Bundoora Park Farm

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Bundoora Park Farm is a place for the whole community to enjoy a slice of country life, just 15 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne.

Come and meet our friendly farm animals, take a ride to see the kangaroos and emus or explore the history of Bundoora Park at the Heritage Village. With play spaces, picnic areas and a café, it’s a great place for a fun day out with the whole family.   

Not only is Bundoora Park Farm a great place to visit, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn about farm life. We offer education programs for groups and schools, volunteering for all abilities, recreation programs and community garden plots. 

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Bundoora Park Café 

Located at the Farm’s entrance, the Bundoora Park Café offers a place to grab a coffee, a snack or lunch during your visit. With both indoor and outdoor seating, a cosy fireplace and with views of the Wildlife Reserve, you may even be able to spot a few kangaroos and emus. Our menu is currently take-away only, (child-friendly options available) while COVID-safe measures are in place. More information about visiting the café can be found on the Visit the Farm page.

Café hours: 10am-4pm daily
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Heritage Village

Step back in time at Bundoora Park Farm’s Heritage Village. With buildings dating back to 1899, experience what early 20th century colonial farm life was like through the many historical photographs, artefacts and machinery on display.  

With a working printing press and horse-drawn farm equipment, as well as artefacts from local historical societies including Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Inc., Eltham Steam and Stationary Engine Preservation Society and The Papermakers of Victoria, there’s so much to learn! 

Find everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Farm on this page.

What you need to know about visiting Bundoora Park Farm & Café

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Bundoora Park Farm and Café. To make sure your visit is a safe and enjoyable one, we’ve made a number of changes to ensure the safety of our visitors and our staff. Find everything you need to know about planning your visit on this page.
 
Please follow all social distancing requirements to help keep each other safe:
  • Visitors must maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
  • Please wash your hands often with soap and water or sanitiser.

Visiting the Café   

Bundoora Park Café is open from 10am – 4pm daily and operating with a limited take away menu.
 
The Bundoora Park Café and Visitors Centre has a limited number of people in the building at one time. This means the café is only able to operate with a ‘pick up and go’ menu. Dining in is not available at this stage.
 
We have simplified our take away menu to reduce waiting time for your order. This helps to keep to our density limit in the Café/Visitors Centre building. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Visiting the Farm

Bundoora Park Farm is open 10am – 4pm daily. To allow everyone to maintain safe social distancing daily visitor numbers will be capped and all tickets will need to be pre-purchased online before visiting the farm. This includes our annual membership holders, children aged 1 year and over, and Small Ideas coupon holders. You will not be able to purchase entry at the gate.
 
If you hold an annual membership to the farm or a Small Ideas coupon, please contact reception on 8470 8170 with your membership number handy and we will give you a special code to access your online entry ticket.
 

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Conditions of entry to the farm:

  • Entry tickets must be purchased online before arrival.
  • Bookings are limited, each day will have a capped number of visitors to maintain visitor safety.
  • The number of visitors you arrive with, over the age of 1 year, must match the number on your entry ticket.
  • Tickets are only valid for the date specified on the ticket.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.

 

Restricted activities

The current Victorian Government safety restrictions mean that some of the farm’s activities cannot be offered at this time.
 
The farm is open for visitors to explore. The open space, paths, playground and BBQs are available for use. Please let the staff know when you have finished using a BBQ.
 
The following areas and/or activities are currently closed:
  • Rides into the wildlife reserve.
  • Room hire of the Ibis Room and Party Barn.

 

Admission Costs

Type of Visitor Cost of Admission  
Adult $11
Child (2 -16 years, under 2 years are free) $7.30
Concession (with a valid government health care card) $7.30
Family (2 adults + 2 children) $29.20

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If you hold an annual membership to the farm or a Small Ideas coupon, please contact reception on 8470 8170 with your membership number handy and we will give you a special code to access your online entry ticket. 

Bundoora Park Farm is open everyday from 10.00am-4.00pm.

Closed: Christmas Day 25 December, Boxing Day 26 December & New Years Day 1 January

Farm entry

Age Group    Cost
Adults $11.00 
Child $7.30  
Concession* $7.30  
Family Day Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $29.20 

*Concession entries must present a valid government health care card. Student concession not accepted. 

