North Motton Cherries

Local fruit, grown with care on the Central Coast

Small, local and family-run

North Motton Cherries is a small, family-run cherry farm based in North Motton on Tasmania’s Central Coast. During the cherry season, the orchard comes to life, producing fresh Tasmanian cherries and a small range of cherry products for locals and visitors who value produce grown close to home.

The business employs around 20 people each season — a mix of family members and dedicated seasonal staff who all play a hands-on role from orchard to customer. It’s very much a team effort, shaped by hard work, shared responsibility, and a deep respect for the land.

Selling locally, staying connected

All of North Motton Cherries’ fruit is sold locally. During the season, the cherry truck trades seven days a week at the Sulphur Creek Roundabout on Nine Mile Road, becoming a familiar and much-loved stop for those travelling through the region.

Selling direct allows the fruit to be picked and sold at its freshest, while also creating a face-to-face connection with customers. In addition to the truck, a small number of local outlets are supplied, including Wynyard IGA, Fourways Fruit and Vegetable Shop, and King Island. Exporting has never been part of the plan – the focus is firmly on feeding the local community.

Born and bred on the Central Coast

The decision to purchase the orchard in 2021 came from a strong connection to the region. Born and bred locally, the owners were drawn to the landscape, the lifestyle, and the opportunity to build something meaningful on the Central Coast, even though they were new to cherry growing at the time.

North Motton offers ideal conditions for cherries. Rich volcanic soils, a cool climate, and reliable rainfall support high-quality fruit. Not to mention, the region’s natural beauty also brings visitors through, offering a chance to share locally grown produce with people discovering the area.

Farming coming with challenges

Like any agricultural business, the journey isn’t without its challenges. Weather, particularly rain, is the biggest risk for the fruit. Without rain or bird netting, the orchard is more exposed, which can affect yield and make harvesting difficult. Protective systems are costly, so adapting to the season and managing risk is an ongoing part of running the family farm.

A lifestyle tied to the land

Outside of the harvest, life in North Motton offers the Marshall family a pace and quality that’s hard to beat. Sweeping rural views, quiet surroundings, and easy access to bushwalking, fishing, and camping create a lifestyle closely connected to nature. The Central Coast’s close-knit, family-friendly community adds to that appeal, making it a rewarding place to live as well as work.

Looking ahead

Since taking over the orchard, the focus for Laura and [husband] has been on learning, improving cherry quality, planting 500 early-variety trees, and strengthening ties with the local community. Looking forward, there’s strong potential for greater collaboration between growers and producers across the region through shared knowledge, joint events, or co-investment in infrastructure. Working together can only strengthen the Central Coast’s agricultural future.

From the orchard to the community

For those considering starting or relocating a business to the Central Coast, Laura and Gene’s advice is simple: be prepared to work hard, take time to understand the land and climate, and invest in your community. Seasonal challenges are part of the journey, but starting small, learning as you go, and valuing local markets can make the experience deeply rewarding.

North Motton Cherries is a reminder that success here is built on patience, adaptability, and connection – to place, to people, and to the land itself.