Chestnut & Walnut Picking Near Sydney: Scenic Mt Irvine Autumn Day Trip from the Hawkesbury
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kookootonga chestnut & walnut farm
Chestnut & Walnut Picking in Mt Irvine: Our Scenic Autumn Day Trip from Dido’s Place 🍂🌰
Chestnut and Walnut picking in Mt Irvine is one of the most magical seasonal experiences not to be missed in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains regions.
When we visited last weekend, there were plenty of Chestnuts and early Walnuts available for picking. I was so happy to have made it this year, as I had missed it in previous years. The season at Mt Irvine only has a small window for picking, between 5-6 weeks for the entire year.
So if you are keen, get in quick. Picking is expected to end between mid to late April. Have a little read on about our daytrip to Mt Irvine during our stay at Dido’s Place.
The Scenic Drive from Dido’s Place to Mt Irvine
the grumpy baker in bilpin
One of the highlights of the day, other than nut picking of course, was the drive itself. The trip is around an hour from Dido’s Place, but it honestly didn’t feel that long because we were completely in awe of the scenery.
We started our morning up the mountain with a stop at The Grumpy Baker in Bilpin for pastries and coffee, the perfect start to our nut picking adventure.
From there, we drove through Mount Wilson and continued up to Mount Irvine. The landscape was just incredible. It becomes increasingly beautiful as you drive along with towering eucalyptus forests, fern-filled valleys, and sections that feel like you’re driving through a rainforest.
The kids were glued to the windows, and we were constantly commenting on how stunning it all was. This scenic drive alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially in Autumn. So if you’re a budding photographer, pack your cameras and if you have a green thumb, you will absolutely adore the gardens you pass on the drive up through Mt Wilson. If you have time, I would highly recommend visiting some of the gardens which you can find here.
First Stop: Nutwood Farm
nutwood farm
We started our picking at Nutwood Farm and were lucky enough to be the first ones there. The weather was perfect, fresh Autumn air and gorgeous sunshine. Before we started picking, I took a moment to take it all in.
There were lots of chestnuts and early walnuts on the ground in the flat, open fields. The kids had so much fun exploring and collecting their finds.
We had our own baskets but they did offer us use of their buckets and some tongs.
Details:
Second Stop: Kookootonga Nut Farm
After Nutwood, we drove a short distance to Kookootonga Nut Farm. This farm felt larger and there were definitely more walnuts available during our visit. Over the coming weeks, they are expecting even more walnuts.
This farm seemed busier than the other, but there was still plenty of space and lots to collect. Buckets were provided for collecting nuts and mesh bags were supplied to take the nuts home in.
Details:
kookootonga chestnut & walnut farm
Nutwood vs Kookootonga — Which Should You Visit?
Both were fantastic and we highly recommend visiting both farms since they’re only a short drive apart. We honestly couldn’t pick a favourite.
Lunch Stop on the Way Back - Bilpin Cider Co.
With hungry bellies, we decided to stop in at Bilpin Cider Co for lunch on the way back to Dido’s Place.
bilpin cider co.
It’s a fantastic place to:
Enjoy delicious burgers
Share a cheese platter
Taste their multi-award-winning ciders
Relax outdoors on the lawn
Visit the farm animals (great for the kids)
It was the perfect way to finish off our day out in the mountains.
Chestnut & Walnut Picking in Mt Irvine — What You Need to Know
Chestnut season is very short (typically until mid–late April)
Early walnuts are available now
More walnuts will appear in the coming weeks
No entry fee at both farms
Bring gloves (or use those provided at Dido’s Place)
Consider bringing tongs to pick up nuts rather than bending all the way down
Always check farm Facebook pages before visiting
Wear sunscreen, sun-smart clothing and closed-toe shoes
Spray your legs with Bushman Repellent to repel leaches (provided at Dido’s Place)
The weather can be unpredictable, so also pack wet weather gear (e.g. raincoats, gumboots)
Make sure you have enough fuel/battery charge as the closest fuel/cafe is in Bilpin, over 40kms away
Pack water and snacks. There are picnic areas available at both farms. BYO picnic rug & food
The ground is uneven, which may be difficult for visitors with mobility limitations
Please drive safely as the route between Mt Wilson & Mt Irvine is narrow
Watch your head. Nuts fall from trees!
wear gloves, chesnuts have spiky burrs
Tips for Choosing the Best Chestnuts & Walnuts 🌰
Here are some simple tips to help you choose the freshest nuts during your Mt Irvine visit.
Choosing the best Chestnuts
chestnuts
Look for chestnuts that are shiny, smooth and firm to touch. The best ones are usually freshly fallen from burrs that have already split open. They should feel heavy for their size, which is a good sign that they’re fresh inside.
Try to avoid chestnuts that:
Have small holes (this can indicate insects)
Are small in size
Feel light or hollow
Look dull, mouldy or cracked
Are still tightly enclosed in closed spiky burrs
Chestnut Recipe Ideas:
Campfire Roasted Chestnuts
Creamy Chestnut Soup
Honey Glazed Chestnuts
Chestnut Pasta
Chestnut & Roast Vegetable Salad
Chestnut Stuffing
Chestnut Cake
Choosing the best Walnuts
walnut
For walnuts, choose ones with firm, intact shells that feel heavy. Fresh walnuts often have a light brown shell and will usually be found directly under the trees.
Avoid walnuts that:
Have cracked shells
Feel soft
Look blackened or mouldy
Feel unusually light
Walnut Recipe Ideas:
Walnut & Rocket Salad
Honey Roasted Walnuts
Walnut Pesto
Classic Walnut Cake
Cheese Board with Walnuts
Walnut Cookies or Brownies
Extra Picking Tips
Check directly under trees for the freshest nuts
Pick nuts from the ground, not the tree
Go early in the day for the best selection
Wear gloves when handling Chestnuts
Rather than rushing this experience in one day, staying overnight at Dido’s Place allows you to explore at a relaxed pace and truly enjoy the region
When you stay with us, your Chestnut & Walnut Picking experience is even easier. Our guests have access to:
Picking baskets
Gloves for handling spiky Chestnuts
Bushman’s spray
Campfire to roast Chestnuts over
Fully equipped kitchen to cook up your nut recipes
