Jason and Susan are dedicated to making your stay a memorable experience at Bendigo Farm Stay.
With all that Bendigo Farm Stay has to offer, there is sure to be some activities that will suit your personal interests and hobbies, or something you may wish to try, but have not had the opportunity to do in the past.
We will work with you to devise a list of suitable person-centred activities to meet your goals and objectives, we will design an itinerary that you will be presented with before your stay. We can go over your itinerary together to make sure that you are happy with your chosen activities, so you will know what to expect from your farm holiday experience whilst staying with us at Bendigo Farm Stay.
Choose from the extensive list of on and off the farm activities detailed below and scroll on to our pricing guide:
On Farm Activities:
Feel relaxed when you are with us and enjoy the best activities here!
Photography shoots with animals
Bendigo Farm Stay has its own modern, comfortable and reliable mini bus available for all your transport needs, there is room for up to 8 passengers and there is also a mini fridge and room for bags in the rear of the bus. Enjoy a trip to Bendigo, Echuca, Castlemaine, Shepparton to name but a few.
Farm utility
vehicle rides
Have you ever wanted to drive around a farm on a four wheel drive all terrain vehicle?
Bendigo Farm Stay has a special vehicle that allows you to drive around the farm to meet the horses and other animals?
Jason and Susan will provide you with safety instructions and supervision so that you can enjoy the great outdoors while safely operating our vehicle
Personal training fitness
Would you like to get into shape in a quiet rural setting with the help of your own personal trainer/coach there to support you?
Jason is a qualified personal trainer who would be more than happy to show you how to set and achieve your fitness goals. Bendigo Farm Stay has its own commercial grade gymnasium, with a variety of equipment or why not work out around the farm and gardens.
Healthy cooking and eating in house
Do you enjoy food, love to cook, or just want to learn to cook some tasty healthy meals?
You can get involved with Jason and Susan in the kitchen and learn to cook good healthy meals that are sure to please your taste buds and will help you work towards clean eating for a healthier mind and body.
Face painting workshop
Do you enjoy being creative? Why not try face painting?
Susan has over 20 years experience in face painting, some of the benefits of learning face painting are:
- Stretches the boundaries of the imagination
- Encourages creativity
- Shows you that mistakes are not the end of the world
- Teaches color theory and symmetry
- Opens new doors to career success
Balloon sculpturing workshop
Would you like to be able to make creative balloon animals to give to your family to show them your new talents?
Susan and Jason have years of balloon bending experience and will be able to teach you the skills necessary to be able to make beautiful balloon animal sculptures, in just a few easy steps.
Horse training workshop
Do you love working with horses?
Susan and Jason have a lifetime of experience in horse training, Susan has performed with her horses at parties and large events and will be able to show you the best horse training techniques so you will be able to communicate effectively with horses. By the end of this workshop, you will be well on your way to becoming a horse whisperer.
Horse riding
Is it a dream of yours to ride a horse?
Jason and Susan will be able to teach you everything you need to know about horse riding and safety around horses, Bendigo Farm Stay has special facilities for horse riding designed to keep you safe, and a whole range of different horses at different levels of education that you will be able to spend time with and learn together, while developing a special bond with horses along the way.
Make your own steel horseshoe to take home
Do you want to blacksmith your very own horseshoe?
Jason is a fully qualified Master Farrier and would be delighted to spend time with you to teach you how to make your very own horseshoe, complete with your initials stamped on the shoe, to take home after your stay.
Pool party at the ranch
Want to get cool by the pool?
Jason and Susan can organise a pool party for you and your friends complete with food and drinks, if this is something that interests you just talk to the team at Bendigo Farm Stay to see how they can assist you further.
Marshmallow toasting (winter activity only)
Toast marshmallows over the wood fire pit during winter in our courtyard, this is a fun activity for everyone to enjoy.
Welding workshop
Would you like to learn to weld steel?
Jason has a lifetime of experience in steel manufacturing and welding he will spend time teaching you how to weld a product step by step starting with mig welding techniques, so you will be able to make something of your own to take home after your stay.
Personal development and improvement sessions
Want to know how to improve your life or your current circumstances?
Do you feel unsatisfied with life or your self-image? Perhaps you suffer with depression and are not sure about your life’s purpose or future direction?
Why not book a time with Jason who is a qualified life coach? Jason will be able to sit down with you and help you to define your goals and aspirations, he will work with you independently to tailor a plan of action that you will work towards unlocking your true potential, find the answers you seek, give you tools you can implement daily to live a more congruent life and be the best version of your self you can be.
Dog washing and care workshop
Are dogs your passion?
Bendigo Farm Stay has dog-grooming facilities and a hydro bath for washing our dogs on the farm, you will spend time with Susan and Jason and learn how to groom and care for a dog. Everything from clipping nails, worming to washing and grooming.
Once you have cleaned and pampered your favorite dog you can take them for a long walk, play ball or just spend time learning how to train your favorite fur baby.
