So I thought I would try and ease some of my boredom today and look up some information on the Harvest trails. I picked places in each state that I had at least heard of. The Information about where each thing is means, well, nothing to me as I am useless at Geography. But Here is the proof that I actually did look up some Harvest information. I will go on at least one of these harvests as soon as I am driving and have my VW Kombi. I started off by looking up information about Queensland, because that is where I am living so it made sense to me.
Childers was first up: Childers is 320 kms north of Brisbane, 50 kms south of Bundaberg and just inland from Hervey Bay. The surrounding area has been a large grower of sugar cane but in recent times a lot of area has given way to the production of tomatoes, vegetables, avocados and some macadamias. The town is a popular tourist destination, especially for the many National Trust historical buildings.
And the best times to go are as follows:
January to March – Mangoes
March to July - Citrus
April to September - Tomatoes
July to April - Avocados
October to January - Zucchinis
December to February – Lychees
Second came Bundaberg: Bundaberg is 360 kms north of Brisbane on the Burnett River and 14 kms from the coast. It is a city in the sub-tropics where the rainfall is considerable and the average daily summer temperatures vary between 20-30 C. Bundaberg is a significant centre for the Queensland sugar industry. The large refineries and sugar mills support the population of the thriving city. There is also a large production of beef and dairy cattle, tropical fruit and vegetables. The area produces nearly one-fifth of Australia’s sugar from its large mills and is transported from the bulk handling port. Bundaberg is recognised for the production of its famous brown rum and it is the country’s largest producer of tomatoes.
And I should go there at these times:
January to December - Sweet potatoes
February to September - Avocados
March to July - Citrus
March to December - Zucchinis
April to May - Beans
April to August - Capsicums
April to June - Cucumbers, custard apples
April to August - Tomatoes
May to July - Pumpkins
August to November - Cherry tomatoes
August to September - Strawberries
October to November - Beans, cucumbers
October to December - Capsicums, tomatoes, melons
November to December - Pumpkins
December to February – Mangoes
Lots of stuff to Harvest in Bundaberg, seems like the place to go if you ask me.
Third on my little Queensland hunt was the Sunshine Coast. How could I resist, it's all beaches: The Coast begins at Caloundra, just one hour’s drive north of Brisbane and extends to Cooloola, the gateway to Fraser Island. It takes in tranquil hinterland including the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. There are more than 100 kilometres of beach stretching through the coastal towns of Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore,Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Includes Beerwah, Bli Bli, Caloundra, Chevallum, Eumundi, Glenview, Maroochydore, Nambour, Noosa, Pomona, Yandina.
Best time to go:
February to March - Ginger
May - Ginger
February to May - Pineapples
March to April - Strawberry planting
April to June - Custard apples
July to November - Strawberries
August to October - Ginger
September to October – Pineapples
Pineapples! This means I could complete another item on my list, Capture a Pineapple. Personal Joke.
Next up was Mackay, would give me an excuse to annoy Ashlee and Leith: Mackay, known as the “River City”(so is Glasgow) is situated at the mouth of the Pioneer River, 400 kms north of the Tropic of Capricorn and 803 kms north of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. Located on the Bruce Highway, Mackay is accessible by road, rail and air. The area provides great diversity with rainforests, mountains, coal mining, gemfields, sandy beaches, tropical islands, rivers and streams and of course close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Sugarcane employers prefer job seekers with prior experience in the operation of heavy machinery, however most employers are willing to engage workers and train them on the job. The haulage of cane requires a Heavy Combination (HC) licence or an Undefined (UD) licence.
The time to go:
March to April - Cane planting
June to November - Sugar cane
June to Cane - planting
August to September - Cane planting
Not much choice here, so let's plant some sugar!
Then came Caboolture. It's Beachy: Caboolture is located 40 kms north of Brisbane, approximately half way between the State’s capital and the beautiful Sunshine Coast. A short drive to picturesque waterways along the Pumicestone Passage at Bribie Island and unspoilt hinterland scenery through the inland. The Caboolture region takes in the areas of Ningi, Toorbul, Donnybrook, Elimbah, Bellmere and Wamuran and is one of Australia’s largest strawberry producing districts.
More Pineapples! And Strawberries:
February to November - Pineapples
March to April - Strawberry planting
June to November - Strawberry picking
I even looked up NSW and the rest of the states and territories. I figure why not. When I get my Kombi, notice I said when and not if, when I get my Kombi I plan on seeing more than just QLD. And you can't stop me, hahah. I only recognised like three place names in the NSW list, so here they are.
