Introduction
Watching my son Benji’s face light up as he cracked a stock whip for the first time was an unforgettable moment.
From getting hands-on with the whip instructor to riding on the tractor and feeding baby goats, camels, and horses, every part of the day was a new adventure for him.
If you’re looking for a place where kids can explore, play, and learn, Calmsley Hill City Farm delivers an experience that’s priceless.
Overview of the Farm
Calmsley Hill City Farm, located just a 40 minute drive from Sydney CBD, offers families an immersive farm experience where kids can get up close and personal with animals and enjoy hands-on activities.
It’s the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun and learning, especially for young animal lovers.
We decided to visit because for the past two weeks, our 3-year-old son Benji had been asking to see farm animals.
Something must have sparked a memory from earlier this year when we visited Golden Ridge Animal Farm, and Benji couldn’t stop talking about cows and farm life.
His love for farm animals has been with him since he was just 1 year old, and we even threw him a cow-themed birthday party for his 2nd birthday! So, we knew another farm visit was in order, and Calmsley Hill City Farm did not disappoint.
Purpose of the Review
This Calmsley Hill City Farm Review aims to help parents and families decide if Calmsley Hill City Farm is the right destination for a fun and memorable day out with young kids.
As a parent of a curious 3-year-old who loves animals, I know how important it is to find activities that are both engaging and suitable for young children.
In this review, I’ll share our firsthand experience, from the interactive animal encounters to the variety of activities that kept my son, Benji, entertained throughout the day.
I’ll cover everything parents need to know, including the farm’s facilities, pricing, and family-friendly features like the onsite park and tractor rides. My goal is to give you all the information you need to decide if Calmsley Hill City Farm is the perfect spot for your family’s next adventure, especially if you have little ones eager to explore the world of farm animals.
Getting there and first impressions
Calmsley Hill City Farm is relatively straightforward to find, especially with plenty of visible signs guiding you through Abbotsbury, which was a pleasant surprise.
Abbotsbury itself is a beautiful, clean, and green suburb, with large houses and cyclists passing by.
It was a bit unexpected to see the farm nestled right next to a residential area; you drive through what feels like a typical neighborhood, and then suddenly, there’s a turnoff leading up to the farm entrance.
As for parking, it’s free, though the parking area is gravel rather than concrete, which fits the farm setting.
There are about three levels of parking, and we were lucky to find a spot on the second level under a nice shaded tree. From there, it’s just a short walk up a paved ramp to the entrance—no stairs, so it’s stroller-friendly, which is a huge plus for families with young kids.
At the entrance, you can buy tickets, tractor ride passes, animal feed, or even family tickets and annual passes if you’re planning to return.
While it’s possible to get there by public transport, I’d recommend driving, as it only takes about 40 minutes by car. Taking public transport (a mix of trains, buses, and walking) would take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, which isn’t ideal when traveling with young children.
My recommendation to families visiting the farm is to purchase both the animal feed and the tractor ride tickets upon arrival. This ensures you don’t miss out on the experience, especially since the tractor rides can fill up quickly during the day.
Farm Experience
Animal Interactions
One of the highlights of our visit to Calmsley Hill City Farm was the wide variety of animals we encountered. From camels, donkeys, cows, and pigs to smaller animals like rabbits, chickens, and mice, there was something for everyone.
The farm also featured native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, emus, snakes and even koalas. Of course, the more traditional farm animals—goats, lambs, sheep, horses, and ducks—were a huge hit, especially with the younger kids.
Our personal favorite was feeding the adorable baby goats and lambs. They were irresistibly cute, and their gentle nature made it a fun and heartwarming experience.
The animals at the farm are clearly well cared for, clean, and treated with respect, which is reassuring for families with young children.
One thing to be aware of, particularly in the farmyard nursery, is the occasional sight of animal droppings—just part of the authentic farm experience! However, this didn’t detract from the overall cleanliness and the opportunity to feed and interact with the animals.
