Pick your own season is upon us! And here on the Central Coast, you can pick your own oranges at Dooralong Farm. Which is great news for when it feels like winter has slashed the “things to do list” in half! The chilly weather, the rain and the wind can all make us not want to leave the house… but we all know that if you don’t leave the house (especially during the winter school holidays), everyone goes stir crazy and gets cabin fever. And, no one needs that in their lives!
There is one activity that we highly recommend you do this winter, and that is to head out for a pick your own adventure. Orange picking, specifically!
Pick Your Own (PYO) Oranges at this Central Coast farm
In fact, there’s a gorgeous farm in Dooralong that welcomes Coasties to their spot every weekend in winter and every day during the July school holidays. And best of all, this activity caters for the whole family, including your furry friends. That’s right, pups on leads are welcome.
They have a coffee cart set and sausage sizzle set up as well as pony rides, old farm machinery the kids can play on (supervised by adults, of course) and a big pile of dirt with wheelbarrows and shovels. Take it from Nikki (one half of Coasties Mag and mum to three) the dirt pile alone was a hit!
But let’s talk about the orange picking! There are 15 acres of orchards on the farm, and they usually open two or three orchards for you to explore and pick from, so there is plenty of fruit to be collected. There is no fee to enter, and no bookings are needed; you can just rock up and pay for what you pick. Bags of oranges cost around $2.50 a kilogram. But be sure to keep an eye on their socials and website for updates.
Pick your own on the NSW Central Coast
Our other hot tips include: we suggest you bring your own bag to put the oranges in, but you can also purchase bags on site, too, in case you forget. And, be sure to stop at Gloria’s Farm Stall on your way to grab some other produce and a jar of her famous sweet chilli sauce en route!
The farm is located at 48 Dittons Road, Dooralong. This is how you get there: You have to turn off Dooralong Road into Dittons Road. Follow the dirt road to the car park at the end.
Catch a show and keep the kids entertained at Laycock Community Street Theatre this winter
Frequently Asked Questions about Pick Your Own Oranges on the Central Coast
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Do you need to book to do PYO?
No bookings are required, you can just show up on the day.
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How does pick your own work?
You head out into the orchards and grab as many oranges as you can. You pay for the oranges you pick.
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How much are the oranges?
The are $2.50 per kilo
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Is there an entry fee to do orange picking?
There is no entry fee, you only pay for the orange you pick.
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When is the farm open for orange picking?
Generally weekends in winter and during the school holidays, but it does depend on when the fruit and oranges are ripe for picking. Best to keep an eye on socials for updates before you head out to the farm.
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How old do kids need to be?
There is no age limit; there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages.
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Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs on leads that are well behaved are welcome.
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