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Walking down the dusty path, we heard the clucking of chickens as we passed the coops. In the distance, a windmill stood still against a clear blue sky. Continuing on, we encountered three pig sties which sat across from a small paddock containing sheep.
And so, it was here we found ourselves, feeling as if we were in the country, rather than one of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, at Collingwood Children’s Farm to attend a birthday party.
Collingwood Children’s Farm is located in Abbottsford, about 5km from Melbourne’s city centre. It was established in 1979 by a community committee to provide an opportunity for those living in an urban environment to learn and care about animals, nature, and enjoy being outdoors. In addition to being open to the public, it provides educational activities and programs for school and community groups as well as individuals.
We met at a pavilion reserved for the party, which was situated near the pig pens. A peacock strode by, giving a loud honk as it passed. A woman in faded jeans, a dark blue button-down shirt, and white cap arrived pushing a wheelbarrow containing buckets of feed. She told us that she would be our guide for the day, leading us on a feed walk and a few other activities.
Our first stop was at the chicken coop which housed a few different breeds. The kids gathered around as our guide passed out handfuls of seed mix to feed the chooks. However when the feed was thrown through the fence, several pigeons flew in (a couple almost hitting me in the head), in an attempt to get a share of the seed. They kicked up a heap of dust as they tried to compete with the chickens and grab bits that were dropped on the ground.
After the chickens were fed, we moved on to a shed where a pregnant cow stood with its head through a wooden frame, eating out of a trough. The rear half of the cow was roped off, leaving its sides accessible. A few brushes were handed out and all of the kids took turns brushing and petting the cow.
Next, we were off to feed the pigs. I always forget just how huge pigs are. Before the food was handed out, we were instructed not to dangle any limbs over the fence, as they bite (hard). The pigeons saw us coming and congregated on the roofs of the pig sties waiting for another feed. The kids threw the food over the fence which was a little too high for a lot of them, and much of the feed ended up on top of the pigs.
From there we were led into the sheep paddock and there was a bit of excitement to be going right in with the sheep. Under the shade of a gum tree in middle of the enclosure, the sheep crowded around as the kids (and some grown-ups) hand-fed them. The kids really enjoyed this part as they were able to interact with, pet, and feed the sheep.
Our last stop on the feed walk was the goats. As we approached their enclosure, several goats stuck their heads through the fence ready for the kids’ offerings. Alexis giggled as she held the food in her cupped hands while a goat grabbed it with its long tongue.
The animal feedings now finished, it was time for pony rides. Our guide brought us to a fenced in area next to the stables. Inside the fence, there were small obstacles on the ground which created a kind of course, and two ponies ready to provide rides for that session. The kids lined up and were fitted with a helmet before entering through the gate and stepping onto a small wooden platform to mount their pony. They each had a short ride as staff led the ponies around the pen.
After everyone had a ride on the ponies, we made our way to a barn for guinea pig cuddles. The kids were asked to sit down in a circle on a rug and a box containing four guinea pigs was brought out. Each guinea pig was placed in a small, round, hay-filled basket and given to one of the children along with some lettuce, parsley, and grass to feed them. They each got a few minutes to pet and feed the guinea pig before passing it on to the next person. This was by far Alexis’s favourite activity and she has been pleading with us to get a guinea pig ever since.
This marked the end of the tour and we headed back to the pavilion for a delicious lunch of sandwiches, sausage rolls, and muffins catered by the Farm Café. And of course, birthday cake which was beautifully and aptly decorated as a horse.
We all really enjoyed our time at Collingwood Children’s Farm and that fact that you can have a little bit of a country experience in the city. Although we had a guide as part of the party, the animal feedings, cow brushing, and guinea pig cuddles are open to all visitors (pony rides are an extra $2), you just need to check the schedule and plan accordingly. The farm isn’t that big, but if you take advantage of all of the activities, it is a fun way to spend a couple hours entertaining the little ones.