Seeing Differently: A Two-Day Photography Workshop - Sculptures Festival

Euan of Little Valley Farm is doing something different this Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, and you can be part of it too…

alt="Sculpture in a vineyard setting at the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, subject of the Little Valley Farm photography workshop"

Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival - 12th to 27th September 2026.

Seeing Differently: A Two-Day Photography Workshop - Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival


WORKSHOP Two Sessions: MONDAY 14th Sept 10 am-12 noon, TUESDAY 15th Sept 10 am-12 noon (+overnight/afternoon or morning exercise on your own time). $180 pp.

Two mornings. One shift in how you see.

This is a workshop for anybody with a camera, including your phone, who wants to take better photographs by learning to see and think more clearly, not by memorising settings. It's built for beginners and for people who've been shooting for years but feel stuck. The only real requirement is motivation: a genuine want to take your photography further, even if it's purely for your own enjoyment.


What we'll actually do

Most workshops talk at you. This one doesn't. The approach is built on a simple belief: real learning happens by doing, not by being told. Across the two mornings you'll spend the majority of your time shooting, reviewing, and editing your photos and not sitting through a lecture.


Woven through the exercises are short bursts of inspiration from photographers who each see the world in a genuinely different way. A local photojournalist whose Sydney Olympics coverage stood apart through perspective, a master of abstraction who could turn a vegetable into a sculpture, a colourist known for finding beauty in reflection and light, a contemporary street photographer building a following by process over obsessing over equipment. Each one is a lens. We use their way of seeing to build a specific exercise, then send you off to shoot. By the end of the two days you'll have deliberately practised several distinct approaches to the same everyday scene, and you'll know which ones feel like you - a toolkit for noticing things worth photographing wherever you are, long after the workshop ends.

A central thread of the workshop is the festival itself. You'll interact directly with sculptures, first in a structured group exercise, then independently. Returning to the festival grounds in your own time (early morning, evening, or after dark) to photograph the pieces under completely different light. It's a rare chance to engage with the works on your own terms, at a depth most visitors never get to.

What you'll walk away with

  • A practical, repeatable way of approaching any subject - one you'll use for the rest of your photography, not just this weekend

  • Real confidence to experiment without fear of a "bad" shot

  • A personalised photography coach, set up on your own device, that you can return to indefinitely for feedback and new challenges long after the workshop ends

  • A genuinely different relationship with the sculptures and the festival itself


The details

Two sessions, two hours each - Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th September, 10 am, at the Artisan Collective Barn, Wollombi General Store. Bring your camera (or just your phone) and whatever device you use to edit photos - for most people, that's the same phone.

Who's running it?

“Many of you will know me through (Instagram) @wollombivalley. What I bring to this workshop is a bit more than that: a background in architectural and design computing (UNSW, College of Fine Arts), 30+ years running digital and creative agencies internationally, and photography recognised through Emerging Artist at the 2025 Laguna Artshow and Hunter Valley Photograph of the Year (Newcastle Herald). I'm also the in-house photographer for Wollombi General Store & currently @VisitWollombi. This workshop approach is based on my background in corporate & startup innovation and my design education & practice.” Euan Wilcox.

Date and time

Mon, 14 Sept, 10:00 am - Tue, 15 Sept, 12:00 pm AEST

Location

Artisan Collective Barn and Wollombi General Store

2886 Wollombi Rd

Wollombi NSW 2325

Bookings Essential via WGS website. $180 pp

alt="Euan Wilcox, photographer and workshop host, at the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival, July 2026"

Photo Euan Wilcox

Two-day photography workshop · Mon 14 & Tue 15 Sept 2026, 10am–12pm (+ self-directed shooting time) · Artisan Collective Barn, Wollombi General Store, 2886 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi NSW 2325 · $180pp · Beginners and experienced photographers welcome, phone cameras fine · Run by Euan Wilcox during the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival (12–27 Sept 2026) · Bookings via wollombigeneralstore.com.au

Do I need a fancy camera? No - phone cameras are completely fine.

