Doonan: Dining and Farm Experiences
Accommodation in Doonan
There are two very different experiences to choose from for a stay in Doonan: the Afternoon Sessions at The Doonan and the farm experiences at Bexland. Oysters and a specially curated afternoon pizza menu add a culinary highlight; at the working farm, the focus is on Highland cows and horse care. These options can help shape your holiday plans. The key question is whether you’d rather focus on a dining experience or animal encounters.
Afternoon offerings at The Doonan
The Afternoon Sessions at The Doonan run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Oysters are offered for US$3, along with a specially curated afternoon pizza menu. This gives your visit a clear culinary focus and makes the days of the week a practical planning consideration. Check the current menu and price before your visit, as they may change.
Animal encounters and horse care at Bexland
Bexland is a 6-acre working farm in the Doonan hinterland, 15 minutes from Noosa. During the Highland Cow Encounters, visitors can meet Moofy, Mootilda and Mickey D in their paddock setting. Mickey D is the first calf born on the farm. The named animals and their paddock setting give this encounter a specific focal point.
Another activity at Bexland is Pony Pals: during the school holidays, children aged 5 to 10 get hands-on insights into horse care and grooming. This offering differs from the Highland Cow Encounters in its focus on care and its specifically stated age group. If your children are interested in horse care, you can make Pony Pals a specific part of your plans. Keep the school holiday period in mind and check current availability before planning a visit.
The offerings have different focuses: the Highland Cow Encounters centre on meeting the cows, while Pony Pals offers hands-on insights into horse care. This distinction is more helpful when choosing an experience than simply listing the activities. The timing also differs: the sessions at The Doonan run on three days of the week, while Pony Pals is offered during the school holidays.
An accommodation option at Bexland
The Railway Retreat at Bexland accommodates up to five guests and has two bathrooms. You can compare these details with the size of your travel group and your accommodation needs. As capacity and accommodation details may change, check the capacity again before arrival. Confirm the bathroom details with the provider before booking.
To plan your trip, you could start by considering which experience you’d like to shape your stay: a culinary visit on one of the days mentioned, an encounter with Moofy, Mootilda and Mickey D, or the holiday program for children aged 5 to 10. Differences in the offerings, age groups and timing give you specific points to consider when choosing your travel dates.
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