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Gift certificates

Family Day Pass Gift Certificates are available for purchase at the front desk. Gift certificates are valid for 3 years from date of purchase.

Do you love to garden, but haven’t got room at home for your own garden plot? Bundoora Park Farm offers garden plots for lease to the whole community. 

Community Gardens - Garden plot

You will be responsible for planting and maintaining of your own plot, and the produce is yours to keep.  Please note Bundoora Park Farm does not allow the spraying of herbicides and all produce is organic. 

Garden plot fees
Type of plot  Annual fee

Raised Plot

 $112.00

Standard Plot

 $85.00

Bundoora Park Farm offers interactive holiday programs for all ages throughout the year.

School holiday programs

We offer fun-filled activities for primary school-aged children during school holidays!

We are now taking bookings for our Autumn Holiday Program.  Check out the holiday program flyer to see some of the awesome activities happening down on the farm. 

Each full-day activity costs $61.00 per child. Places are limited, bookings essential. Terms and conditions apply.  
Programs run from 10am-3pm.  Children will need to bring a morning tea snack and lunch or there is an option to order from the café.

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Holiday programs for groups

Are you looking for a fantastic day at Bundoora Park Farm for your holiday program group? We offer group school holiday programs which include a guided farm tour, a wildlife ride to visit our emus and kangaroos and time on our farm adventure playground.

Contact
For further information or bookings, please contact the Education Team Leader:
Email: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8470 8164

Bundoora Park Farm’s Education Programs provide living links and hands-on learning experiences that support the Victorian Curriculum, particularly in the Science, Geography, History and Design & Technology learning areas.

Education programs

Conducted by experienced teaching staff who support and look out for the needs of teachers and students, our education programs involve a range of activities that can be tailored to meet your needs. Programs for tertiary and disability groups are available on request.

Farm Education

Farm Education sessions focus on farming, environmental education, horticulture and land care. Students take part in hands-on activities ranging from animal feeding and care, plant propagation, composting and worm farming, farm production, and bush cooking.

See detailed descriptions of sessions we offer under the headings below.

This hands-on program allows children the opportunity to interact with a variety of farm animals with the guidance of an experienced educator. 

Children are encouraged to explore the features and needs of living things and to develop respect, care and appreciation for the natural environment.

This program can be varied between 2 - 4 hours to suit the needs of individual groups and generally includes breaks for snacks or lunch. 

Activities
  • Guided farm tour
  • A ride through the wildlife reserve
  • to learn about emus and kangaroos
  • Hands-on garden learning including exploration, planting and digging
 Links to the Early Years Learning Framework
Ouctome 1
  • Be open to new challenges and discoveries
  • Persist when faced with challenges and when first attempts are not successful
  • Confidently explore and engage with social and physical environments through relationships and play
Ouctome 2
  • Broaden their understanding of the world in which they live
  • Show growing appreciation and care for the natural and constructed environments
  • Develop an awareness of the impact of human activity on environments and the interdependence of living things 

Program Cost
$16.20 per child $7.30 per adult (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

Catering for groups who prefer a shorter visit, this one hour program allows children the opportunity to interact with farm animals, both big and small. Groups are welcome to make use of the farm, picnic and playground facilities at the conclusion of the program.

Activities

  • Guided farm tour
  • A ride through the wildlife reserve to learn about emus and kangaroos
 Links to the Early Years Learning Framework
Outcome 1 
  • Be open to new challenges and discoveries
  • Persist when faced with challenges and when first attempts are not successful
  • Confidently explore and engage with social and physical environments through relationships and play
 Outcome 2
 
  • Broaden their understanding of the world in which they live
  • Show growing appreciation and care for the natural and constructed environments
  • Develop an awareness of the impact of human activity on environments and the interdependence of living things.

 

Program Cost
$13.00 per child $7.30 per adult (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

This hands-on education program aims to link the understanding that animals have basic survival needs with real live animals and their environments. Students will learn how we care for the animals and plants on the farm to ensure that their basic needs are met and that the animals enjoy a good quality of life.

