Get up close & personal with our
friendly Highland Cows.
The Highland Cattle Experience
Discover the Koolah Creek Highland Cattle Experience - a completely private opportunity to spend time with our Highlands at a genuine working cattle stud.
Koolah Creek Highlands is a registered Highland cattle stud on the NSW Mid North Coast. We’re dedicated to breeding sound, functional cattle with true Highland character, excellent temperaments and a strong focus on welfare. Our herd includes multiple Royal Show champions, alongside the breeding cows, bulls, calves and young stock at the heart of our program
Since 2023, we’ve been welcoming guests to Koolah Creek for private, welfare-first Highland Cattle Experiences built around genuine interaction with our herd.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet, feed and brush selected friendly Highlands, learn about their personalities and care, and spend time with the cows, calves and young stock that make up our fold.
And if one of the ladies decides you’re worthy of a cuddle, she might just cuddle you back. 🤎
The Koolah Creek Highland Cattle Experience
Every Highland Cattle Experience at Koolah Creek is completely private.
We’ve deliberately kept it that way so your visit can unfold naturally around your group, your interests and, importantly, the cattle themselves. The experience is modelled on the way we’ve always introduced visiting friends and family to our Highlands - personal, relaxed and centred around spending genuine time with the herd.
Your host will guide you through the farm, introduce you to the cattle and share the names, personalities and stories behind them.
During your experience, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet, feed, brush and connect with friendly Highlands, with plenty of time to get to know their individual personalities.
Meet our breeding cows, calves and young stock and hear the stories behind the animals and families that make up our fold.
Spend time with our calves and their mums when calves are at foot.
Learn about Highland cattle behaviour, care and husbandry, and how we manage the herd as a working breeding stud.
Hear about our breeding program, the traits we select for and the role our cattle play in preserving and improving the breed.
Spend time in the paddock with the herd where conditions, the cattle and your group allow.
Some cows will happily stand for a brush or scratch - or even follow us around begging for attention. Others may lean right into you or curl their neck around to cuddle you back.
Our cattle are never forced to interact for the sake of an experience. We let them choose how involved they want to be on the day, and we ask our guests to respect that too.
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![A woman with black hair and glasses smiling while cuddling a Highland cow outdoors in a green, wooded area.]()
"My family and I had the pleasure of visiting Koolah Creek Highlands for a Highland cow experience, and it was absolutely wonderful. Hugh was incredibly knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the history and care of Highland cows. Lyn was also fantastic, making the experience even more enjoyable with her friendly and engaging personality. We had the chance to interact with the cows up close, and it was clear that they are well-cared for and loved. Feeding and petting and cuddling them was a highlight for everyone. The whole experience was educational and heartwarming. It’s clear that Hugh and Sarah are passionate about what they do, and that passion is contagious. I highly recommend this Highland cow experience to anyone looking for a unique and memorable day out. Whether you’re an animal lover or just looking for something different to do, this is a must-visit. Thank you, Hugh and Lyn, for an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to visit again!"
- Shannon
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"What an epic day! We were welcomed by Hugh on arrival who really made our day! The highlands were of course gorgeous and well looked after! we had some great interactions, and were lucky enough to see many new calfs on our visit. The work Hugh and Sarah are putting towards the property, cows and experiences doesn’t go unnoticed, we felt the experience was well worth the cost (if anything it’s underpriced) - at the end of the day it’s a private tour with the highlands, and Hugh worked really hard to get to know us and make our experience as comfortable as possible. We had such a beautiful day and are so grateful we were able to visit and see your beautiful cows. So thank you Hugh and Sarah we will remember this experience together forever!"
