Out and About
Bella Vista Farm is one of the most magical places in the Hills and one of our favourite locations to visit.
The first time I took my twins to the Farm they were only a few months old, two tiny babies dressed in Christmas outfits to promote Christmas in the Hills. Since then, we have continued to regularly visit the Farm and have created many more wonderful memories along the way.
When they were little, Maddie and Alexis’ favourite things to do at the farm were to try and walk along the rocks bordering the garden closest to the homestead, as well as following the sheep around just hoping maybe they would be able to pat them.
As they have grown older Maddie and Alexis have become more interested in the homestead itself, exploring each room, asking questions about the history of the homestead and the people who once lived there and admiring the view from the veranda. The sheep however have remained a highlight, although both girls have learned that it is unlikely the sheep will want to be patted unless you have a handful of feed.
Set high up on the Hill with spectacular views, it is easy to forget that you are surrounded by housing, a rapidly growing business park, metro stations and major arterial roads. For me, stepping into the Farm is taking a step back into our past. It is one of our last links to settlement times and is an eye opener to what life was like in those early years. There is no doubt life was incredibly tough.
Bella Vista Farm was home to the first Merino Sheep Farm in Australia and also played a role in the Australian citrus industry. Some notable families have lived there. Elizabeth and John Macarthur ran their Merino flock there and the Pearce family, whose descendants continue to live in the area and play a role in its preservation and ensure the history is captured for future generations.
These days Bella Vista Farm is looked after by the Hills Shire Council and the Friends of Bella Vista Farm who continue to be instrumental in driving the restoration and maintenance of the Farm, protecting the heritage of the site, documenting the history and creating opportunities for people to visit and enjoy the farm.
The first Sunday of every month, the Friends run Open Days giving the public access to the homestead and outer buildings. There are Devonshire Teas, a sausage sizzle, tours of the house and grounds, a weaving demonstration, a Trash and Treasure Stall, craft for the kids and live music provided by Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra. The volunteers are incredibly friendly and eager to share the history of the site with you and all funds raised on the day go straight back into the maintenance and improvement of the site.
Every time we visit the Farm it gets better and better, there is more to see and more to do resulting in us loving the Farm even more.
If you have not been to an Open Day then make sure you add it to your list of things to do. You will not be disappointed.
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