Where can you pick-your-own fruit near Brisbane?

If you’re on the hunt for sun-ripened, farm-fresh produce, the prize for the best pick-your-own (PYO) farm goes to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt.

Southwest of Brisbane, this region’s thriving agricultural scene is home to generations of farmers who grow some of Australia’s freshest produce.

From strawberry fields and apple orchards to vineyards, the region’s cooler climate provides ideal conditions for rich harvests, distinct vineyard-to-varietals, and paddock-to-plate dining.

Skip the supermarket aisle and step behind-the-scenes to get up close to the seasonal goodies. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned professional, here’s the ultimate guide to picking-your-own fresh fruit across the Southern Downs & Granite Belt.

Young child smiling in a field at Ashbern Farm

Ashbern Farms

At a glance

Farms in Southern Downs & Granite Belt to pick your own produce:

  • Ashbern Farms
  • Eastern Colour
  • Nicoletti Orchards
  • The Folly Truffles

Distance from Brisbane: Just over two hours

Best for:

  • Couples
  • Families
  • Visitors who are in region visiting friends and relatives
  • Road trips

Where to find pick-your-own (PYO) farms in Stanthorpe and surrounds?

Move over The Big Apple, there’s another apple capital in town – and Stanthorpe along with the surrounding villages Thulimbah, Applethorpe, and Pozieres wear this crown.

The core reason? 100% of Queensland’s commercial apple crop is grown and harvested here, with plenty of family-owned orchards scattered through the Granite Belt. In fact, over one million apple trees stretch across the town and its rural localities, creating a grand showcase of orchard country and producing varieties such as Royal Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Jazz.

You’ll even find Queensland’s very own Big Apple 13km north of Stanthorpe along the New England Highway, right outside Vincenzo’s Café. You can’t miss it. Built in 1978, standing 4m tall and hugging the highway, The Big Apple is a pitstop and prime photo opportunity to snap a fun photo and tag #SeeSouthernDowns. Stretch your legs long enough to debate if green or red apples are better. Fun fact: the apple used to be green, before being painted a Royal Gala-red.

Big Apple signage near Vincenzo's Cafe

Vincenzo’s Cafe

Ashbern Farms – Does the name ring a bell? Ashbern Farms in Stanthorpe supplies strawberries to hundreds of supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. When it comes to pick-your-own produce, you’re in good hands.

Strawberry season (October to May) at Ashbern Farms unfolds beneath clear blue skies and a fresh countryside air. Visitors of all ages hunt among the rows of lush green foliage for the perfect red berry treasure. Open to the public three days-a-week, Ashbern is a must-visit for strawberry lovers looking for the tastiest pick of the season.

There’s no need to book, just show up. Grab a tray and get ready for a hands-on, knees-to-the-ground, pick-your-own strawberry experience. Short on time? You can also grab a punnet of ripe and ready-packed strawberries to take home.

If you’re bringing the little ones along, the farm has children’s swings and picnic tables ready for a laid-back lunch spent soaking up the countryside sun. Be sure to check out the farm shop to browse strawberry-inspired refreshments, including drool-worthy strawberry milkshakes, farm-fresh ice creams and their much-loved strawberry jam.

Strawberries growing on the vine

Eastern Colour carries on three generations of farming history and a strong Italian heritage. Since the 1930s, the Baronio family has been growing Australian produce in Stanthorpe and expanded to Applethorpe in the mid-1970s. The farm’s high altitude of 930cm above sea level provides the advantage of fertile soils and cool nights, plus an abundance of Queensland sunshine, which creates ideal conditions for growing and ripening fruit to perfection.

The farm swings open their gates one weekend a month from February to May. Come along to meet the family farmers behind the craft and pick-your-own juicy strawberries and crisp, country-grown apples. Your four-legged, furry friends are also welcome, as long as they remain on leash.

Nicoletti Orchards – If you’re craving the sweet and crunchy taste of Queensland-grown apples, Nicoletti Orchards is the place to go. Established in 1950 and spanning 100 acres in the town of Pozieres, Nicoletti Orchards is home to a range of apple varieties, including Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Sundowner and Fuji.

