By Jacqui Bialocki
Step through the gates of Benton Rise Farm and you’ll instantly feel it: that welcoming mix of wonder and at-home charm.
Chooks wander freely, sheep graze lazily under gum trees, and cheeky goats climb and play, their antics drawing smiles from every visitor.
It’s a farming experience lovingly brought to life by new owners Tanya and Paul Smith, who swapped suburban Mount Eliza life for something far more grounded. “We wanted to create a place we’d want to bring our kids,” said Tanya, whose veterinary background fuels her deep passion for animals and education, teaching children to respect both the animals and the land.
Paul, an architect, brings an eye for design and a knack for creating beautiful, functional spaces. Together, they’ve started transforming Benton Rise into a destination that celebrates nature, nourishment and connection. “It’s so rewarding to see visitors enjoying what we are creating, and we’ve only just begun,” Paul said.
At its heart, Benton Rise Farm is about sharing a piece of farm life with everyone. Visitors are invited to slow down and simply enjoy the surroundings. Tanya and Paul plan to introduce a series of engaging workshops on planting, soil health, and veggie-growing, helping guests experience the joy of cultivating their own produce. Recent plantings in the garden includes tomatoes, artichokes, pumpkins, and a vibrant selection of herbs ready for harvest.
Of course, no farm visit is complete without something delicious. The cafe serves coffee, cold drinks, and sweet and savoury treats from nearby artisans. Once you’ve indulged, you can head to the feeding station, a twice-daily highlight where visitors get to meet and feed the farm’s furry residents. The wide spaces invite wandering and relaxing, and next year the couple plan to encourage events on site.
Inside the 1910 Red Rattler carriage you’ll discover a produce shop that’s pure heaven for food-lovers. Packed with seasonal fruit and veg, pantry delights, local produce, bakery treats, gift hampers and even natural beauty products, it’s a one-stop shop for everything homegrown. Tanya’s especially proud of their produce boxes, curated with the best from regional producers and makers and available for pick-up or delivery.
And if you have little ones, don’t miss the 1955 tram, a play space that sparks pure joy. “We’re all about letting kids be kids,” Tanya said. “Our plans to host a series of hands-on farm sessions are all about closing the gap between the people who grow and create our food and those who enjoy it. I want to use our farm as a place where visitors can learn, connect, and experience the stories behind what they eat.”
Benton Rise Farm is more than a place; it’s an experience, a welcoming space where young and old can share the simple, timeless beauty of farm life – because here everyone’s part of the story.
Open Thursday to Monday 9-3pm
150 Coolart Rd, Tuerong
0431 142 927
Photos: Neil Wakefield
