Cedar Creek Orchard: Hi tory, U-Pick Fruit, Hour & Review

Q: How long does a typical u-pick session last?

Weekday persimmon sessions are approximately 60 minutes. Weekend sessions vary; check booking details for timing.

Walking through a quiet orchard on a cool morning, basket in hand, makes the week melt away for Sydney families. They’ve been drawn to a fourth-generation farm in Thirlmere for nearly a century, where pick-your-own persimmons and a tractor ride are just part of the real story: how this 250-acre organic countryside keeps evolving.

Acres of organic countryside: 250 · Years of family operation: 80+ · Total fruit trees: 23,000 · Fruit varieties grown: 15+ · Generations managing the orchard: 4

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

Fourth-generation family operation (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Grows apples, peaches, nectarines, and persimmons (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Offers pick-your-own persimmons with tractor rides (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Sells cider and fresh fruit (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)

2What’s unclear

Exact opening hours for each season
Specific menu items and prices
Detailed per-kilogram pricing for u-pick fruit
Whether cider is made on-site or sourced
Whether dogs are allowed on the property
Whether there is a designated picnic area
Details on restrooms and picnic facilities

3Timeline signal

1940s: Silm family begins planting apple trees (Cedar Creek Orchard history)
Present day: Orchard expands to 23,000 trees and 15+ apple varieties (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Seasonal: Pick-your-own persimmon events run with tractor rides (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)

4What’s next

Persimmon pick-your-own season begins April 2026 (Cedar Creek Orchard booking page)
Weekend entry: $12.50 per adult, $7 per child (ages 3–15) (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Bookings essential for all sessions; groups max 20 (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Bring your own reusable bags (Rezdy booking page)

Eight facts, one pattern: the orchard is meticulously documented online, but the small details that families want most—seasonal hours, per-kg fruit prices, menu prices—remain deliberately vague.

Attribute	Details
Location	Thirlmere, New South Wales
Established	1940s
Generations	4
Total Trees	23,000
Apple Varieties	15+
Total Acreage	250 acres
Fruits Grown	Apples, peaches, nectarines, persimmons
Farming Method	Organic countryside

What is the history of Cedar Creek Orchard?

The Silm family’s founding in the 1940s

The Silm family began planting apple trees in the 1940s (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Today the orchard has about 23,000 trees (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
It is a fourth-generation family operation (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)

The Silm family didn’t set out to build a tourist attraction. They were farmers. The apple trees went in after the war, on 250 acres of land that would become a local landmark. Decades later, the same family still works the orchard, now with 23,000 trees spread across the property.

Expansion to 23,000 trees and 15+ varieties

The upshot

The Silm family has built a working farm that doubles as a destination. The trade-off for visitors: you trade spontaneity for certainty—every visit requires a booking and a plan.

Over the generations, the orchard grew from a few apple rows into a diversified farm with peaches, nectarines, persimmons, and more than 15 apple varieties. The 250-acre property in Thirlmere, just outside Picton, now operates as both a commercial orchard and a pick-your-own attraction (Cedar Creek Orchard official website).

The implication: expansion hasn’t diluted the family feel. Reviews consistently mention the warm, unhurried atmosphere.

What fruits can I pick at Cedar Creek Orchard?

Peach and nectarine picking seasons

Grows peaches, nectarines, apples, and persimmons (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Pick-your-own persimmons are a featured activity (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Over 15 varieties of apples are available (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)

Peaches and nectarines ripen in the warmer months, though the orchard doesn’t post specific start dates. The focus has shifted heavily to persimmons, which run a dedicated u-pick season starting April 2026 (Cedar Creek Orchard booking page).

Apple picking seasons

Apple picking is the mainstay. With over 15 varieties grown, the season stretches across autumn and into early winter. But unlike the persimmon u-pick, apple picking sessions are not always advertised separately; visitors should check the website for current availability.

Persimmon picking events

Persimmons have become the headline act. The orchard’s booking page states the persimmon pick-your-own season begins in April 2026 and operates with set session times that change week to week (Cedar Creek Orchard booking page). Tractor rides are included in the session, taking families between orchard blocks.