A wonderful feature we appreciated was the availability of bowls and trays for feeding the animals. If you’re hesitant to feed animals directly from your hands, or if you’re worried about your child getting nipped, this option is perfect. The horses, camels, and other animals eat directly from the bowls, giving parents peace of mind and making the experience more comfortable and safe for kids.
During our visit, we noticed families with children of all ages, from babies as young as 1 year old to teenagers. While the farm is suitable for a broad age range, it was particularly popular with toddlers and kids under five. Many parents were also pushing prams, making it clear that the farm is very family-friendly and accommodating for younger visitors.
Activities and Shows
Calmsley Hill City Farm offers a variety of daily shows and activities that are perfect for families.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy scheduled events like animal petting at 10:30 a.m., cow milking at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the stock whip show at 12:30 p.m., the working dog show at 1 p.m., sheep shearing at 1:30 p.m., and the koala talk at 2 p.m.
During our visit, we managed to catch the stock whip show and the working dog demonstration before taking a break for lunch. The stock whip show was a huge hit with Benji. He was completely captivated by the instructor, who demonstrated a range of whip techniques while sharing the fascinating history of how Australia became known for producing stock whips. We learned about the design and craftsmanship that goes into making them, which was eye-opening.
The best part? Towards the end of the show, the instructor invited both kids and adults to try their hand at cracking a whip! My wife, Benji, and I all gave it a go—it’s definitely trickier than it looks! Trying to recreate that classic whipping sound you hear in movies was a lot of fun, and the whole experience felt interactive and engaging for the whole family.
Following the stock whip show, we attended the working dog show, which explained the history and origins of the Australian Kelpie breed. I was fascinated to learn that these dogs are a mix of domestic dogs and dingoes, making them exceptional working dogs capable of rounding up sheep and cattle at a young age. Benji wasn’t quite as engaged during the talking portion, but once the kelpie sprang into action, herding sheep with impressive precision, he perked up. It was incredible to see the dog’s skills in action, and it deepened my appreciation for this breed.
In addition to the shows, you can feed the animals throughout the farm with animal feed purchased at the ticket booth. While pony rides aren’t available, tractor rides are offered multiple times during the day. We booked a tractor ride for 3 p.m., and it was a fantastic experience. My tip for visitors is to book the tractor ride as soon as you arrive, as tickets tend to sell out quickly, and you cannot reserve them online in advance.
The tractor ride lasts around 15 to 20 minutes and takes you on a scenic tour around the farm. The driver provides a fascinating commentary, sharing the history of the farm and insights about the different animals, such as buffalos and ducks. One interesting fact we learned was that horns don’t necessarily indicate a bull; cows can have horns too, which debunked a common myth. Benji loved the ride, and it was a wonderful way to see more of the farm’s animals and learn about farm life.
Whether you’re there for the shows or just to explore, the variety of activities ensures that kids of all ages will find something to enjoy at Calmsley Hill City Farm.
Facilities and Amenities
One of the great features of Calmsley Hill City Farm is the thoughtful amenities they provide for families, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
A particular highlight for Benji was the mini playground, where he spent some time pretending to be a cameraman after finding a toy camera. Though we couldn’t locate the owner, Benji had a blast showing off his “camera skills.” The playground was bustling with kids, and it’s a great space for them to take a break from the farm activities and just have some playtime.
Conveniently located next to the playground is the farm café, which offers a variety of snacks, meals, and drinks, including ice cream and coffee. Since we arrived around 11 a.m. without packed lunches, the café was a welcome option. The food is very reasonably priced compared to most Sydney cafes.
For example, we enjoyed a beef burger and a chicken schnitzel burger, both priced at $10.50, along with medium chips for $8.50. Typically, you’d expect to pay almost double these prices at city cafes. The quality was good, with the chicken schnitzel burger being my personal favorite. So, if you forget to bring lunch, rest assured—the farm café has you covered.