Byron Bay: Byron Bay is located on the north coast of NSW with Cape Byron being Australia’s most easterly point. The region boasts beautiful beaches, unspoilt surroundings and a relaxed lifestyle. Byron Bay offers a range of adventure sports, dining, accommodation and live entertainment.
Time to go, am loving the idea of coffee harvesting:
February to March - Lychees
April to September - Macadamia nuts,avocados
June to September - Custard apples
September to December - Stonefruit
October to December - Coffee
July to January - Blueberries
Hunter Valley: The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is located in the Hunter River Basin some 150 kms to the north of Sydney and 60 kms inland from the Pacific Coast. The Hunter Valley stretches from the Goulburn River and Wollemi National Park to the south right up to Barrington Tops National Park to the north.Not only does the Hunter boast wonderful scenery, it is also home to large wine and coal industries. The Hunter has one of the oldest and most famous wine regions in Australia, boasting many of the large names in wine,including Lindemans Wine, Tyrell’s Vineyards and Wyndham Estate. There are plenty of attractions in the Hunter Valley to suit every taste, from horse riding and golf to hot air ballooning and sky diving, all set amongst wonderful landscapes.
Wine! Time to Go:
January to March - Grapes
March to June - Olives
June to September - Vine pruning
Sydney Basin: The Sydney Basin is a large area which surrounds the city of Sydney, between the Blue Mountains and the sea, expanding south toward Goulburn and north toward Newcastle. The Sydney Basin consists of several large horticultural areas which include Macarthur, Hawkesbury, Bilpin and the Central Coast. Weather conditions in the Sydney Basin can change drastically and rapidly. Always ensure that you wear clothing which gives protection from the weather and the working environment.
Time to Go:
January to December - Vegetables, nursery work, flower and turf production
February to April - Apples
August to November - Citrus
November to January - Stonefruit
December to February - Avocados
Oh...it's time to go further north. To hot country or Northern Territory where the crocs rule and the heat is hot hot hot. Or so I have heard.
The one place I have always been obsessed with in NT is Darwin, I studied it when I was in high school geography for a natural disasters project. I think I got a pretty good grade for it too.
Darwin: Darwin is a tropical city situated on the North Coast of Australia, and is arguably Australia’s most cosmopolitan city, boasting a population made up of people from more than 60 nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. The city’s multicultural mix is particularly highlighted by its many exciting ethnic cultural festivals and weekly food and craft markets. The city provides a diverse range of multicultural and traditional activities and rugged outback adventures in the outer Darwin region, from beachside markets to isolated waterfalls and wetlands. Darwin has evolved from its days as an incredibly laid back frontier town and while it still retains its relaxed charm, it has become a highly sophisticated city. The Northern Territory is a must for all travellers, whether it’s ancient Aboriginal Paintings, crocodiles or simply its relaxed lifestyle. Many visitors are surprised to find that it has accommodation, eateries, clubs, pubs, museums and other amenities that are at least equal to, and often better than, what you’ll find in the southern cities. Darwin’s traditional owners, the Larrakia people, are prominent and active members of the community and many still adhere closely to their traditional beliefs and customs. Darwin is the main service centre for a wide range of industries headed by mining, offshore oil and gas production, pastoralism, tourism and tropical horticulture. The Port of Darwin is also the main outlet for Australia’s live cattle export trade into South East Asia. Also includes Berry Springs, Humpty Doo, Noonamah, Marrakai
Time to go, although I would probably die in January:
January to December - Bananas, cut flowers
May to October - Vegetables
June to October - Melons
September to April - Citrus
September to November - Mangoes
November to February - Rambutans
Katherine was next: Katherine is a traditional outback town often called the “Crossroads of the North” because of its location. Katherine is the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory and is located south-east of Darwin on the banks of the spectacular Katherine River. Katherine is a modern thriving regional centre that offers a wide range of services to communities from the Western Australia border to the Gulf of Carpentaria on the Queensland border. Its surround include the amazing Katherine Gorge, Nitimulik National Park and Thermal Springs. Backpackers and scenic lovers are attracted to the natural features of the region. The town is well known for its production of mangoes, melons and citrus.
Time to Go:
January to April - Citrus
May to November - Melons
October to December - Mangoes
Ti Tree? Now come on is that not the best place name: Ti Tree is located 193 km north of Alice Springs on the Stuart highway. It is the largest community between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and services surrounding Aboriginal communities, as well as travellers. Horticultural activities in this small town provide for the fresh fruit markets and include several orchards, vegetable farms and vineyards. The production of tablegrapes at Ti Tree is the second largest horticultural industry in the Northern Territory.
