Over the long weekend, we drove out to the Central Coast to experience first hand the famous Harvest Festival: A two-day event that celebrates the region’s award-winning produce, scenery, and gives people a chance to explore the local farms, sample produce, and enjoy the local community. I was very excited as I was keen to experience citrus picking at one of the orchards ever since I heard it from my mum in law a year before. It was only a 45-min drive from Maitland so it wasn’t too big of a drive – perfect if you have little ones who want to explore as well. The weather was perfect as well, so off we went on our little adventure.
We headed straight to Goodmayes Orchard, a small-scale, family-run farm that’s been lovingly maintained over four generations. There’s something really special about that kind of legacy — and you can taste it. Literally. We picked oranges and mandarins right off the trees, and I swear I’ve never tasted citrus so juicy and sweet. The fresh orange juice they were serving and selling was insanely good. Sweet, tangy, and fresh. My daughter loved it and we couldn’t get enough.
The real magic though, especially for our little one, was in the sunflower patch. Watching our toddler run through rows of tall, bright blooms, giggling and trying to pick the biggest flower she could carry — it was a core memory moment for sure. She was absolutely in her element (and so was I, to be honest — sunflower fields are ridiculously photogenic).
There were a lot of elements and little activity stations spread throughout the farm. The most interesting one being the cattle naming station where kids got to pet the animals and name a cow! Our daughter was mostly interested in the face painting station and the colouring station, which I didn’t think much of at first… until I found myself sitting down and colouring right alongside the kids. In that moment, I felt very in tune with my inner child — I absolutely loved art as a kid. I think one of the best parts of being a mum is getting to do such things again — things that life may have told us was too frivolous to enjoy when in fact, these activities are some of the most important part of ourselves we shouldn’t lose even as we grow older. I feel lucky to share these small joys with my daughter.
Throughout the day, we got to chat with local farmers, stallholders, and other families just out to enjoy the sunshine. There’s a real sense of pride in the Central Coast community, and you can feel how much love goes into everything they grow, create, and share.
We left with a car boot full of oranges, sticky hands, and big smiles — the good kind of tired after a full day outdoors. I can honestly say we’ll be back again next year. And probably the year after that too.
