Get up close and personal with native wildlife or join in on a spot of humane fishing at this farm in Esk.
Brisbane Valley Ostrich and Fish Farm (
3709 Gatton Road) opened in 1992 with four ostrich chicks. The owners incubated their own eggs and reared the chicks to sell for breeding. Now, the farm operates as a tourist attraction.
Visitors are treated to a guided tour of the farm, where they will meet the ostriches and learn more about the species. You can hand feed and pet one of the pet ostriches, or have your photo taken. The farm is also home to a tame pet emu, as well as domesticated birds (like chickens, peacocks, ducks and geese), a pair of white swans, koalas and sugar gliders.
If you enjoy the sport of fishing but don't like hurting or killing fish, take part in the Catch, Kiss and Release program. Guests are provided with barbless hooks to catch golden and silver perch, bass, catfish and Murray cod in the farm's lake. Once you've shown off your catch, throw it back in the water (kissing optional). The lake is also the site of a large picnic and barbeque area, designed to accommodate bus tours.
The day isn't complete without checking out the display of hand painted eggs and elaborate egg craft (egg lessons are available by appointment – for more information, contact owners through the website) or the olive grove and crops.
A day at the ostrich and fish farm is $10 per person and bookings are essential. Morning tea and lunch can be provided for extra cost or guests may bring their own.
