THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend an hour feeding newborn calves at Caldermeade Farm & Cafe and step into real dairy life. This family-friendly, hands-on session runs daily through school holidays — perfect for curious kids and visitors wanting a direct look at local agriculture.
Spend an hour feeding newborn calves at Caldermeade Farm & Cafe and step into real dairy life. This family-friendly, hands-on session runs daily through school holidays — perfect for curious kids and visitors wanting a direct look at local agriculture.
Book with Caldermeade Farm
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Caldermeade Farm · Caldermeade, Victoria
Calf Feeding Experience at Caldermeade Farm & Cafe takes place on a working dairy in Caldermeade, Victoria, along the South Gippsland Highway. This hands-on, hour-long activity drops you into the calf nursery where bottle-feeding and gentle handling introduce visitors to the rhythms of dairy life. Young calves tumble in straw-lined pens, short-legged and inquisitive; beyond them, green paddocks roll toward river flats and wetland fringes that define this part of Gippsland. The farm's layout - nursery, calf sheds, milking infrastructure and a small café - keeps the visit compact and family-friendly; meeting point information is listed as Caldermeade Farm & Cafe 4385 South Gippsland hwy, Caldermeade VIC 3984. Why book it? For families and curious travelers the experience is immediate and tactile: you feed calves under staff supervision, learn about daily husbandry and see how a local dairy stages its spring and summer work. The calf nursery is a key feature - a low, open shed where calves are fed on schedule, allowing repeated interactions and excellent opportunities to ask practical questions about animal care, feed, and the seasonal cycle of a dairy. The surrounding landscape is notable for its coastal plain soils and pockets of native grass and sedge; birdlife such as ibis and herons frequent the nearby drains, and kangaroos may graze on the field edges in the mornings. Practical details: sessions run daily through school holidays and last about an hour. The program is accessible to first-time farm visitors and children; staff lead each session to ensure safety and animal welfare. Bring closed-toe shoes and a jacket for cool mornings; the café on site is convenient for coffee and snacks after the feed. Caldermeade Farm & Cafe is an authentic part of the regional agricultural economy - it connects visitors directly with local dairy practices rather than presenting a sanitized petting-zoo version of farm life. That connection, plus the short drive from Melbourne and the chance to combine the visit with nearby coastal reserves or inland walks, makes this a standout half-day activity in South Gippsland. Bookable through the farm's online system, the Calf Feeding Experience balances education and pleasure; it's a concrete way to meet the animals that underpin local food systems and to spend a quiet hour in an honest, working landscape. Parents appreciate that staff model safe handling and explain why individual feeding schedules matter; educators will find concrete teaching moments about animal growth, nutrition and farm economics. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for orientation and handwashing. Photography is welcomed but keep flash off near young animals. If you have mobility concerns contact the farm ahead of time for assistance. Reservations are recommended on busy holiday days to secure a family-sized slot and avoid disappointment.
Each session runs about one hour and includes orientation, supervised feeding, and a brief Q&A with staff.
Reservations are recommended during school holidays to secure family-sized slots; walk-ups may be accommodated if space is available.
There are no strict age limits, but young children must be supervised by an adult at all times for safety and animal welfare.
Yes — photography is allowed but please avoid flash near young calves and follow staff guidance to avoid disturbing animals.
Wear closed-toe shoes and a jacket for cool mornings; waterproof footwear is useful in wet conditions.
Sessions generally run in light rain; the farm may alter or cancel sessions in severe weather—check with the farm if conditions are poor.
Caldermeade Farm is a working dairy farm in Caldermeade, Victoria, offering hands‑on animal experiences for families, school groups and visitors seeking authentic farm life. The farm operates a nursery where guests can meet Highland calves and Jersey calves, feed animals during school holiday sessions, and learn practical dairy routines. Caldermeade Farm runs a range of guided experiences: a Highland Calves Cuddle Experience limited to three people; a Calf Feeding Experience available during school holidays; a Hands‑on Cow Milking Experience using real milking equipment with two Jersey cows; a Baby Goat Bottle Feeding Experience featuring Gabbie and Gertie (born August 2026); a Farm Discovery Ride Guided Tour by tractor that visits paddocks and behind‑the‑scenes areas in all weather; and Reptile Encounters with live Australian reptiles led by experienced handlers. Safety, animal welfare and education are central to the farm’s activities. Staff supervise interactions, demonstrate correct handling and explain animal care and dairy practices to visitors of all ages. Experiences are designed for close, supervised contact, photography and learning rather than self‑guided access. Booking information, session availability and specific age or health restrictions are provided with each experience to help visitors plan a visit. Caldermeade Farm emphasizes transparency about what guests will see and do on the farm. The farm’s combination of working dairy operations, structured tours and small‑group encounters aims to deliver memorable, educational visits that respect animal wellbeing and provide visitors with real insight into rural life. Advance bookings are recommended; visitors should check session availability and book ahead online.
Book with Caldermeade Farm