Activities

  • Farm classroom – interactive discussion on the needs of animals and a craft activity using real sheep’s wool
  • Guided farm tour
  • Hands-on garden learning, including composting, worm farms & planting
  • A ride through the wildlife reserve to learn about emus and kangaroos
Links to the Victorian Curriculum
Design & Technologies
  • Use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to produce designed solutions safely (VCDSCD020).
Science
 
  • Living things have a variety of external features and live in different places where their basic needs, including food, water and shelter, are met (VCSSU042).
  • Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (VCSSU043).
  • Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways (VCSSU047).
  • Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions (VCSIS051).

 

Program Cost
$16.20 per child (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

 

Through hands-on activities students will have the opportunity to learn how they can contribute to a reduction in the waste stream by re-using, recycling and cutting down their consumption of non renewable resources.
Students will also explore the aspects of farming that contribute to its viability over the long term by protecting the environment for both production and biodiversity.

Activities

  • Farm classroom – discussion of waste reduction and cordial making
  • Guided farm tour
  • Introduction to organic farming
  • Wildlife ride to see emus and kangaroos
  • Planting indigenous vegetation
  • Reusing farm waste - ‘Poo Pickup Race’
Links to the Victorian Curriculum
Design & Technologies
  • Use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to produce designed solutions safely (VCDSCD020).
  • Identify how people create familiar designed solutions and consider sustainability to meet personal and local community needs (VCDSTS013)
Science
 
  • People use science in their daily lives (VCSSU041)
  • Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways (VCSSU047).
  • Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions (VCSIS051).

 

Program Cost
$16.20 per child (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

 
 

The links between processed foods and original farm products can be surprising and illuminating for children growing up in a predominantly urban environment.
In this hands-on education program students have the opportunity to uncover the origins and journeys of their favourite foods from the farm to the kitchen table.

Activities

  • Farm classroom – interactive discussion on farm products including wheat grinding and butter churning
  • Guided farm tour
  • Hands-on garden learning, including composting, worm farms & planting
  • A ride through the wildlife reserve to learn about emus and kangaroos
Links to the Victorian Curriculum
Design & Technologies
  • Explore how plants and animals are grown for food, clothing and shelter (VCDSTC015).
  • Use materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to produce designed solutions safely (VCDSCD020).
Science
 
  • Living things have a variety of external features and live in different places where their basic needs, including food, water and shelter, are met (VCSSU042).
  • Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (VCSSU043).
  • Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways (VCSSU047).
  • Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions (VCSIS051).

 

Program Cost
$16.20 per child (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

 

Through exploration and guided activities, students examine various habitats of both wild and domestic animals.
Students will learn the importance of diverse habitats, how they support life and how human activity can affect them.

Activities

  • Education session – exploration of various natural habitats including waterways, woodlands and undergrowth
  • Guided farm tour
  • Hands-on garden learning
  • Wildlife ride to see emus and kangaroos
Links to the Victorian Curriculum
Geography
  • Identify and describe the features of places at a local scale and how they change, recognising that people describe the features of places differently (VCGGC057).
  • Natural, managed and constructed features of places, their location and how they change (VCGGK068).
  • Reasons why some places are special and some places are important to people and how they can be looked after (VCGGK069).
Science
 
  • Living things have a variety of external features and live in different places where their basic needs, including food, water and shelter, are met (VCSSU042).
  • Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (VCSSU043).
  • Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways (VCSSU047).
  • Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions (VCSIS051).

 

Program Cost
$16.20 per child (prices current for 2020/2021 Financial Year)

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

 

History Education 

Our History Education Program takes students on a journey to the past. Explore our original farm buildings, the historical school and working printer’s workshop at our Heritage Village and learn about early colonial and Aboriginal history. 

Children step back in time and explore the history of the area, the progression in technology and the life of a child living on a farm in the early 20th century.

Activities: 

  • Simulated classroom experience in an early 20th century rural school and participation in pioneer games
  • A printing demonstration using an early 20th century printing press
  • A journey in to the wildlife reserve to learn about Aboriginal History and Australian animals and a look at the Farriers workshop
  • Explore the ‘Stud Groom’s Cottage’ and participate in some household chores
     
Links to the Victorian Curriculum 
History  
  • Identify perspectives about changes to daily life from people in the past and present
    (VCHHC055).
  • Identify examples of continuity and change in family life and in the local area by
    comparing past and present (VCHHC056).
  • Differences and similarities between students’ daily lives and perspectives of life
    during their parents’ and grandparents’ childhood, including family traditions, leisure
    time and communications (VCHHK061).
  • The effect of changing technology on people’s lives and their perspectives on the
    significance of that change (VCHHK065).