  • Is this suitable for beginners? Yes, built for both first-timers and experienced photographers who feel stuck.

  • What's included? Two guided sessions plus self-directed shooting time at the festival grounds, and an ongoing personalised photography coaching setup on your own device.

Little Valley Farm

Little Valley Farm is a boutique alpaca breeding farm in Laguna, Wollombi Valley, in the NSW Hunter Valley, around 90 minutes from Sydney. Alongside alpaca sales and farm workshops, the property is home to Little Valley Summerhouse, an off-grid, adults-only retreat with a wood-fired hot tub, resident alpacas and miniature donkeys, and monthly hands-on workshops. Little Valley Farm is a proud part of the Wollombi Valley community, regularly partnering with local makers, artists, and events like the Artisan Collective and the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival.

Little Valley Summerhouse Wollombi Valley Book direct

Our Little Valley Summerhouse

Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival

The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival (Sculpture in the Vineyards) is a biennial celebration of art, nature, and community held across the Wollombi Valley in the NSW Hunter Valley. Running from 12 to 27 September 2026, the festival brings large-scale outdoor sculpture into vineyards, gardens, and community spaces throughout the valley, drawing artists and visitors from across the region for two weeks of exhibitions, events, and prizes including the Governor's Prize.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/wollombivalley?igsh=MXNxeWoyaXR1cWQwaA==

Little Valley Farm is Heading to the Wollombi Artisan Collective!

Mark your calendars, because this Saturday, the 4th of July, Little Valley Farm will be setting up at the Artisan Collective at the Wollombi General Store, from 9am to 3pm.

If you love beautiful, natural fibre and the kind of handmade treasures that make a house feel like home, this is one market day you won't want to miss.

What We're Bringing

We're packing the car with our full range of alpaca goodness, including:

  • Hand spun yarn - soft, characterful, and spun with love right here on the farm

  • Alpaca fibre mill yarn- beautifully processed and ready to knit or weave

  • Gorgeous new alpaca cushions - the perfect finishing touch for any room

  • Alpaca throws and shawls - cosy, warm, and ready to keep you snug through the cooler months

  • The most adorable alpaca toys - a firm favourite with the little ones (and the young at heart!)

Polina Karuso Art has her tiny gallery at the Artisan Collective and she paints our alpacas!

Come Spend the Day in Wollombi Village

There's nothing quite like a Saturday spent wandering the historic streets of Wollombi, and the Artisan Collective is the perfect place to start. Come say hello, feel the incredible softness of our alpaca fibre for yourself, and find something special to take home.

We can't wait to see you there!

📍 Wollombi General Store, Artisan Collective 🗓️ Saturday, 4th July 🕘 9am – 3pm

The address: 2886 Wollombi Rd, Wollombi, New South Wales 2325

Me, at last months market, posing naturally…. but I am wearing one of my favourite alpaca jumpers that was handspun and knitted for me. This fleece came from our very first four alpacas that we started with and I love it. This jumper will outlast me!

Wollombi Valley Art Scene: Galleries, Markets and Creative Life in the Hunter Valley

Wollombi Valley has a quiet way of surprising you.

Photo of Sophie Cook, Wollombi Burlesque Troupe at the Barn Wollombi General Store. Photo Veronfante composite Euan Wilcox

Six Galleries. Two Villages. One Very Creative Wollombi Valley

Two small villages sit along a historic road, established c. 1830. The area holds layers of Indigenous history, early colonial stories, and sandstone buildings that have seen many generations. It might seem quiet at first glance.

But it isn’t.

Even though you can drive through the two villages in just ten minutes, creativity here is everywhere. There are now six different galleries. Six!

Wollombi is home to Roadside Gallery, Jodie Usher Gallery, Little Yengo Gallery, and the Fireshed Gallery.  There’s also The Forge, filled with antiques and curious finds, and now the new Artisans Collective in the old barn at the Wollombi General Store, opening this March. That’s a lot of creativity for one historic village.