- Lots of love, Sarah and Bailey
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![A man smiling and taking a selfie with a Highland cow behind a fence in a grassy outdoor area.]()
“This experience is a must!!! From the moment you arrive at Koolah Creek Highlands, you're transported into a world where tranquility meets rustic charm. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this hidden gem is a sanctuary for the majestic Highland cows, known for their shaggy coats and gentle demeanor. Each one has its own unique personality, adding to the enchanting experience. The staff at Koolah Creek are not just caretakers but passionate ambassadors for these beautiful creatures. Their tours are informative, engaging, and filled with fascinating facts about Highland cow history and care. It's evident that they love what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. In conclusion, Koolah Creek Highlands is more than just a visit; it's an experience that touches your soul. Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful escape, this place is a must-visit.”
- TD Media
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![A woman with long red hair, wearing a beige wide-brimmed hat, white shirt, and cowboy boots, is holding a red cow by a rope in a green grassy field. The cow has long reddish-brown fur and is standing next to a small tree with a backdrop of houses, trees, and hills.]()
"Koolah creek is an amazing place to visit! Up-close and personal experience with the most beautiful highlands🐮🌿 A picturesque setting where you can interact, brush, feed and learn so much about these gorgeous animals. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their habits and enjoy their company. Hugh is wonderful friendly host, and I’m excited to see how the future plans roll out! Absolutely recommend and will be back ✨"
- Jordan McShane
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![Brown Highland cow with curved horns standing on grassy field near a fence with trees in the background.]()
"AMAZING afternoon learning all things Highland cows with the very knowledgeable Sarah 😍 Thank you for taking so much time to indulge our obsession and answer all our questions. Highly recommend this experience, love the private sessions which gives you such an intimate experience with the beautiful cows."
- Ashley Jones
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![Three Highland cattle relaxing in a grassy field with a fence in the background.]()
"Most spoilt Highland Cows in Australia - I did the personalised Highland Cow Experience and it was amazing. Personalised, hands on tour with soon to be fully qualified vet and owner Sarah, was informative, with a focus always on the best welfare of the animals. This place is a resort for any highland cow and a great, informative, interactive experience for people of any age. It was so beautiful to see how well cared for these beautiful animals are and to have this amazing experience. Well worth a visit."
- Frmija
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![Four people and a man holding a comb gather around a resting Highland cow with long horns in a grassy field surrounded by trees.]()
"We had the most beautiful morning at Koolah Creek Highlands. Such a magic place to get up close and learn about these special animals. Thank you so much for your hospitality, knowledge and warmth. Highly recommended."
- Katie Lee
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![Person grooming a small, brown highland cow with halter around its head in a grassy outdoor setting, with trees and a small structure in the background.]()
"Had a wonderful experience today with Sarah and her beautiful highland cattle. Such a great spot and the passion she has for her cows is admirable. It was very special to get so close and personal to them. Until next time, Paislig, Bre, Lucy, Dolly and others."
- Dowsey Jo
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![A Highland cow grazing on green grass in a field, with tall grass and a barn or shed in the background.]()
"The Highland Cow experience at Koolah Creek Highlands is absolutely amazing! It's a unique opportunity to get close to these beautiful animals and interact with them in a way that you couldn't otherwise. The Highland Cows have the most beautiful gentle nature, making them perfect for this experience. You'll have the chance to learn about their behavior, feed them, and even get to pat them if they're comfortable with it. It's a truly unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves animals or wants to get up close and personal with these beautiful Highland Cows."
- Tayler McShane
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![A woman kneeling on the grass, hugging a brown cow, under a large tree with sprawling branches, in a rural setting with a small shelter and other cows in the background.]()
"Best experience ever! Sarah was a fantastic and friendly host, my daughter Summer and I was given this experience as a gift by my husband and we still can’t stop talking about that experience. We did not expect to get so close to the highland cows, I was excited to just get to see them and I couldn’t believe it when we got to cuddle, feed and brush them. Best experience ever and we are definitely going back again - maybe every year for my birthday 🤗"
- Corinne Coe
Book your unforgettable private Highland Cattle Experience now using the calendar below!
Choose the experience that best suits your group, then use the booking calendar below to view available dates. All Koolah Creek experiences are completely private, giving you quality time with the coos and your host without being grouped with other visitors.
