Hot tips for visitors

Kookootonga is open 7 days a week 9am-4pm, from Saturday 9th March until 14th April 2024

as the weather can change quickly hats/gumboots/jumpers/jackets/raincoats can be handy
wear enclosed shoes, this will help to protect your feet from the chestnut burrs
bring water bottles - you can refill them from our water tank
bring food and snacks - there is a picnic area available for customers to use
some visitors like to wear gloves whilst picking up nuts, you can bring your own if you choose
there is off street parking, a picnic area and toilet facilities available for customers

There is no need to book and no entrance fees - unfortunately we cannot accomodate buses

Allow at least one hour for your visit, arriving after 3pm can make for a rushed rather than relaxed experience.

The nearest fuel/cafe is in Bilpin or Mount Victoria, over 40 kms away - have plenty of fuel in the tank and/or battery well charged

Children of any age are more than welcome, but must be under the constant supervision of an adult.

Please keep dogs on their leads and respect that not everyone is comfortable around animals.

As the nuts ripen they fall to the ground and are gathered from the ground. We provide buckets, thats all the equipment you'll need.

Be aware that walking from the parking area and around the farm may be challenging for the elderly or for those whose mobility is impaired. There are areas in our paddocks which are not wheelchair friendly.

Each year can vary, but chestnuts tend to start falling in early/mid March and finish by mid April. Walnuts start to fall in earnest by late March into mid/late April. Because of their huge popularity the demand for walnuts often exceeds what our trees can supply. Those who arrive after 2pm (especially on Sundays) often find that the best of the nuts that have fallen have already been gathered.

If you have never been to Mt Wilson or Mt Irvine you will find our Community's Web Site page helpful.

Please do not climb, shake or throw objects at the trees as the risk of falls and injuries is too high.

Please avoid areas where farm machinery and equipment is stored or where hazard tape or rope barriers have been installed

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FAQs

Where is the nearest service station?

The nearest petrol is in Bilpin or Mount Victoria - each over 40 kms away. No petrol or charging facilities are available at either Mt Irvine or Mt Wilson. Have plenty of fuel in the tank and/or your battery well charged

Should we bring any special clothing?

The weather can be unpredictable so it's always a good idea to bring a weatherproof jacket, sunhat and comfortable, sturdy footwear which covers your toes - chestnuts burrs are spiky! Gumboots are perfect if it is wet underfoot. Many people prefer to pick chestnuts wearing gloves. We have canvas gloves for sale, but sizes are limited to large and small. The small would be too big for a young child.

What should we bring to eat and drink?

Bring water with you, gathering nuts can be thirsty work.

Kookootonga has a picnic area but there are no barbecue facilities and there are no gas barbecues in any local picnic areas.

There are no shops, cafes or petrol stations in Mount Wilson or Mount Irvine. The nearest shops and cafes are in Bilpin or Mount Victoria, each over 40 kms away.

Will my mobile phone get reception?

Mobile phone reception can be patchy, depending on your phone company, your particular location throughout Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine or Kookootonga. The weather can also affect reception.