Every two years, the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival fills the village and gardens with art, turning the whole valley into an open-air gallery.

The Laguna Art Show is also held biannually to support Laguna Public School. It brings together artists and students, and the money raised helps fund school programs.

Valley Artists Inc has been staging standout live theatre since 1998. These are fully realised productions, complete with crafted sets, tight scripts and months of rehearsal. Run by a dedicated team of local volunteers, the theatre has built a strong reputation for fresh, high-quality performances.

The Wollombi Burlesque Troupe brings bold, unapologetic energy to the countryside. This isn’t improvised. It’s rehearsed, curated and just the right amount of outrageous. Guitars are tuned, stilt walkers hit their mark, and amps blasts to life.

Community markets are held three times a year during the long weekends, bringing together local makers, growers, and artists. Handmade goods, fresh produce, home baking and plenty of familiar faces. It’s country shopping, Wollombi Valley style.

But creativity here isn’t just about exhibitions and events.

Local musicians play for the joy of it, yes. But this isn’t busking. These are seasoned performers booked for festivals, weddings, openings and long-table lunches. They rehearse, they collaborate, and they deliver.

So many people in the valley learn to paint, weld, carve, restore, knit, make prints, or join ceramic groups.

That’s what makes this place special. It’s still country and yes its small, but there’s space here - space to try new things, open a gallery in a shed, start a workshop, or put on a show and trust people will come.

Each gallery is another small business.

It’s another creative person taking a chance, and another reason for someone to stay.

Even though the valley has been here for almost two hundred years, Wollombi Valley feels full of life and creativity.

Wollombi Village photo credit Euan Wilcox

The Creative Heart of Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley discover it for yourself.

reserve your stay summerhouse

Stay at Little Valley Summerhouse. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, tucked into Laguna in Wollombi Valley. An adults-only escape in the Hunter Valley, set on our working alpaca farm.


Arriving by Electric Vehicle into Wollombi Valley

Travelling to the Little Valley Summerhouse in an electric vehicle is surprisingly easy, and a lovely way to arrive if you enjoy the journey as much as the stay.

The Trading Post Laguna Wollombi Valley

The Trading Post Laguna Photo Credit Euan Wilcox

This is where you charge your electric vehicle.

We have happily hosted many e-drivers over the years and have been asked a few times whether people can charge their vehicles here.

Little Valley Farm is a fully solar-powered farm in Wollombi Valley, Hunter Valley, but we don’t currently offer on-site EV charging. Instead, guests travelling by EV are well supported by nearby options in Laguna, just a few minutes down the road.


Where to charge your EV in Laguna?

The closest EV charging point is located at The Trading Post, Laguna, just 4.5km from Little Valley Farm. There is a Tesla charger available, and guests will need to bring their own charging adapters.

Charging here fits nicely into a relaxed arrival or mid-stay plan, especially as The Trading Post is a favourite local stop and just down the road.

They’re open from 8 am and do an incredible egg and bacon roll and coffee in the morning. On Friday nights, they host dinner, the only night of the week they do evening meals, and it’s well worth planning around if you’re staying with us then. It’s an easy place to eat, drink and unwind while your vehicle charges.

Also at the Trading Post, you’ll find the Laguna Village Providore, a small fruit shop where you can pick up fresh produce and a few snack essentials before heading back to the farm.

The drive to Little Valley summerhouse

Part of the appeal of staying here is the drive itself.

• From Sydney, it’s around 120km, roughly 90 minutes, depending on traffic

• From Newcastle, the drive is about one hour

• From the Central Coast, allow around one hour

Most guests travel via Tourist Drive 33, a scenic and winding stretch of road that takes you through bushland, valleys and historic villages. It’s a beautiful drive, particularly as you get closer to Wollombi Valley.