Your pick-your-own experience isn’t just limited to apples either. You can also PYO sunflowers and dahlias in designated fields – check their website to plan ahead.

After picking apples and flowers, recharge with a picnic onsite and wash down your hard work with a crisp apple juice, fresh from the paddock. Gather your friends and visit between January and May for the best farm-to-table picking experience.

Where to find pick-your-own farms in Ballandean

The Folly Truffles

The Folly Truffles – The French Alps aren’t the only place in the world to search for world-class Perigord truffles. Trade your boarding pass for a two-hours’ drive from Brisbane and discover The Folly Truffles, a family-run truffiere in Ballandean.

The Folly Truffles are a three-generation heritage family farm, open for tours all year, with their popular truffle hunts take place during the harvest season from June to August. Ballandean’s crisp winter nights and morning frosts supply the perfect setting for growing black truffles, which are highly revered for their rich, earthly aroma and gourmet reputation.

Upon visiting the truffiere, guides Maple and Ben will walk you through the art of truffle farming as you stroll among the trees, learning everything from planting to hunting and harvest. You’ll also meet chief truffle hunter, Barry the truffle dog, as he sniffs out the elusive produce. Pick up a few truffles to take home for the ultimate culinary souvenir.

Once the tour concludes, enjoy a grazing platter championing truffle creations like truffle fries, followed by a curated wine tasting just down the road at the restored Church: Local Wine Project.

As this is a working farm, casual visits are not available. Book your truffle tour online, especially in advance of harvest season.

Other ways to support local farmers in Southern Downs & Granite Belt

If you still want to support local Queensland farmers and browse their fresh from the farm produce, but are short on time, pay a visit to these local monthly markets:

Want to explore more of the Southern Downs’ country-grown goodness? Click here to meet the growers behind the produce.

What do you need to know about pick-your-own (PYO) farms and markets?

Before you head out on your pick-your-own harvest, check the farm’s website for opening hours, booking requirements, and crop seasonality to avoid disappointment. Be mindful that not all farms allow dogs, so it’s best to confirm with the venue or farm before you make plans.

Remember to dress appropriately for Queensland’s warmer seasons, including SPF 50+, hat, sun-safe clothing and shoes suitable for the fields. Finally, be selective when picking and leave any fruit that needs a little more time to ripen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is picking your own produce in Southern Downs & Granite Belt worth it?
Yes. This is a great place to pick-your-own strawberries and apples. Most of Queensland’s apple crop is grown and harvested in this region. Stanthorpe supplies strawberries to hundreds of supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

How far is Ashbern Farms, Eastern Colours and Nicoletti Farms from Brisbane?
These PYO (pick-your-own) farms are approximately a two-hour drive from Brisbane.

How long should I spend at a pick-your-own farm?
It depends on how much you want to spend on strawberries and apples. It is recommended to spend a minimum of an hour picking, you will pay at the end based on the amount you pick. Most PYO farms offer cafes and tables for visitors interested in eating their picks or having lunch on site before heading home.

What is Stanthorpe and surrounding area known for?
Stanthorpe and the villages north of town, including Thulimbah, Applethorpe, and Pozieres, are known as the Apple Capital of Queensland.

While you’re here

Two people hiking in Girraween National Park.

Travel to Australia’s Top Tourism Town – Stanthorpe

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Two people in a strawberry fields picking fruit

Where can you pick-your-own fruit near Brisbane?

If you’re on the hunt for sun-ripened, farm-fresh produce, the prize for the best pick-your-own (PYO) farm goes to the Southern Downs & Granite Belt.
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There’s something truly special about meeting the people behind the produce - the ones who plant, pick, mix, brew and create with passion.

Contact Information

Stanthorpe Information 07 4681 2057
Warwick Information 07 4661 3122
Email us: visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au

See it again for the first time: Restorations and renovations in the Southern...The Church ProjectTwo people hiking in Girraween National Park.Travel to Australia’s Top Tourism Town – Stanthorpe