Farm work and animal husbandry sessions
Do you enjoy working with animals?
Jason and Susan feed the animals twice daily, you will be able to get involved with the daily animal routines, learn how to care for different kinds of animals, what food they eat and how to keep their enclosures clean so they are happy and healthy, perhaps take a selfie of you and your favorite fury friend.
Gardening and potting workshop
Bendigo Farm Stay has a huge undercover nursery and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Susan will enjoy spending time with you in the garden, you will be able to get involved with pruning, weeding, planting and can learn how to care for plants and what the different plants species require for a happy existence.
Succulent plant arrangement workshop
Bendigo Farm Stay has a huge undercover nursery with thousands of succulents of all different varieties. Susan loves spending time in the garden and will show you how to build an amazing succulent arrangement using different plants. We have a potting area so you will be able to work side by side with Susan to create a living arrangement that you can take home with you or perhaps give it to a friend as a gift.
Painting classes
Do you enjoy paining or want to learn new techniques?
Susan can teach you how to paint step by step, classes can be arranged to suit your style of learning and you will get to take your work home with you at the end of the class to show your friends and family, or why not paint a pot, and then plant it with your favorite succulents?
Birthday party at the ranch
"minimum 3 day stay"
Is your birthday coming up soon?
Why not have your party organised by Jason and Susan at Bendigo Farm Stay. Your birthday will truly be a memorable occasion for you and your friends, we have lots of different options for you to explore when planning your requirements for your party.
Farrier and blacksmith workshop
Have you ever wanted to know what a farrier does? A farrier takes care of horse’s feet, and sometimes puts shoes on their feet to protect them. A blacksmith heats up steel and turns it into horseshoes and other useful items. Perhaps make a fire toasting fork for your marshmallows?
Jason is a fully qualified Master Farrier and blacksmith with over 35 years experience. Jason will teach you about this dying art and you will be able to make a steel product to take home and show your friends, you will work with Jason to get an understanding about horse’s hooves and horseshoeing principles.
Small engine mechanical workshop
Do you want to know about how engines work?
Jason has a lifetime of extensive mechanical knowledge and is more than happy to share his knowledge with you. Learn all about small engines and who knows perhaps you can work with Jason to service a small engine and gain a good insight into mechanical workings.
Dog walking
Do you love dog walking?
At Bendigo Farm Stay there are so many different types of friendly dogs of many different breeds, shapes and sizes, that you can interact with and take for a long walk around the farm, in the bush or at a local park.
Swimming in the pool
Bendigo Farm Stay has a beautiful inground swimming pool surrounded by a gorgeous courtyard atmosphere, you can kick back on a hot summers day and enjoy the refreshing water whilst drinking your favorite drink or just lounge around on one of our deck chairs by the pools edge.
Bush walking trek and morning tea provided
Bendigo Farm Stay backs onto to the Whipstick Forest where there are numerous trails to explore. Jason and Susan will organise a light bush walk with morning tea supplied during your bush walk, there are lots of trees and birds to see, even kangaroos may bound by while you are walking on the track. Why not take a dog or two along, or even a miniature horse?
Off Farm Activities:
Feel relaxed when you are with us and enjoy the best activities here!
Pamper package
(spa treatment)
Do you feel that it’s finally time to get pampered?
Jason and Susan will arrange an appointment and provide transportation to Silk Day Spa where you will get pampered from head to toe.
Central Debora Gold Mine
Central Deborah Gold Mine operated from 1939-1954 and extracted 929kg of gold, which would be worth about $50 million today.
At its peak, Central Deborah Gold Mine reached a depth of 412 meters. It has 17 separate levels and 15 kilometers of drives and cross cuts (tunnels). The Central Deborah was very much a hands-on mine and the conditions that the miners worked in would be considered shocking by today’s standards – being lowered underground in a cage with only two sides, often working ankle to knee deep in water, filling up to 32 ore trucks a shift by hand which were then pushed a mile or more along rails in the drives, working by carbide lamp, breathing in the fumes and rock dust and communication by bells. Geez, they were ironmen. However, at the time working conditions were considered to be among the best on the goldfields at Central Deborah, after all it was one of the only mines that had hot showers.
Explore Dalesford Township
From the Dja Dja Wurrung people, who first inhabited the land thousands of years ago, to the Swiss Italian migrants of the gold rush and Melbourne’s turn-of-the-century holidaymakers, Daylesford has long been considered a special place of healing.
Wellness and vitality
Find balance and invigorate your body and mind in Daylesford’s famous mineral waters. Enjoy the region’s natural mineral springs with a rejuvenating spa experience at Daylesford Day Spa or The Spa at Lake House or book in for relaxing massages and silky, skin-renewing rituals at Daylesford Healing Massage. Neighbouring Hepburn Springs offers more opportunities for R&R at Hepburn Bathhouse and Peppers Mineral Springs.
