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Barkala Farm

barkala famrWelcome to a farmstay with a difference! Barkala Farm is "The Jewel of the Pilliga", nestled in a beautiful valley between the forests of the Pilliga and the foothills of the Warrumbungle Range, in northwestern NSW.

As well as being a working farm, it is also home to the fabulous creative energy of Pilliga Pottery, the largest and most unique pottery in NSW. Staying here is like stepping into another world, with its fascinating European-inspired eco-architecture, gorgeous natural surrounds of farmland, bushland, craggy ridges and living forest, extensive native gardens teeming with birds, and little vistas, hideaways, and unexpected highlights wherever you look. Whether you're looking for activity or tranquillity, this is a truly special place you will never forget.

Testimonial: "Thank you so much for such an insightful, eventful stay. The work you have done over the years is amazing. You have made an amazing farm & community here, your story is inspirational. Thank you for all the activities you did with us, we loved seeing the property on horseback and learning to pot. We will definitely recommend you to our friends!" Simon, Clarissa, Xanthe and Max Smith from Sydney

Barkala Farm dog
Barkala Farm
PO Box 197
Coonabarabran NSW 2357

Phone: 02 68422239
Fax: 02 68422239

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Your Hosts:

therickertsBarkala Farm and Pilliga Pottery is owned and operated by the Rickert family, who emigrated from Germany 25 years ago looking for a pioneer lifestyle, creative challenges, and fresh air – and they found it! With hard work, vision and love they have overcome drought, bushfires, and family heartache to slowly build up an oasis of cultural beauty in what many consider to be the middle of nowhere. Maria and her sons Johannes and Bernhard are the heart of the enterprise, with occasional help from their sister Eva, who is currently studying at university. A team of local artists, craftspeople and “characters” round things out. They also have a steady stream of backpackers from all over the world lending a hand, making this place into a mini-United Nations, where people can share a wealth of cultures and experiences.

Accommodation:

We have three eco-friendly guesthouses on site, each one hand-built using local materials, an eye for beauty, and a desire to create a “home away from home”. Our hope is that everyone who stays with us will leave invigorated and inspired, brimming with ideas and with full hearts. And in summer, all our guests have access to our newest feature, a large in-ground swimming pool set in the lawn of the main homestead. All our guesthouses are designed to be self-catering, but if you would like to be pampered we are more than happy to cook for you. All meals are available by arrangement, we specialise in traditional German-style home cooking, or delicious wood-fired pizza!

OSexternalOSinternalThe Old Schoolhouse:
 Experience the enchanting atmosphere of this octagonal "fairy tale castle", handcrafted from local timbers. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views from the large, Swiss-style balcony, and take a shower in a hand-sculpted masterpiece! Originally built as a creative place for our kids to do their Correspondence lessons, The Old Schoolhouse has been fully renovated, with artistic touches everywhere to suit its unique charm. It sleeps 6-8 and is self-contained, with a kitchenette, a shower and toilet, and a BBQ downstairs for guests to use. Small pets are welcome.
PCexternalPCinternal The Poet’s Cottage
Tucked away behind our orchard, with a private drive-in access at the rear, The Poets Cottage is the ideal place for a quiet and inspiring retreat. This cosy yet spacious mud brick cottage breathes an atmosphere of yesterday. Sleep in with birdsong around you, spend the evening reading by your own woodfire, stargaze through a skylight above your bed! The Poet’s Cottage sleeps 6 and is self-contained, with a full country kitchen, a roomy bathroom, a campfire area out the back, and a BBQ on the front verandah. Pets are welcome.
STexternalSTinternal The Studio:
The Studio was once the original hand-throwing workshop at Pilliga Pottery, one of the first mudbrick structures we made. After many extensions and a full renovation, it is now a perfect base for large families or groups. The Studio is a spacious, friendly and relaxing place to stay, directly adjacent to Pilliga Pottery and all its action, but set in its own garden for privacy. With its own rec room (featuring a ping pong table and a small pool table), a reading nook, a wood-burning heater, and two lovely rounded mud brick bedrooms filled with handmade beds, it has something for everyone. The Studio sleeps 11 and is self-contained, with a full kitchen and bathroom facilities. Pets are welcome.

Things to Do:

Horse trail riding (and pony leading for the kids)

Bird watching and guided bird tours – we have 8 threatened species near the homestead

Farm activities – feeding the animals, farm tours, help milk our Jersey cow

Bushwalking – an easy stroll or something more strenuous over the ridges!

Stargazing – marvel at the famous clear skies of the Coonabarabran region

Horse and Wagon rides

4-wheel Driving – either on our property or through the vast wilds of the Pilliga

Camping or caravanning – we offer unpowered sites where you are welcome to stay

Photography – rock formations, twisted trees, tiny wildflowers, beautiful wildlife, there’s hidden wonders of nature everywhere around here, not to mention the fascinating buildings!

Visit Pilliga Pottery! Free demonstrations, fresh coffee and scones, wood-fired pizza by arrangement, pottery classes, activities for kids, and your eyes won’t believe the variety and colour in our gallery shop. Many people spend hours enjoying the wonderfully creative and relaxed atmosphere.

 

Getting Here:

From Coonabarabran:

Follow the Newell Hwy out of town to the north, following the signs to Narrabri. Turn left at the big intersection about 5km from Coona – keep heading for Narrabri. Watch for signs to Pilliga Pottery about 20km up the highway. Turn left where indicated, you will now be on a well-maintained dirt road, just keep following the signs to Pilliga Pottery! Total distance from Coonabarabran about 35km, including 10km dirt road.

From Narrabri:

Take the Newell Highway south towards Coonabarabran. About 95km out of Narrabri (25km from Coonabarabran), watch for signs to Pilliga Pottery – it will be a right turn onto a well-maintained dirt road. Follow the signs to Pilliga Pottery and in about 10km you will be there!

If driving from Sydney, the shortest route to Coonabarabran is via Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Mendooran.

 

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Comments (3)
  • 2012-01-29 08:51:42 | Karen Larsen  - Horse Trail Rides
    Hi there,
    Just wondering if anyone can book in for a trail ride at your farm? Or do you only have trail rides for guests who are staying with you?
    Regards,
    Karen Larsen
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  • 2012-02-09 02:22:12 | Lyn C.  - farm stay & activities
    Hi,
    could you please send some info on farm stay
    cost for two, from a day to a week just to give us an idear, are the activities included, do we have to book?
    thanks Lyn
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  • 2012-02-09 05:39:11 | Maria  - costs and activities
    Hi Karen and Lyn
    Yes, anyone can book in for a trail ride on our farm. Please give us a call on the number above and we'll be happy to arrange things with you.

    Lyn, pop over to our website, www.barkalafarm.com.au, for more detailed information on our guesthouses and rates, or you are welcome to give us a call on the phone number above. Booking ahead is a good idea as we do get pretty busy sometimes. Regarding the activities, some involve an extra cost (for instance horse trail riding and guided bird tours) and some are free, give us a call or drop us an email and we'll be happy to discuss things.
    Cheers
    Maria, Manager, Pilliga Pottery/Barkala Farm
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