If you’ve ever wondered why your trip to the strawberry patch now comes with an entry fee, the story of one Wellington Point farm provides the answer, revealing the complex realities behind the simple pleasure of picking your own fruit.
Adrian Lynch of the well-known Wellington Point Farm has ended the public picking experience, citing major logistical and insurance challenges that many families may not see when they head out for a day on the farm. His choice highlights a tougher reality for local growers, even as other farms find new ways to manage the crowds and costs associated with the popular activity.
The Hidden Hurdles of a Day Out
For many local farmers, inviting the public onto their land is not as simple as just opening a gate. Mr Lynch explained that his one attempt at offering a pick-your-own event in the last two decades turned into a logistical nightmare. He described issues with people wandering off into potentially dangerous areas, such as machinery sheds and cow paddocks, long after staff were trying to finish their day.
Beyond managing visitors, the rising cost and difficulty of securing public liability insurance proved to be a major obstacle. Mr Lynch pointed out the significant financial risk involved, questioning who would be responsible if a visitor were to have an accident on his property. He believes the complexities of insurance have unfortunately taken the fun out of many community activities. While the farm no longer allows customers into the fields, visitors can still get a sense of the farm’s operations from its adjoining cafe.
A Changing Experience for a New Generation
Despite the challenges, the tradition of strawberry picking continues to thrive, though it looks different than it did years ago. Local content creator Shoggy, who has been picking strawberries for two decades, noted the changes. He recalled a time when entry was free, and visitors only paid for the strawberries they collected.
Today, many farms have adapted their business models to protect their crops and manage the experience. At Rolin Strawberry Farm in Elimbah, a favourite spot of Shoggy’s, adults now pay an entry fee which includes a 500-gram punnet of strawberries. While this makes the outing more expensive than a trip to the supermarket, he insists the flavour of a truly fresh strawberry is unmatched and makes the experience worthwhile. His social media videos on the topic have drawn huge interest, showing that the community is still eager to find authentic farm experiences during the winter months.
Finding a Sustainable Path
Some farms have completely reshaped their operations around the pick-your-own model. McMartins Farm, a family-run property in Bli Bli since 1945, has made a strategic shift in recent years. After 40 years of growing strawberries, the farm stopped its commercial operations to focus solely on selling produce through its farm shop and to pick-your-own visitors.
Lillian McMartin said this approach allows the farm to avoid the challenges of finding reliable workers and negotiating prices with major supermarket chains. McMartins does not charge an entry fee, instead charging by the kilogram for whatever visitors pick. This model has proven successful for the farm, which also grows lychees and custard apples to meet growing demand for local fruit. To help keep the experience affordable for families, the farm simply asks that visitors pay for their fruit before they start eating.
Published Date 02-September-2025
Photo Credit: McMartin’s Strawberry Farm/ Facebook