The farm is accessed via a maintained dirt road. Most vehicles are suitable; however, low-sport cars or heavily modified vehicles are not recommended. Confident drivers will find access easy.

A quiet place to arrive, in any season

The Little Valley summerhouse sleeps four adults and is designed to be comfortable year-round. Whether you’re arriving in summer with long evenings by the hottub, or in winter with crisp mornings and slow days indoors, the house works beautifully in every season.

Arriving by electric vehicle fits naturally with the pace here, slower travel, thoughtful stops, and a stay that’s about switching off rather than rushing through.

wollombi valley 2025 photo Euan wilcox

Wollombi Valley photo credit Euan WIlcox

Staying Local: Laguna, Wollombi Valley

If you feel like heading out, Wollombi Village is just a 10-minute drive from Little Valley Farm and well worth a visit. It’s small, historic and easy to wander at your own pace.

For something casual and nourishing, we highly recommend the Wollombi General Store. It’s a great spot for healthy food options, takeaway meals and coffee, and it also serves as the local post office. The building itself has a wonderful sense of history, with antiques to browse, seating both inside and outside, and plenty of space to relax. You’ll also find Noyce Brothers Wine nextdoor, with wine tasting available inside the beautifully restored building, and don’t miss the garden out the back, a lovely place to sit quietly for a while or enjoy a game of giant chess.

wollombi village photo Euan WIlcox

Wollombi Village photo credit Euan Wilcox

If you’re in the mood to sit down and relax a little longer, Myrtle & Stone is a beautiful café perched on the hill overlooking the village. You can sit inside or out on the veranda, enjoy good food, and take in the view across Wollombi.

For a late afternoon drink or something a little more lively, the Wollombi Tavern beer garden is a local favourite. It’s the perfect place for a cold beer and a relaxed end to the day before heading back to the farm.

Art Lovers

For art lovers, Wollombi Village also has a quiet, creative side worth exploring. Roadside Gallery is known for its rotating exhibitions and thoughtful, locally connected works. Nearby, The Forge, curious finds and antiques. Little Yengo Room offers a more intimate space to view art and objects inspired by the surrounding landscape. The village is also home to an Indigenous art museum, providing an opportunity to engage with First Nations art and stories connected to this region. Each space is small, considered, and well-suited to a gentle wander rather than a rushed visit.

What’s the best way to book the Summerhouse?

Book direct for the best rates and an 11 am early check-in so that you can make the most of your first day.

Third-party platforms can add $250–$300 in fees per weekend, and much of that money heads offshore. When you book direct with a host, those dollars stay here in Australia and help support the local community. It's a simple choice that makes a real difference, and you get to enjoy a unique piece of Australia.

book summerhouse here

Hunter Region Alpaca Youth Event 2025

Got a young alpaca fan in the family? Or maybe someone aged 7–26 who's keen to learn more about these curious livestock? NSW Alpaca Youth are running the very first youth event at the Quirindi Show this year, and it's all about having fun with alpacas.

There are two parts to the day: Stockmanship and Showmanship. Don't worry, nothing tricky or intimidating. It's a relaxed, hands-on chance to spend time with some adorable alpacas and pick up a few new skills and friends along the way.

View the event on Facebook here.

Little Valley Farm is proud to be one of the sponsors of this event. For more details or to get involved, reach out to Kylie Werren.

Photo credit Kylie Werren Alpaca Youth Events

What's happening in Wollombi Valley

Good morning, alpaca lovers,

We’ve got some lovely updates to share from Little Valley Farm, starting with our summerhouse, which is quietly transforming into a little micro-retreat (if we can call it that!).

From the end of October/early November, guests will be able to enjoy our wood-fired pizza oven and wood-fired sauna. Perfect for doing absolutely nothing for your slow-stay with us, which we highly recommend. Bring a book, light the fire, and let the valley work its magic.

Our summerhouse sleeps four adults and can be booked directly for better rates for you to enjoy. More on the summerhouse here.

