What Fruit Is in Season for Christmas 2026 in Australia?

Quick answer: For Christmas 2026 in Australia, the fruit in season is mangoes, cherries, strawberries and other berries, and the first peaches, nectarines and apricots. Mangoes are coming from Queensland now and should last well past Christmas. Early stone fruit is large and sweet this year, but some later varieties are expected to be in shorter supply after a warm winter. That makes mangoes and mixed seasonal fruit the safest choice for a Christmas fruit gift.

Every November we read the growers' reports to see what's coming for Christmas. Here's what the latest news from Australian farms means for your Christmas table and your gift list.

What fruit is in season for Christmas 2026?

Mangoes: late to start, but here for summer

This year's mango harvest got going later than usual. Picking began in Queensland in October and November, and supply is expected to last into autumn. As supply moves from the Northern Territory to Queensland, mango prices are expected to ease, and you'll see Kensington Pride and R2E2 in the shops.

For Christmas, that's good news. Mangoes will be at their peak through December, which is why a mango box is one of the most loved Australian Christmas gifts. If you've ever wondered how to pick a good one, read our guide on how to pick a ripe mango.

Gift ideas:

• Small Christmas Mango Box: eight fresh mangoes with a festive decoration, ideal for a couple, a neighbour or a colleague.
• Christmas Mango Box with a Red Bow: 12 fresh mangoes in a black gift box, ready for Christmas Day.
• Calypso Mango Gift Box, Large: for the true mango lover, filled with nothing but Calypso mangoes.

See the full range of mango boxes.

Cherries: early picking is underway

Cherry Growers Australia reports that harvest began in some early regions in the final week of October, with more of Victoria, NSW and South Australia following over the coming weeks. Growing conditions have been mostly favourable, though rain and hail close to harvest can always cut volumes. Tasmanian cherries usually arrive in December.

Cherries are best bought close to the day and kept unwashed in the fridge, so they're a great one to pick up fresh for Christmas lunch.

Strawberries and berries: plentiful and good value

Berry lovers are in luck. Victorian strawberry prices are falling as local supply grows, and the first Tasmanian strawberries arrived a little earlier than expected this year. Tasmanian growers say their cooler climate makes for sweeter fruit, and raspberries, blackberries and blueberries will follow in the coming weeks.

Berries are perfect for topping a pavlova or a trifle. Want to keep some for later? Here's how to freeze strawberries and other berries.

Stone fruit: big and sweet now, lighter later

Peaches, nectarines and apricots from the Goulburn Valley and northern Victoria are arriving through November. One large Victorian grower says early fruit is running one to two sizes bigger than normal, with much better eating quality than last year.

The catch is the weather. A warm winter meant many orchards didn't get the cold they need, and some later varieties are carrying much smaller crops. The same grower expects some January varieties to be down by 40 to 50%. In short: enjoy stone fruit early. We explain the reasons in why a short stone fruit season makes a fruit hamper a smart gift.

If you'd like to send stone fruit and mangoes together, the Festive Mango and Stone Fruit Christmas Box packs both.

What's the best fruit gift for Christmas this year?

• For mango lovers: a mango box. Mangoes are plentiful and at their best in December.
• For a family or office: the Christmas Fruit Basket, seasonal fresh fruit in a woven basket with a festive decoration.
• For something to celebrate with: a Christmas fruit basket with Moët or one of our fruit and wine hampers.
• For clients and staff: fruit is a healthy break from chocolate and pudding. See our corporate hampers.

Our fruit baskets are packed with the best seasonal fruit available that week, so the mix changes as the season moves along. Browse all our fruit baskets and Christmas hampers.

When should I order a Christmas fruit gift?

Order early, especially for stone fruit and anything going to a business that closes over Christmas. Fresh fruit gifts are delivered to NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland, and they're dispatched Monday to Thursday so they don't sit in a depot over the weekend. Orders placed by 2pm on a dispatch day go out the same day.

For standard delivery before Christmas to metro NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland, order by Thursday 17 December. See all the cut-off dates in our Christmas delivery dates 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are mangoes in season at Christmas in Australia?

Yes. Mangoes are at their peak in December. In 2026 the harvest started a little late in Queensland, but supply is expected to continue into autumn.

Are cherries in season at Christmas?

Yes. Mainland cherry picking began in late October 2026, and Tasmanian cherries usually start in December.

When does stone fruit season start in Australia?

Victorian stone fruit picking began around 22 October this year, and more peaches, nectarines and apricots arrive through November. Some later varieties are expected to be in shorter supply in January.

Can you send fruit hampers anywhere in Australia?

Our fresh fruit gifts are delivered to NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. For WA, SA, Tasmania and the NT, choose from our non-perishable Christmas hampers, which are delivered Australia-wide.

For a full year of seasonal fruit, see our fruit in season month-by-month guide.

Shop Christmas mango boxes

Sources

• FreshPlaza, Up to 40% of Australian mangoes rejected over cosmetic defects, 10 November 2026
• FreshPlaza, Spring vegetable supplies rise in Australia as stone fruit season begins, 6 November 2026
• FreshPlaza, Riverbend Orchard on the impact of the lack of winter chill, 6 November 2026
• FreshPlaza, Cherry Growers Australia on the 2026 cherry season, 5 November 2026
• FreshPlaza, Tasmania's strawberry season begins slightly earlier this year, 5 November 2026