Just a moment off the M1 roundabout, three kilometres north of Port Macquarie, is the perfect pit stop. Ricardoes Farm with free entry is an ideal refreshment stopover along the road or an indulgence for all ages to while away several hours.
Rows of white igloo-style greenhouses march across lush countryside. Inside, red-ripe tomatoes climb on towering Jack and the Beanstalk-type vines and sweet succulent strawberries scale vertical latticed avenues. Everything's under cover in case of rain or cold.
Air-conditioned Cafe Red is BYO, no corkage - and has budget-priced farm fresh brekkie/brunch, nutritious lunches, snacks, tea, barista coffee, cakes and Devonshire Tea with fluffy scones warm from the oven, lavished with pure natural cream and Ricardoes strawberry jam.
James, chutneys, salsas, passata and soups are among Ricardoes' big range of Sydney Royal Easter Show Fine Foods-awarded preserves: treats for home or as gifts. Produce from neighbouring growers; essential supplies for campers.
Pick your own strawberries flourish at shoulder height for adults; lower down, tiny tots easily access berries on the bottom rows. Pay only for what you pick.
Escape highway doldrums: no time-wasting detouring, plenty of grassy spaces for kids to stretch their legs. Sealed roads; big sealed RV car park.