Inside our Little valley summerhouse

alpaca knitwear and yarn Australia

Alpaca knitwear

The weather’s been cooler lately (just how I like it), which means I get to pull out my favourite alpaca knitwear. Here I am in one that was handspun & knitted for me. I'm also wearing our La Sierra alpaca scarf. They’re a fav, & you can find the range here here.

Wollombi Village

We are loving the new-look Wollombi General Store. Chef Shea is delighting both hearts and appetites with her new café offerings, alongside excellent local coffee and Carnival Gelato. It’s worth a visit, and the store also features an excellent little gifting section. You can choose to dine in or take your food to go. What I have indulged in so far… super fresh sandwich roll, veggie soup, proscutto toasties, vegan lentil pie and gelato. Photos thanks to @wollombivalley

Our alpacas

alpacas hunter valley littlevalleyfarm

Say hello to little Miss Rosebud the alpaca.

As for the alpacas… the babies are growing too fast, as usual. We’re getting ready for spring shearing in September and looking forward to longer days and warmer weather.

Shearing 2025

Shearing is happening the weekend of 26th to 28th Sept and the dates are currently available to book your summerhouse stay.

If you’ve been thinking about a return visit (or your first stay), now’s a great time to book. Nightly rates will increase next month, but you can still secure your preferred dates at the current price if you book now. And remember, booking direct via our website means better rates for you. 

Alpaca Workshop

Our next events will be on Sunday, 14th September, and then on 12th October. Book your place here as spots are limited, and this is best suited for new or potential owners.

Photography

And if you're curious about Wollombi Valley or maybe fell a little in love with it on your last visit, then check out Euan’s photography page on Instagram: @wollombivalley.

wollombi valley laguna new south wales

Photo credit @wollombivalley

He captures the quiet beauty of this place in a way words can't quite manage.

Euan will also be part of the upcoming Laguna Art Show, which helps raise funds for our wonderful small public school in Laguna. The show will run from 15th to 17th August, 2025.  It's well worth a visit if you’re in the area, and for a great cause. https://www.instagram.com/lagunaartshow

If you want more info, just send me an email. Hope to see you in Wollombi Valley soon. Daniela and the alpacas.

The Other Hunter Valley: Discovering Wollombi Valley

If you’ve only ever explored the vineyards of Pokolbin, you might be surprised to learn there's another side to the Hunter Valley. Slower, greener, and full of character. It's a small yet historic village for those who want to escape the crowds. Welcome to Wollombi Valley.

In this short video, we share a few beautiful moments captured this week. Rolling paddocks, misty mornings, and the calm that only comes with getting truly off the beaten track.

Let’s answer a few common questions about this peaceful little pocket of NSW...

Where is Wollombi Valley?

Wollombi is tucked into the southern end of the Hunter Valley, about 90 minutes from Sydney and just under an hour from Pokolbin. It’s where the wine region meets the bush. Think historic, quiet, and rich in charm. You’ll pass sandstone cottages, working farms, and winding country roads, that sometimes have cows, roos, water ducks and of course wombats passing by and where time slows.

Where can I stay in Wollombi Valley?

If you're after something a bit different to your standard wine country accommodation, Little Valley Farm’s summerhouse is a great base for those discerning travellers. It’s a fully off-grid, architecturally designed home by the pond, and has alpacas and donkeys wandering just beyond the deck. There are also a few boutique stays and farmhouses scattered through the valley. No resorts here, just peace and space.

How is Wollombi different from Pokolbin wine country?

It’s less commercial, more relaxed, and feels like a real (small) country town. You’ll still find great wine, Noyce Brothers in the village is worth a stop, but instead of big-name cellar doors, you’ll meet winemakers in boots also at Undercliff Vineyard. The village itself has a fantastic little general store, a classic pub, an art gallery and long weekend markets are held three times a year. You come to Wollombi to exhale.