For families with little ones, the café also offers a dedicated kids’ menu to keep children fed and energized during their visit. You can order a chicken nuggets combo for $11, which includes five nuggets, chips, and a juice box. Other kid-friendly options include cheeseburgers, mini spring rolls, hot dogs, and milkshakes. This variety ensures that even the pickiest eaters have something to enjoy, making the café a convenient stop for refueling during your day at the farm.
There are plenty of picnic areas and seating throughout the farm, making it easy for families to sit down and enjoy a meal together. We even noticed some families setting up birthday parties on the lawn, with tables decorated for a farm-themed celebration.
If you prefer to sit in the shade or have your own packed lunch, the Woolshed provides ample tables and chairs in a barn-style setting, offering a nice retreat from the sun.
One aspect we truly appreciated was the availability of handwashing stations throughout the farm, all equipped with soap. These were particularly useful after feeding and petting the animals. For example, there’s a convenient children’s sink right outside the farmyard nursery, perfect for a quick clean-up after interacting with the baby goats and other animals.
The farm also has plenty of restrooms strategically located around the grounds, including near the café, Woolshed, and farmyard nursery. These restrooms are family-friendly, with baby-changing facilities available, making it easy for parents with little ones.
Cost and Value for Money
| Ticket Entry | Price |
|---|---|
|
Adult |
$32 |
|
Child (3-16 yrs) |
$17 |
|
Seniors |
$25 |
|
Pensioners/Concession |
$27.50 |
|
Family Fare (2 Adults & 3 Children) |
$97 |
|
Tractor Ride |
$4 |
|
Animal Feed |
$2.50 |
Calmsley Hill City Farm offers a variety of ticket options to suit different family needs.
A day entry pass is priced at $32 per adult and $17 per child (ages 3 to 16), with free entry for children under 3 years old. The day pass includes access to all the shows, demonstrations, and interactive activities such as animal patting and cow milking.
It’s important to note that the tractor ride and animal feed are not included in the day entry fee and must be purchased separately at the farm. The tractor ride costs $4, and animal feed is $2.50.
Although it’s strongly recommended to book your tickets for the specific day you plan to visit, the great thing is that your ticket remains valid for 30 days if you cannot make it on the originally scheduled date.
For families who plan to visit frequently, the farm also offers an annual pass. This costs $90 per adult and $45 per child (ages 3 to 16), or you can opt for a family pass (2 adults and 3 children) for $230. After just three visits, you’ll have covered the cost of the pass, making any additional trips essentially free. It’s an excellent value if you’re planning multiple visits throughout the year.
When comparing Calmsley Hill City Farm to other animal farms in Sydney, such as Golden Ridge Animal Farm in Dural, NSW, the pricing is fairly similar, but the value you get differs. At Golden Ridge, general entry is $25 per adult and per child (1 year and above). For our family of three (with Benji being three years old), we paid $75 at Golden Ridge, whereas at Calmsley Hill City Farm, we paid $81.
At first glance, it might seem like Calmsley Hill is more expensive, but the overall value makes a significant difference. Golden Ridge limits your visit to 2 hours, with 30 minutes of indoor activities like cuddling baby chicks, ducklings, and rabbits, and 1.5 hours of outdoor activities such as a self-guided tour, animal feeding (with a feed bucket for $5), and optional extras like pony rides for $5 and egg collecting for $10.
In contrast, Calmsley Hill City Farm allows you to spend the entire day without any time restrictions, which means you can take your time exploring the farm, attending shows, and engaging in all the activities. Plus, the tractor ride and animal feed are comparably cheaper at $4 and $2.50 respectively. Another advantage is that children under 3 are free at Calmsley Hill, whereas at Golden Ridge, children aged 1 year and above are charged full price.
If you’re planning to spend more than 2 hours at the farm, Calmsley Hill City Farm offers much better value for money. You can easily spend half a day or more here, enjoying the shows, demonstrations, and tractor rides, which makes it a more comprehensive and fulfilling experience for families.
