The most unforgettable farm adventure has opened near Perth

By: Lisa Cook 

Just 90 minutes from Perth, Sandalwood Downs in Toodyay is now welcoming visitors to meet more than 200 friendly animals across 100 hectares of picturesque farmland - and even stay overnight alongside them. 

A Day at the Farm is part animal rescue, part cuddly animal farm, and part country escape. Picture waking up in your tent or caravan to the sight of camels, alpacas, goats, and emus roaming the paddocks beyond your window. 

Owners Jane and Marc bought the property in 2017 to create a place for family and friends to escape to. Over time, it's become a haven for rescued animals. Almost every animal on the farm has been orphaned, hand-raised, and given a second chance here. 

There’s handsome Harry, the three-legged farm dog they drove seven hours to save, and Rudy, a deer found orphaned on Christmas Eve at just two days old. Their ever-growing menagerie now includes donkeys, deer, camels, goats, cows, pigs, alpacas, kangaroos, rabbits, peacocks, chickens, guinea fowl, and even a macaw named Alex - plus a giant bus and obstacle course built purely for the goats. 

Visitors can join Jane and Marc for an interactive guided tour, feed the animals, and get to know each by name - many inspired by famous singers. Ziggy the pie peacock, donkeys Shirley, Bonnie, and Gracie, and Jake the camel are just a few of the colourful characters you’ll meet. 

With only two daily sessions capped at 25 people (9.30am and 1pm on weekends, public holidays, and select school holiday dates), the experience stays relaxed and personal. Families are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds after their fun with all the furry and feathered locals. 

If a few hours isn’t enough, there are 12 unpowered camping and caravan sites scattered across the property, giving guests uninterrupted views of rolling hills and grazing animals. There are communal fire pits, a barbecue area under festoon lights, and private toilet and cold bush shower facilities so you can embrace the farm life without going completely off-grid. 

For a little extra comfort, the main homestead sleeps up to six, and offers a continental breakfast, with an outdoor fireplace, barbecue, outdoor spa, and even an EV charging station. 

Beyond running the farm and accommodation since opening in 2024, Jane and Marc are building a large vegetable garden and establishing a Carnaby’s Cockatoo sanctuary within their sandalwood plantation. It’s a place where conservation, rescue, and rural hospitality all come together. 

Sandalwood Downs is located at 286 Bindoon-Dewars Pool Road, Toodyay. Bookings can be made via the A Day at the Farm website.