Farm-to-Table in Burradoo
For years, the Southern Highlands village of Burradoo has flown mostly under the radar. Known for its towering tree-lined streets and grand estates established by wealthy pioneers, it has become more widely known thanks to the immensely popular Burradoo Park Farm. On the land of the Gundungurra and Dharawal people, Burradoo has become a go-to destination.
The Farm House, Southern Highlands 
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Briar's Inn, Southern Highlands
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Burradoo had become a rural retreat for wealthy Sydneysiders. Thanks to the cool Highlands climate, a newly built railway station and expansive acreage, large country estates were built, designed with carriage drives, formal gardens and distinct English country home character. As you arrive into Burradoo, you’ll see many of these large estates and their impressive sprawling gardens. If you prefer a scenic train trip in, Burradoo Station is a short 10-minute walk from Burradoo Park Farm.
Arriving at Burradoo Park Farm you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement. A large map of the property shows what you can explore, from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden to the orchard, livestock areas and of course amazing variety of places to eat.
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands
Your first stop is at The Bakehouse. Using Single O beans, you’re guaranteed a great cup of coffee. Order a beautifully presented pastry, such as the brown butter apple cake layered with apple puree, mascarpone and edible flowers (one fancy looking tart), then take a seat at the kitchen window to watch the pastry chefs at work, rolling, kneading and shaping away.
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
The Bakehouse, Burradoo Park Farm 
The Bakehouse, Burradoo Park Farm
Next, the farm can be explored in a variety of ways. Built as a working farm, importance is placed on regenerative farming. On your visit, you’ll experience this through signboards sharing their vision on soil, food systems, waste, renewables, insects and livestock. You can book a guided farm tour or follow the self-guided map, there’s often daily experiences available too, including learning more about their edible crickets!
Kids will love the nature playground as well as educational food programs through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, a fantastic initiative. Stroll through the produce gardens, explore the orchards, solar farm and greenhouses, and say hello to the chooks, pigs, sheep and Highland cows.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Burradoo Park Farm 
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Burradoo Park Farm
When lunch rolls around, head to The Farmhouse. Set in a rustic barn-like setting, it’s got oodles of personality. Their menu reflects the seasons and uses produce from the farm. Options might include farm chook, wild fennel beef broth with braised beef and even a delicious scotch egg. Afterwards there’s a chance to shop and take home some local produce, Three Blue Ducks meals and locally made products.
The Farmhouse, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
The Farmhouse, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
The Farmhouse, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands
You’ve most likely heard of the Three Blue Ducks. If you’re lucky, you might’ve even visited their iconic Byron Bay location. A second lunch option at Burradoo Park Farm if you’re after an elevated dining experience, is to book into the Three Blue Ducks restaurant. Co-owned by well-loved Chefs Darren Robertson and Andy Allen, the restaurant is enveloped by garden surroundings, set inside a restored 1800s heritage farmhouse with timber ceiling beams and rustic brick walls. A fireplace warms the space with an open chef’s kitchen. It’s an experience to spoil yourself, with attentive service and inventive dishes utilising onsite and local farm produce.
Three Blue Ducks, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Three Blue Ducks, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Three Blue Ducks, Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands
Afterwards visit The Gelato Store where gelato is made with vegetable flavours, such as pumpkin, carrot, corn and beetroot. An unexpected and delicious twist. The corn is surprisingly sweet, with a slight savoury finish. WEST loved the unique flavours made with farm produce, it’s a good excuse to test each one and see which is your favourite.
The Gelato Store, Burradoo Park Farm 
Burradoo Park Farm, Southern Highlands 
Fresh Produce, The Farmhouse, Burradoo, Southern Highlands
Once you’ve explored every part of Burradoo Park Farm, to experience more of Burradoo itself head five minutes up the road to the Wingecarribee River bike track. You can follow the winding track for as long as you like for some fresh, cool-climate air, then drop into the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve. Follow the Weir View walking track for lovely views over the Wingecarribee River and keep an eye out for wombats and platypus who make this area their home. This is also one of the best places in Burradoo for avid bird watchers, with white-throated needletails and spotted pardalotes often spotted here.
Wingecarribee River, Southern Highlands 
Wingecarribee River, Southern Highlands 
Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, Southern Highlands
To finish your day, Briars Inn is a cosy spot for a meal or fireside drink. In winter a steaming cup of mulled wine will warm you right up, while in summer the outdoor garden seating laps up the sun. Originally built in 1845 by explorer Charles Throsby’s nephew of the same name, this is an iconic local venue where locals and visitors flock to for the hugely varied menu and lively vibes.
Briars Inn, Southern Highlands 
Briars Inn, Southern Highlands 
Briars Inn, Southern Highlands
Combining regenerative farming experiences, farm-to-table produce and nature strolls, a day spent in and around Burradoo showcases some of the incredible experiences waiting to be discovered in the Southern Highlands. There’s so much more to uncover - make your way to Burradoo and see for it yourself.
Explore with WEST.
Comments