The farm life with its open spaces, fresh air and free-range childhood has always been just out of reach for us as a family, thanks to busy careers and, ahem, the realities of the bank balance. But I’m always on the lookout for ways to dip our toes into that lifestyle, even if it’s just for a weekend escape. When I learned that Burradoo Park Farm was now open to the public, I had to make sure we put aside a weekend to visit.
With a teenager in tow, we headed off to New South Wales Southern Highlands for what we imagined would be a day frolicking with livestock, munching on sourdough and exploring vegetable patches. This was exactly what we did! We were so impressed with Burradoo Park Farm. Add it to your kid’s bucket list, pronto!
Visiting Burradoo Park Farm in the NSW Southern Highlands wth Kids
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What to See at Burradoo Park Farm
Burradoo Park Farm has fast become one of our weekend spots to explore, but before you start planning your trip, you need to note that it is a working farm. This means that it is likely to be a little muddy after rain, and the animals are not like you’ll find in a ‘petting zoo’. They’re livestock for the farm, so you’ll do more looking than interacting, which, in its own way, makes the experience feel all the more authentic.
That aside, the farm has a bevy of experiences for you to enjoy, and I suspect no day is the same. You can’t really predict farm life.
The Bakehouse
For many farms, the kitchen is the heart of the operation. You can’t do heavy lifting without a satisfied tummy. Burradoo Park Farm’s Bakehouse is a must-stop when exploring the farm and offering small-batch baked goods such as yummy seeded sourdough, seasonal pastries and yummy treats. We grabbed one of the warm sourdough loaves for home.
The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse blends everyday pantry essentials with fresh, seasonal produce from the farm and a curated selection of quality goods, all complemented by a menu of simple, flavourful dishes designed to let the ingredients shine.
We really enjoyed perusing the shelves. I may have grabbed some garlic for our pantry.
The Gelato Store
This is a gelato store with a difference. Each flavour is born from the produce, herbs and flowers on the farm. Sunshine was a little shocked by this and was unsure about whether “beetroot gelato” was something she wanted to try. Thankfully, you can taste test the various flavours before committing. We chose an apple/cucumber flavour and a carrot/ginger flavour, which were super refreshing
Three Blue Ducks Restaurant
The Three Blue Ducks Restaurant was gearing up to launch when we visited. Instead, they hosted a BBQ lunch with yummy chicken and potato salad ($26), pumpkin and potato salad ($22) and/or sausages in rolls ($10).
Having eaten at Sydney’s Three Blue Ducks Restaurant, I am keen to return when it opens and sample their paddock-to-plate offerings.
Animals
Currently, the farm boasts a herd of Highland Cows, pigs, alpacas, sheep and at least four separate flocks of chickens.
Whilst you can’t walk amongst them or even feed them, you can watch them for as long as they hold your interest.
The Gardens
Burradoo Park Farm has the most amazing gardens to explore. On our visit, we explored the market garden, the flower garden, the orchard and the Stephanie Alexander Garden. They are such beautiful spaces scented by the blooms. A number of these spaces featured potting sheds.
Innovation Stables
At Burradoo Park Farm, the Innovation Stables are a hands-on hub where fresh ideas come to life. Designed as a microcosm of the farm, it’s a space to explore, experiment and ask questions – inviting visitors to see, and be part of, new ways of growing, creating and living.
The Garbage School
This was one of my favourite spots at the farm, and I am certain it will be a favourite for kids. The Garbage School is all about rethinking waste in the most creative way possible. Through hands-on activities, visitors are encouraged to transform everyday discarded materials into something new, whether that is art, practical items or inventive creations. It is a space that sparks curiosity, showing kids and adults alike how recycling can go beyond the bin and become an opportunity to make, build and imagine.
Insect Institute
At Burradoo Park Farm, the Insect Institute shines a light on the tiny creatures that play a vital role in farm life. This immersive space invites visitors to look closer, uncovering how insects support healthy soils and thriving ecosystems. It is a chance to explore a hidden world, spark curiosity and walk away with a fresh perspective on the importance of even the smallest farm residents. You can even taste them!
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
It is always exciting to see an initiative from my own school come to life in the wider community, especially one as impactful as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program. We certainly did not expect to come across it at Burradoo Park Farm, which made the experience all the more special.
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is a leading Australian not-for-profit, established in 2004 by Stephanie Alexander, that champions hands-on food education for children and young people. Its globally recognised Kitchen Garden Program teaches participants how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food, helping build lifelong skills in wellbeing and sustainability.
In partnership with SMART Collective, the Foundation has helped bring an immersive food education hub to Burradoo Park Farm, designed to support local and regional schools and their communities.
I can’t wait to bring my students here!
When Can You Visit Burradoo Park Farm?
Founded by Annie Cannon-Brookes, Burradoo Park Farm is designed to explore different ways to grow, prepare and experience food. It is open 7 Days a week.
Please make sure to check the times we have listed as these can change over time.
Please note: Burradoo Park Farm have introduced General Admission Tickets for Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. These are still FREE, but help the farm manage capacity. Bookings can be found on the What’s On page.
General Access
• Open daily from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm
• Bookings required for Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
• At least one food venue is open during these hours
• Please note that some areas have restricted access outside Site Office hours
Site Office Hours
• Monday to Saturday: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
• Sunday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
• Educational programs and pop-ups are available during these times
Food and Retail Venues
• The Bakehouse by Three Blue Ducks: 7.00 am to 3.00 pm, 7 days
• The Farmhouse by Three Blue Ducks: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, 7 days
• Three Blue Ducks restaurant: Opening soon
• The Gelato Store: 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm Saturday, 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm Sunday
• The Flower Shop: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Saturday and Sunday
Public Holidays
Follow Sunday trading hours
What is the Entry Fee?
Visiting Burradoo Park Farm is free for all ages. Some experiences, such as immersive tours, require advance online booking and may incur an additional cost.
How to Get There
Burradoo Park Farm, whilst a country destination, is fairly easy to get to via car or public transport.
Location
• 6 Railway Road, Burradoo NSW 2576
• The main driveway is opposite Oxley College
• Pedestrian and bike access available via Burradoo railway station
Parking
• Limited parking available on site. Don’t stress – there is an overflow parking area with a shuttle bus operating to take you to the farm (for free)
• Includes 1 accessible space
• 6 electric vehicle charging stations available | Charging is limited to 1 hour per vehicle
Shuttle Service
• Runs between Bowral railway station and the farm
• Operates on weekends and public holidays
• Not available on Christmas Day
Train Access
• Burradoo Park Farm is just a short 400m walk from Burradoo railway station
• There are direct train services from Central railway station in Sydney and the Canberra railway station
• Check current timetables via Transport for NSW
This trip was self funded.