@wollombigenearlstore

@The Trading Post Laguna

Hit play on the video below and see it for yourself. If you’re ready to slow down and try the other side of the Hunter, we’re always happy to welcome you here.

See the summerhouse here.

Video credit Instagram @wollombivalley

Alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley

Alpacas in the Hunter Valley – June & July Workshops 🦙

Well, we survived the heavy rains and mini flood from last month, but I do have some fences to fix and fallen trees to chop up. It's finally Winter and we’re loving the colder weather. The alpaca’s fleece has already started to bulk up with the cold, and it feels amazing on them.

Just a quick update as we’ve got a few fun alpaca workshops coming up in June and July, 2025.

Sunday 15 June: Alpaca workshop for new owners – a great hands-on intro if you're thinking about alpacas or just getting started. Then another one on 13 July, 2025.


Sunday, 22 June: Our first-ever 'Make Your Own Alpaca Dryer Balls' workshop. We will meet and greet with the herd, then head over to our train shed and work some magic with the fleece. Book here as limited places.

NEW:

We're also planning a personalised photo shoot session with the alpacas (because who doesn’t want a selfie with Reign or Paisley?) Dates are still being finalised, but please let us know if you have a preferred date in mind.

COMING SOON….. well, this weekend, keep an eye on our website SHOP for some new and amazing alpaca knitwear and living that I will be loading onto our SHOP. It’s all about quiet luxury pieces that will last you a lifetime for those who appreciate alpacas and the crafting magic of it all.

Our boutique, quite luxury farmstay

Our summerhouse is fully booked for June and July, but we do have some mid-week dates available. Now is a great time to secure your August getaway with friends and enjoy the crisp, cool nights in the Hunter Valley by the fire. Check it out and make sure you book direct here.

Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with our herd. Daniela

After the flood the Gang Gangs Cockatoos are back

This past weekend brought a deluge to the Hunter Valley, with floodwaters rising once again. The landscape changed almost overnight—paddocks turned to lakes, access roads became streams, and every step outside meant another battle with the relentless mud. But as the water slowly recedes, a sense of normality returns to the farm.

Today, Euan captured an incredible moment on video: a gang-gang cockatoo perched contentedly in the paddock tree, enjoying seeds scattered on the wet ground. Watching this magnificent bird reminded us of nature's resilience. Even after the chaos of the flood, life finds a way to settle back in, bringing a sense of normalcy and comfort.

The female gang gang cockatoo enjoys the seed from the liquid amber trees. SOUND ON when watching the video!

Why are Gang Gang Cockatoos important? These beautiful birds are endangered. Their population has dropped 70% in three generations, so they deserve some airtime on our page and a whole lot of bush food.

When you reserve your summerhouse farmstay with us, be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible birdlife and wildlife that surrounds the property—it's a truly special experience you won't want to miss.

Learn more summerhouse

Little Valley summerhouse Laguna, Wollombi Valley

Alpacas, Cameras, and Candid Moments: A New Experience at Little Valley Farm

Something quietly magical happens when you're sitting in a paddock with a curious alpaca nibbling nearby, the sun dipping behind the hills, and no schedule in sight. At Little Valley Farm, we've been envisioning what it would be like to capture that magic just as it is.

That's exactly what we're doing.

We're excited to launch a new and completely natural photo shoot experience featuring our alpacas. There will be no awkward posing or props. Just you, the fresh air, and a few woolly alpaca companions going about their day. Think of it as a relaxed afternoon hangout with a camera clicking gently in the background.

Euan will be behind the lens with his professional camera gear, capturing beautiful candid moments as they unfold. He'll edit the best shots afterwards, and you'll receive at least ten high-resolution images to keep, whether for your walls, social media, or simply as a lovely keepsake from your day.

If the idea of being in front of a camera makes you want to run for the hills (we understand!), don't worry. Daniela will be there to gently guide you, offer encouragement, and ensure you feel completely at ease. We promise nothing will be stiff or staged.