Time to Go:
May to June - Vine pruning
September to October - Vine shoot thinning,vine planting
November to December - Grapes
So now that NT is covered, we move further along and head to WA. Apparently my mum spent some time in WA when she toured Australia, so it would be kinda cool to experience it.
Albany:Albany is a regional city in the Great Southern of Western Australia, 409 kms south of Perth. Lying on the protected Princess Royal Harbour, which is part of the magnificent King George’s Sound, it is flanked by the Southern Ocean, with spectacular ranges and hinterland. Albany is WA’s oldest settlement and has strong links with the ANZAC legend. A modern, evolving city with pristine coastline, mild climate, natural beauty and rich in cultural experiences make Albany a very special place to live, work or visit. Aquaculture, wineries and viticulture, timber, strawberries, fishing, olive oil and organic produce exist along with traditional agriculture. Includes Kalgan.
Time To Go:
March to April - Grapes
May to June - Olives
June to September - Vine pruning
July to August - Olive tree pruning
October to May – Strawberries
More Grapes, gotta love wine country.
Donnybrook, a cool sounding name: The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is situated in the south west of Western Australia, 206 kms south of Perth. Surrounded by stunning forests, winding rivers, rolling hills, vineyards and lush orchards, it is a great place for residents and visitors alike. Donnybrook boasts a highly central location, being only half an hour from the city life and beaches of Bunbury, one hour from Geographe Bay and the famous Margaret River wine region and within easy reach of thetall timbers of Pemberton. It is renowned as a premier fruit growing district, with Donnybrook the largest apple producing area in Western Australia.
Time to Go:
February to April - Pears, tomatoes, grapes
February to June - Apples
June to September - Apple tree pruning, vine pruning
November to December Apple thinning, stonefruit thinning
December to March - Stonefruit
Margaret River, makes some nice wine: Margaret River is located 280 kms south of Perth on the southern coast, facing the Indian Ocean. Originally a timber town, the main industries today are dairying, vineyards and wineries and berry farming. Tourism is of major importance along with a prominent craft industry.
Time to Harvest:
January to March - Grapes
June to August - Vine pruning
You can't go to WA and not go at least within the vicinity of Perth so...
Perth Hills: Located approximately 45 minutes drive east of the CBD, the Perth Hills offer a mix of natural bush, orchards, wildflowers, waterfalls and creeks, towering trees, art galleries, vineyards, restaurants and cafes. The mild weather experienced in the hills allows for a range of crops to be grown including stonefruit, apples, pears, and strawberries. Major towns include Kalamunda, and Mundaring, smaller towns include Carmel and Pickering Brook.
When to go:
January to April - Apples
October to March - Stonefruit
So, we are nearly all the way around the country. Onto SA. It would be an excuse to spend some time with my uncle William and my uncle George.
Adelaide Hills: The Adelaide hills are located 20 minutes from the heart of Adelaide and boast great food, fine wines and stunning scenery. The region is renowned for its produce including, strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, potatoes and wine grapes. The Hills are comprised of a number of sub regions or areas, namely the Mt Lofty area, the Norton Summit area, the Torrens Valley, the Onkaparinga Valley, Hahndorf and Mt Barker.
Time to go:
February to April - Grape picking
February to May - Apples, pears
June to September - Vine pruning
September to December - Vine training
November to January - Cherries
Coonawarra, interesting place name: Based in a cool climate growing area, Coonawarra is one of South Australia’s most prestigious grape growing and wine producing towns. Along the road from Coonawarra to Penola (a distance of only seven kms) there are a total of 21 wineries. The town’s name derives from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘wild honeysuckle’.
Time to Go:
February to June - Potatoes
February to May - Grape picking
June to August - Vine pruning
December to January - Cherries, beans
McLaren Vale, kinda loving the name. It almost sounds Scottish and it happens to be a decent F1 team: Known as the Southern Vales, a large area is planted to vineyards with more than 30 wineries, including Hardy’s and Seaview, which have been established for more than 150 years. The area was the second wine region established in South Australia and it is also a wonderful historic tourist and craft area. Includes McLaren Flat and Willunga.
More Grapes:
February to April - Grapes
May to August - Vine pruning
Moving on to my name sake, or at least the inspiration for it, Victoria.
