Cuteness With A Purpose: Iconic Sunshine Coast Destination Opens The Kids' Barn This Sunday As Farm-To-Family Wellness Surges
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Angela Wright MBE, CEO, Fairhill Gardens · direct line 0411 827 702
Fairhill Gardens: call 07 5343 7906 or text 0494 028 904
SUNSHINE COAST AUSTRALIA - 5 August 2026
NINDERRY, SUNSHINE COAST: Fairhill Adventure Gardens officially opens The Kids' Barn at 12 noon this Sunday 9 August, the new home of its Miniature Pygmy Goat Kids, and the winners of the public competition to name the little kids will be announced on the day.
There will be mini-goat massages on offer, bottle feeding, and endless cuddles.
Sunshine Coast families have been busy suggesting names and entries close at the end of Saturday at fairhill.com.au/name-the-goat-kids. Each winning name earns a Fairhill Gift Card and will be included on Fairhill's Roll Of Honour.
The opening comes as wellness and parenting trends show a major surge in farm-to-family lifestyles, with families turning to outdoor, agricultural settings to increase child resilience and counter screen fatigue.
The research behind the trend is striking.
A large Danish study tracking nearly one million people found up to a 55 per cent lower risk of mental health disorders in adulthood among those who grew up with the most access to green space.
Early exposure to farm environments, contact with animals and outdoor play has been repeatedly linked with lower rates of allergies and asthma, along with the empathy, responsibility and resilience that caring for animals teaches children.
Angela Wright, family custodian of Fairhill, said:
"Kids have huge fun in the country, in nature, with animals and breathing the open air. They grow resilience and skills, confidence and kindness. Watch a child bottle-feed a goat kid or collect eggs with our Rangers and you can see the screens fall away. The Kids' Barn gives that experience a magical home, every single day."
The Kids' Barn opening is part of a full Sunday at Fairhill, with Fairhill Farmyard Adventures running all the morning, the Gardens Café open, the Botanic Gardens and Natives-first Nursery in their winter best.
WHAT:The Kids' Barn Official Opening and goat kid naming announcement, mini-goat massages and bottle feeding
WHEN: 12 noon, Sunday 9 August 2026
WHERE: Fairhill Adventure Gardens, 114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry (follow the signs for Fairhill Native Botanic Gardens)
DETAILS: fairhill.com.au
Fairhill Gardens is located at 114 Fairhill Road, Ninderry, open daily 8am to 4pm. For further information visit www.fairhill.com.au.
Sources:
- Engemann et al., "Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood", PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), 2019. Nationwide Danish study of more than 900,000 people.
- Stein et al., "Innate Immunity and Asthma Risk in Amish and Hutterite Farm Children", New England Journal of Medicine, 2016.
- Riedler et al., "Exposure to farming in early life and development of asthma and allergy", The Lancet, 2001.
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Images can also be sent on request.
For further information: Fairhill Media: Angela Wright MBE, CEO, phone 0411 827 702, email hello@fairhill.com.au, www.fairhill.com.au
Notes to the editor: About Fairhill
Step into a world where nature, animals, gardens, farm-to-table and garden-to-plate goodness come together.
Welcome to Fairhill Adventure Gardens, home to Queensland's original native botanic gardens and nursery, Fairhill Animal Farmyard Adventures, and unforgettable nature experiences. Nestled on the slopes of beautiful Mount Ninderry, Fairhill is a world apart: a place to play, discover, learn and reconnect.
Meet friendly farm animals, cuddle baby chicks, collect eggs, explore rainforest trails and discover nature play spaces designed to inspire curiosity and adventure. Discover one of Australia's most significant collections of native and subtropical plants on this beautiful wildlife estate, and browse the specialist natives-first nursery, renowned for unique, climate-suited and long-lived plants.
Relax over breakfast, brunch, Devonshire Tea or lunch at The Gardens Café, where seasonal local produce, Bamboo Park farm ingredients and garden-grown flavours are transformed into delicious meals by the professional chefs and pastry team. No seed oils, no margarine: just pure ingredients crafted with care, skill and passion.
Explore the Country Store, Farm Shop and Local Makers Marketplace, uncover unique gifts and local treasures, or simply soak up the beauty of birdsong, gardens and wildlife.
Whether you're visiting for a family adventure, a garden inspiration day, a celebration, a coffee with friends or a leisurely exploration, Fairhill captures the beauty, flavour and spirit of the Sunshine Coast.
With a commitment to supporting local suppliers and horticulturists, the new owners have blended heritage with innovation, offering a magical space for gardeners, food lovers, and families alike.
Fairhill prioritises healthy soil, plants, food, guests and staff, refusing to use glyphosate ("Roundup") or other artificial herbicide and pesticide toxins used in other nurseries.
Corporates, school and youth groups can schedule one-off or ongoing visits.
In addition to being child-friendly, Fairhill is pet friendly too with well-mannered dogs welcome.
Open daily, 8am to 4pm.
Accessible facilities: Accessible pathways, parking and amenities available.
Rates: Entry to The Gardens Café, Country Store and Nursery is free. Day Tickets and Memberships from just $15.
Visit the website to book tickets, memberships and special experiences: www.fairhill.com.au