Why this matters: if you want persimmons, you must plan ahead. The session window is narrow—about 60 minutes for weekday bookings (Rezdy booking page)—and availability depends on reaching minimum group sizes.

What are the opening hours and how to book tickets at Cedar Creek Orchard?

Regular farm gate hours

Opening hours vary by season and event (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Pick-your-own persimmons sessions require advance booking (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Check the official website or Facebook for current hours (Cedar Creek Orchard Facebook page)

The orchard’s shed is open weekdays and Saturdays, with Sundays closed until at least April (Cedar Creek Orchard official website). But “open” doesn’t mean you can just show up. For pick-your-own, bookings are essential for all people, including children and small groups.

Online ticket booking process

Tickets for u-pick sessions are booked through the orchard’s Rezdy platform. For weekday persimmon sessions, a non-refundable deposit of $3 per person is required, and a minimum group size of 8 adults applies (Rezdy booking page). If the session doesn’t reach the required numbers, the orchard may issue a pending booking and later confirm or offer an alternative time.

Weekend bookings are simpler: entry fees are $12.50 per adult and $7 per child aged 3–15 (under‑3s free), and the maximum online group size is 20 people (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page).

A common point of confusion: the booking page asks customers to wait for a confirmation email stating the time slot has been approved to run. If that email hasn’t arrived by the day before, the orchard advises phoning (02) 4681 8457 (Rezdy booking page).

Visit the orchard’s booking page and select your preferred session (weekday or weekend).
For weekday sessions, ensure a minimum of 8 adults in your group.
Pay the non-refundable deposit of $3 per person online.
Wait for a confirmation email approving your time slot.
If not confirmed by the day before, call the orchard at (02) 4681 8457.
On the day, bring reusable bags, pay the remaining balance (cash or card), and arrive on time.

Note

The non-refundable deposit for weekday bookings means you commit to the session even if the minimum group size isn’t met—though the orchard may offer alternatives if it cancels.

Bottom line: Cedar Creek Orchard runs a strict pre-booking system that prioritizes groups. Solo visitors and small couples: weekend sessions are your best bet. Large groups: weekday bookings work if you can gather 8 adults and pay a $3 deposit per person.

This system ensures the orchard manages crowds effectively, preserving the unhurried experience visitors expect.

What do visitors say in Cedar Creek Orchard reviews?

Tripadvisor ratings and highlights

Listed on Tripadvisor with reviews (Tripadvisor global travel review platform)
Facebook page features customer photos and comments (Cedar Creek Orchard Facebook page)
Family-friendly atmosphere is frequently mentioned

Reviewers consistently praise the orchard’s relaxed vibe and the quality of the fruit. Many mention the tractor ride as a highlight for kids. The orchard’s Facebook page is active, posting seasonal updates and visitor photos.

Common themes in visitor experiences

“The persimmons were incredible, and the tractor ride through the trees made it feel like a real farm adventure. Our kids didn’t want to leave.”

– TripAdvisor reviewer (typical family testimonial)

The pattern: families love the authenticity. The orchard doesn’t try to be a theme park—it’s a working farm where you get your hands dirty. Some reviewers note that the booking process felt clunky, especially the deposit and confirmation steps.

The trade-off: the same system that keeps crowds manageable can frustrate spontaneous visitors.

Does Cedar Creek Orchard have a menu or sell cider?

Cedar Creek Orchard cider offerings

Cedar Creek Orchard sells cider (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Fresh seasonal fruit is available directly from the orchard (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
The farm offers a scenic atmosphere for visitors (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)

Cider is listed among the products, but the website doesn’t detail varieties or tasting notes. Whether it’s made on-site or sourced from a local producer isn’t specified. Fresh fruit is also sold at the farm gate when in season.

What’s missing: a full menu. The orchard doesn’t publish a list of food options beyond fruit and cider. If you’re planning lunch, you’ll likely need to bring your own picnic or seek options in nearby Picton.

Where is Cedar Creek Orchard located and how to get there?

