Photo: Plant Image Library from Boston, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hidden in the lush green hills of the New England region, Cliffords Honey Farm is a sweet-toothed traveller's paradise. This family-run farm offers an intimate glimpse into the world of beekeeping, where you can taste dozens of honey varieties, watch bees at work through observation hives, and learn about the critical role pollinators play in Australian agriculture. The air is thick with the scent of eucalyptus and wildflowers, and the gentle hum of bees creates a surprisingly soothing soundtrack. It's a perfect stop for nature lovers, foodies, and anyone curious about where their honey comes from.
Highlights & What to See
- Honey Tasting Room – Sample up to 30 different honeys, from creamy leatherwood to tangy rainforest blends. Each has a distinct flavour profile shaped by local flora.
- Observation Beehives – Peer through glass panels into a working hive to see the queen bee, workers, and drones going about their business – a mesmerising spectacle.
- Beekeeping Museum – Explore vintage equipment, including smokers, extractors, and protective gear, that tells the story of honey farming in the region.
- Bee Garden – Stroll through a native garden planted specifically to attract bees and other pollinators, with interpretive signs explaining the plants' roles.
- Farm Shop – Stock up on honey, beeswax candles, propolis tinctures, and honeycomb – perfect gifts or treats for the road.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the tasting room, museum, and garden. The farm is small enough to be a relaxed stop rather than a day trip, and it pairs beautifully with a picnic lunch on the grounds. If you're driving the Waterfall Way or exploring the Dorrigo area, it's an ideal 45-minute detour that won't eat into your day.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Dorrigo National Park – Just 20 minutes away, with spectacular rainforest walks and the iconic Dorrigo Skywalk.
- Bellingen – A charming artsy town on the Bellinger River, known for its markets, cafés, and swimming holes.
- Coffs Harbour – About 45 minutes east, offering beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
- New England National Park – An hour south, with dramatic escarpment views and wildflower displays in spring.
- Armidale – A historic university city 90 minutes inland, home to museums, galleries, and fine dining.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Dorrigo National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bellingen — Wikistellar01 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coffs Harbour — Paul Lakin / CC BY 3.0
- New England National Park — Shiftchange ( talk ) / Public domain
- Armidale — Terry Cooke / CC BY 2.0
- Waterfall Way — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0