Located along Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Road near Halls Gap in The Grampians, Rosehaven Farms is one of those rare places where you can breathe deeper and slow right down. The air smells of hay, honey bees and eucalyptus, and the soundtrack is kookaburra calls and soft alpaca hums. You won’t find resort glitz here – just real farm life, the hum of nature and the occasional curious goat poking its head through a gate.
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Every good farm has a story, and Rosehaven’s began like many Aussie ventures – with a dream, a few hardy animals and a paddock that needed a lot of fencing. The owners started small, raising a handful of alpacas for their soft fleece. Decades later, the farm has grown into a thriving property known for ethical breeding and genuine hospitality.
The farm is located near Halls Gap, so you have front row seats to the drama of Gariwerd/Grampians National Park – sandstone mountains that rise from the plains, home to ancient Aboriginal rock art and curious mobs of kangaroos. Rosehaven is a tribute to slow living and the old Aussie way of making something from scratch.
Where It Is And How To Get There
Rosehaven Farms is just a short drive from Halls Gap, the gateway to The Grampians. It’s well signposted along Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Road, surrounded by open paddocks, mountain backdrops and some of the best sunset viewing spots in Victoria.
Getting there:
By car: 3 hours from Melbourne via Ballarat and Stawell. There’s a car park on site with disabled access and space for caravans or small tour vehicles.
By tour: Some Grampians tours (like those run by Melbourne Coastal Tours) include stops at small farms, such as Rosehaven.
By bus/train: Regular V/Line services run to Stawell, where local transfers can be arranged.
Travel tip: Wear sensible shoes or outdoor clothing – you’ll be walking among farm animals, not marble floors.
Life On The Land: Showing And Breeding Alpacas
The heart of Rosehaven is in the paddocks. The farm’s alpaca breeding program is a mix of science, patience and passion. Visitors learn how careful animal husbandry and selective breeding create stronger herds, softer alpaca fleece and healthier breeding females.
Alpaca showing is no easy feat. The farm’s animals often attend agricultural events throughout Victoria, representing the Grampians region. Each alpaca is judged on fibre quality, temperament and conformation – it’s hard work that keeps Australia’s alpaca breeding industry world-class.
Did you know? Alpaca fleece is naturally water-resistant, flame-retardant and as soft as cashmere. It’s also hypoallergenic – perfect for those with wool allergies.
A Night Under the Country Stars
Coming to Rosehaven Farms is like stumbling into a postcard from a bygone era. Guests wake to the sound of roosters crowing, native birds flitting about the gum trees, and alpacas strolling through the morning mist. The farm stay accommodation is just like it should be – simple, family-friendly and full of those personal touches that make you feel like you’re part of the family – local beeswax soap hanging in the bathroom, natural furniture polish on the furniture, and warm woollen blankets made from the farm’s own fleece in the bed.
Your stay can include:
Farm tours with plenty of time to meet the animals – alpacas, sheep, miniature donkeys, and curious goats that’ll probably try to eat your pocket
Farm-to-table breakfasts made up of all the good stuff – local eggs, fresh herbs and honey straight from the bees
Optional sessions on alpaca care and fleece spinning – perfect if you’ve ever dreamed of being a real-life farmer
Evenings spent swapping stories by the firepit under a million twinkling stars – the perfect way to end the day
If you’ve ever fancied yourself a farmer or a green thumb, you’ll love the chance to get your hands dirty and learn about true sustainable living – in the most wonderful way possible.
Wildlife Encounters & The Rhythm Of Nature
The Grampians region is just teeming with wildlife. On a good day, you can spot kangaroos near the paddocks, wedge-tailed eagles soaring above Mount Zero, and cockatoos raiding the orchard for whatever they can find. The farm has been designed in a way that lets nature get on with its thing – so expect to see lots of bird life, native grasses, and sustainable practices that keep the farm ecosystem healthy.
Wildlife Checklist:
Eastern grey kangaroos
Emus and wallabies
Loads of native birds, including kookaburras and galahs
Echidnas, skinks, and blue-tongue lizards
Busy bees in the on-site hives
We encourage you to get out and explore the nearby hiking and climbing tracks or have a go at some rock hopping along the creeks that feed into Lake Wartook.
Farm-To-Table: Honest, Simple & Seasonal
For Rosehaven Farms, farm-to-table isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of life. Meals are all about celebrating what’s in season – fresh veg from the kitchen garden, herbs from the greenhouse, and honey straight from the bees.
Local producers from across the Grampians tourism association region contribute ingredients like olive oil, grains, and cheese, so every meal is a taste of the valley. You’ll find all sorts of farm-made goodies for sale at the farm shop and gift shop – like hand-poured beeswax soap, natural soap, and woollens made from Rosehaven’s alpaca fleece.
| Season | Harvest Highlights | Perfect Pairing |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Zucchini, tomatoes, peaches | Grampians shiraz, goat’s cheese |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Apples, pumpkins, beetroot | Fresh bread, Mount Zero olive oil |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Citrus, parsnips, kale | Open fire, local red wine |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Strawberries, asparagus, and herbs | Farm eggs, raw honey |
Views That Stop You Mid-Stride
You’ll struggle to put your camera down. From the verandah of Rosehaven, the view stretches to Boroka Lookout and the Grampians beyond. Mornings are gold, sunsets are crimson. This view alone could sell postcards.
It’s not just beautiful; it’s spiritual. These mountains are home to ancient Aboriginal rock art sites — silent galleries telling stories of the Indigenous peoples of Australia. The owners of Rosehaven work closely with community leaders to share Australian Aboriginal experiences respectfully, reminding visitors that we walk on sacred ground.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It’s not just the views or the animals — it’s the feeling. Guests describe Rosehaven as grounding, peaceful and real. You can’t fake the sense of community here: the owners greet you by name, the neighbours drop by for a cuppa, and every sunset feels earned after a day of hard work.
If you’ve ever dreamed of chucking the city job and buying a few acres out bush, this is your test run — minus the council permits and tractor repairs.
FAQ
Can I Visit Rosehaven Farms Without Staying Overnight?
Yes — farm tours and day visits are available by appointment. You can meet the farm animals, browse the farm shop and learn about alpaca care and sustainable practices.
Are The Alpacas Friendly?
Yes. They’re calm, curious creatures used to visitors. Under guidance, guests can feed or pat them — perfect for families or kids.
Is The Farm Accessible For All Visitors?
Yes, the property has disabled access, parking close to facilities and easy walking areas for wheelchairs and prams.
What’s The Best Time To Visit?
Autumn and spring are great for mild weather, full paddocks and active wildlife. Summer’s good for long evenings and sunset walks to Boroka Lookout.
Do They Sell Products On-Site?
Yes — stop by the gift shop for handmade beeswax soap, alpaca wool products and farm produce. Every item supports sustainable living and the community.
