As regular visitors to many of the venues under the Sydney’s Living Museums umbrella we were delighted to discover that Rouse Hill House and Farm was set to host the inaugural Autumn Harvest in Western Sydney on the last Sunday of May. We knew we had to visit and started encouraging friends and family to attend as soon as we added it to our calendar.
During the lead up to the event, we continuously checked the weather forecast so we were a little shocked when rain started splattering across our windscreen as we drove along Old Windsor Road. That wasn’t supposed to happen! Thankfully we had umbrellas on standby in our car.
We arrived just after 10.00 am along with the first wave of visitors. Making our way from the car park to the welcome tent with the kids was exciting. They remembered the old Rouse Hill Public School building and pointed out the May Pole we had danced around last July, pointed out the original gates and even knew that the road we were walking along was the original Windsor Road route. A map was quickly obtained detailing each stall and we were on our way to taste testing heaven.
Well, we thought we were. Along the way we found some bullocks which the kids just had to go and pat! Even better, one of the farm hands had a bale of lucerne and provided the kids with a biscuit to share out. 20 minutes later and we were off!
Imagine one of those English Farmers Markets you see on the Lifestyle channel and you will have an idea how fantastic the Rouse Hill House and Farm inaugural Autumn Farm was for us. Every stand offered an opportunity to taste what was on offer and everything was delicious.
So what did we stock up on?
- Bread and a Danish from The Bread & Butter Project. Oh my gosh! We chose the berry danish and my mouth waters each time I think about it!
- Australian Cultured Butter from Pepe Saya. I kept walking past to grab a chunk of bread and butter from their tasting plate so thought it was only fair I bought a wheel (is that what you call it?). Mmmmmmm…..this butter is magic and I will be wanting to source more soon.
- Murrungundy Pistachios Red Tomato and Pistachio Relish. We discovered this when we visited the Beekeeper’s Inn in Vittoria and I’ve been so sad that I have only a teeny tiny bit left. I actually shouted in glee when I saw the jar and stocked up. T even bought a new sauce.
- Pickles from Cornersmith. We pickle a lot of the products we grow in our own garden but it is always fun to sample products from people with a similar passion. We were not disappointed.
- A piece of kidney from Feather and Bone. I think that needs a little explaining, right? Each year we order a Christmas ham from Feather and Bone. They are source locally raised stock so their product is quite literally paddock to plate. Better yet, it’s sustainable and ethical. So how does the kidney fit it? We were a little early for the spit which was due to come off the coals at 12.30. Master R observed that the pig still had its kidneys and asked the Feather and Bone team why this was so. He was told that the butcher leaves them in so that the age of the pig can be determined and whether he would like to try a piece. Initial reluctance quickly turned to a very pleasing ‘why not!” and he liked it!
- A case of Bilpin non-alcoholic cider from Bilpin Cider. I was hooked from my first sip. Imagine biting into a Granny Smith for the first time. The flavour hits you with a crunch. It’s refreshing and delicious. This is Blipin cider. They’ve captured that taste in their drink. Perfect.
- Marshmallows from Sweetness the Patisserie. Another stand we kept walking past just to grab a taste. The marshmallows were so yummy we had to grab some for home!
There was so much more – you can head to the Living Museum’s page for the full stall list.
Whilst we did leave with muddy feet, we also left with full bellies and bags of goods. We decided to skip the house tour having visited before, as we were scared that we would muddy the floors.
We have heard whispers that Elizabeth Farm will host the next harvest festival in spring. We will keep you in the loop.