First up, Rutherglen. Awesome, there is actually a place in Scotland called Rutherglen: Rutherglen is located just a short trip off the Hume Freeway between Wangaratta and Albury/Wodonga. It is 265 kms north east of Melbourne and 615 kms south west of Sydney. Beautifully positioned along the Murray River, Rutherglen is a region where over 150 years of dedication and commitment, combined with a unique climate, skill, youthful vibrancy and sense of fun, have created a wine region that is truly “Full of Flavour“.
When to go:
February to April - Grapes
March to May - Apples
June to August - Vine pruning
November to December – Cherries
Yarra Vallley: The Yarra Valley covers an area from Lilydale, 40 kms north east of Melbourne, through Healsville and Coldstream. A large variety of cool climate crops have traditionally been grown in the Valley, including apples, lemons, pears, cherries and berries. There are around 85 vineyards and wineries in the Valley and many different selections of wines, several with cellar door tastings, accommodation and restaurants. Includes Montrose, Hoddles Creek, Yarra Junction, Silvan, Gladysdale, Coldstream, Wandin, Seville, Monbulk, Yarra Glen, Lilydale and Healesville.
I should go at these times:
February to March - Pears
February to April - Grapes
February to May - Apples
May to August - Vine pruning
September to November - Vine shoot thinning
October to May - Strawberries
November to January - Cherries, berries
November to May - Lemons
Beechworth: Beechworth is located in Victoria’s north east. It is approximately three hours from Melbourne and approximately seven hours from Sydney. It is part of the Legends, Wine and High Country Region, with its sensational views and a town rich in history that offers a glimpse into centuries past. This is ’Ned Kelly’ country. Nearby Stanley is located in Victoria’s north east between Beechworth and Myrtleford. It is ideally located in the stunning sub-alpine region of North East Victoria, and is surrounded by fruit and nut orchards as well as pine and old eucalypt forests. As there is no public transport to or around Stanley, your own transport is preferrable.
Time to go:
February to April - Grapes
March to May - Apples
June to August - Vine pruning
November to December - Cherries
Next up we have the often forgotten state of Tasmania. Shame really, I have heard such good things about it.
Devonport: The north coast town of Devonport is located on the mouth of the Mersey River, 98 kms to the north west of Launceston, following the Bass Highway. A vibrant town, the port is the major daily entry point for vehicular traffic travelling on the “Spirit of Tasmania“ ships, to and from Melbourne. Devonport has a unique history, especially as the home town of the former Tasmanian Premier and only Tasmanian Prime Minister of Australia, Joseph Lyons. The port’s lighthouse, which was completed in 1899, stands on Mersey Bluff and is part of the National Estate Register. The fertile soils of the surrounding area produce fine stonefruit, berries, potatoes and other vegetables. Includes Spreyton and Don.
To Go, or not to go:
January to December - Vegetables
March to May - Apples
December to January - Stonefruit, cherries
December to April - Berries
Launceston: The city of Launceston is the second largest in Tasmania and lies at the head of the Tamar River. Initially set up as a military command post, the town has a large number of historically significant buildings. Port facilities were recognised, developed and used for the early shipments of wool and wheat grown in the area. Whalers and sealers also used the port in the early days. Some mining was carried out, especially for tin and the town even had its own stock exchange. As the town grew, it was built around many beautiful parks and gardens and today is often referred to as the “Garden City“. The region has been noted for the production of apples and in more recent times grapes, with the Tasmanian wine industry flourishing.
Apples, apples everywhere:
February to May - Apples
March to May - Grapes
July to August - Vine pruning
Scottsdale, purely cos it sounds cool: The beautiful rural township of Scottsdale is in the heart of north east Tasmania, this very fertile and productive part of Tasmania is approximately 70 kms from Launceston. It is the service centre of the Dorset municipality, with a population of around 2500. Forestry is a major source of employment in the area plus local timber mills and outlets. Close to Scottsdale is the popular seaside township of Bridport, some 15 minutes from Scottsdale.
Time:
January to December - Vegetables
March to April - Hops
September to November - Hops stringing
Am loving the idea of picking hops, the main ingredient for beer, and I love beer.
And last but not least there is the Australian Capital Territory, ACT. Surprise, surprise there is no harvest there. I wonder why that could be...hmmm.
So there you have it. Proof that I did my research on harvest trails and the blog entry to go along with it. Albeit a long entry but alas it killed some of my boredom and marked another thing off my list.
I rule!
Amethyst
Loved this blog, Made me want to pack my bag's and get right there. xox
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