with a Tractor Ride
Next, the tour moves into the Yarra Valley’s renowned orchards at Rayner’s. Here, you can pick various fruits directly from the trees, depending on the season. This stop is a bit more interactive—beyond picking, you’ll enjoy a tractor excursion around the farm, giving you a scenic view of the orchard’s layout and the surrounding countryside.
The two-hour visit includes admission, giving ample time to wander among the trees, select your favorite fruits, and perhaps chat with the orchard staff about local farming practices. The tractor ride adds a fun, rural charm, and many travelers find it a peaceful, picture-worthy part of the day.
Authentic insight: One reviewer mentioned the “relaxing tractor tour” and the “beautiful orchard views,” which elevate what might seem like simple fruit picking into a memorable experience.
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: A Sweet Finish
Not content with just fresh fruit, this tour’s final stop adds a dose of indulgence. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery offers free entry, so you can indulge in a variety of chocolates and ice creams at your leisure. Expect a colorful, inviting space filled with tempting treats—perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
While not included in the ticket price, many travelers choose to purchase chocolates or ice cream during this stop. It’s a great way to unwind after the farm visits and enjoy a delicious, local-made gift or snack.
Reviewer tip: Visitors often comment on the “delicious chocolates” and the “beautiful setting” with views over the valley, making this a fitting sweet ending.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
This tour offers private air-conditioned transportation, which makes for a comfortable ride between stops and a more personalized experience. Pickup is arranged, and the tour is exclusively for your group, ensuring a relaxed pace and flexibility.
However, lunch and entry tickets to the farms are not included. While the farm visits and chocolate stop are covered, you might want to bring some cash or cards for additional purchases or snacks.
Booking and Price: At $466.21 per person, this experience offers good value considering the inclusion of private transport, farm access, and multiple stops. Booking typically occurs 90 days in advance, reflecting its popularity, especially during peak berry harvest season.
How the Experience Unfolds
The day begins with a prompt 9:00 am start—most likely a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from Melbourne. The focus is on quality over quantity, with roughly 7 to 9 hours of activity, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
The stops themselves are well-paced: an hour at Blue Hills Berries & Cherries, two hours at Rayner’s Orchards, and 30 minutes at the Chocolaterie. This balance allows for a relaxed yet engaging day.
Transportation is private, which means less waiting and more flexibility. Plus, the tour is designed for most travelers, making it a versatile choice for families or groups of friends.
Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations
While the tour is a straightforward farm visit, it offers the chance to really get your hands dirty, literally, with fruit picking. The farmers and staff tend to be friendly and eager to share their knowledge, making it a more meaningful experience than just sightseeing.
A key point to remember is that the tour depends on good weather. If the weather turns sour, you might be offered a different date or a full refund. So, check the forecast and plan accordingly.
Also, since entry tickets are included for the farms, you won’t need to worry about extra costs there, but be prepared for optional purchases at the Chocolaterie.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, fresh produce, and sweet treats. It’s especially appealing if you want a hands-on, farm-to-table kind of day without the hassle of planning your own itinerary.
Families with children will appreciate the farm environment and tractor rides, while couples or friends seeking a relaxed, tasty adventure will find it equally enjoyable. Those who love local flavors and authentic rural scenery will find this tour hits the spot.
Final Thoughts
This Fruits Picking Tour from Melbourne balances fun, flavor, and scenic beauty into one thoughtfully curated day. The included farm visits and the chocolate stop create a delightful mix of farm freshness and indulgence—plus, the private transport makes it comfortable and flexible.
While the price might seem steep at first glance, consider the value of hands-on experiences, local expert guidance, and comfortable logistics. It’s a worthwhile choice for those craving a relaxed, authentic taste of Victoria’s fruit-growing bounty.
If you’re looking for a unique, engaging, and tasty outdoor adventure just outside Melbourne, this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember to dress for the weather, bring some extra cash for treats, and enjoy the chance to pick your own fruits in one of Australia’s premier orchard regions.
Fruits picking tour from Melbourne
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Yes, private, air-conditioned transport is included, making the day comfortable and hassle-free.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed.
Are entry tickets included?
Yes, admission to Blue Hills Berries & Cherries and Rayner’s Orchard is included. The Chocolaterie has free entry.
What is the start time?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, with pickup arranged from Melbourne.
Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the farm environment and tractor rides are typically child-friendly; most travelers find it suitable.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, sun protection, and perhaps a bag for your picked fruits. Optional extra cash for purchases at the Chocolaterie.
Is the tour available in different seasons?
Yes, especially during harvest season when berries are ripe for picking.
Are group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are offered, making it a good option for families or groups traveling together.
Who operates this tour?
It’s operated by BILBY TOURS, a reputable provider specializing in personalized rural experiences.
If you’re after a fun, flavorful, and authentic farm experience near Melbourne, this fruit-picking tour offers a great way to connect with local agriculture, enjoy some sweet treats, and take home plenty of fresh memories.