Program Cost
$16.20 per child (prices current for 2020/2021 financial year).

Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance to secure your desired dates. For bookings or further information please contact our Education Team Leader.
T: (03) 8470 8164
E: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

Get involved with the Farm during the school term with our recreation programs for young people.

PATCH: Farming and Environment Workshops 

PATCH: Farming and Environment Workshops are for young people in Years 7-9. Whether you are considering a career in working with animals, farming or gardening, or just a lover of animals and the outdoors, PATCH is a great opportunity to get a feel for life on the farm.  

This drop off, pick up program is fully supervised by our experienced program leaders. Activities include feeding animals, seasonal planting and harvesting, visits to our wildlife reserve, working on farm projects and much more. 

PATCH workshops are held once per term on a Sunday from 10am-3pm. Participation is free. Bookings are essential. 2021 dates coming soon!

Contact
For further information please contact the Education Team Leader: 
Email: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8470 8164

Jackaroo & Jillaroo Club 

The Jackaroo and Jillaroo Club provides children, in grades 4-6, with a farming experience encompassing all aspects of farming life including animal husbandry, animal enrichment and wellbeing, sustainable farming practices, crops and gardening.

Activities are conducted within the boundaries of Bundoora Park Farm and under the supervision of our experienced staff. 

Club Times
The club operates for eight weeks each school term from 9.00am-12.00pm on Saturday mornings. There is currently a long waiting list for the Jackaroo and Jillaroo Club, please contact our education team if you would like to add your child to the list.

Cost 
The 8-week program costs $244.00. A concession rate is available for concession card holders. Refunds are not available.

Contact
For further information please contact the Education Team Leader:
Email: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8470 8164

Find out how to get involved with Bundoora Park Farm through work experience and volunteer opportunities.

Work experience 

Our work experience program provides meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture and horticulture. Programs are available for secondary, VET, VCAL, TAFE and university levels. Students with innovative ideas and a great sense of initiative are encouraged to apply! 

Students will assist with animal care including feeding and cleaning out animal pens; assist guides with education programs and assist with general farm cleaning and grounds maintenance.  

Secondary School/ VCAL/VET /TAFE (under 18 years)  
We offer 8 work experience placements per year to secondary, VET and VCAL students.  Secondary placements run for one week. VCAL placements can run over the course of several weeks and will depend on availability. 

Please note, Secondary School/ VCAL/VET /TAFE (under 18 years)  applications for 2021 are now closed.

To apply for 2022:

  • Complete the Secondary Students, VCAL, VET Application Form

If your application is successful you will be contacted by our Education Team Leader to arrange a time for a short interview.

University/ TAFE ( 18+ years old) 
Duration of TAFE and university placements depend on the requirements of the course you are enrolled in. 

To apply:

  • Apply for your Working With Children Check Card.  Please note, it is now a requirement that all university and TAFE students that are 18+ years old hold a valid Working With Children Check card. This is a free check, for more information please go to the Working With Children Check website. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept work placement students without this card.
  • Complete the TAFE and University Students Application Form

If your application is successful you will be contacted by our Education Team Leader to arrange a time for a short interview.

Special Development Schools 
We welcome work experience applications from students of special development schools. For students who require a Carer, please ensure the Carer is available to attend the interview, and if successful, subsequent placement dates with the student.  

Please apply following the guidelines for Secondary Schools, VET and VCAL placements above.  

Volunteering

Our volunteer program creates opportunities for community members to develop their skills and participate in the day-to-day running of our urban farm through a variety of volunteering positions.

We value the generous contribution of our volunteers and the support they offer in our daily operations. We are committed to ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience. 

While farming experience is not required, we do look for applicants who are enthusiastic and reliable. Please note that some roles do require a moderate level of fitness, such the ability to use a shovel, broom, or wheelbarrow. 

Please note that places are limited, and applicants must complete the requirements of the selection and training program. 

