The Highland Cow Experience:
Visit our friendly Highland Cattle in NSW, Australia.
Discover the Koolah Creek Highland Cattle Experience - a truly unique opportunity to get up close & personal with our fluffy family of Highland cows!
Welcome to Koolah Creek Highlands, a boutique Highland Cattle Stud. At Koolah Creek, you can befriend, pat, brush and cuddle with friendly Highland cows, hand-feed them treats, learn about their care, & meet adorable baby calves.
The Highland Cattle Experience is offered as a private session only to ensure it is personal and intimate, tailored to your own interests. It is modelled on the natural flow of introducing our own visiting friends & family to our family of Highlands, for a truly unique & immersive farm experience. We are not a petting zoo; we offer a unique opportunity to connect with these incredible animals.
As your hosts guide you through the picturesque farm, you’ll witness their special connection with each of their animals. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Befriend, brush & cuddle the friendliest Highlands cows.
Meet the herd of breeding cows, and learn each of their names, personalities & stories.
See the newest additions: the baby calves!
Learn about the behaviour and husbandry of Highland cattle, the preservation of the breed’s heritage, and the role of the Highlands in holistic farm management.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Pricing:
$200 for up to 2 guests (private session)
$50pp additional guests (from the same group)
Children are welcome, and your visit will be adapted to ensure it is safe and enjoyable for groups of all ages. Entry fee applies to all children aged 2 and over (0-1 years old free).
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Koolah Creek is located between Taree & Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia - just 10 minutes off the Pacific Highway. An easy weekend escape from Sydney (3 hours from the northern edge) or Newcastle (2 hours)!
We are also near other popular destinations on the Barrington Coast, such as Forster, Gloucester, Barrington Tops, & Seal Rocks.
After booking your visit, you will receive detailed directions to the farm with your confirmation email. We are located on a dirt road (easily accessible for all vehicles!)
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While there's nothing we find more therapeutic than cuddling a cow, our Highland Cattle Experience isn't intended as therapy.
However, we do have a fully qualified Occupational Therapist in the family who runs several therapy programs at the farm. Click here for info on therapy at Koolah Creek. -
In all visits we will have several of our friendliest Highlands waiting to meet for you for brushes, pats and treats.
Entering the paddock with our herd of adults is a possibility as part of the full Highland Cattle Experience only - but it is not guaranteed. Whether you meet the herd in the paddock or over the fence is entirely at our own discretion on the day. It will depend on various factors like the herd’s mood, the size of your group and their ages.
You will still be able to meet & feed the cows through the fence, and 99% of the time there will be at least a couple of big cows who sidle up to the fence for a brush too!
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Enclosed shoes that you don’t mind getting little dirty (we are a farm - there will be grass, maybe mud, and cow manure!). We highly recommend gumboots.
Sun safe clothing, sunscreen & a hat, raincoat.
A water bottle & snacks if you need them.
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Yes, we have a basic portaloo for guest use.
(Full amenities block with disabled access coming in 2024)
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"AMAZING afternoon learning all things Highland cows with the very knowledgeable Sarah 😍 Thank you for taking so much time to indulge our obsession and answer all our questions. Highly recommend this experience, love the private sessions which gives you such an intimate experience with the beautiful cows."
- Ashley Jones
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"Best experience ever! Sarah was a fantastic and friendly host, my daughter Summer and I was given this experience as a gift by my husband and we still can’t stop talking about that experience. We did not expect to get so close to the highland cows, I was excited to just get to see them and I couldn’t believe it when we got to cuddle, feed and brush them. Best experience ever and we are definitely going back again - maybe every year for my birthday 🤗"
- Corinne Coe
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"Most spoilt Highland Cows in Australia - I did the personalised Highland Cow Experience and it was amazing. Personalised, hands on tour with soon to be fully qualified vet and owner Sarah, was informative, with a focus always on the best welfare of the animals. This place is a resort for any highland cow and a great, informative, interactive experience for people of any age. It was so beautiful to see how well cared for these beautiful animals are and to have this amazing experience. Well worth a visit."
- Frmija
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"We had the most beautiful morning at Koolah Creek Highlands. Such a magic place to get up close and learn about these special animals. Thank you so much for your hospitality, knowledge and warmth. Highly recommended."
- Katie Lee
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"Had a wonderful experience today with Sarah and her beautiful highland cattle. Such a great spot and the passion she has for her cows is admirable. It was very special to get so close and personal to them. Until next time, Paislig, Bre, Lucy, Dolly and others."
- Dowsey Jo
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“This experience is a must!!! From the moment you arrive at Koolah Creek Highlands, you're transported into a world where tranquility meets rustic charm. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this hidden gem is a sanctuary for the majestic Highland cows, known for their shaggy coats and gentle demeanor. Each one has its own unique personality, adding to the enchanting experience. The staff at Koolah Creek are not just caretakers but passionate ambassadors for these beautiful creatures. Their tours are informative, engaging, and filled with fascinating facts about Highland cow history and care. It's evident that they love what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. In conclusion, Koolah Creek Highlands is more than just a visit; it's an experience that touches your soul. Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful escape, this place is a must-visit.”
- TD Media
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"The Highland Cow experience at Koolah Creek Highlands is absolutely amazing! It's a unique opportunity to get close to these beautiful animals and interact with them in a way that you couldn't otherwise. The Highland Cows have the most beautiful gentle nature, making them perfect for this experience. You'll have the chance to learn about their behavior, feed them, and even get to pat them if they're comfortable with it. It's a truly unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves animals or wants to get up close and personal with these beautiful Highland Cows."
- Tayler McShane
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"Koolah creek is an amazing place to visit! Up-close and personal experience with the most beautiful highlands🐮🌿 A picturesque setting where you can interact, brush, feed and learn so much about these gorgeous animals. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their habits and enjoy their company. Hugh is wonderful friendly host, and I’m excited to see how the future plans roll out! Absolutely recommend and will be back ✨"
- Jordan McShane
Book your Highland Cattle Experience now!
We are open to visitors Friday-Sunday on selected weekends, dependent on our other commitments (we exhibit our Highlands all over Australia, which does dictate our schedule!).
Available dates and sessions are typically released 1-2 months in advance.
Check back soon for more dates, or register for our Experiences mailing list to be notified when new dates are available to book!
Gift Certificates - need a custom gift certificate of a different value for a group or photography package? Contact us - we are happy to help!
