Exploring Quaint Homesteads and Curious Wildlife

The agritourism industry in Australia has enjoyed steady growth over the past few years, as visitors, local and international, seek to experience nature, and enjoy a variety of fresh produce. Capitalizing on the value of inviting the general public to enjoy experiences on the farm, creates the potential for farmers to establish an extra stream of income, and bond with visitors.

Over the past five years, the number of tourists visiting farms has seen an annual growth of 1.8 million. In 2015 and 2016 alone, visitor participation in agritourism activities funneled $9.4 billion into the economy, most of which came from international visitors. These are some of the most popular activities on offer for farm visitors the world over.

Farm Visits

Farm visits are amongst the most intimate, memorable experiences on offer, allowing visitors the opportunity to stay for longer, and get to know farmers on a personal level. Thanks to modern technology, these experiences will likely be arranged via an interactive website in the near future, along with a variety of daily activities for visitors. This will enable farmers to diversify their source of income through their farm, and with plans to expand web offerings across multiple states, the probability of reaching more potential visitors is expanding.

Gardening

Keeping produce as natural as possible is a huge trend in sustainability and health, and there’s no better place to try it out than on a local farm. Visitors interested in the lifestyle may have the opportunity to grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables, a practice which could go some way to reducing the carbon emissions produced by transporting produce to supermarkets. Beyond the practical aspect of gardening, there are also plenty of opportunities to appreciate Australia’s natural flora, and as an added bonus, the nectar-rich plants in autochtone gardens attract beautiful native birds.

Food and Wine

Farms often have plenty of experiences on offer for those who love their food and drink, whether you’re only after a taste, or looking something more hands-on. Adults can enjoy tasting some of the country’s fine wines, or even try making it themselves, and follow it up with a masterclass in food preparation from scratch. With cooking classes, cheese making, and butchery also on offer through some farms, there are food experiences for every interest.

Animal Experiences

Farm animals are a popular highlight for visitors, especially those with children, and there are a variety of potential animal experiences on offer for visitors, depending on the animals kept at each farm. Farms with horses may offer trail riding, while those with cows might encourage guests to get hands-on and try milking. When farm visitors have seen enough pigs, chickens, and goats to last a lifetime, Australia’s unique wildlife lies just beyond the fence. With a pair of binoculars, visitors have the opportunity to witness many varieties of birdlife in action during the day, and even catch nocturnal species like owls around after dark.

Other Adventures

Depending on which location you visit, you can expect to find plenty of other opportunities for memorable experiences. Visiting a farm near to the coast will enable you to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, and maybe even take a few surfing lessons while you’re there, or go snorkeling. On the other hand, those longing for a secluded holiday might find a farm located further inland more appealing.

Agritourism is a valuable trend for Australia, not only for the farmers looking to bring in extra income and maintain their livelihood, but also for international visitors seeking a unique experience. With ongoing support from local communities, farms will be poised to continue capitalizing on the currency of experience.