Big Fella Cherries

Big Fella Cherries is a picturesque family-run cherry orchard on Boundary Road in Coldstream, in the heart of the Yarra Valley wine country. The netted rows keep the birds off and the fruit pristine, and the relaxed, no-bookings approach makes it an easy summer day trip from Melbourne.

What You Can Pick

• Cherries - mid November to early January, with eat-as-you-pick included in entry and take-home cherries at $16.50/kg

Activities

• Farm animals - say hello to Big Ben the resident steer
• Shaded picnic area for a rest after picking
• The Shed - the farm's roadside stall selling freshly picked cherries during the season

Good to Know

Admission is $14 on weekdays and $17 on weekends, children $8 and under 5s free. The orchard opens Friday to Sunday, 10am-5pm, during cherry season only, and days can shift with weather and fruit supply, so check the farm's Facebook page before setting out. No bookings are taken; just turn up, grab a bucket and start picking. The netting overhead protects the crop from birds, which keeps the fruit in better condition deep into the season than at many open orchards.

Pro tip: cherry quality peaks in December, so aim for the middle of the season for the sweetest fruit.