Where are you located? We are located in Wollombi Valley, in the sleepy hamlet of Laguna. We are lucky to be surrounded by national parks and state forests. It feels remote and is very different from Pokolbin, which has extensive vineyards. We are in the wilderness, appreciate nature, and love it like that.
Can we stay at your farm? You certainly can. We offer farm stays for four (4) adults. We currently have two cabins. We are a working farm and live on-site. Our stay is for the adventurous & eco-conscious traveller. We are not for everyone and don't intend to be, as this is our home. All guests must be over 18. (No children/infants/pets).
What is a slow stay? Embarking on a slow stay journey entails immersing oneself in local history and culture while prioritizing the environment. This type of travel is all about taking the time to relax, reflect, and discover new experiences. Whether seeking novelty, engagement or escape, slow stay travel offers a unique opportunity to connect with oneself and the world around us.
How do I book your farm stay? You can book directly through our website for better rates and enjoy Instant Book and split payment facilities. Alternatively, you can book through a platform such as Airbnb or Riparide, but please bear in mind that they will charge you a booking fee to use their platform.
Getting to Laguna, Wollombi Valley
This is Wollombi Valley
We are located in a hidden valley, two hours from Sydney CBD and one hour from the Central Coast.
[ Vehicle access ] The road to our home is a dirt track with potholes surrounded by thick bushland.
Although there is a short steep section, any standard 2WD car can easily navigate it.
If you have modified your car or have a low sports car, then it's at your own risk.
The dirt road with potholes is under the jurisdiction of the road authorities. However, our driveway commencing from the Bio-Security gate is always well-maintained. Drive slowly (20 km) to protect wildlife on our long driveway, as wombats, roos, and lyrebirds pass by regularly.
There is NO mobile reception in our valley. You will not find us without our address and easy-to-follow instructions, which I will email you. Please note that our address has not been published on the net, so save the info that I sent to you.
Our bio-security gate nestled in the bushland
What do I need to bring? BYO food + outdoor and indoor shoes. Coffee and tea are provided in all cabins, along with crockery, cutlery and linen. Large grocery shops are best done before getting here. The closest grocery shop is Aldi (Syd) Berowra or Cessnock, to the North is 40 km from us. If coming from the Central Coast, pick something up there. Cafes and pubs close early here, so aim for an early dinner otherwise, drive to Cessnock (40 mins) to find a supermarket. Refer to our list of things-to-do.
What are your tips for staying at your farm?
Tip 1: Before you explore the Hunter Valley region, it is essential to review the map to clearly understand where you are going, as the region is quite vast. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Bring food or snacks and note establishment dining hours.
Tip 2: Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car. If you have an electric vehicle, the nearest charging point is The Trading Post Laguna, which is under 5 km from our home. The Trading Post also has great food.
Tip 3: My favourite is to indulge in a long lunch and bring back a grazing platter and wine to enjoy at sunset in the cabins.
Tip 4: Book your friends to enjoy our second cabin and have their own space. Then, you can all enjoy all the fabulous farm facilities together.
Tip 5: Most importantly, please read our listing thoroughly to understand what we are all about at Little Valley Farm.
Tips for the cabin stay
Train Carriage Pizza oven: Exclusive to our train guests. Read PIZZA OVEN Tips here.
Studio Wood-fired Finnish Dry Sauna Exclusive to our Shearers Studio guests. Read our tips for best sauna use.
Studio Wood fireplace in the Shearers Studio. Please read this BEFORE before using it. *Summertime fireplaces are not permitted.
Do you have water in the cabins? All of our cabins are equipped with both warm and cold running water. However, please note that it may take longer for the water to heat up during the colder seasons. We have adjusted the water temperature to a maximum of 50 degrees using copper pipes, meaning it will take some time to heat up. During the winter, you may need to top up the train bath with boiled water to make it hotter. Shower Tip: Always turn on the hot water first and to set its temperature before introducing the cold wate.r
If you prefer warmer/hotter temperatures, please note that we are glamping, so our facilities may not suit you. We harvest rainwater for all of our cabins, which is then filtered. You can drink the water in the studio, and the train has a separate water supply next to the pizza oven, which is ideal for drinking.
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Check-in & Check-out Check-in: 3-6 pm. Check-out 11 am.
Alpaca feeding with Daniela 3 pm-4 pm.
Please note that we always check in guests and will introduce you to our alpacas so you can be safe. If you are late for check-in, you must wait until I am around the next day.
Check-out: Before leaving the cabins, please make sure that you have turned off all the lights, closed all the doors and windows, and secured all fires. You can leave your towels hanging on the towel racks and the bed as it is; I will take care of it later.
How do we practice fire Safety at the farm?
