Basic Info:
Name: Tuckerberry Hill Blueberries
Address: 35 Becks Rd, Drysdale
Phone: 03 5251 3468
Website: NA
Opening Hours:
Cafe open 9am - 5pm
November & December - Weekends only
20th December to 30th January - Open every day (except Christmas Day)
February to April - Weekends only
Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:
Tuckerberry Hill Blueberries is set in the rolling plains of Murradoc Hill near Drysdale. With spectacular views across to Melbourne, blueberry picking for the entire family, dedicated play area for kids and blueberry themed treats galore, it makes an excellent day out and the perfect place to stop a while.
Highchair: No
Change table: Yes
Pram access: Yes
Separate kids menu: No
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Play area for kids: Yes - an entire blueberry farm plus cubby-house, sandpit & toy corner
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Blueberry picking of course!
Vibe/atmosphere: Relaxed, casual, no frills,with lovely views across the hills
Change table: Yes
Pram access: Yes
Separate kids menu: No
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Play area for kids: Yes - an entire blueberry farm plus cubby-house, sandpit & toy corner
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Blueberry picking of course!
Vibe/atmosphere: Relaxed, casual, no frills,with lovely views across the hills
Prices: Standard
Little Eats detailed review:
As we wound our way through the rolling hills of the Bellarine snaking towards Tuckerberry Hill, the second eldest could hardly contain her excitement exclaiming ‘I think I can smell the blueberries’! It is a long dirt track that leads up to the farm and we had to stop to let a couple of chickens cross the road. Why? To get to the other side of course!
It was the middle of the school holidays when the three girls plus bubs and I headed towards Drysdale to pick our own blueberries. Upon arrival, you are greeted with some spectacular views across the Murradoc Hill where a little oasis rests in the slopes. Tuckerberry Hill is a brand spanking new shed in Colorbond blue (of course) with massive bi-fold doors taking in the views and a shaded deck plus a grassy knoll. The kids ran straight towards the buckets piled up on a trolley where the friendly staff explained that a bucket equals 1.5 kilograms (a LOT of blueberries) and not to take the red berries, as they won’t ripen once picked. There is a pump of sunscreen and mosquito repellent provided as a thoughtful touch.
All five of us made our way down the bank, through the gates and along the rows to the berry bushes. There were figs, lemon trees, strawberry plants and gardens galore under the massive nets. It was fabulously easy to entertain three young girls plus wheel a pram along. In fact, the girls were brilliant – taking time to gently pick the berries and sharing responsibility for the bucket. Yes, even I was amazed!
Post blueberry picking we made our way to the café where the menu is blueberries in its various guises – muffins, cakes, scones, smoothies, ice creams or yoghurt. We all settled on blueberries with frozen yoghurt or ice cream, which was a generous serving for only $3.50. Excellent value. There were picker’s platters (antipasto) plus a focaccia or two but the menu really lends itself to morning and afternoon teas.
The café has a corner full of toys and books plus the outdoor area is replete with cubbyhouse, sandpit and slide. Tuckerberry Hill has got all the kiddie angles covered. Bubs was happily goo-ing away to himself so I sat for a little while and took in the views, the country air and that feel good factor that comes from getting back to nature.
This special guest review was written by Anna Spurling - fellow foodie, Geelong local, Mamma of 3 gorgeous girls and a baby boy, and co-owner of artisan bread company La Madre.
