Woodside Farm Helensvale

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Let's continue the theme of free activities to do with the kids. Times are tough and there is no need to break out the credit card every time you want to burn off the kid's energy these holidays. How about a visit to Woodside Farm in Helensvale on the Northern Gold Coast? Located on the corner of Shepparton Road and Helensvale Road, Helensvale, it is a quick deviation off the main road on your next outing. And you can park right at the gate!


My kids and I have been visiting this quaint little corner block of creatures for a number of years informally. We have spent many a lazy afternoon feeding uneaten school lunchbox apples to the miniature pony, Twinkie. (I should add that my kids call her Goldie and always have, yet she doesn't seem to mind having multiple names, especially given she knows they always bring her food.) The goat, Steve, is a real highlight and again, he won't care what you call him provided you offer him whatever food you have first, before any of the others, no exceptions, full stop. If you even try to deviate from this arrangement, he will do everything to climb the fence and convince you that he is not pleasantly plump as he presents but instead a starving, desperate, forlorn little goat that no one has ever fed. (Insert sad movie music here.) Do not fall for this game. He will eat your arm off if you stand still long enough.


Carmel the Alpaca is rather shy but progressively coming out of her shell. She gets pushed around a bit by the others sharing her yard however is very cute and up for a pat if you can reach her. While you are trying to pet her, Terry the Turkey will be at her feet checking to see if there is any dropped food...... or air........between him and Carmel's fur. He does appear to have slight separation issues, which will only add to the laughs created from this menagerie of unlikely best friends.


Dixie the Donkey has the ability to stick her nose through the fence to lick, suck, grab, and mouth you like no other. She is a loveable soul and is keen for a head and back pat if you have the time. Unlike the pony, Dixie will wait her turn for food, yet will definitely ensure she doesn't miss out. She is my little boy's favourite and a very gentle character. In the many visits over the years, not once have we left with a bite mark or scratch from anyone. Mind you, we have taken our fair share of slobber home.

Chickens will also greet you at the gate and you may also get a surprise visit from the ducks next door or the numerous local kangaroos who turn up in nearby paddocks. We have even seen a local koala in the tree behind the Farm.


This is a sweet little Farm with some seriously funny characters and a great free activity to do with the kids. McDonald's, KFC and Hungry Jacks are all located across the road, along with Baskin Robbins, Subway, a great Sushi store, and a fabulous Vegan restaurant. There is even a Zarrafa's for your coffee fix. Pop Woodside Farm in the Mummy Memory Bank these holidays.

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