Tommerup's Dairy Farm

Tommerup's Dairy Farm offers a farmstay experience that's definitely the real deal and it's right on Brisbane's doorstep.

Rustic accommodation, stunning scenery, hands on activities and great local produce combine to guarantee a truly enjoyayable escape in the picturesque Lost World region of the very aptly named Scenic Rim. 

A little over an hour's drive from Brisbane is the place that this 6th generation farming family call home. Their 200 acre property sits in the Kerry Valley, among green rolling hills, lush green paddocks and towering gums.

Guests here enjoy cosy, rustic accommodation - either in the The Homestead, which provides views across the farm, or in The Cottage, sitting on a ridge at the top of the property. Both share an interesting history. 

The Homestead, built in 1880, is the original farm Homestead and was the first sawn timber home in the Kerry district. It has been the home of generations of this family. The Cottage was originally the kitchen of the Homestead, and was removed board by board in 1947 and transported to its present location where it was rebuilt to provide further accommodation. Today both options offer a very comfortable stay, where the history of days gone by and modern conveniences have been cleverly blended. 

Joining the Tommerups on their farm is both enjoyable and educational and a great way for city slickers to gain a real appreciation for the hard work that goes into putting fresh produce on the table. This is a great family holiday, where kids learn where their food comes from and guests of all ages can witness holistic farming practices at work. 

Join Farmer Kay each morning and hand feed the chickens, goats, sheep and calves (some of whom are named after celebrity chefs such as Neil Perry, Glenn Barratt, Tobie Puttock and Alistair McLeod). Have the camera ready for the comical pig feeding when frenzied pigs squeal and climb over each other to get to their share of the tucker. 

Then there are eggs to collect from the open range chickens, enthusiastic Jack Russells to meet, and the Farm Larder to browse. The Larder is full of delicious local delicacies to purchase, like raw hive honey, ethically raised pork, veal and lamb, Olson's salt, Norco Dairy products, Tommerup's fresh eggs, Bunjergen verjuice, relish and chutney, fresh produce from the vegetable gardens, farmhouse pork pies (made by the Goat Pie Guy using Tommerup's heritage pork) and White Gold Creamery dairy products.

Late afternoon, guests are invited to help Farmer Dave herd the cattle, ready for milking. Just a short walk from The Homestead and The Cottage is the dairy, where "the girls" are relieved of their milk which is then stored onsite, ready to be collected by the Norco tanker.  Everyone has the chance to try their hand at milking the cows and Farmer Dave is happy to explain the milking process and answer any questions. The Tommerup's "girls" each produce between 7 and 30 litres of milk a day.

Other activities on farm include fishing in the Albert River, self guided farm walks, bird watching and picnicking by the creek, which is just a short walk downhill from The Cottage. At an extra cost, massages, star gazing, guided farm walks with a local ranger and Australian bush buddies encounters can be arranged - enquire at time of booking.

Off farm, a myriad of activities await. Hot air ballooning, four wheel driving, cooking workshops with the Wild Lime Cooking School (at nearby Worendo Cottages), tours, horse riding, whip cracking, scenic drives and bush walking (the Lost World access to Lamington National Park is just 10 minutes from the farm) are just some of the options to consider - check the website for further details.

Close by, Darlington Park offers a lovely spot to picnic, swim, fish, and relax. It also boasts a kids' playground and kiosk where basic supplies can be found and ice-creams, coffees and snacks are for sale.

Catering is a breeze as kitchens are very well equipped and both The Homestead and The Cottage have BBQs. The nearest shops are in Beaudesert, so guests need to take provisions, head into Beaudesert or order Tommerup's self cook hampers at an extra cost. These hampers are fabulous and are full of local produce. 

From light breakfasts to afternoon nibbles and on to substantial dinners, Tommerup's Dairy Farm has got it all covered. Highly recommended is the Gourmet Farmhouse Breakfast/Brunch hamper which is very generous and contains Tommerup Dairy Farm's ethically raised traditional wood-smoked bacon rashers, boutique open range eggs and raw honey together with Arthur Clive's specialty bread, White Gold Creamery butter, Norco cream and pure jersey milk, homemade pancake mix, locally made jam, breakfast juice and Gourmet Aussie made cereals - truly a feast and a real farm to fork experience.

Imagine lazy days catching the passing breezes on The Cottage's deck, reading a book, listening to music or just enjoying the stunning surrounds and sounds. Watch mobs of kangaroos laze in the shade by the creek and later in the day grazing in the paddocks. Delight in watching the cows slowly pass by The Cottage's back door after their afternoon milking and as the sun goes down, indulge in one of Tommerup's charcuterie platters with a drink. Fire up the BBQ for dinner and enjoy the cool of the evening on the deck. Keep an eye out for skittish hares hopping through the paddock.

This is a fabulous holiday any time of the year, with each season bringing its own delights - in cool weather the chimney gets fired up and a snuggly doona is a welcome friend and in warmer weather Duck Creek and the Albert River are the perfect places to cool off and a shady gum provides just the spot to read or catch 40 winks. 

Whether it's a family reunion, a romantic weekend away, a gathering with friends or simply a much needed escape, Tommerup's Farmstay is the ideal location where warm hospitality, fresh country air and lush, green countryside will restore and reconnect.

Need to know - During the warmer months of the year, all activities are scheduled to take advantage of the cooler times of day, so don't be put off visiting during the summer months. Due to health and safety regulations, closed in shoes must be worn during all farm activities.

Nice to know - Tommerup's Dairy Farm hosts school group tours and participates in the region's annual Farmgate Festival and Eat Local Week. They also open their farm gate several times a year and future plans include holding a Farmer's Market on the property. On November 26th, "Gourmet in Gumboots Christmas" will be held on the farm. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for details of events at Tommerup's Dairy Farm.

MORE INFO & BOOKINGS HERE

By Sandy Ludinski

Must Do Brisbane.com was a guest of Tommerup's Dairy Farm