A Pick-me-up

Sun Herald

Sunday November 24, 2002

Pamela Wright

Exploring the tastes of nature in the Hawkesbury can be a lot of fun, reports Pamela Wright.

PICKING your own pecans is probably best done in June. Raspberries are at their peak between January and April and they reckon that tomatoes taste good, and I mean really good, between January and May.

You can also pick your own lavender in early Decemberand, if you combine the seasons for valencia and navels oranges, the juicy citrus can be plucked from the trees nearly all year round. There are also plenty of fresh garden vegetables eager to be sampled.

The Hawkesbury Valley is just over an hour's drive from Sydney. It stretches from Wisemans Ferry up to St Albans and the Upper Macdonald River, then west to Kurrajong Heights, Bilpin and Mount Tomah at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

If you want to get to know the area and the locals, you'll enjoy the Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail which has seen orchard owners, farmers, food producers and nurseries band together. So far there are about 40 businesses and properties involved and at some, but not all, you can pick and purchase directly from the land.

At Pine Crest Orchard, for instance, you can wander among the trees at your leisure and pluck the apples in their prime, or at Bloomin' Greenery, which specialises in begonias of every shape and colour, you can snip your own plants.

With a bit of luck Ross, who's a horticultural teacher and long-time nurseryman, will have time to give you a lesson on how to grow the perfect begonia.

When we stopped at Enniskillen Orchard, which is set on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Grose Vale, we stood around the balcony eating freshly picked strawberries and some of the new season's peaches.

How tasty were they? Very! The orchard specialises in stone fruit, figs, berries and herbs and the owners, John and Trish Maguire, told us we were ``free to taste anything".

The Maguires have been clever and creative by breaking their herb garden into sections such as potpourri, lemon fragrance and aromatherapy, which features chamomile, peppermint and bergamot.

Then there's the aphrodisiac plot, which, although based predominantly on myth and superstition, is one of the most interesting themes.

Oh all right! I'll tell you what's in it marshmallow, clove pinks, crocus, garlic, poppies, sweet woodruff, lady's mantle and sweet violet.

Sampling local wines is also part of the trail and at Tizzana Winery you can sip on some of the local product in a magnificent old sandstone building. This is also where a dinner and wine tasting is held under the stars after a fantastic twilight ``country road adventures" kayak trip along the Hawkesbury. Kids can enjoy the area too and can have fun patting the babies at the alpaca farms in the area.

The Hawkesbury Valley is a real eye-opener. The people are friendly, the accommodation is superb, from immaculate and up-market to cabin-style and cosy, and the scenery is simply tremendous. Gorgeous gum trees, stately country homes and tumbledown shacks all combine to help create an incredible landscape.

ACCOMMODATION ON THE TRAIL

Throughout the Hawkesbury Valley there's a range of farm experience stays, bed and breakfasts and luxury accommodation. Three of note belonging to the Farm Gate Trail are:

* Loxley on Bellbird Hill, which is a glorious 1860s property with a 175-year-old kauri pine waiting to be hugged, a spring water swimming pool, an attractive restaurant featuring regional gourmet food and modern chalet-style rooms all flowing on to wide verandas with unsurpassed rural views.

Phone: 02 4567 7711.

Website: www.loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au.

* At Hawkesbury Alpacas and B&B you can stay in one of the country-style timber cabins with combustion fires. Located adjacent to the Scheyville National Park, it has about 15 alpacas with babies or ``cria" year-round, making it perfect for families to enjoy a true farm experience. Phone: 02 4573 6643.

* Within walking distance of the historic pub, The Settlers Arms Inn in the heart of the tiny town of St Albans, is The Court House Guest House, an elegant heritage building with superior ``do it yourself" accommodation. There are four double bedrooms and for something different, take a bath in what was once an original prison cell in the police lock-up.

Phone: 02 4568 2042.

NATURAL BOUNTY

A Farm Gate Trail map which lists art and craft outlets, B&Bs, natural attractions and a seasonal produce guide can be picked up from any of the farm gates. Information is available from the following contacts:

Tourism Hawkesbury: Phone 02 4588 5895 or visit www.hawkesburyweb.com.au.

Farm Gate Trail: Phone 02 4560 4660 or visit www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au.

Tours in the region: Phone Country Road Adventures on 1300 130 561 or visit www.countryroad.net.au.

© 2002 Sun Herald

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