Best Farm Days Out on the Central Coast

Yarramalong Valley Horse Farmstay · Wyong Creek

This mother-and-son team runs an Arabian horse stud and welcomes day visitors for a roughly two-hour farm tour. You ride around the property, stopping to feed animals including the stud horses, and take a short nature walk near Wyong River. Kids can also meet miniature goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and an alpaca called Joshie. Local families praised the experience, and one family said the team was lovely with the kids. Book ahead for the tour.

The Giving Farm

This family-run farm offers animal experiences and seasonal pick-your-own sessions. Kids can meet animals like Babydoll sheep, goats and ducks. Depending on the season, you might be able to pick blueberries or flowers such as sunflowers and tulips. The activities change with what’s in season.

Iris Lodge Alpacas

This Jilliby farm is on my list for a day out with my daughter. You can book a visit to hand-feed the alpacas, or make a morning of it with the farm’s alpaca brunch, which also includes time with llamas and sheep. That’s the bit I’d go for with my daughter. She’s always happiest when she gets to meet the animals herself.

Mama Tree Farms

Mama Tree Farms runs small-group farm play sessions with pony time and outdoor play. For a three-year-old, look for a casual Mini Herd morning, which is for ages 18 months to 3½ years. If you’re going with siblings, the mixed-age Holiday Herd sessions are another option. Book ahead.

Mama Tree Farms

The Old Dairy

The Old Dairy is a historic working farm near Avondale with goats and chickens. Local families mentioned seeing the animals and visiting the nearby rose garden. I’d confirm public visiting hours and ask whether animal feeding is available before making the trip.

Adventist Heritage Centre

Oakvale Farm (Oakvale Wildlife Park) · Salt Ash

A little further afield in Port Stephens, Oakvale is a day trip where kids can bottle-feed goats, have a go at milking a cow and take a tractor ride. There’s a playground and a splash pad too, so pack swimmers if it’s warm. I’d leave enough time for the animal activities and a play afterwards.

Cedar Creek Farm · Hunter Valley

This one looks so cute for a day out with my daughter. At Cedar Creek Farm, families get a short tour of the flower fields and learn how to snip their own stems to take home. What you pick depends on what’s blooming, so you might come home with sunflowers, dahlias or sweet peas. The farm provides snips and a container for your flowers. Sessions start at $60 and run on selected dates.

What might be in bloom

• November–March · Dahlias, cosmos, sunflowers and zinnias
• March–May · Chrysanthemums, snapdragons and pansies
• August–September · Tulips, anemones and poppies
• September–October · Ranunculus, Dutch iris, daffodils, gladiolus and cornflowers

These are approximate flowering windows. What’s available to pick can vary on the day.

Australian Reptile Park

If your kids love getting close to animals, the Reptile Park is a fun day out. The school holiday timetable can include baby animal shows and reptile talks where kids get a chance to pat an animal. The line-up varies, so look for the patting sessions in the program for your visit. There’s a playground for a run around between encounters, and the holiday program can help you plan your visit.

Farm open days on the June long weekend

Each June long weekend, farms across the Central Coast hinterland open their gates for the Harvest Festival. Some run farm tours, while others let you head into the orchard and pick your own fruit. In 2025 my daughter and I went to Zestiny Farm and picked oranges straight from the trees. We had so much fun. The program changes each year, and some farm visits need a booking.