Apple Picking at Pine Crest Orchard

Rewind back to Australia Day, early 2020, a much different time to today. It was the perfect day, sunny, restriction-free and full of potential. I needed to get Miss B (7) and little Master H (4) into an activity that I knew they’d love, apple picking! Just like Mum and Dad, these two love their food and well, let’s just say apple farming might be in their blood according to our family history. Apples are a staple in our household and commonly our “go to choice” for crunch and sip. What better choice than to stock up for the next fortnight on apples while educating the kids on where apples come from.

The fires had only just recently past through Bilpin and many of the homes, local businesses and orchards had been destroyed or very badly damaged. A call out was made through an amazing initiative called Back to Bilpin, which called upon Sydneysiders to venture back up into Bilpin and to support the local businesses. And that we did, and so did many other lovely families that day showing off their true Australia Day Spirit.

Pine Crest Orchard, just a short 20 minute drive from Dido’s Place up Bells Line of Road is a ‘pick your own’ orchard. There are no entrance fees but you pay for what you pick in weight. Depending on the season, there are peaches, plums, apples, pears and persimmons available. During our visit we were fortunate to pick some of the last pears for the weekend and of course, plenty of apples!

The kids had so much fun exploring the orchard and picking their own fruit. We showed them how to choose a ripe apple and the very important lesson, when to say we have enough apples (if that is even possible)!

Pine Crest Orchard also sells local jams, honey, juice, non-alcoholic ciders, cider vinegar, walnuts and chestnuts in their shed. For the latest opening times and what is in season, please check out their Facebook page. For your visit, don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, closed toe shoes and a collection bag for all them apples!

Pine Crest Orchard is located at 2549 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin.