Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries Farm
Overview
Just one minute off the M1 roundabout 3km north of Port Macquarie turnoff, 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 - BYO, no corkage - has budget-priced farm fresh brekkie/brunch, nutritious lunches, snacks, tea, barista coffee, cakes and Devonshire Teas with fluffy scones warm from the oven, lavished with 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 flourishing at shoulder height. Adults reach out at arm's length; lower down, tiny tots easily access berries on the bottom rows. Pay only for what you pick.
Escape highway doldrums: no time-wasting detouring - and plenty of grassy spaces for kids to stretch their legs. Sealed roads; big sealed RV carpark.
Accessibility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Employ people with disability
Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked
Have an appropriate area for toileting an assistance dog
Have handrails on all your stairways
Have step free access to restaurant, lounge and bar
Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
Modify your cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc)
Provide seating in common areas including reception area
Train your staff in customer service for people with vision loss (training would incorporate way finding and communicating with people with vision loss)
Train your staff in communicating with people who are deaf or have hearing loss
Train your staff in communicating with people with learning or behavioural challenges
Train your staff in disability awareness
Train your staff to respond to allergic reactions
Use floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
Use non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
Use Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)