More than 300 extra visitors flocked to the city on Friday to take part in the Xmas 5 Day orienteering event and, for many, a visit to the Orange Visitor Information Centre was essential.

Among the competitors who sought information on pick-your-own fruit orchards were Tate and Hind Needham and their children Tamara and Zackery.

“We’ll be visiting the [Huntley] berry farm while we’re here,” Mrs Needham said.

Other orienteering competitors Rose and Andrew Campbell and Jitka Kopriva and Zuzu Burford also sought information on cherry and fig picking.

“I love picking cherries and figs,” Ms Kopriva said.

They are not alone, according to tourist information officer Cathy Hines.

“A lot are from Sydney and also grey nomads are travelling around. A lot of people really want to do the picking,” she said.

Norland Fig Orchard owner Warren Bradley said picking your own fruit was very popular with Orange residents, as well as travellers.

“We’ve had a whole lot of people from Sydney that come up here and we have a lot from Orange,” he said.

“A lot of people like to go out in the country to pick their own.”

Mr Bradley said his current crop would run for another two weeks, while the next one would be ready for picking from around February 20.

Visit the Orange Visitor Information Centre at 151 Byng Street or go online at www.visitorange.com.au.