Experience the Beauty of Minard Farm
FARM TOUR & HIGHLAND COWS
Minard Farm is home to Turned Around and Minard Highland Cattle, located at Joadja, a scenic 25-minute drive from Bowral, Berrima or Mittagong in the Southern Highlands of NSW. The farm is halfway between Joadja Estate Winery and The Joadja Whiskey and Gin Distillery. Michael and Katie are your hosts during your visit.
Tours of the farm are designed to help you get close to the Highland cattle with plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn about the fold. We begin with a talk about Highland Cattle whilst you enjoy a Devonshire Tea in the Turned Around Studio and Tea Room before we head to the paddock to see the cattle.
The Morning Tea Tour begins at 10.30am and the Afternoon Tea tour at 2.30pm (2pm on Mondays and Fridays). Tours are approximately 2 hours in duration. Enclosed shoes must be worn during the tours.
Please note: Minard Farm is a working farm – we are closed Tuesday-Thursday. Bookings are essential. No walk-ins. Please go to our booking page to see available dates and times.
Featured with Dr Harry on Better Home and Gardens
Life at Minard Farm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome at our farm. They must remain on a leash during the Devonshire Tea session and must be returned to their owner’s vehicle while we engage with the cattle. No exceptions.
What ages of children are the tours suitable for?
Our tours are suitable for all ages, and we will tailor our chat to the ages of our guests. There is no charge for guests aged three years and under.
Are tours suitable for those with mobility problems?
Our studio is accessible for wheelchair users. Access to the paddocks is limited. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Can my family have an exclusive tour just for us?
Yes, get in touch and if it’s possible to accommodate you we will.
Can I take photos of the cows?
Yes, you may take photos of your time whilst in the paddock and with the animals. Minard Farm guides and hosts ask that they NOT be in any photos.
How long do the tours run?
Tours run for approximately 2 hours. Times are set and strict adherence to the times is necessary.
Do the Highland cows have names?
Yes, we name most of our cows from the family tree and some are named after friends.
Can I feed the cattle?
Yes, feeding of the cattle will be as directed by your guides using only the feed provided.
Can I touch the cattle?
Yes, there will be opportunities for supervised contact with the cattle.
Highland cattle are generally calm and docile, but they are still a large animal. Always keep a safe distance, avoid sudden movements, and never approach, touch or feed them without your guide’s say-so or supervision.
It is also important not to stress or disturb them, as they can be protective – especially if they have their calves nearby.
Is Minard Farm open for walk-in visits?
Unfortunately, we are not open for walk-in visits, all tours and experiences must be pre booked in advance.
What is in the Devonshire tea provided?
The Devonshire Tea consists of freshly baked oven scones with whipped cream and strawberry jam. A selection of other baked items are also provided.
Is the Devonshire Tea part of the tour?
Yes, the Devonshire Tea is included as part of the tour. During the Devonshire Tea you will hear a talk about Highland cattle.
How do I get to Minard Farm?
Minard Farm is located at Joadja in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW. We are approximately a 1 hr 45 min drive from Sydney and 2 hours from Canberra. View Google Directions
How do I purchase a Gift Voucher from Minard Farm?
We offer a Gift Voucher for a flexible value. Please contact us to organise your special gift.
How do I redeem my gift voucher?
When booking your tour, let us know that you will be redeeming a gift voucher.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Please make us aware of any food allergies or intolerances when you fill in the booking form as you go through the online checkout. We will then prepare freshly made treats to suit your dietary requirements. Gluten free and vegetarian options are of course available.
What should I wear for my farm tour?
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing. As a condition of entry into the paddock, enclosed, sturdy footwear must be worn.
What happens if the weather’s bad?
Farm Tours will go ahead in light rain. If the customer wishes to postpone their tour, and they have contacted us within 48 hours, we can reschedule, however a refund will not be offered in this situation. At Minard Farm’s discretion, encounters may be rescheduled or cancelled for safety reasons such as moderate to heavy rain and/or high winds. Guests will be notified, by email and/or phone, if their tour needs to be rescheduled or cancelled. Where rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be offered if Minard Farm cancels the tour. If a guest(s) can’t attend their booked encounter, we request a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Where notice provided is more than 48 hours, these three options are available:
- reschedule to a suitable date and time
- gift card for use at a future date
- refund of the booking value minus $50
How early should I arrive for my tour?
A staff member will be present from 15 minutes before the start time of every tour. They will be pleased to welcome you and check you in before your experience begins. Please plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to start.
Can I purchase items to remember my visit to Minard Farm?
Yes, we have a range of Highland cattle memorabilia for sale so that your time with Minard Farm is one you will always remember!
What are your opening times?
Our farm is open all year round, but please note that the farm is not open for casual drop-in visits.
All visits must be booked in advance as part of the Devonshire Tea Farm Tour.
Contact us
Please book your tour via our bookings page, if you have any further questions, please fill in the form below.