Daylesford alfresco
Slow down, unwind and be sure to take in the natural surroundings of Victoria’s spa centre. Watch native wildlife at play and fill up a bottle with the local mineral water down at Lake Daylesford, paddle around in a kayak on Jubilee Lake, or get the blood flowing with a walk to the top of Wombat Hill.
Once there, look out over the township before entering the striking Convent Gallery, housed in a historic 19th century mansion. Peruse three levels of local, national and international art, and then take the time for reflection in the onsite cafe, surrounding art and sculpture park or deeper into the botanic gardens.
Browse arty collectables and homewares at boutiques, such as Bromley & Co., Arte Deco and Harry & Me, pick up statement fashion pieces at Alpaca Passion and Manteau Noir or climb aboard the Spa Country Railway for a trip to the popular Sunday Market.
Bendigo Pottery
Do you like exploring history?
Jason and Susan will take you to the Bendigo Pottery to explore this iconic property or perhaps mold some clay with you. There is a café to grab a drink and artisan shops to explore.
Bendigo Pottery was established in the 1850s, when Scottish migrant George Duncan Guthrie stumbled upon a local clay deposit and created a successful pottery business. Soon, it would rival the great Staffordshire potteries of 19th century England.
BBQ trips to local Bendigo parks
Would you like to have a BBQ at one of the Bendigo parks?
Jason and Susan will organise a picknick in the park for you to enjoy, the beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting for you to relax and unwind whilst having your lunch or dinner.
Local vineyard tours
Do you enjoy a glass of red wine?
Why not spend the day with Jason and Susan exploring different vineyards around the Bendigo region.
Balgownie Estate is Bendigo’s oldest commercial vineyard and has recently attained the coveted 5 Red Star Winery Award from James Halliday
Balgownie has been producing award-winning wines since its first vintage back in 1972. Today, you can visit the cellar door and taste from their extensive selection of wines made from hand-harvested fruit grown on their beautiful old vines, that are now over 50 years old.
Whilst there, take the opportunity to dine in the restaurant that features contemporary Seasonal Australian Cuisine, sourced from premium local suppliers. The restaurant is open Friday-Monday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Cellar door 7 days 12-4pm. Bookings are essential.
Port of Echuca shopping
Why not explore the shopping precinct at Echuca?
There are so many different shops to explore, spend time buying some beautiful chocolates or perhaps sample some rum from the distilleries, Jason and Susan will spend time with you as you find your perfect gift.
Hepburn Springs swimming
(subject to availability)
Arrive at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa to begin your spa day journey, relax and put your feet up while you bathe in the Sanctuary and Bathhouse before you are guided down to the Spa Lounge where refreshments will be waiting. Take time out and reconnect with the perfect balance of traditional natural mineral water bathing.
Port of Echuca Paddle Boat Cruise
Discover yesteryear today and experience the magic of the mighty Murray River with Echuca Paddlesteamers.
Once the main transport of cargo and passengers during the 1800s, our fully restored paddlesteamers now offer daily one hour cruises and are a “must do” experience when visiting Australia’s paddlesteamer capital.
Explore the cabins, chat with the engineer or join the skipper for a steer in the wheelhouse!
Whether you are a history buff, steam buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, step back in time and discover what riverboat life was all about.
Bendigo shopping tours
Do you love to shop?
Why not spend time exploring the shopping precinct in Bendigo with Jason and Susan, we will drive you around Bendigo in our 8-seater Toyota Commuter bus complete with a mini fridge and room for your bags at the rear. We will spend time shopping with you or perhaps just have a coffee and a snack.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the largest regional galleries in Australia.
Visit to see its restored 19th century rooms and new gallery spaces for its permanent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art, with a particular emphasis on contemporary Australian art.
Proudly owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, the Gallery’s reputation has grown significantly in recent years through its temporary exhibition programming which includes loans from various international collections.
Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum
The Golden Dragon Museum situated in the city of Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. The museum is dedicated to the culture and history of Chinese Australians, particularly in the region. Built on the historical site of one of Bendigo’s Chinatowns, the museum’s precinct also includes Chinese Gardens and a temple to Kuan Yin.
Bendigo Art Gallery
Established in 1887, Bendigo Art Gallery is one of the largest regional galleries in Australia.
Visit to see its restored 19th century rooms and new gallery spaces for its permanent collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century art, with a particular emphasis on contemporary Australian art.
Proudly owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, the Gallery’s reputation has grown significantly in recent years through its temporary exhibition programming which includes loans from various international collections.
Bendigo Talking Trams
Bendigo Talking Trams are the best way to see the sights of Bendigo whilst enjoying a ride on a vintage tram. Bendigo is famous for a lot of things including gold mining and it’s beautiful architecture, but one thing everyone must experience when visiting Bendigo is a ride on one of the gorgeous heritage trams.
Our Gallery
