Chappies

Chappies, formally Chapmans Berry and Fruit Farm, is a fourth-generation family farm at 21 Parker Road, Silvan, where the Chapman family has farmed fruit for more than 125 years across 50 hectares. It is one of three separate Chapman-family farms on the same road, alongside neighbouring Blue Hills, and holds its own loyal following for cherries and cane berries.

What You Can Pick

• Cherries - November to late December, from about $10/kg, including white and sour varieties
• Raspberries, blackberries and karakaberries - December to February

Activities

• Farm shop with homemade jams and pre-picked fruit
• Rare varieties - white cherries and karakaberries you will not find in supermarkets

Good to Know

Cherry u-pick entry is $9 for adults and $3 for school-aged children, under 5 free; berry u-pick is $13 including your first kilogram. No bookings required; open seven days through November-December (8.30am-5pm in cherry season, last tickets at 4pm, closed Christmas Day), with berry picking running into summer. The shop also sells pre-picked fruit for anyone short on time, and the jams made from the farm's own berries are a reliable takeaway once the picking season has passed its peak.

Pro tip: ask for the white cherries; the season is short and regulars clear them fast.