What to Bring and Practical Tips
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit to Calmsley Hill City Farm, here are a few essentials and practical tips to keep in mind:
What to Bring
- Comfortable Shoes and Clothing: Since you’ll be interacting with animals and walking through farmyard areas, it’s best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Be mindful that you might step in some animal droppings, especially around the farmyard or barn.
- Sunscreen, Hats, and Water Bottles: As you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors, make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to stay protected and hydrated, especially on sunny days.
- Prams: If you’re visiting with babies or toddlers, bringing a pram is perfectly fine. We saw plenty of young families with prams, and there’s ample space to park them around the farm, making it convenient for parents.
Practical Tips
- Book Your Tractor Ride Upon Arrival: The tractor rides are a popular attraction and can book out quickly. To avoid disappointment, head straight to the ticket gate when you arrive and secure your spot. There’s no set timetable for the rides, so be sure to check with the ticket office for the next available times.
- Dining Options: If you’re bringing your own lunch, there are plenty of spots to enjoy it. The Woolshed offers a shaded, covered area with tables and chairs, perfect for a more relaxed meal. Alternatively, there are picnic areas near the entrance with open grass space for a more casual, outdoor lunch.
Must-See Shows
- Stock Whip Show (12:30 p.m.): This was a standout for us, and it’s one not to miss. If you want to catch this show, aim to arrive at the farm around noon to get settled in time for the performance.
- Working Dog Show (1:00 p.m.) and Sheep Shearing (1:30 p.m.): These shows offer fascinating insights into farm life, and we recommend planning your visit before noon so you can catch all three.
While we didn’t get to see the sheep shearing show, it’s a must for anyone visiting in the afternoon. If you miss the earlier shows, don’t worry—there are other demonstrations like animal petting and cow milking available both in the morning and afternoon, giving you flexibility in your visit.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic day at Calmsley Hill City Farm, maximizing your experience and making the most of all the activities and attractions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The highlight of our visit to Calmsley Hill City Farm was, without a doubt,
- The interactive stock whip show. Both children and adults had the chance to learn how to crack a whip, which was a unique and fun experience.
- We also loved the variety of free shows and demonstrations throughout the day, from the stock whip show to the working dog and sheep shearing demonstrations.
- The animal tractor ride was another great way to explore the farm and see a wide range of animals, while
- The farmyard nursery provided the perfect opportunity to get up close with baby animals and even feed them.
What we truly appreciated about Calmsley Hill City Farm is how family-friendly the entire place is.
- There’s an onsite playground that kept Benji entertained,
- An affordable café with great meal options, and
- Plenty of picnic spots if you prefer to bring your own food.
- The washing stations scattered throughout the farm were also a thoughtful touch, allowing kids to keep their hands clean after interacting with the animals.
- The pricing is reasonable, and with free entry for children under 3, it’s an even more appealing destination for families with young kids.
- The farm is also pram-friendly, with lots of space to wander, making it easy to navigate for families with toddlers or babies.
Cons
The only minor downside of our visit was
- No option to pre-book tractor rides or know their schedule in advance. Having this option would make it easier to plan the day and fit in the shows and activities more efficiently. However, this was a small inconvenience and didn’t take away from the overall experience.
Overall
Our experience at Calmsley Hill City Farm was wonderful, and we would definitely visit again. The combination of engaging activities, friendly atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities makes it a fantastic destination for families.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Our day at Calmsley Hill City Farm was filled with memorable moments that brought smiles and laughter, especially to Benji, who left the farm with a newfound love for stock whips, tractor rides and baby goats. It’s a place where kids can immerse themselves in nature, connect with animals, and experience farm life firsthand—all while parents get to enjoy the serene countryside atmosphere just a short drive from Sydney.
