Watercress Creek Olives and Limes
The kids ran through the strangely appealing, perfectly parallel rows of the lime orchard. I just walked … it’s more relaxing that way. They disappeared from view as I chatted to Bernie Mahon, learning of how he and his wife Lorraine came to own Watercress Creek Olives and Limes.
“This used to be a dairy farm,” said Bernie. ”It wasn’t very profitable by the 60’s and 70’s so it was divided up among the family.”
Bernie decided to try his hand at planting olive trees in 1998 and hasn’t looked back, now growing three different varieties of olives. A fourth-generation farmer on Pine Mountain, he and Lorraine later added a Tahitian lime orchard. The very orchard my kids were now racing through.
“Wait, they’re yellow! Aren’t they lemons?” I said confused. Chuckling, Bernie explained that limes actually go yellow when they are ripe. Most most people are used to seeing them green, usually in the Corona they are knocking back. He explained that limes are often picked green for a longer supermarket shelf life.
Credit – Jessica Palmer.
The kids raced off again, giggling as they threw the limes up and attempted to catch them on the run. I stood still and stared wistfully at the lime trees sprouting from the green grass, a series of connecting dirt patches under each tree perfecting the scene. Why don’t my plants grow this well!
Perfect Picnic Location …
”Wow, what a perfect place for a picnic,” I thought out loud. Bernie told me that once a year, they host a Watercress Creek Olive Festival, with the next one to be held in April of 2021. At the festival, people come for a day out in the sunshine and do indeed spread out their picnic blankets among the olive grove and lime orchard.
The Watercress Creek Olive Festival is a family-friendly event with food, local producers and artisans, live music and of course, samples of their olive products. You can even arrive by helicopter and view the magnificent rolling hills and farming district of the Brisbane River Valley.
Although, you don’t need to wait until the festival to sample the amazing products at Watercress Creek Olives and Limes. Bernie and his wife Lorraine have built a charming little farm gate shop on the property, chock full of wonderful olive and lime products that you can try before you buy.
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Expect to find quality extra virgin olive oil and flavoured oils, plain and flavoured olives, tapenades and brochette spreads, balsamic glaze and vinegar, jams, cordials and more. Gift baskets are available if buying for someone else!
I was assured by Bernie that even though I don’t like figs, I would definitely like these ones. He handed me a toothpick which I dubiously stabbed into the sticky fig and quickly shoved in my mouth. Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced my teeth together …. this isn’t that bad … in fact, it’s pretty good! I even had a second one to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t!
Make Sure to Grab Some Locally Produced Goodies Before You Leave!
Bernie and Lorraine have created a beautiful garden setting around their shop. The kids ”entertained” Lorraine with their newly learnt math skills of counting in twos and fives, (thanks for being patient, Lorraine!), while I bought some gifts to take home. Of course, I also set aside a gift basket for myself containing figs preserved in balsamic syrup, giant olives and an apple infused balsamic vinegar. All three didn’t last long in the cupboard but were thoroughly enjoyed.
Just as we were leaving, Lorraine passed us a handful of ripe limes which my five-year-old claimed as hers. She eventually agreed to share them with us and they flavoured our water for the next few days. Staying in a hotel, we were drinking ”town water”, as opposed to the rain tank water we live on back at home. Although many will not understand this, after years of drinking tank water, town water tastes very much like a heavily chlorinated pool. Bleerrrrgghhh. The limes were much appreciated!
Credit – Jessica Palmer
Bernie and Lorraine’s Watercress Creek Olives and Limes shop is open by appointment and they can be contacted via:
- Website – www.watercresscreekolivesandlimes.com.au
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/watercresscreekolives
- Email – blmahon53@gmail.com
- Mobile: 0416 201 640
Looking for More Ipswich Family Holiday Inspiration?
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Getting to Ipswich and Places to Stay
Getting to Ipswich
Ipswich is conveniently located just 45 minutes drive south-west of Brisbane CBD, 45 minutes from the Brisbane airport and an hours drive from the Gold Coast.
If you don’t have your own wheels, or are flying into Brisbane first:
- Grab a great deal on flights with I Want That Flight
- Grab a great deal on car rentals with Discover Cars
Where to Stay in and Around Ipswich
Quest Ipswich
Stay here to explore Ipswich City!
Quest Ipswich Apartments are only 1km from Ipswich CBD, making it the ideal base for exploring the region. They are serviced, comfortable and have plenty of room. The kids loved the free unlimited WiFi and I loved the kitchenette which allowed me to cook breakfast and dinner, saving a tonne of money in the process. It’s a fantastic option for families!
Tallavalley Farm B&B
Stay here to explore Marburg or for a peaceful getaway in a rural setting!
Located out in the beautiful rural area of Tallegalla, Tallavalley Farm is utterly charming and memorable. It’s three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms make it ideal for families. You can even bring your horse and dog!
It has all the comfortable features of a house with the added bonus of a fireplace and being able to sit on the roomy front verandah and watch the sun set over the rolling hills surrounding the 50-acre property.
Spicers Hidden Vale
Stay here for a luxury experience in a beautiful rural setting!
Staying at Spicers Hidden Valley is an experience in itself. Perched on top of a ridge with sweeping mountain views, the accommodation (airconditioned heritage cottages with one to four bedrooms) overlooks 12,000 acres of Australian bush.
There are heaps of activities for families including mountain bike riding, bush-walking, swimming, croquet and the animal farm. Make sure to tour the onsite animal research facility and join in their Koala safari.
Ivory’s Rock Convention and Events
Stay here for caravanning / camping and to visit Summerland Camels!
Set on the entrance to the stunning Scenic Rim area of South East Queensland, this picturesque property is perfect for those with a caravan or wishing to camp.
If you don’t have your own camping gear, try out their Rent-a-Tents or Bunkhouses. We loved the convenience of showing up to a tent that was already set up, complete with beds, outdoor gazebo, table and camp chairs.
More Information
Visit the official Discover Ipswich website for more information!
Disclaimer – We visited Watercress Creek Olives and Limes in collaboration with Discover Ipswich. Opinions expressed are honest and based on my own experience.