Task Example of duties

Animal Husbandry 

Assist farm hands in the daily operation of the Urban Farm with the preparation of food, enclosures and pens. 
  •  Clean animal pens and enclosures
  • Help prepare food for animals
  • Hay feed paddock animals
  • Bottle feeding
  • Clean troughs
  • Move animals as required
  • Animal handling with general public 

General Gardening and Maintenance

Assist the farm hands and horticulturalist with weeding, planting and general maintenance.
  • Revegetation (planting)
  • Re-mulching of garden beds
  • Hand weeding of grounds
  • Farm maintenance.

Volunteer intake occurs biannually, in March and August. Applications open two months prior to these intake dates. Before making an application please read through the Volunteer Tasks and Frequently Asked Questions to ensure you feel Bundoora Park is the place for you to volunteer. 

After You Apply
After you have submitted your application you will need to attend an information session. This session is an informal opportunity for you and the staff at Bundoora Park to get to know each other and learn about the farm and volunteering experience.

Due to limited volunteering places available, completing the application and attending the information session does not guarantee a place within the program. Successful applicants are chosen based on available places and applicant availability.

Successful applicants will be required to attend an all day training induction before their volunteering placement begins. The dates and times for this will be outlined in the information session.

Working With Children Check
As a large proportion of the farm’s visitors are children, all successful applicants will be required to undergo a free Working With Children Check before they commence, we recommend beginning this process now. For more information please visit the Working With Children Check website.

Will volunteering at Bundoora Park lead to employment?
We can not guarantee employment at Bundoora Park on the completion of your volunteer placement. If positions do become available, they will be advertised on the Darebin Council website through which you will be able to apply.

Upon successful completion of your placement the volunteer or farm coordinator will be more than happy to provide written or telephone references.

Do I need any animal or farming experience to apply for the volunteer program?
No, you don’t need any experience- although we are looking for volunteers that are enthusiastic, willing to learn and give things a go. If you do have previous experience or farming/garden skills please let the volunteer coordinator know so that we can better utilise and help further develop your experiences and skills.

Are there age limits when applying to be a volunteer?
We require applicants to be 18 years or over.

How do I apply to become a volunteer?
Everything you need to know about applying to become a volunteer can be found in the How to Apply section.

Can I volunteer for more than 6 months?
At the end of your 6 months volunteering placement you will have the opportunity to sit down with the volunteer or farm coordinator and discuss extending your volunteering period, this will be dependent on volunteer numbers and availability.

I am unavailable to dedicate 6 months to volunteer, can I apply for a shorter period?
It is preferable that you are able to commit for the full 6 months, preference will be given to these applicants.

How do I know if I have been accepted into the volunteer program?
The volunteer coordinator will contact you as soon as the applications have been collated.

Will I receive training in my volunteer tasks?
Yes! You will receive any necessary training so that you can complete your tasks successfully. You will also undergo orientation and safety induction.

What will I need to wear when volunteering on the farm?
You will need wear appropriate clothes that follow the workplace health and safety standards set out by the City of Darebin which include sun smart gear and fully enclosed footwear. You will find out more about these requirements during the information session for applicants.

I still have questions, who can I contact?
If you still have questions about the volunteer program and the application process please fill out an enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Contact us, check our opening hours and how to get here.

Location and contact details 

Bundoora Park Farm 
1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora 
 
Phone: (03) 8470 8170 
Postal Address: PO Box 138, Kingsbury VIC 3083
 
 
 
For school and education program enquiries contact the Education Team Leader
Phone: (03) 8470 8164 

Follow Bundoora Park Farm on Facebook to keep up to date with our news and events

Opening hours

Bundoora Park Farm is open everyday from 10.00am-4.00pm. 
Closed: Christmas Day 25 December, Boxing Day 26 December & New Years Day, 1 January

Getting here 

Public transport options
Tram No.86 , Stop 61, Bundoora Park, Plenty Rd. 
Buses 382 or 566. 
A further 7-10 minute walk from the park entrance to Bundoora Park Farm and Cafe.

Parking

On-site parking available.
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To see the facilities and locations of attractions. see the Bundoora Park Map.

Facilities

Toilets are located in Bundoora Park Visitor's Centre, and several toilets are also provided in the park near playground, picnic and BBQ areas. Disabled toilets also provided.

Disabled Access - Disabled toilets, good access to paths, rides, function rooms, farm and heritage village. Contact Bundoora Park ahead of your visit for specific requirements: (03) 8470 8170.