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Approximately 1.5 hours | Our signature experience
Standard Timeslot | $360 | Up to 2 guests included | Additional guests $80pp
Premium Timeslot | $520 | Up to 4 guests included | Additional guests $80ppAdditional guests can be added to either base package, up to 12 guests total.
Our full, immersive Highland Cattle Experience. Meet, feed, brush and spend time with the coos as your host guides you through the farm, introduces you to more of the herd and shares the personalities and stories behind the animals.
Premium Timeslots allow access to selected appointment times, with a little extra time built into our schedule around your booking.
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45 minutes | $330 | Up to 4 guests included | Additional guests $50pp
A shorter, lower-walking private experience designed for families and groups wanting plenty of quality time with the coos without the longer farm walk or paddock component of our full experience.
Interactions take place over the fence or with selected animals on lead. There is no paddock entry and you won’t visit the entire herd.
With significantly less walking than our full experience, this option may better suit families with young children, older guests and visitors with limited mobility. Additional guests can be added at booking. Available on selected dates during our seasonal trial.
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We generally release 20 to 40 private sessions each month, around 3 to 4 months in advance, and popular dates often book quickly. Typically, weekends book out several months in advance.
Koolah Creek is generally open to guests Friday to Sunday on selected weekends. Midweek sessions may occasionally be accommodated by special request.
During cooler months, sessions may be available throughout the day. As the weather warms up, we reduce our schedule and offer sessions during the cooler parts of the day to keep the cattle comfortable.
Join our Experiences Mailing List for first notice when new monthly dates, extra sessions and seasonal availability are released, before they are posted on social media.
Join the waitlist if a specific date is already fully booked. Our waitlist is fully automated: if a session becomes available, everyone registered for that date receives an SMS notification at the same time. Bookings are then first in, best dressed.
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Koolah Creek Highlands is located near Langley Vale, between Taree and Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
We are around 10 minutes off the Pacific Highway, approximately 3 hours from Sydney’s North Shore and 2 hours from Newcastle.
We are also close to popular Barrington Coast destinations including Forster, Gloucester, Barrington Tops and Seal Rocks.
After booking, you will receive detailed directions to the farm in your confirmation email. We are located on a dirt road, which is easily accessible for most vehicles.
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Yes, children are very welcome.
Your visit will be adapted to suit your group and to make sure it is safe and enjoyable for both guests and cattle.
For groups with children under 14 years old, interactions with the adult cows will generally take place over the fence rather than inside the paddock.
Children must be fully supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
For children aged 6 to 12 years, we require at least one adult per three children.
For children aged 5 years and under, we require one adult per child.
Entry applies to all guests aged 2 years and over. Children aged 0 to 1 years are free.
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Entering the paddock with the adult herd may be part of the full Highland Cattle Experience, but it is not guaranteed.
Our cattle are living animals with their own personalities, moods and boundaries. Whether guests enter the paddock or meet the herd over the fence is always at our discretion on the day.
This decision depends on the cattle, the weather, the size and ages of your group, and what is safest and most enjoyable for everyone.
In every experience, you will still have the opportunity to meet, feed, brush and spend time with selected friendly Highlands.
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Harrington is a lovely beach village (25 minutes drive) with many holiday accommodation options - too many to list!
There are also some beautiful AirBnB listings nearby in the Lansdowne area.
Forster & Port Macquarie are both 40-50 minutes drive away, they are larger beach towns with plenty of holiday accommodation options.
For a budget camping option, Coopernook HQ Campground in the Coopernook State Forest is free and 20 minutes drive from us!
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No, photography is not included in The Highland Cattle Experience - but we have a range of photoshoot experience packages.
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While there's nothing we find more therapeutic than cuddling a cow, our Highland Cattle Experience isn't intended as therapy.
However, we do have a fully qualified Occupational Therapist in the family who runs several therapy programs at the farm. Click here for info on therapy at Koolah Creek. -
Enclosed shoes that you don’t mind getting little dirty (we are a farm - there will be grass, maybe mud, and cow manure!). We highly recommend gumboots.
