Farmyard Friends at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World

As a girl growing up in Newcastle, I remember many a school excursion to Oakvale Farm and Fauna World. I hadn’t visited since my early teens, so I couldn’t resist calling in on my way home from Myall Lakes. I was thrilled to find out that this place is just as much fun as an adult as it was when I was small.

I don’t ordinarily take travel photos featuring myself, but to remove me wouldn’t have been telling Oakvale Farm’s full story. This isn’t the kind of wildlife park where you passively sit back and watch the animals from a distance. You’re encouraged to get up close and personal, and that’s why it’s so special. Kangaroos and farmyard creatures roam freely, and even the ones behind the fences often come close enough for a pat. They’re all too aware of the pellets hidden inside your little feed bags, and are often quite cheeky in pursuit of the treats!

Me and a kangaroo having a chat

Kangaroos are revered by our international tourists, but I think a lot of locals take them for granted. It’s a shame because they’re such sweethearts. Here I was patiently explaining that I needed to open up the bag before he could have a feed!

A new baby cow and his mother

This little baby cow was just a week old, and incredibly sweet. I made sure to give his mother an extra dose of feed and tell her what a clever girl she was. I milked her afterwards; you’d think that a nursing cow would have plenty of milk, but getting it out of those udders is harder than you’d think!

Getting to know the baby lambs

Me feeding a lamb

Every Newcastle girl has photos of themselves feeding baby lambs and goats at Oakvale Farm. Very few of them have the photos of them doing the same thing as an adult, but it’s just as fun. The goats are a bit cheeky and finish their bottles in two seconds flat, but the lambs are so sweet and gentle. Who could resist those faces?

A gorgeous baby goat

This goat did melt my heart though. He was in his own pen, obviously because he was a bit younger than his brothers and sisters. Just look at that gorgeous little face!

Mama Duck and her new family of ducklings

We were lucky enough to visit the farm the very same day these ducklings were born. I melted and spent much time picking up the ducks and cuddling them, until they cheeped that they were ready to return to their mum. I don’t like being critical of new parents, but she honestly wasn’t very good. She kept stepping on their heads! I convinced myself that if I put just one in my pocket and took it home she would never have missed it!

Donald the miniature pony

Just when I thought this was all too cute for words I came across Donald. The only thing cuter than a pony is a miniature pony, and the only thing cuter than a miniature pony is a baby miniature pony. Donald is just three months old and as you can see, about the size of a dog. He’s adorable but also just a little bit naughty. He likes to escape from his pen and go exploring on his own!

If you’ve got kids, a trip to Oakvale Farm is well worth it. And if you’re a big kid like me, you’ll love it too!

Trading hours: Open 10 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas
Location: Oakvale Farm and Fauna World
Address: 3 Oakvale Farm, Salt Ash
Public transport: Catch the #152 Busways bus from Newcastle
Parking: Free parking on site
Cost: $18 for adults, $16 for pensioners and seniors, $11 for children aged 3 to 16, children under 3 free. Family passes cost $55 for two adults and two children
Website: http://www.oakvalefarm.com.au