When it comes to fire safety, it's essential to exercise caution and good judgment. Whether you're enjoying a bonfire around the train, warming up by the wood-fired fireplace, or relaxing in the sauna in the studio, please be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety. While we will provide guidance on lighting and securing fires, it's essential that you also have a level of fire awareness and common sense.
Before deciding to stay at our farm, we encourage you to review our photos and follow our socials to understand better what we offer here at Little Valley Farm.
If you are not experienced in lighting and managing fireplaces, we kindly ask that you refrain from booking. This is to ensure the safety of all our guests and maintain a secure environment at all times.
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Hungry for adventure? Check out my personal recommendations for the best eats and activities so you can plan your perfect trip: 👇🏻
Daniela’s TIP: To avoid disappointment, it's best to make a dinner reservation, as places close early in the country.
We take great care to provide detailed information about our farmstay, so please take the time to read our full listing before making your reservation.
Are you a working alpaca farm? (what does this mean for staying guests).
Yes. Our farm is a bustling place where our livestock receive care and attention every day of the week. You'll find us out in the paddocks throughout the day, tending to our animals and ensuring that they are happy and healthy. Our home is located on Lavender Hill, just 40 meters behind the train. Our glamping train is down on the paddocks, and our Shearers Studio is situated up on the hill (just before our little red barn), offering plenty of privacy and a peaceful evening atmosphere.
Cancellation policy: Before and upon booking completion, you will be shown and asked to agree to the terms. Please take note of these and always refer back to where you originally booked.
Cancellation via a Booking Platform such as Airbnb or Riparide
If you book via a booking platform system, please check their policy; each may vary slightly. All cancellations must go via the original booking platform.
Note: If you are here for an event, such as a concert in Pokolbin, and the event is cancelled at the last minute, please note that our terms above apply to all bookings; therefore, you should have your own travel insurance coverage. There are no exemptions. No show equals no refund.
Can I book in for my children to stay? No, sorry, all guests must be over 18 years old. No children/infants/pets. Based on the cancellation policy, bookings will be cancelled immediately should this situation arise upon check-in with no refund offered.
Can we bring our dog/cat to your farm? NO pets are allowed due to our strict farm biosecurity.
As staying guests, are we allowed to feed the animals? For your safety and to maintain our health and safety as well as farm bio-security standards, we do not allow alpaca feeding without our presence, as required by our insurance policy. Please note that some paddocks are off-limits. Once you check-in, we feed in the afternoon, and you can join in and get some beautiful photos and alpaca interactions.
Are there snakes there? The most frequently asked question is whether snakes are in the area. The answer is yes, there are. Since it is their natural habitat, snakes can be seen all year round, and we make sure not to disturb them. However, it is essential to wear closed shoes when outside.
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Can we come and feed your alpacas for a day visit? We don’t open for day visitors as our farm is exclusive to cabin guests. However, we have an exclusive once-a-year ‘OPEN DAY’, so hop on our mailing list for updates.
Do you sell alpacas? As registered breeders, we certainly do and are also part of the Australian Alpaca Association. You will need a PIC (property identification code) to purchase alpacas from us. We like to meet you, show you our herd, and answer your questions on how to care for alpacas. See more below about our alpaca workshops for new owners. Read more on our alpacas for sale blog.
Do you run alpaca workshops? We run small monthly alpaca workshops.
Do you sell alpaca fleece? We certainly do. Please visit our online shop here. Most of our fleece is available after our annual Spring shearing day.
Can we organise a commitment ceremony or small event on your farm? We certainly can. We only run micro-events as we are entirely off-grid/solar.
Our Bio-Security Policy We have COVID-19 safety measures in place. All visits must have an appointment; day visits are not permitted. This is our home, so you need an appointment. If you are not well, please do not come.
NOTE: If you have been to Indonesia, including Bali, after June 2022, please tell us BEFORE you visit. Foot & Mouth Disease is a serious threat to all of Australia’s livestock.
Our Bio-Security Policy
By booking your visit to Little Valley Farm, you understand that it is a working farm, with the attending inherent risks, and hereby release and discharge the farm, its owners, employees, volunteers or agents from any and all liability arising from an incident, accident, injury, theft, or damages that may be sustained to you or to any property belonging to you, while visiting. You further agree that action will not be taken against its owners, and you acknowledge our bio-security policy and boundaries that are in place. Bio-security is covered upon check-in after your confirmed appointment on the farm.
*Closed shoes are essential on the farm, and gumboots are always preferred, especially after the rainy season. Flip-flops are not permitted on the paddocks. Bring boots after the flood as lots of rain the last 18 months if you want to get up close and personal with the alpacas. Otherwise indoor and outdoor shoes you will need.
