FArm Experience Premises
Founded in 1998 and run by owners Mark and Kate, Purple Pear Farm is a flourishing, productive farm at Anambah that focuses on sustainable permaculture, biodynamics, and organic farming practices with mandala gardens and forest foods. The education centre offers many workshops on how to sustainably farm in your own garden, as well as tours and events that are child friendly to let the little ones get their hands dirty. There are also many farm animals for them to interact with including dogs, chickens, geese, goats, pigs, cows, as well as a bull to admire. Be sure to book an experience with Purple Pear Farm to bring joy to the whole family.
Originally a cattle farm with fantastic soil and direct Hunter River access, Phil and Lucy Griffiths saw the potential for their picturesque property to be transformed into a vineyard. In 1997 Tranquil Vale was opened, housing a boutique vineyard and accommodation. In 2017, their daughter Connie, a viticulturist and winemaker, took over the property management with her husband, Randeep. Today, the 25 acre working vineyard produces award winning and authentic Hunter Valley wines, with a specialty in their estate grown semillon, chardonnay and shiraz.Â
Enhance your visit with a Winery and Vineyard Tour with one of the viticulturists to gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, finishing with a tasting to have a more holistic and interactive wine experience. Stay in one of the lovely cottages overlooking the vines for the ultimate experience.
Located 15 minutes north of Maitland, Tocal Farm serves as the agricultural hub of the region, with the Farm operating five agricultural enterprises on over 2,200 hectares. Book a farm tour to be guided through production works of food and fibre with Black Angus beef cattle, the dairy milking station of 250 Holstein-Friesian cows, an Australian Stock Horse stud, and a flock of Dohne sheep for wool and lambs.Â
Book a Phoenix Park Farm Experience with owners Jesse and Carly – two of Maitland’s hard working local organic farmers passionate about the slow food earth movement. Every so often, they open their farm up for guided tours for families to learn about and see the farm operations first hand. The farm also offers many workshops for children all year round, giving children practical skills and knowledge as they follow Carly around the farm to look after the veggie patch, feed the chickens and spend time with Barry the goat.
FArm Experience Fare
On the first and third Thursday of the month Earth Markets Maitland is held at The Levee Maitland in Central Maitland. Watch the precinct come to life as local farmers and producers offer a range of healthy, quality food directly to consumers to preserve the local community’s food culture and protect biodiversity. Meet the growers to learn about their farming practices directly. Wander through the stalls as you find a wide range of fresh and high quality produce and much more.
If you can’t make the markets, make your way to Reader’s Café and Larder. This small café is located within East Maitland Library and stocks local produce directly from Maitland’s local farmers. Need more than veggies and fruit? Visit Organic Feast Wholefoods Market and Café in East Maitland for the biggest range of locally and freshly harvested certified organic food in the Hunter Valley.Â
FArm STAY ACCOMMODATION
Situated on 110 acres, Hunter River Retreat is a hidden gem with several farm animals who love greeting visitors. Meet Smoky, the horse fond of an apple or carrot (or 2!), Molly and Murphy, the Scottish Highlander cows who love to be fed, or meet the new miniature donkeys. Collect some eggs from the retreat’s resident chickens. Soak in the magnificent views of the Hunter River and beyond your villa or the viewing platform situated at the top of the property; this spot is perfect for picnics, overlooking the magnificent valley. Whilst you are there, you can also admire the abundance of wildlife that roams the property.
Donnybrook Eco Retreat offers a unique glamping experience with a luxury tent overlooking a dam on 100 acres of land in the stunning Luskintyre. Unwind as you connect with nature by freely walking around the property and discovering the wildlife and farm animals, including teacup pigs Tetley & Earl, Pixie and Magic, the goats, and Casper, the pony, as well as the resident alpacas, Indian runner ducks, frogs, birds, chooks and cows.
Mindaribba Estate is a 70 acre picturesque property offering luxurious accommodation on the banks of the Paterson River with a 1800s house and cottage that combines regional heritage with modern architecture. Being a working, agricultural property you may see the farm manager on his tractor or tending to the livestock.Â
AGRICULTURE EVENTS
One for the calendar is Tocal Field Days. Held on the first weekend in May, the premier agricultural event in the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions is held over three days at Tocal Agriculture College. Hosting over 370 exhibitors, you can watch educational demonstrations with agriculture experts and learn about the latest innovations in farming techniques, technology, and machinery.Â
Kick back and enjoy live music, coupled perfectly with the many gourmet food and wine vendors. Visit the animal nursery to cuddle baby farm animals, milk a cow, kiss a llama, watch the working dogs and join in the excitement of the piglet races.
Maitland Show is held annually over three days in February, showcasing the Maitland’s agricultural prowess. Enjoy plenty of farm based entertainment for the whole family, including horticulture displays, cattle clinics, livestock exhibits, woodchopping and the scarecrow competition.
