Collingwood Children's Farm facts for kids
The Collingwood Children's Farm is a special place in Melbourne, Australia. It's a working farm right in the city, located next to the Yarra River in Abbotsford. This farm is run by a not-for-profit group, meaning it's all about helping the community.
The farm is on land that belongs to the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people. This area, called the Abbotsford Heritage Precinct Farmlands, has been farmed for a very long time. It's the oldest continuously farmed land in Victoria! People have been growing crops here since before 1836. The Collingwood Children's Farm itself started in 1979, making it the oldest children's farm in Australia.
Contents
Visiting the Farm
You can visit the farm almost every day of the year. It's open from 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM. You can explore the farm at your own pace and see all the animals and gardens.
Fun Family Days
On the first Sunday of every month (except January), the farm hosts a special Family Day. There's a barbecue and fun activities like horse and hay rides for kids. It's a great way to spend a Sunday!
Farmers' Market
The farm also has a popular monthly Farmers' market. It happens on the second Saturday of each month. You can buy fresh produce from the farm and from over 60 other local producers in Victoria. It's a fantastic place to find fresh food.
Winter Bonfire Event
To celebrate the Winter Solstice, the farm holds an annual bonfire event. This event also helps raise money to keep the farm running.
Amazing Animals at the Farm
The Collingwood Children's Farm is home to many different animals. You can find everything from tiny earthworms to big horses. They also have peacocks, goats, sheep, ducks, pigs, chickens, and guinea pigs. Many of the animals at the farm are rare breeds, which means they are special and not often seen.
Get Involved with Animals
Visitors can even try brushing the cows! This happens daily at 10:15 AM and 4:00 PM. It's a fun way to get up close with the farm animals.
How the Farm Started and Runs
The farm began in 1979. A group of people in the community leased a small piece of land next to the Yarra River. This land is now used by the farm and by community gardeners.
Supporting the Farm
Over the years, the farm has received money from different places. Today, most of its income comes from entrance fees and donations. The farm also relies a lot on community help. Staff, volunteers, and young people in the Young Farmer's Program all work together to keep the farm going.
Farm Products
Sometimes, you can buy fresh products from the farm. These include honey, special plant food called earthworm castings, and eggs. These items are sold when they are available.
Explore the Area
The Yarra River Trail passes right through the Collingwood Children's Farm. This trail is popular with cyclists and people walking. It follows the Yarra River from the city all the way to Dights Falls and beyond. Many people stop at the Farm Cafe for a meal. The cafe is run separately from the farm itself.
