Looking for the best farms near Sydney? If your children get excited at seeing the little ducklings, rabbits or goats whenever a kindifarm or petting zoo comes to the local fete or market, a trip to a ‘real’ farm is a whole lot better! We’ve compiled a list of the closest farms near Sydney, so your kids can experience the real thing…
Looking for a fun and educational day out with the kids? You don’t have to venture far from Sydney to enjoy a taste of country life.
From bottle-feeding baby animals to meeting alpacas and collecting fresh eggs, these family-friendly farms offer the perfect mix of hands-on fun and outdoor adventure.
Whether you’ve got little ones who love petting zoos or older kids curious about where their food comes from, a visit to a real working farm is the ultimate experience. Here are some of the best farms near Sydney where families can connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Best family-friendly farms near Sydney
- Golden Ridge Farm, Dural
- Calmsley Hill City Farm, Abbotsbury
- Amazement Park, Wyong Creek
- Iris Lodge Alpacas, Jilliby
- Nancy’s Freedom Farm, Arcadia
- Backyard to Bush at Taronga Zoo, Mosman
- Rouse Hill House and Farm
Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Feeding the goats at Golden Ridge Animal Farm
Golden Ridge Animal Farm has many friendly farm animals, most of which have been hand-raised on the farm – everything from small pet mice to the big bulls! Arrive in the morning for the 2-hour organised Farm Tours – where you can feed the animals ($5 for a large tub of feed), milk cows, bottle-feed goats and cuddle baby animals. You’re free to explore the farm after the organised activities. They sometimes have a bouncy castle and pony rides (an additional $5). The Feed Shed serves coffee, drinks, snacks and meals, but you are also welcome to pack a picnic.
- Address: 686 Old Northern Road, Dural NSW
- Entry Fees: 2-hour visit starts from $25 for adults & children (age 1+). Bookings essential.
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-2pm | Sat & Sun: 10.30am-3pm
- Website: www.goldenridgeanimalfarm.com.au
Iris Lodge Alapcas, Jilliby
Iris Lodge Alpacas
Iris Lodge Alpacas, an eco-friendly sanctuary, is home to 140 alpacas, 12 llamas, and a variety of other animals, all of which freely roam across 93 picturesque acres.
Located just under 100 km from Sydney CBD and 70 km from Newcastle CBD, their farm offers guests the chance to connect with nature and enjoy hands-on experiences. From petting and hand-feeding the animals to relaxing in the serene Central Coast Hinterland, every visit is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.
Their immersive agri-tourism experiences are educational, family-friendly, and accessible, making Iris Lodge Alpacas a unique and essential stop on any New South Wales drive itinerary.
- Address: 33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby
- Entry Fees: Full farm visit $35 per adult, $27.50 for ages 3-12 and free for under 2
- Website: www.irislodgealpacas.com/
Calmsley Hill City Farm
Meet Daisy the Dairy Cow at Calmsley Hill City Farm
At Calmsley Hill, you can get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals. It makes a great family day out! Be a farmer for the day, learn how to milk a cow and feed the animals in the farmyard nursery. There are daily shows to enjoy, including petting the animals, a stock whip show, a working dog show, and more. You can bring a picnic lunch, bring some sausages and use their electric BBQ, or buy takeaway food from the Farmhouse Kiosk.
- Address: 31 Darling Street, Abbotsbury
- Entry Fees: $32 adults | $17 children (3-16 years) | $97 Family (2 adults, 3 kids)
- Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am-3pm | Saturday & Sunday, 9am-4pm & School & Public Holidays.
- Website: www.calmsleyhill.com.au
Amazement Farm & Fun Park
From magical mazes to friendly farm animals and many more amazing attractions and activities, the Amazement Farm and Fun Park is a world of fun for the whole family.
Explore their multiple magical mazes, friendly farm animals, scheduled petting shows, and pony rides. You can also purchase animal feed ($3) and enjoy a reptile hold experience ($15). There is also a bird sanctuary area, a kids’ playground, yard activities, sporting games, giant board games, a Maze terrace cafe, picnic areas, and much more.
- Address: 170 Yarramalong Road, Wyong Creek (45 mins drive along M1 from Wahroonga)
- Entry Fees: $38 Adults | $26 Children (3-15 years) | $122 Family (2 adults, 2 kids)
- Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:30am – 4pm, plus every day during School Holidays.
- Website: www.amazement.com.au
Nancy’s Freedom Farm
Nancy’s Freedom Farm
Nancy’s Freedom Farm is a family-owned and operated Free-Range Farm. For over 15 years, Nancy has been dedicated to providing a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. The farm features a diverse range of friendly farm animals, many of which have been hand-raised on-site or rescued. They have goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and the farm’s dogs and cats.
If you’re looking for farms near Sydney, Nancy’s Freedom Farm is just a 20-minute drive from Hornsby, where cuddles are waiting! Open all weekend for animal petting and egg collecting. Bookings are essential.
- Address: 97 Arcadia Road, Arcadia
- Entry Fees: $25 adult | $15 child
- Open: Saturday & Sunday: 11am-3pm | Open every day for egg purchases
- Website: nancysfreedomfarm.com.au
Backyard to Bush at Taronga Zoo
At the Backyard to Bush Farm at Taronga Zoo, you’ll meet sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and more! Get up close and personal with rabbits, guinea pigs, and more daily at 10.30 am. Farm feeding is daily at 2 pm. This area features an excellent adventure playground, complete with lots of water-splashing fun (be sure to pack a spare pair of clothes in case the kids get wet!). Pack a picnic and enjoy some great harbour views while you are there.
- Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman
- Cost: $49.50 Adult |$29.70 Children (4-15). If you live nearby, the best value is an annual Zoo Friends membership (a great Birthday or Christmas present)!
- Website: taronga.org.au
Rouse Hill House & Farm
Six generations of one family have owned this house and farm over the years. Today, you can head to the farm and find out about the fascinating history of Rouse Hill House & Farm, which also features the restored 1888 Rouse Hill schoolhouse, a section of the original Windsor Road turnpike proclaimed by Governor Macquarie in 1813, and the site of the doomed 1804 ‘Vinegar Hill’ convict rebellion.
Take a farmyard tour to explore the stables and meet the chooks, ‘Pudding’ the cow, and horses Larry and Ziggy. Ring the schoolhouse bell and explore the 19th-century schoolroom with its animal specimens, piano and blackboard. There’s plenty to see and do!
- Where: 356 Annangrove Road, Rouse Hill
- Cost: Free entry
- Open: Sunday, 10am-4pm
- Website: rouse-hill-estate
