Nectarines share an orchard and a season with peaches almost everywhere in Australia, so the picking calendar follows the same summer pattern, generally November to February with a peak in December and January. Queensland's Granite Belt is typically first, picking from November into December, while NSW's Hawkesbury-Bilpin district and the Illawarra/Southern Highlands run November through February. Victoria's Yarra Valley and Bacchus Marsh orchards, along with the Perth Hills in WA, pick through December and January, and Canberra's Pialligo growers come in a little later, mostly January to February. Because nectarines and peaches are grown side by side at most orchards, a single visit often turns up both, along with plums and apricots depending on the farm. Picking is usually pay-for-what-you-pick by weight, sometimes with a modest entry or bucket-rental fee. Expect roughly $4.50 to $8 a kilogram, with entry fees, where they apply, around $5 to $8 per adult.
Swipe to see all months. Peak and available windows are typical only and shift with the weather.
| State | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Peak | Available | Available | Peak | Peak | |||||||
| Victoria | Peak | Available | Available | |||||||||
| Queensland | Available | Available | Available | Peak | ||||||||
| Western Australia | Peak | Available | Available | |||||||||
| Tasmania | Peak | Available | Available | |||||||||
| Australian Capital Territory | Peak | Available |
Bilpin · Bilpin & the Hawkesbury
Borenore · Orange & Central West
Bilpin · Bilpin & the Hawkesbury
Bilpin · Bilpin & the Hawkesbury
Wallington · Geelong & the Bellarine
Woori Yallock · Dandenong Ranges
Harcourt · Grampians & Ballarat
Drysdale · Geelong & the Bellarine
Walliston · Perth Hills
Carmel · Perth Hills
Sorell · Hobart & the Huon Valley
A ripe nectarine feels slightly soft near the stem end and releases from the branch with a gentle twist rather than a pull. Skip fruit that's still hard and deep green around the stem — it won't ripen well once picked. Nectarines bruise more easily than they look, so carry them in a shallow container rather than piled deep in a bucket. They'll keep a few days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge, and soften further if picked slightly underripe.
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Nectarine picking generally runs from November to February, following the same calendar as peaches since the two are usually grown in the same orchards. Queensland's Granite Belt starts earliest, from November, with NSW's Hawkesbury-Bilpin district, Victoria's Yarra Valley and Bacchus Marsh, and the Perth Hills all picking through December and January. Canberra's orchards tend to run later, into January and February. Confirm with the farm before visiting, as timing shifts with the weather.
Most orchards price nectarines by weight rather than a flat fee, commonly around $4.50 to $8 a kilogram depending on the farm and season stage. Some charge a small entry fee or bucket rental on top, typically $5 to $8 per adult, with children often cheaper or free. A few farms run tasting or tour-style visits where picking is included, so it's worth asking what's covered when you book.
Yes. Canoelands Orchard, north of Sydney, and orchards in the Hawkesbury-Bilpin district, both about an hour to 90 minutes from the CBD, pick nectarines through the summer alongside peaches and plums. Cedar Creek Orchard in Thirlmere, roughly an hour southwest, is another option in the same window. Call ahead, since exact ripening dates vary year to year.
Yes, the Yarra Valley, under 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, has orchards growing nectarines alongside peaches, plums and apricots through December and January. Harcourt, near Bendigo, is a bit further out at around an hour and a half, and picks through a similar summer window. Both regions are worth combining with a stop for cherries or apples depending on the month.
Press gently near the stem end — ripe fruit gives slightly rather than feeling rock hard. It should come away from the branch with a light twist, not a firm pull, and often has a noticeable sweet smell up close. If the skin is still very green around the stem, leave it a few more days. Slightly firm fruit will keep softening once picked.