What sets Calmsley Hill apart from other farms is its balance of engaging activities and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s cracking a stock whip, watching a skilled working dog in action, or enjoying a peaceful tractor ride around the farm, there’s something here for every family member to enjoy.
For families with young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, this farm offers the perfect mix of interactive experiences and downtime, with ample spaces to rest, play, and picnic. The farm’s thoughtful amenities—like washing stations, shaded picnic areas, and a family-friendly café—make it easy to spend a full day here without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Is Calmsley Hill City Farm Worth a Visit?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for an affordable, educational, and fun day out with your kids, Calmsley Hill City Farm delivers in spades. It’s especially great for young animal lovers, but older kids and adults will also find plenty to enjoy, from the shows to the hands-on activities. The ability to roam freely without time restrictions offers incredible value for money, especially when compared to other farms.
Whether it’s your child’s first time seeing farm animals or you’re just looking for a laid-back outdoor experience, this farm has everything you need for a memorable day out. It’s the kind of place where your kids will learn, laugh, and create lasting memories—while you can sit back, relax, and enjoy watching them discover the joys of farm life.
So, pack your sunscreen, a few snacks, and a sense of adventure. Calmsley Hill City Farm is a destination we’ll happily visit again—and one I highly recommend to fellow parents looking for a fun-filled, stress-free day with the little ones.
For more fun, kid-friendly animal experiences, be sure to check out our detailed review of the Sydney Zoo!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Calmsley Hill City Farm?
Calmsley Hill City Farm is a family-friendly farm located just outside of Sydney, offering visitors the opportunity to experience farm life firsthand. The farm features a wide range of farm animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and more, as well as interactive shows and hands-on activities for children.
2. How much does it cost to visit the farm?
Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size. Typically, tickets for adults cost $32, while tickets for children and concessions cost $17 and $27.50 respectively. Family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) are available for $97. Be sure to check their official website for up-to-date pricing and any available deals or promotions.
3. What activities can children enjoy at the farm?
Children can enjoy feeding and petting various animals, tractor rides, and pony rides. There are also educational shows such as sheep shearing, cow milking, and working dog demonstrations. The farm has play areas where kids can unwind after interacting with the animals.
4. Is the farm suitable for toddlers and young children?
Yes! Calmsley Hill City Farm is designed with young families in mind. The farm provides plenty of interactive activities for toddlers, including petting baby animals, playgrounds, and easy walking paths that are pram-friendly. However, always supervise your children closely, especially around animals.
5. Can we bring our own food and have a picnic?
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas around the farm where you can enjoy your own packed lunch. Alternatively, there’s an on-site café offering a range of snacks, drinks, and meals, including kid-friendly options.
6. What’s the best time to visit the farm?
The farm is open year-round, but it’s best to visit during the cooler morning hours or in spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, making it easier to enjoy all the activities with your family.
7. Is the farm accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Yes, the farm is generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with wide paths and ramps in most areas. There are also accessible restrooms available. However, some areas might have rougher terrain, so it’s best to prepare accordingly.
8. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While it’s not required to book tickets in advance, it’s a good idea during weekends, school holidays, or special events when the farm may be busier. Booking online also gives you the opportunity to check for any discounts or promotions.
9. What should we wear for a visit to the farm?
It’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and being around animals. Don’t forget to bring hats, sunscreen, and water if you’re visiting on a sunny day, as there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
10. Are there restrooms and baby-changing facilities?
Yes, there are restrooms available throughout the farm, including baby-changing facilities for families with infants.
11. Are there any restrictions for animal feeding?
The farm provides designated times and food for feeding certain animals. It’s important not to feed the animals with anything outside of what the farm supplies to ensure their health and safety. Staff will guide you on how and when feeding is allowed.
12. How long should we plan to spend at the farm?
Most families spend around 2–3 hours at the farm, depending on how many activities they participate in and whether they stop for a picnic or café visit. If you want to experience all the shows and hands-on activities, plan for a half-day visit.