by Rebecca Lee
Looking for a quick escape to the country? Look no further than Calmsley Hill City Farm.It was a gorgeous lazy Sunday, so we bundled ourselves into the car and set out for the farm located at Fairfield. An easy drive, once on the M4.
We navigated off the M4 and through some quiet suburban streets before discovering Calmsley Hill at the end of one such street. There is plenty of parking.
Tickets are purchased at the front entrance, adults are $25.50 and children $15 (under 3yrs old free). Concession prices are also available. Optional extras include tractor ride ($3 per person) and bags of feed for the animals ($2 per bag).
The Farm is not very big, and easy to navigate with the provided map. We got up close with sheep, cows, goats, pigs, koalas, a camel and a donkey, amongst others. Miss 3 loved the piglets which were only a few weeks old and in with their mum. Very curious free-range chickens and ducks also provided entertainment.
Voice-over announcements informed us of when and where the “shows” were taking place. One such show enabled Miss 3 to milk a jersey cow which she thought was just ace.
The tractor ride took us out into the paddock and back again where the driver provided commentary on the history of the farm and its animals. When we went the paddocks were empty, but the animals are out there to pasture at different times of day.
BBQ facilities are available for lunch, or else take your picnic to the beautiful lakeside field and enjoy some fresh air. There is a small shop selling refreshments but we decided to give it a miss.
The verdict? A lovely morning or afternoon out for a young family. Kids over 7 years might find it a bit childish, but perfect for little ones. They can safely run free amongst the grounds. Whilst we found entry to be a bit expensive, the Family Pass is better value, so see if you can team up with some other family or friends to take advantage of it. Once inside there is no more to pay, all the shows are included and there is a playground under shade.
In future we would love to explore the overnight camping that takes place over the Summer months. More on that here: http://calmsleyhill.com.au/events/camping-at-the-farm
Calmsley Hill City Farm
Open Every Day 9:30am- 4:30pm
Phone (02) 9823 3222
Email info@calmsleyhill.com.au
Address 31 Darling St Abbotsbury NSW 2176
Website: http://calmsleyhill.com.au
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