| Darkes Forest Wollongong, New South Wales | |
|---|---|
  Darkes Forest | |
| Coordinates | 34°13′11″S 150°54′23″E / 34.21972°S 150.90639°E |
| Population | 95 (2021 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 2508 |
| LGA(s) | |
| State electorate(s) | Heathcote |
| Federal division(s) | Cunningham |
Darkes Forest is a rural locality in the Wollongong and Wollondilly Shire local government areas.[2] At the 2021 census, it had a population of 95.[1] It is home to the Dharawal National Park and also features several farms.[3] Darkes Glenbernie Orchard is the last remaining commercial orchard in Darkes Forest. Orchards were a feature of the area from 1890 when a French vigneron identified the area as being suitable for growing. The orchard grows predominantly apples and stone fruits. In recent years the farm has been value adding to its fresh product. Several products are made from its fresh produce and honey. The farm uses its fruit to make apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Darkes Cider won gold medals at the World Cider Awards 2017 & 2018. Darkes Brewing has also won accolades for its honey meads, including a carbonated mead. The orchard has become an iconic regional tourism attraction and many people visit to experience picking fruit from mid November till May each year. The farm uses a 50-seat tractor train to take visitors on interpretive tours through the 100 acre farm.
- ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Darkes Forest". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ "Darkes Forest". Geographical Names Board of New South Wales. New South Wales Government. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
- ^ "Darkes Forest". Wollongong.nsw.gov.au. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