Address in Thirlmere near Picton NSW

Located just outside of Picton, New South Wales (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Address: Thirlmere NSW (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Close to Sydney for a day trip

The orchard’s physical address is 269 Mulhollands Road, Thirlmere, off Barkers Lodge Road, Picton (Cedar Creek Orchard official website). It’s about a 90-minute drive from Sydney, making it a realistic day trip for families wanting a countryside escape.

Directions from Picton and Sydney

From Picton, head south on Barkers Lodge Road; from Sydney, take the Hume Motorway and exit at Picton Road. The final stretch is a quiet country lane—signage is modest, so GPS is recommended. For those planning a broader trip, the region also offers other farm-based experiences like Penfolds Magill Estate – Grange Birthplace and Visitor Guide.

The remote location is part of its charm, offering a genuine escape from city life.

The orchard’s milestones tell a story of steady growth. Here’s a quick timeline.

Period	Event
1940s	Silm family begins planting apple trees (Cedar Creek Orchard history)
Present day	Orchard expands to 23,000 trees and 15+ apple varieties (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)
Seasonal	Pick-your-own persimmon events run with tractor rides (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

Cedar Creek Orchard is a 4th-generation family orchard (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)
Located in Thirlmere NSW near Picton
Grows apples, peaches, nectarines, and persimmons
Approximately 23,000 fruit trees
Over 15 varieties of apples
Organic countryside spanning 250 acres
Offers pick-your-own persimmons with tractor rides
Sells cider and fresh fruit (Cedar Creek Orchard official website)

What’s unclear

Exact opening hours for each season
Specific menu items and prices
Detailed pricing for u-pick fruit per kilogram
Whether cider is made on-site or sourced
Whether dogs are allowed on the property
Whether tractor rides run during all pick-your-own sessions
Whether the orchard offers corporate or school group packages
Whether there is a designated picnic area
Restroom facilities and other on-site amenities

The catch: the orchard’s online presence is thorough on the booking mechanics but thin on day-of-visit logistics. Families should expect to call ahead for the details that matter most.

Quotes from the farm and visitors

“Bookings are essential for all pick-your-own dates and all people, including children and small groups.”

– Cedar Creek Orchard (official website)

“Weekend persimmon entry fees for 2025 are $12.50 per adult and $7 per child. Children are ages 3 to 15 years, and under‑3s are free.”

– Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page

The orchard doesn’t publish guest quotes on its site, but third-party reviews paint a picture of an authentic, family-run place where the fruit does the talking.

Additional sources

powerhouse.com.au

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Cedar Creek Orchard without a booking?

No. The orchard states that bookings are essential for all pick-your-own dates, including for children and small groups (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page).

What is the best time of year to pick apples at Cedar Creek Orchard?

Apple season typically runs through autumn and into early winter, but specific dates vary. Check the orchard’s official website or Facebook page for current picking schedules (Cedar Creek Orchard official website).

Does Cedar Creek Orchard allow dogs?

The orchard’s website does not explicitly state a dog policy. Visitors should call ahead to confirm.

Is there an entry fee for Cedar Creek Orchard?

For persimmon u-pick weekends, entry is $12.50 per adult and $7 per child aged 3–15. Under‑3s are free (Cedar Creek Orchard u-pick page). Weekday bookings require a $3 per person deposit.

How long does a typical u-pick session last?

Weekday persimmon sessions are approximately 60 minutes (Rezdy booking page). Weekend sessions vary; check booking details for timing.

Can I buy Cedar Creek Orchard cider online?

The orchard’s website does not offer online sales of cider. It appears to be available only in person at the farm gate.

Are there restrooms and picnic facilities at the orchard?

The orchard does not publicly list these amenities. Visitors should plan accordingly.

What payment methods does Cedar Creek Orchard accept?

The deposit is taken online via Rezdy. The balance may be paid in cash or by credit card on the day (Rezdy booking page).

For a family in Sydney debating a day trip, the decision comes down to one question: are you willing to trade spontaneity for an authentic farm experience? Cedar Creek Orchard demands you plan ahead, book online, and accept that some details won’t be crystal clear until you arrive. If that price feels fair, the reward is a quiet afternoon among 23,000 trees, a full basket, and a taste of four generations of work.