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. 

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-3pm 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! 

Blacksmith Barn 

The Blacksmith Barn is a rare Scottish prefabricated galvanised iron roll top barn dating from the 1880s. It was imported from Scotland by sailing ship and erected at "Paddy's Market", located on the southwest corner of what is now the Bourke St and Exhibition St intersection in Melbourne. 

In about 1930 it moved to Prospect Hill (now Mt. Cooper), where it served as a hay barn before moving to Bundoora Park Farm in about 1939. An engine room was added to operate a chaff, providing horse feed for the Victorian Police Remount Depot. 

Today, the barn is occupied by the Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Inc. and is home to the largest collection of operating forges in Australia. The Association has regular work days at the barn from 10.00am-4.00pm on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.  

 

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 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 – 3pm daily and operating with a limited take away menu.
 
The Bundoora Park Café and Visitors Centre has a limit of 40 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 of 40 people in the Café/Visitors Centre building. Thank you for your understanding.
 
Cafe Entry Procedure:
  • Entry to Bundoora Park Cafe is via the playground. Please note the main entry gates will be closed
  • Follow signs to the café. Please enter the building and line up in the cafe queue, following the marked floor decal stickers to the cafe register.

 

Visiting the Farm

Visits to the farm are offered over two sessions each day, in the morning and afternoon. This allows everyone to maintain safe social distancing and time for high-traffic areas to be cleaned and sanitised. Bookings are essential.

Book Now

Session times
 Session One  Session Two
 10am-12pm  12:30-2:30pm

Conditions of entry to the farm:

  • Entry tickets must be purchased online before arrival.
  • Bookings are limited. There are 2 sessions available per day.
  • Session times are fixed: Session 1: 10.00am-12.00pm and Session 2: 12.30-2.30pm
  • A maximum of 150 visitors can enter per session.
  • The number of visitors you arrive with must match the number on your entry ticket.
  • Tickets are only valid for the date and time specified on the ticket.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.

Farm entry procedure:

  • Entry to Bundoora Park Farm is now located via the playground. This change has been made to help safely manage the flow of visitors. Thank you for your understanding. Please note the main entry gates will be closed.
  • Follow signs to the Farm Entry and line up in the farm admission queue, following the marked floor decal stickers to the reception desk.
  • If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms you must stay home. Entry will not be granted to visitors experiencing cold and/or flu symptoms.
  • Please present your booking ticket to the reception officer on the day and time of your session.
  • All visitors must leave when their session ends. Please follow staff instructions.

 

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:
  • All barns are closed to the public. Animals will be located outside these areas during visiting times.
  • Rides into the wildlife reserve.
  • Sessions including ‘Meet the rabbits and guinea pigs’, animal feeding, and milking demonstrations.
  • Room hire of the Ibis Room and Party Barn.
  • Education programs.

 

Admission Costs

Type of Visitor Cost of Admission  
Adult $11.00  
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) $29.30
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-4.30pm.

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

Farm entry

Age Group    Cost
Adults $9.50 
Child $6.20  
Concession* $6.20  
Family Day Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $25.20 
*Concession entries must present a valid government health care card. Student concession not accepted. 

Wildlife Reserve Rides

Take a ride on our electric vehicle through the Wildlife Reserve for the chance to spot some kangaroos and emus. Rides depart every hour on the hour until 4pm. 

Quantity  Cost 
Single ticket  $3.70
10 ticket bundle  $29.50 

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.

Every day we offer a range of fun hand-on activities at the Farm. Check out the schedule of activities below. Additional activities may be offered during school holidays.
Farm Activity Schedule
Times Activity
From 11am Wildlife Rides (departs every hour on the hour, tickets required)
11.30am Animal Feeding
11.40am Rabbit and Guinea Pig Handling*
2.30pm Rabbit and Guinea Pig Handling*
3.00pm Milking Demonstration
3.30pm Animal Feeding
*Please note that rabbits and guinea pigs will not be available for handling on high-temperature days. This is because these animals are vulnerable to heat stress and require special care in hot conditions. Rabbits will not be handled on days where temperatures exceed 30°C; guinea pigs on days where temperatures exceed 35°C.

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! Feed and groom the animals, learn about old-fashioned bush cooking and create farm-themed arts and crafts.
 
Each full-day activity costs $60.00 per child. Places are limited, bookings essential. Programs run from 10am-3pm.
Information about our 2021 school holiday program will be available early next year.
 

Holiday programs for groups

 

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

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Education programs 

Conducted by experienced teaching staff who support and look out for the needs of teachers and students, our education programs are 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. 
 

 

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. 

History Education Program Foundation-Level 2 

Bookings
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.
Email: BundooraPark.EducationTeamLeader@darebin.vic.gov.au

Phone: (03) 8470 8164 

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Education programs

Conducted by experienced teaching staff who support and look out for the needs of teachers and students, our education programs are 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.

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 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. As such, we are currently not accepting any further expressions of interest until 2021.

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 eperience 

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 Schools, VET and VCAL placements 
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. 

TAFE and University Student placements  
Duration of TAFE and university placements depend on the requirements of the course you are enrolled in. 

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. Applications for our August intake are now closed. 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 (see dates and times outlined on the application form). 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.

Host your next party or function at the farm! We offer a range of spaces for hire. Whether you are planning a birthday party, social gathering or family reunion, our facilities are ideally suited to a variety of events.

Spaces for hire 

To book a space for your next party or function please visit our online booking system via the links below. 
Please note a cancellation fee of $60.00 applies to all venue bookings. 

Book Now

Chapel [create Rezdy page] 
Capacity: 60 people
 
Capacity: 60 people
Facilities include:  
  • Sink
  • Tables and chairs
  • Equipped with electricity 

Capacity: 30 people
Facilities include:
  • Oven 
  • Sink 
  • Heating and cooling system
  • Tables and chairs
Activities
Access to farm activities and Heritage Village displays are included with all venue bookings. Activities include: 
  • Meet, feed and cuddle farm animals 
  • Animal feeding sessions and rabbit and guinea pig handling 
  • Experience the atmosphere of the Heritage Village
  • Optional Rides (Cost $3.70 per person)
    • Wildlife Reserve Rides: Take a through the Wildlife Reserve for the chance to spot some kangaroos and emus. Rides depart every hour on the hour until 4pm. 
    • Pony rides: for children aged 2-8 years only 

 

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-4.30pm. 
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
A Visitors Centre located at the entrance to the farm provides customers with information on the region and significant venues within Victoria.

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.

Bundoora Park