Experience the heart of dairy farming
Nestled on 376 hectares next to Biamanga National Park, Bega, NSW, the Sapphire Coast Dairy-Homestead offers more than just a picturesque escape – it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, explore the rhythms of farm life, and relax under a starlit sky.
Run by fourth-generation farmer Norm Pearce, with his wife Narelle, and their son Thomas, the family invite guests to camp and experience the hospitality of a working dairy farm.
For over a century, the Pearce family has called this farm home. “The block has been in our family since 1908,” Norm shares. Today, the farm milks 280 Holstein cows twice a day, using a mix of traditional practices and modern technology, including heat sensors and milk metres, with plans to integrate robotics for feeding and milking.
“We have families with kids who wander down to watch the morning milking. It’s great to share our knowledge, whether it’s explaining how silage is made or showing how technology helps us manage herd health.”
The farm’s Hipcamp listing, now active for five years – offers three secluded camping sites. Guests can explore mountain bike trails on-site, visit Mumbulla Creek waterfalls just 5km away, or venture 34km to Tathra Beach.
Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking a caravan, or rolling up in a campervan, the farm provides simplicity and tranquillity. “It’s not fancy, but it’s practical. We’ve added flushing toilets, hot showers, and a rustic kitchen in an old 1940s dairy shed,” Norm explains.
The outdoor bath is a guest favourite – perched on a hill beside a windmill overlooking the Bega Valley. “Having a bath under the stars is pretty unique. The water comes from a mountain spring behind the farm.”
Beyond the farm, guests can venture to nearby Brogo Dam for canoeing and bass fishing, or visit the iconic Bega Cheese Heritage Centre to learn about the region’s rich dairy history.
Nature trails, waterfalls, and coastal towns are all within reach, making it an ideal base for exploring the Sapphire Coast.
The Pearce family’s hospitality is what keeps visitors coming back. Norm makes a point of greeting guests personally. “I usually say G’day and answer any questions and then leave guests to enjoy their little sacred spot.”
Whether you’re watching calves being fed, listening to the bellbirds, or soaking up the views of the Bega Valley, Sapphire Coast Dairy-Homestead promises an authentic farm stay experience. For Norm, hosting guests is more than offering a place to stay; it’s about helping bridge the gap between city and country life.
“Guests love learning about how we farm – it’s a way to foster a greater appreciation for Australian dairy. It’s an escape back to nature, as things were a hundred years ago.”