14-day ultimate road trip through Southern Queensland Country
Who said a road trip should only be confined to just a long weekend?
If you didn’t know Southern Queensland Country is best known as the state’s most productive food bowl, you do now.
From plump, juicy berries to crunchy, sweet apples – you can pluck your own fresh, seasonal produce straight from the branch at any of our pick your own (PYO) patches.
Throw your eco bags in the car, pack your finest wide-brimmed hat and get ready to discover where to pick your own produce in Southern Queensland Country.
mage credit: Ashbern Farms
With a reputation for growing the sweetest strawberries in Queensland, Ashbern Farms sets the standard for the perfect PYO experience.
Located off the New England Highway in Stanthorpe, Ashbern Farms opens their gates to the public for strawberry picking from October-May each year.
Entry to the farm is free and visitors can pick for as little or as long as they like. Once you’ve carefully selected the best of the bunch, your pickings are paid for by weight – so the only limit is your appetite.
For more strawberry souvenirs, pick up strawberry themed treats including chocolate covered strawberries and homemade strawberry jams and ice-cream from the onsite store.
Hand picked strawberries at Ashbern Farms, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Coincidental that the apple farm Eastern Colour is found in the small country town of Applethorpe? We think not.
This family-owned farm offers a double fruity experience, with both apples and strawberries available for your picking pleasure, every weekend from 9-11am.
Take the day to stroll through the rows of apple trees, take photos with the apple blossoms and then sift through the strawberry fields to find the perfect punnet.
PYO weekends run from May-June and will set you back $5 per car visit to the apple orchard, while strawberry picking will be priced per kilo picked.
Image credit: Nicoletti Orchards
Nicoletti Orchards are owned and run by third-generation apple growers, whose knowledge of apples is as impressive as their vintage of farming this land.
Spanning 100 acres in the town of Poziers, just outside of Stanthorpe, Nicoletti Orchards grow a range of apple varieties including household names like Royal Gala, Pink Lady, Sundowner and Fuji.
If you fancy a PYO experience, head out to the orchards from February-June, or you can pick up an apple and ginger juice from the Granite Belt Farmers Market held on Saturdays, all year round.
Apples in the Nicoletti Orchards, Poziers near Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
For those looking for a hit of citrus, BYO bag or box to the Bonorang Orchards in Goondiwindi for PYO oranges throughout the month of July.
The orchard is tucked away on the border of New South Wales and Queensland, just off Bondi Road near the Macintyre river.
While you’re exploring the region, discover art, heritage and nature experiences to be had with these 10 things to do in Goondiwindi.
Prepare to live out your garden fairy fantasy, drop into the Wild Acres Flower Farm in the Lockyer Valley and surround yourself with fields of wildflowers.
PYO flower season runs during springtime, from September to October, where you can pick your own blooms.
Stroll through the fields of fresh flowers and hand pick your own lavender, Rhodanthe paper daisies or sunflowers.
The farm also sells bunches of fresh and dried flowers from their farm gate stall on weekends for your dream bouquet.
While you’re there, discover more fresh produce findings in the Lockyer Valley region with our guide on things to see and do.
If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, also check out Sutton's Juice Factory.
Located on a real working apple orchard, you’ll learn all about the process of apple harvesting including varieties such as Royal Gala, Jonathon, Granny Smith, Mutsu, Sundowner and Pink Lady.
Treat your tastebuds to one of their signature apple pies and fresh apple cider cream after a day exploring the factory.
Sutton’s Juice Factory’s signature apple pie, Thulimbah, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Subscribe now to receive a free downloadable Country Drive Bingo template, and let us share our specially curated holiday tips, news and deals.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
Subscribe now to receive a free downloadable Country Drive Bingo template, and let us share our specially curated holiday tips, news and deals.