This is definitely one of my favorite experiences in Australia, if not ever.
As a massive animal lover, I have fallen completely in love with kangaroos, wallabies and generally speaking wildlife in Australia. I even became a wildlife rescuer and carer a few years ago. But that’s another story…!
When looking for a weekend getaway not too far from Sydney, we stumbled onto an unusual listing on airbnb named Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary Farm Stay, and the photos alone pretty much sold it.
Morning ritual at Tiandi Wildlife Farmstay
Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary is a 3-hour drive from Sydney and a 30min drive from Braidwood. The property is located on Tomboye Rd in the heart of bushland and run by the amazing Julia.
Julia got into wildlife rescuing several years ago after a little wombat came into her care, and since then they has welcome hundreds if not thousands of injured wildlife and orphans within her care.
Julia and the volunteers look after all sort of native wildlife every day, often kangaroos and wallabies who have just become orphaned from roadkill, but also possums, wombats and birds, either adults or joeys. They rescue and care for them until the animals can be safely released in the wild.
Some grown-up swamp wallabies and kangaroos have also decided to stick around. They live nearby and come regularly say hi or get a drink from one of the ponds at Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary.
A few of the locals at Tiandi Wildlife Farmstay
Jambalaya cottage
Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a cosy and rustic little cottage named Jambalaya which you can rent nightly or weekly, and for which the proceeds help to fund the sanctuary, purchase wildlife food, and generally run the organisation.
The cottage is quite rustic but very well-equipped, and Julia and her husband did a fantastic job at making it feel homey.
We stayed there in late June 2020 and despite the freezing weather, managed to stay warm inside thanks to the indoor fireplace. There are also lots of fluffy blankets available near the couch if needed.
Jambalaya Cottage at Tiandi Wildlife Farmstay
At 11am every morning the Jambalaya cottage guests are invited to join Julia for the morning feed, and this is a truly magical experience.
We got to feed a wallaroo joey called Walter, and 2 gorgeous swamp wallaby joeys named Abby and Ally. Julia was a divine host and told us many of her exceptional life stories as we were feeding them together on the porch for nearly an hour.
I could not recommend enough staying at Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary and look forward to going back myself.
Completely falling for Walter
The nitty gritty
How to book
Simply visit Tiandi Wildlife Sanctuary & Farmstay’s website or book directly here.
The cottage is perfect for a couple or for a family with young children. At the time of our stay in June 2020 it had one double bed and one bunk bed.
What to do around
When you are done cuddling joeys and admiring how Julia deals with each animal, there are a few great things to do around.
– Visit the surprisingly vibrant town of Braidwood. Make sure you stop at Provisions Cafe & Deli if you do, their crepes and pastries are absolutely worth it.
– Go for a surf at Ulladulla beach.
– Climb at Tianjara Falls. There is a fantastic 18 sport climbing route (3*) called Mustard. More info on the crag here.
– Have a delicious glass of wine and maybe a meal at Cupitt’s Estate, one of my favorite wineries in NSW.
Cupitt’s Estate
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