If you're looking for an activity to do during your holidays, what better way to celebrate the start of another year by getting out into your local community, and supporting local farmers by picking the freshest, tastiest berries Tassie has to offer! Plus, berries are a good source of Vitamin C - an essential nutrient for the immune system!
We did a little research from the north to south end of our island to give you a few ideas. All you need to do is pack up the car, get the family out of the house and enjoy taking in some fresh air…
North
Longford Berries - 119 Bulwer Street, Longford Tasmania
Website: https://www.longfordberries.com.au/
Perfect for families, Longford Berries has been operating since 2003, priding themselves on premium quality fruit and a happy inclusive atmosphere that encourages everyone to visit and pick berries. They are open Wednesdays and weekends from 9:30am-4:30pm
Aviemore Farm - 403 Gravelly Beach Rd, Gravelly Beach TAS 7276
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aviemoreblueberriesandcherries/
We’ve heard it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but the cherries and blueberries at Aviemore Farm are second to none. Typically, their season starts from the 17th December, so head there after Christmas for a punnet of delicious berries.
East
Kate’s Berry Farm - 12 Addison St, Swansea TAS 7190
Website: https://katesberryfarm.com/
With breathtaking views across Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet National Park, Kate’s Berry Farm is a hugely popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately, you can’t pick the berries yourself (as they are grown in the north of Tasmania) but the variety of berry products including jams, syrups, sauces and wine are worth the trip and best enjoyed in their on-site café. Make sure you check the website for opening hours during the festive season as opening hours might change from day to day.
Central and South
Lanoma Estate, Westerway Raspberry Farm - 1488 Gordon River Rd, Westerway TAS 7140
Website: https://www.lanoma.com.au/
Located on the river flats of the Tyenna River, running through the Derwent Valley sits The Westerway Raspberry Farm, proudly owned and operated by the Clark family for over 15 years. Specialising in raspberries, blackcurrants, blackberries and other seasonal soft fruits, the farm has over 150 acres of land filled with the freshest berries from early December to late January. There’s also an on-site shop to enjoy boasting a range of fruit-based products including ice-cream.
Old Beach Berries - 218 Old Beach Rd, Old Beach TAS 7017
Website: www.oldbeachberries.com.au
Just a half hour car trip from Hobart sits Old Beach Berries, a friendly farm offering pick-your-own blueberries from January to March every day of the week. The farm specialises in pesticide and herbicide free blueberries that pack a punch and are ideal for freezing. They also provide a great range of berry inspired recipes for you to try, one of which we’ve included below:
Blueberry and Lemon Scones – Recipe from Old Beach Berries
https://www.oldbeachberries.com.au/blogs/recipes/blueberry-and-lemon-scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups of plain white flour
- ½ cup of white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of butter
- 1 egg
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries
For the glaze:
- ½ cup of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a knife, cut the butter into the flour mixture. You can also you a food processer or two forks. Be cautious when using your hands as this will cause the butter to warm and affect the texture of the scones.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice and milk until completely combined.
- Add the wet mixture to the butter and flour mixture. Carefully incorporate until you have a wet shaggy dough.
- Gently fold in the frozen blueberries. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured sheet of baking paper. Form it into balls the size of your palm and gently push down.
- Place them into the preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes or until slightly brown on the top.
- While the scones are cooling, drizzle the glaze over each scone.
Serve with cream and blueberry jam!
Information sourced from The Wellness Workshop (https://www.thewellnessworkshop.com.au/)