A taste of rural life in Greater Port Macquarie this June

Port Macquarie's 'Farm Gate Tour' event is on this June long weekend

 

For an insight into rural living, local foods and sustainable lifestyles the Greater Port Macquarie region will showcase its diverse and tasty food bowl with a Farm Gate Tour event on 6-8 June 2015, the long weekend.

 

An initiative of Hastings Landcare, people can self-drive to 12 properties, meet the farmer and learn about free range food production, Landcare initiatives and the local food movement.  Information sessions are programmed at set times over the three days so you can visit them all or just a few.

 

"Stretching from the oyster farms of the Hastings River to the lush grazing valleys of the Wauchope hinterland, the Farm Gate Tour is a unique opportunity to explore the Port Macquarie region's stunning scenery and visit farms that aren't normally open to the public. We also have a surprise package with a showcase of sustainable urban living." said Daintry Gerrand, Support Officer with Hastings Landcare Inc.

 

"The Farm Gate Tour is perfect for people who want to learn how food is grown or are considering a tree-change. It is also a great day out for children who will see cows being milked, chickens free ranging and baby animals being fed. " said Daintry.

 

Enterprises include dairy, garlic and essential oils, cattle breeding and beef, pork, eggs, native bush-foods, sheep cheese, oysters, blueberries, avocados and macadamias.

 

Highlights include Barbuschco who export their award-winning bush-foods, Oxhill Organics with their chicken caravans, and Ewetopia who have developed their dream into a functioning sheep dairy and licenced cheese-making facility in three years. Also Armstrong Oysters for their renowned Sydney Rock oysters, tasty Ticoba Blueberries and Avocadoes and Koree Herbs organic essential oils, herbs and flowers.

 

Farmers and gardeners will be interested in the range of topics from biological regeneration of soils and pastures, holistic management, biodiversity and water quality protection, invasive weed control and private land conservation.

 

The weekend is all about living sustainably in an urban environment and rural community.

·         The cost to attend is $30 which includes a self-guide booklet with property information, tour schedules, maps and travel times.

·         The booklet is available online from mid-May at www.hastingslandcare.org.au or to collect at Port Macquarie's Visitor Information Centre (Glasshouse, 4/13 Hay Street, Port Macquarie), Hastings Landcare (44a Cameron Street, Wauchope) and Ecowild Health Foods (21B High Street, Wauchope)

 

For more information contact Hastings Landcare on (02) 6585 4465 or 0427 864 465.

For great value accommodation packages in June go to portmacquarieinfo.com.au or call 1300 303 155.