Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
Oakvale Farm is a beloved family-friendly attraction in Port Stephens, offering a hands-on Australian farm experience that delights visitors of all ages. Set on lush green pastures, this working farm invites you to cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and meet a menagerie of farm animals, all while learning about rural life in a fun, interactive setting. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing half-day outing that combines wildlife encounters with old-fashioned country charm.
Highlights & What to See
- Koala Encounters: Get up close to these iconic marsupials during daily koala talks and photo sessions – a quintessential Australian experience.
- Animal Feeding & Petting: Hand-feed friendly kangaroos, wallabies, and farm animals like goats and sheep; the animal nursery is a hit with kids.
- Farm Shows & Activities: Watch sheep shearing, cow milking, and working dog demonstrations that showcase authentic farm life.
- Play Areas & Picnic Spots: Let little ones burn off energy at the adventure playground or enjoy a leisurely picnic in the shaded grounds.
- Wildlife Park: Beyond farm animals, see native wildlife including wombats, emus, and reptiles in naturalistic enclosures.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find 2–3 hours sufficient to explore the farm, attend the daily shows, and interact with the animals. Arrive mid-morning to catch the popular koala talks and feeding sessions, then enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on-site. The farm is compact and easy to navigate, making it an ideal stop for families or anyone seeking a low-key, immersive rural experience without a full-day commitment.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Stephens – After the farm, head to Nelson Bay for dolphin-watching cruises or relax on the beaches of Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay.
- Tomaree National Park – Hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for panoramic views of the coastline and offshore islands.
- Stockton Beach – Experience the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, with quad biking and sandboarding adventures.
- Gan Gan Lookout – A short drive away, this lookout offers sweeping views of Port Stephens and the surrounding bushland.
- Anna Bay – Combine a visit with camel rides along the beach or explore the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Tomaree National Park — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Stockton Beach — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Gan Gan Lookout — User:Orderinchaos / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Anna Bay — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Shoal Bay — Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom / CC BY 2.0