cherryhill orchards

Peak Time: Mid-September to End of (during the blooming season)
474 Queens Rd, Wandin East VIC 3139

For photographers and travel bloggers, there’s no place quite like CherryHill Orchards in Victoria, Australia. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, this picturesque orchard paints a beautiful canvas of blooming cherry blossoms, ripe cherries, and serene nature walks that are a visual delight. If you’re planning to capture the natural beauty of Victoria, CherryHill Orchards should undoubtedly top your list.

Come spring, the entire orchard is blanketed in a mesmerising shade of pink. The delicate cherry blossoms begin to unfurl, presenting an unmissable opportunity for photographers. The sheer expanse of these trees in full bloom provides a contrasting palette of pinks and whites against the brilliant blue of the Australian sky.

For those looking for that ethereal morning shot, arriving just after sunrise allows you to capture the blossoms with a soft, golden hue. By mid-morning, the sunlight filters through the trees, creating an enchanting play of light and shadow. And as the day wears on, the colours become even more vivid, making for some dreamy photographs.

One of the distinct features of CherryHill is its undulating terrain. This provides numerous vantage points for photographers to get panoramic shots of the orchard against the backdrop of the majestic Yarra Valley. Imagine an expansive frame filled with rows and rows of cherry trees, bounded by the rugged outlines of the mountains in the distance.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

• Golden Hour Glow: Cherry blossoms have a delicate appearance, and shooting during the golden hour (just after sunrise or just before sunset) can accentuate their softness. The warm, golden hue of the sun casts a gentle glow on the blossoms, adding depth and warmth to your shots.

• Use a Shallow Depth of Field: To emphasise the intricate details of the cherry blossoms, use a wide aperture (like f/1.8 or f/2.8). This throws the background out of focus, making the blossoms pop out and giving your photos a dreamy bokeh effect.

• Incorporate Natural Elements: As you’re in the heart of the Yarra Valley, use the natural surroundings to frame your shots. The rugged outlines of the mountains or the rich greens of the orchard can add context and depth to your cherry blossom photos.

• Play with Perspectives: Instead of the usual eye-level shots, try different angles. Capture an upward shot with blossoms against the clear blue sky or get a low angle capturing the carpet of fallen petals on the ground. Exploring unique perspectives can make your photographs stand out.

• Watch the Wind: While a gentle breeze can add movement and dynamism to your shots, a gusty day can make it challenging to capture sharp images. Use a faster shutter speed on windy days to freeze the motion of the swaying blossoms.