16 June 2025: Queensland farmers are hoping for drier conditions as the annual strawberry season brings more than just fruit to the table, with the rise of agri-tourism.
While the southern states enjoy their strawberry peak over summer, Queensland’s climate tells a different story. Thanks to its mild, dry winters, the Sunshine State’s strawberry season reaches its peak between July and September – and this year, growers are hoping for a harvest to remember.
But the excitement isn’t just about what’s growing in the fields – it’s what’s happening on the farms themselves.
Moreton Bay, just north of Brisbane, produces around one-third of Australia’s strawberries and is fast becoming a hotspot for agri-tourism. With an abundance of pick-your-own farms, seasonal festivals, farm-gate produce and family-friendly experiences, visitors are flocking to enjoy this authentic taste of the region.
“We’re a family-owned strawberry farm that started in 1998, and over the years we’ve seen a huge rise in the popularity of people picking a day out in the strawberry patch. Towards the end of each season, when the berries are plentiful, we open to the public to pick their own. It’s so popular, we often have queues of cars with families waiting to get in,” said Jet Nguyen, Farm Manager at Oasis Berries, located on Bribie Island Road, who also runs an annual strawberry festival.
When asked what has led to the popularity of strawberry picking, Nguyen attributed it to the increased cost of living and a growing appetite to source food directly from producers.
“Understanding where your food comes from, meeting the growers who produce what ends up in kids’ lunchboxes, and supporting them by buying direct – these are all key factors driving the rise of agri-tourism,” he added.
Strawberry View Café may not offer PYO, but their menu is bursting with strawberry-inspired treats. Visitors can settle in for a picnic, enjoy views of the Glass House Mountains, and let the kids play while adults indulge in strawberry-rich delights.
“We first opened a strawberry stall and people stopped to buy strawberries and admire the view of the Glasshouse Mountains and strawberry patches in the foreground. Once we realised how popular the stall was, we opened the cafe in 2022. We very quickly grew from a stall to the cafe you see today – a relaxed place to dine on all things strawberries. When our indoor and outdoor seating is busy, our visitors simply roll out their picnic rug and enjoy the surroundings,” said Kylie Fairweather from Strawberry View Cafe.
“Agri-tourism is playing an increasingly important role in how visitors experience the Moreton Bay Region,” said Luke Edwards, CEO of Visit Moreton Bay.
“It’s not just about buying produce – it’s about connecting with the people and the places behind it. Strawberry season is a perfect example of that. Families are coming for the fruit, but they’re leaving with lasting memories, new knowledge, and a real appreciation for our region’s growers and landscapes.”
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
