Image: Wildhand Farm
If you’ve ever dreamed of slowing down, switching off, and spending time with some truly gentle giants, South Australia offers a handful of opportunities to do just that.
Highland cows, with their shaggy coats, endearing faces, and calm nature, have quickly become favourites to photograph, spend time with, and even keep as pets.
And honestly, why wouldn’t you want to get up close with these beautiful creatures? From brushing and hand-feeding to leading them through the paddocks or simply enjoying their soothing presence, there are plenty of unique experiences to get around. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet (and of course some cuddles), here are five Highland cow encounters you can try across the state.
Ondeen | Adelaide Hills
Verdun’s Ondeen Farm have two new additions to their farm, the cutest, cuddliest cows, Harry & Mr. Eric. Nicknamed their “new sustainable grass mowers and unofficial heads of customer satisfaction”, while you’re dining in style at this award-winning and Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best New Restaurant’ finalist, make sure to make a detour and see these two gorgeous guys.
Where: 15 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun 5245
For more information, click here.
Pavilions at Lenswood | Adelaide Hills
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close with a goat, alpaca, or even a Highland Cow, as a guest at Pavilions at Lenswood, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to their back paddocks along Leslie Road. Here you can step into a taste of rural farm life and meet some of their beloved fluffy residents.
The team tend to leave a small tin of grain and vegetables so you can hand-feed the animals if you wish, but please only use what’s provided, as these animals tend to have sensitive stomachs and feeding them anything else (including grass and trees) can cause serious illness.
Where: 759 Swamp Rd, Lenswood SA 5240
For more information, click here.
Ranch & Co | McLaren Vale
A newer addition to our list after rave reviews from Glam Adelaide readers – Ranch & Co offer meet and greet Miniature Highland Cow experiences. Get up close and personal with the adorable baby Hamish and two year old Angus.
The experience is a private session that includes hand feeding, petting, and endless photo taking, and you can upgrade and enjoy grazing platters, refreshments and BYO alcohol.
Where: McLaren Vale, SA
Price: From $70
For more information and to book, contact Kim on 0409 697 972
Solstice Kangaroo Island | Kangaroo Island
At Solstice Island’s highland cow experiences, you can get up close and personal with not just the gorgeous cows but also adorable farm animals, including the rare Valais Blacknose sheep, playful chickens, and friendly ducks.
Throughout your experience, you’ll be guided by professionals and taught about the rich heritage of Kangaroo Island’s farming culture. This is perfect for families, couples, and animal enthusiasts.
Where: 270 Emu Bay Rd, Emu Bay SA 5223
Price: $150
For more information, click here.
The Farm Clarendon | Adelaide Hills
The Farm Clarendon’s ‘Cuddle a Cow’ experience is a unique opportunity for all ages to connect with this fantastic species. Sessions run for 40 to 60 minutes (timing depends on the cows’ mood and attention span) and welcome up to six guests per booking for $200 per group. During your visit, you’ll get to brush, hand-feed, pet, and even lead the cows around the field, enjoying their calm presence and quirky personalities.
This experience offers all the joy of their popular photoshoot package, just without the professional images, making it an ideal option if you’re on a budget but still want the full cow cuddle experience. While our in-house photographer is available for exclusive shoots, budding photographers are also welcome to bring their own professional setups to capture the moment.
Please note they have a strict cancellation policy, so if you don’t let them know you can’t make it, your booking will be forfeited.
Where: Piggott Range Road, Clarendon, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, 5157
Price: $200 per group
For more information, click here.
Wildhand Farm | Fleurieu Peninsula
Willunga Hill’s Wildhand Farm is the perfect spot to get up close and personal with the most adorable Highland cows. Located at Willunga Hill, this farm is a total hidden gem. The family behind Wildhand started the business farm five years ago, growing Australian Native Flowers on 25 acres, while homing a small fold of purebred Highland Cattle, and have since adapted their offerings to suit what their guests wanted!
You can experience their farm in a private, one-hour guided tour for $250, or a small group tour for $60.
Where: 19 Bishop Rd, Willunga Hill SA 5172
Price: Private tour $250, Small group $60
For more information, click here.
Did we miss your favourite? Email [email protected]
More News