As for the alpacas, they won't be taking any direction. They'll be themselves - all curious, calm, and occasionally photobombing with their best side, which is every side.

We'll keep it real, simple, and lovely. Just like life at the farm.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, stay tuned to our website and social media for announcements about the upcoming dates. Alternatively, feel free to reach out directly if you want to be among the first to try it!

We’re excited to share this new idea with you. 

So take advantage of our introductory prices by contacting Daniela. 

- Introductory price of $180 + GST for a 1-hour session with two adults.  

- Introductory price of $270 + GST for a 1-hour session with four adults.

Price will change, so check the shopcart for current rates.

This is cria Van now two months old and loving all the attention

If you like nature and landscape photography, then check out more images here DULILI.Co

Photos captured from around the farm as we slowly say farewell to Autumn.

Make Your Own Alpaca Dryer Balls Workshop with Daniela at Little Valley Farm

New workshop for 2025 - Alpaca Dryer Balls

Come get your hands working with alpaca fleece at Little Valley Farm!

Join us for a relaxed two-hour workshop where you’ll meet and feed the alpacas, then head into our train shed to clean, card, and felt your very own set of three alpaca dryer balls—made from the fleece of our beautiful herd. It’s hands-on, satisfying, and a great way to learn the process from paddock to product. Perfect for eco-conscious homes - and your laundry will love you for it.

Why Alpaca Dryer Balls?

Because at Little Valley Farm, we believe everyday moments deserve a little luxury. Our dryer balls are handmade from the fleece of our own alpacas—gentle on your clothes, kind to the planet, and full of slow-living soul.

They reduce static, soften fabrics, and cut drying time—all without chemicals. It’s sustainable sophistication with every tumble.

What to expect
We’ll be working with hot and cold water, soap, and a lot of rolling—so get ready to give your hands a bit of a workout. You’ll start by shaping the fleece into a tight ball, wetting it with soapy hot water, then rolling, squeezing, and manipulating it until it begins to felt. It’s repetitive, a little meditative, and oddly addictive. Feel free to bring your own gloves if you like, but we’ll have spares here too.

On the Day

Leave with a set of three dryer balls plus some fleece to make more at home.

When

Dates and prices will be announced shortly via our shopcart, where you can book directly.

Updates

Subscribe to our mailing list for all things alpacas, workshops,mailing list and summerhouse stays


See you soon in the Hunter Valley,
Daniela
Little Valley Farm

little valley farm alpaca farm workshops

Daniela and the alpacas

Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Not in use due to an upgrade in 2026

The wood-fired pizza oven embodies the joy of a leisurely day on the farm, allowing you to take your time instead of rushing from one activity to another. It's about savouring the farm experience, watching the alpacas, and preparing the wood-fired oven for your afternoon meal.

DAYTIME USE ONLY - Please let me know which date you would like to use it.

Things to Know About the Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

  • We provide the gear: You’ll be given a picnic basket with cutlery and crockery, and we’ll also supply wood, kindling, pizza pans, paddles and utensils.

  • What you’ll need to bring: Your own pizza bases and all your favourite toppings.

  • Set up: We will set up the oven fire for you using well-seasoned timber and kindling.

  • You manage it: We will show you how and when to light it, and then you manage the fire process from there. Give yourself at least four hours to get it hot. It needs to be managed to avoid the fire going out.

  • Best bases to use: The oven works best with fresh pizza dough or Italian-style pre-made bases. Thin Lebanese bread or ultra-thin crusts tend to burn quickly, as it’s just too hot for those!

  • Cooking tips: Once the oven is hot, pizzas only take 3–10 minutes to cook. We’ll give you a quick rundown so you don’t end up with charred crusts (unless that’s your thing).

  • Clean up: Wildlife are always on the hunt for food, so please don’t leave any food or dirty utensils behind.

  • Fire safety: Safety first! We’ll run through the basics and show you how to safely manage the oven. After that, you’re in charge (with us nearby if you need a hand).