Sun safe clothing, sunscreen & a hat, raincoat.
A water bottle & snacks if you need them.
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Yes, we have basic toilet facilities (portaloo) available for guests.
Please remember that Koolah Creek is a working farm, so amenities are simple.
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Yes! All Highland Cattle Experience bookings are private - only you and the guests you bring will be in your group.
Generally there will be one group on the farm at a time, however on occasion there may be a short crossover period where schedule changes are necessary, for example due to weather.
In this instance groups will rarely (if ever) cross paths - with 60 acres and several herds of Highlands on the farm, most of the time you won’t realise there is anyone else on the property! -
We allow up to 12 guests in a private Highland Cattle Experience.
Our base packages include either up to 2 guests or up to 4 guests, depending on the option selected.
Additional guests can be added to any private session at the time of booking, up to 12 guests total.
If you cannot see availability under the two-guest option, please also check the Up to 4 Guests option, as some premium timeslots are only visible there.
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We usually release bookings 3 to 4 months in advance.
Koolah Creek is generally open to guests Friday to Sunday on selected weekends, with midweek sessions by special request only. We usually release around 20 to 40 private Highland Cattle Experience sessions each month.
Because all sessions are private and availability is limited, popular dates often book out quickly — especially weekends, school holidays and two-guest sessions.
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If no times appear in the calendar, this usually means the selected experience type is fully booked, or dates have not been released yet.
Please check both booking options before assuming we are fully booked.
Some premium timeslots are only visible under the Up to 4 Guests option. These are the same private Highland Cattle Experience, but scheduled with a little extra time and include up to 4 guests in the base price.
Additional guests can be added to any private session, up to 12 guests total.
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The Experiences Mailing List is for new date releases. Mailing list subscribers get first choice when new monthly dates, extra sessions and seasonal availability are released, before they are posted on social media.
The waitlist is for specific dates that are already fully booked.
If a booking becomes available, everyone on the waitlist for that date receives a text message notification. It is first in, best dressed — the first person to complete the booking secures the session.
Joining the waitlist does not hold a booking, and we are not able to manually allocate cancelled spots.
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No, professional photography is not included in the standard Highland Cattle Experience.
If you would like professional photos with the coos, we offer dedicated Highland cow photography packages on selected dates.
Our main photography packages include the core Highland Cattle Experience and all the same quality time meeting, feeding, brushing and spending time with the coos, with professional photography added.
We also offer occasional seasonal mini sessions, such as Christmas minis, which follow a shorter set format.
Please visit our Highland Cow Photography page to view available packages.
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No, dogs and other pets are not permitted at Koolah Creek.
This is for the safety and welfare of our cattle, guests, working farm animals and your pet.
Please do not bring dogs onto the property, including leaving them in your vehicle during your experience.
Registered assistance animals are considered separately - please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether the farm environment is safe and suitable.
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Our approximately 1.5-hour Highland Cattle Experience is our full, immersive farm experience. It includes more time exploring the property, meeting more of the herd and may include entering the paddock with the cattle where conditions allow.
Our 45-minute Family Highland Cow Experience is a shorter, lower-walking format. You’ll still enjoy plenty of quality time meeting, feeding and brushing a selection of friendly cows and calves, but interactions take place over the fence or with selected animals on lead.
There is no paddock entry and you won’t visit the entire herd during the Family Experience.
It is particularly suited to families with young children, older guests, warmer weather and visitors who may find the walking involved in our full experience more difficult.
Both experiences are completely private.
Paisley the Coo Plush Toys
Paisley is one of our gorgeous cuddly Highland coos - she’s the one our guests most often want to sneak home in their car!
Now you can take Paisley home with you! Add ‘Paisley the Coo’ when booking and collect your plush toy during your Highland Cattle Experience. Paisley the Coo Plush Toys come complete with ribbon and custom Koolah Creek Highlands eartag.
