Old Mates Farm – Upper Barron

Old Mates Farm is a premier farm stay experience nestled in the lush, rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands, offering a perfect country escape for families and travellers. Located in the beautiful Upper Barron region, this property is far more than a campground; it’s an interactive and engaging destination renowned for its friendly atmosphere and hands-on activities. The farm provides a variety of spacious and beautifully maintained powered and unpowered sites, set along the scenic banks of the Barron River. The main attraction for many, especially those with children, is the incredible array of friendly farm animals. Daily feeding sessions allow guests to get up close with ponies, alpacas, goats, pigs, and chickens, creating lasting memories. The river itself is a highlight, perfect for a refreshing swim, kayaking, or trying to catch a fish. The facilities are modern and exceptionally clean, including hot showers, flushing toilets, and a camp kitchen, ensuring a comfortable stay. The hosts are celebrated for their warm hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure guests have a wonderful time. With campfires crackling in the evenings under a clear country sky, the atmosphere is pure relaxation. For a genuine, fun, and welcoming farm stay that combines beautiful scenery with engaging activities, Old Mates Farm is a top-tier destination in Tropical North Queensland.

Site Information

• Location: In Upper Barron, a short drive from the towns of Atherton, Malanda, and Yungaburra.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes of all sizes.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the property, then good quality gravel farm roads.
• Site Surface: Large, grassy, and well-maintained sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a paid farm stay. Bookings are essential.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with management when booking.
• Number of Powered Sites: A good number of powered sites are available.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous spacious unpowered sites available.
• Facilities: Modern amenities blocks with hot showers and toilets, camp kitchen, laundry facilities, rubbish bins.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, available in common areas.
• Potable Water: Yes, potable water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for others.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire pits. Firewood is often for sale.
• Generator Use: Check with management, but generally discouraged to maintain peace.
• Number of Sites Available: Many sites across the property.
• Essentials to Bring: Food and drink supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, the farm is very pet-friendly. Check website for conditions.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Barron River is popular.
• Short Walks: Yes, excellent walking tracks throughout the property.

Local Amenities

The nearest towns with full services are Atherton and Malanda.

• Local Pubs:
  • Malanda Hotel (approx. 15 km)
  • Peeramon Hotel (approx. 15 km)
  • Atherton Hotel (approx. 18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Malanda, Yungaburra, and Atherton.
• Local Attractions:
  • Animal feeding and farm activities (onsite)
  • Curtain Fig Tree
  • Lake Eacham & Lake Barrine
  • Malanda Falls & Gallo Dairyland
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • This is a caravan park/farm stay. Other options include parks in Atherton and Malanda.
• Next Free Camps:
  • Archer Creek Rest Area (48hr, approx. 50 km west)
  • Donation Camp Rocky Creek, Walkamin (approx. 40 km north)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Atherton at the showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations are available in Atherton.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite or in Atherton.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Atherton Tablelands has a cooler, wetter climate than the coast, with four distinct seasons.