Here are some useful things to know in planning an enjoyable and successful party for you and your guests:

Getting here

We are located on St. Helier’s Street in Abbotsford – Google Maps.
Parking is available in the Abbotsford Convent car park just 100 meters from the Farm. Half a day’s parking runs between about $12 and $14, card payment only. For further info and support contact the Convent at (03) 9415 3600.
The nearest train stop is Victoria Park Station
The nearest bus stop is Clarke St. /Johnson St.
From the end of St. Helier’s Street, proceed about 60 meters down the pedestrian path. Farm entry is through the corrugated iron reception building.
Refer to this map for directions to the party marquee.

Set-up and guests

You are welcome to arrive for setup when the Farm opens at 9:30 am. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate earlier arrivals.
We ask that you and your guests please check in with Reception upon arrival.
Motor vehicles are not allowed into the site, but we can provide wheelbarrows to move goods about the grounds. If you wish to borrow one, please notify us in advance.
If you’ve booked a Party Wagon or requested a wheelbarrow, these will be waiting at reception.

Guests

The base package does not include the price of entrance. Tickets are available as an optional add-on at purchase, or we can keep a tally and charge you at the end of the day.
Guests are welcome any time from 10:00 am.
We have prepared an info sheet for you to share with your guests. It has key information and a map to help them find you on the day.

For the sake of our animals, balloons, balls, streamers, poppers, pinñatas, noisy toys and confetti are strictly prohibited on Farm grounds.
We ask that you don't bring dogs; wrangling children and guinea pigs is plenty!

The Marquee

The Marquee has a footprint of 6 × 9 m, sufficient for about 105 people.
Trestle tables are 180 × 90 cm with timber tops. You are welcome to bring tablecloths. Other tables and chairs at the Farm are not for hire or use for birthday parties
Straw bales are 90 × 45 × 40 cm, comfortably seating two adults or three children.
You are welcome to bring bunting and flowers - or get in touch and our horticulture team can assemble gorgeous and competitively priced floral arrangements.

Extras

Please note that we are unable to accommodate requests to schedule Meet the Pony or Meet the Guinea Pigs sessions at a given time. Session times are determined on the day by consultation with Animal Husbandry staff.
If you have booked a Meet the Guinea Pigs session, a Farmer will bring the guinea pigs for the kids (and adults) to pat. The guinea pigs sit in baskets; you sit beside them and are able to pat them whilst learning about their different breeds, ages and personalities.
If you have booked a Pony session with Finnegan or Brandy, a Farmer will arrive with the pony, provide a safety orientation then invite everybody to take turns for a pat or a brush.
Unfortunately we cannot offer face painting to children (or adults) who:

appear distressed, or won’t consent to face painting
can’t sit unassisted in the artist's chair (except kids with disabilities)
have known allergies to face paint
have visible signs of a contagious illness (runny nose, irregular cough et cetera) or a contagious skin condition.
are under the age of two

Food and drink

You are welcome to bring your own food, contract an external caterer or place an order with our friends at The Farm Cafe. The Cafe offers a variety of prepared options which you may view and purchase here. To discuss other options give them a call at 03 9415 6581.
Please note that alcohol is not allowed on Farm grounds during public opening hours.
Unfortunately we cannot provide kitchen facilities or cool storage.
Waste and recycling bins are provided.

Weather

Melbourne weather can be unpredictable! We recommend all guests bring sensible shoes, a jacket, sunscreen, a hat or an umbrella as necessary.
There is no alternative undercover space for parties. The Barn is a public space open to all guests and can't be used for private parties.
If temperatures top 30°C, animal welfare concerns necessitate that we cancel Meet the Guinea Pigs sessions. You will receive a refund for this portion of the booking.
Above 35°C all animal activities will be cancelled, Farm-wide. If you have booked a Meet a Pony session, you will receive a refund for this portion of the booking.
We don't offer refunds on marquee bookings, face painting or party wagon rental due to weather conditions.

End of the day

We ask that you vacate the marquee from 2:00 pm, but everybody is welcome to remain on the Farm grounds until we close.

We hope you have a wonderful, enjoyable day!