Tours & Experiences
Discover the Wonders of Chestnut Brae, the only Farm in Australia to offer the Chestnut Experience.
a unique experience for everyone
Explore Chestnut Brae Farm on our Unique Tours
At Chestnut Brae Farm, we offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and farm life. Our farm tours allow guests to discover the wonders of the garden, meet our friendly black angora goats and Wessex Saddleback pigs, and taste delicious chestnut products made on site. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun family outing, our tours offer something for everyone.
We operate tours that you can book directly through the farm, or if you wish to book with a tour company, and request Chesnut Brae to be one of the stops; here is a list of tour companies that visit the farm.
for the foodies, the history buffs and the nature lovers
Explore Chestnut Brae Farm with our Unique Tours
The Farm Experience Tour
Take a walk around the garden and discover food that dinosaurs ate that still grow today, how plants can get gigantism and how a strawberry tree from Spain got the name as the Irish Strawberry tree. From the garden, you will be escorted to the black angora goats where you can pat the animals, and move on to the Wessex Saddleback pigs where you can get up close and personal with our friendly pigs who love a tickle on the nose. After the stroll through the orchard, you will return to the Chestnut Studio. At the studio, indulge in a delicious array of chestnut products, which could include chestnut ice cream, chestnut puree, chestnuts in syrup, and chestnut biscuits.
The Serious Foodie Tour
If you want to know all we know about sweet chestnuts, this tour is for you. It starts at the Chestnut Studio and takes you around the garden and past the goats. You will spend time in the chestnut orchard where you will hear stories of the history of chestnuts, how and why they arrived in Australia, how different cultures use chestnuts, and how we at Chestnut Brae use the whole tree. The tour is followed by a visit to the processing area, where you will see how we make our range of products. Once you return to the Chestnut Studio, you will be offered chestnut leaf tea with a chestnut biscuit, fresh chestnuts and tastings from our delicious array of chestnut products, including our chestnut liqueur.
The Chestnut Lab
If you’re particularly interested in chestnuts, why not join us for a session at the Chestnut Studio. You will learn about the benefits of eating chestnuts, how to cook them, taste different dishes and products, and what wine and cheese best pairs with chestnuts. You will also receive some recipes for chestnut meals to try at home. This is a 4 hour session focusing on all things chestnuts, which only happens once a season.
In all tours, guest will able to learn about the farm, the animals and get up close with them, learn about the Chestnut culture, enjoy a tasting session and receive recipes and pairing recommendations. All our tours make a unique and memorable experience.
Witches Garden Tour
Experience the captivating blend of history and sustainability at Chestnut Brae. Our guided 1.5-hour tour takes you on a journey through time, exploring our gardens inspired by ancient practices. Discover the medicinal, culinary, and therapeutic uses of plants, following in the footsteps of people from different cultures, such as Celtic witches who were revered healers. Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional garden features while gaining inspiration for your modern garden oasis.
As the tour concludes, indulge in a delectable chestnut biscuit accompanied by your choice of coffee, tea, or soothing herbal infusion. Join us for a transformative exploration of the past that ignites your passion for the present at Chestnut Brae.
Educational Tour
Do you want to know more about Organic Farming or Agritourism or Food Tourism, then Chestnut Brae is just the right place for you! John Stanley is one of the most well-known experts both globally and locally in these matters. His works and books about Agritourism and Farming are recognized by the international business community. He could share his handy experience with you and showcase the results of his work right on the farm and uncover some professional nuances that are hidden from the public.
You will discover lots of interesting ideas and underline a learning path for your business in a straight-forward two-way communication style. No ties or conference rooms, right in the heart of a business talking to a brilliant expert.
School Farm Tour
If you are responsible for choosing some outdoor activities for your school kids, you’re on the right track. We offer a unique and valuable learning experience for students of all ages. This is an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for agriculture and the natural world. On our farm tour we explain regenerative farming practices and why and how we add value. There are supervised animal-based activities and demonstrations while we go for a stroll on the farm.
If you are lucky and visit us during chestnut harvest time from March till June, we shall show how sweet chestnuts are collected and processed into value products.
Pick your own Chestnuts
Autumn is the time when chestnuts come into season and there’s nothing like fresh roasted chestnuts with a glass of wine. Picking your own chestnuts can be a fun activity for families or friends. It is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Do not forget the camera for those great pictures in the chestnut orchard. Children love running through the fallen leaves and kicking them in the air while also picking the chestnuts off the ground.
At the end of this engaging experience everybody will be rewarded with a delicious treat. Chestnuts are particularly versatile and easy to cook; they can be baked, fried, boiled and even made into soups. Mmm…yummy!
Heritage Rose Garden Tour
This enchanting 60-minute journey begins in our heritage David Austin rose garden. Stroll through this horticultural wonderland and encounter rare botanical treasures, from the majestic Bunya Bunya Pine to the graceful Japanese Cedar and an array of salvias. Witness the stunning display of Liquidamber, Japanese Maple, Golden Ash, Claret Ash, and ornamental pear and plum trees, alongside the flourishing chestnut orchards.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or seeking tranquility in a scenic setting, our Heritage Garden Tour promises an unforgettable experience.