Other things to note:

  • Daytime use only: The wood-fired pizza oven is located just a short walk from the summerhouse (45 metres), and can only be used during daylight hours for two reasons: safety and to avoid disturbing the local wildlife and our livestock.

    Please ensure you start cooking before sunset, as the area gets dark quickly and there is limited lighting. In the autumn and winter, sunset occurs before 5:15 PM, while in the spring and summer, it occurs before 8:00 PM.

  • Weather: The oven can’t be used if it has been raining or during fire ban days. Please check the weather forecast and fire danger ratings before planning your pizza day. We have a gas oven in the summerhouse as a backup.

  • Groceries and supplies: Shopping options are limited in our village. Please ensure you have gathered all necessary items before arriving. The Laguna Village Providore is just 4.5 km away and will have some supplies.

Pizza oven is on the train deck across the alpaca paddocks

How does the Pizza Oven work?

Once it hits around 400°C, it’s pizza time. Only make your pizzas when you're ready to cook them straight away; if they sit around too long, the bases can go soggy. Make the pizzas on the silver pizza tray with holes. It’s easy to transport and easy to cook on.

When you're all done cooking, simply close the oven door securely by popping it back into place. This helps the fire die down naturally.

Enjoy the process and especially the pizza!

“Your first pizza is sacrificial, and your last is always the best.”
— Daniela

You will see some roaming alpacas pass by.

Alpaca OPEN Day May 2025

Exciting news! Little Valley Farm is hosting an Open Day for Alpaca Week, celebrating 35 years of the Australian Alpaca Association! Join us this May for a day of alpaca fun, workshops, and breathtaking autumn colors. 

OPEN DAY

Open Day tickets are for one hour on the farm. Meet and greet the alpacas, feed them and grad some wonderful photo’s as well as an education tour. Book here.

  • Sunday 4th May 2025 - 12 noon to 1 pm or 2 pm and 3 pm

  • Monday 12th May 2025 - 12 noon to 1 pm.

WORKSHOP

Alpaca Workhop for new owners - Introduction to Alpacas purchase is three hours and hands on husbandry tasks we will cover also. Read more and book tickets here.

  • Sunday 13th April 2025 1030 am to 130 pm.

  • Sunday 18th May 2025 1020 am to 130 pm.

Where do alpacas sleep? Answers from an alpaca farmer

Good Morning from Little Valley Farm! 🌅 It’s Daniela here, and today I’m answering a question I get asked all the time: Where do your alpacas like to sleep? 🦙💤

Well, our alpacas have their preferences! Their top two choices are grass and dirt. They absolutely love to roll in the dirt or lie down on a soft dirt patch. Our alpaca shelters have dirt floors, which makes them super cozy when they head inside for a rest. 🌾 If you take a look at the video, you’ll often see them lounging around on the grass enjoying a peaceful nap or enjoying a dirt patch in the sun. 

If there isn’t a dirt patch available in the paddock, don’t worry—they’ll create one themselves by rolling around until they’ve got the perfect spot. On hot days, you might notice them laying on the dirt to cool off, but they definitely won’t sleep on a bed or anything fancy like that. 😉

During the colder, rainy winter months, we make sure to spread hay or straw on the shed floors to keep them extra comfortable. 🐾 However, our shelters are already pretty cozy, so it’s not much of a problem. They don’t care for concrete floors because they can be quite chilly, but a layer of straw does the trick to keep them warm and happy.

So, whether it’s dirt, grass, or a comfy spot in their shed, our alpacas always find a way to rest in style here at Little Valley Farm! More about this will be discussed at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. 

Our alpaca workshops are held monthly in the Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast. Visit our website at littlevalleyfarm.com.au to check the available dates and book your spot online. We also offer a wonderful alpaca manual that you can purchase online or buy during your visit to our farm for the workshop.

We look forward to seeing you at Little Valley Farm to share our passion for alpacas!