
Sages Cottage Farm
📍 Baxter, VIC
Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter is a free-entry working farm on the Mornington Peninsula with friendly animals, heritage buildings, scenic lake walks with abundant birdlife, and an on-site cafe serving meals and coffee.
Just a stone's throw from the suburban hustle, Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter offers a tranquil escape that feels genuinely like it’s in the middle of the bush. It’s rare to find such a serene and expansive place so close to everything, and this beautiful farm stands as a community treasure on the Mornington Peninsula. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a friendly and welcoming service and atmosphere. The Harvest Café is the perfect starting point for any visit, serving up consistently great coffee. While I ordered the poached eggs and bacon and found one of the eggs was rather raw, I didn't complain because you quickly realise that this place is about so much more than the food; it’s deeply about connecting with others and the amazing purpose behind the venture. What elevates this place is its amazing initiative of inclusion and empowerment. Run by Wallara, the farm is dedicated to becoming Australia's most inclusive farm, providing vital life skills, training, and employment opportunities for adults with different abilities. The staff, many of whom are Wallara clients, are empowered, trained, and supported, radiating a deep sense of purpose. Witnessing this compassionate vision in action, where every person is valued and uplifted, is a moving experience that showcases the profound power of community acceptance. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of grounds to take a walk. The expansive property features serene bushland paths, accessible lakeside trails, and heritage gardens, offering a peaceful setting for a relaxing stroll. It’s a perfect place to feel the calm and serene environment take over the senses. If you have kids, there is plenty to do! They will love meeting the friendly farm animals, including pigs, goats, miniature ponies, and guinea pigs and can burn off energy playing in the dedicated play area near the cafe. It’s a safe and joyful space where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature and one another. Sages Cottage Farm successfully blends the peace of a rural retreat with the convenience of an accessible location, making it a must-visit spot that nourishes both body and soul.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families seeking a relaxed, free half-day in a genuinely pastoral setting close to Melbourne's south-east suburbs. The animal interaction and lake walk suit all ages, and the cafe provides a proper sit-down meal rather than just snacks.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →173 Google reviews
Peter
5 months ago
“Just a stone's throw from the suburban hustle, Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter offers a tranquil escape that feels genuinely like it’s in the middle of the bush. It’s rare to find such a serene and expansive place so close to everything, and this beautiful farm stands as a community treasure on the Mornington Peninsula. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a friendly and welcoming service and atmosphere. The Harvest Café is the perfect starting point for any visit, serving up consistently great coffee. While I ordered the poached eggs and bacon and found one of the eggs was rather raw, I didn't complain because you quickly realise that this place is about so much more than the food; it’s deeply about connecting with others and the amazing purpose behind the venture. What elevates this place is its amazing initiative of inclusion and empowerment. Run by Wallara, the farm is dedicated to becoming Australia's most inclusive farm, providing vital life skills, training, and employment opportunities for adults with different abilities. The staff, many of whom are Wallara clients, are empowered, trained, and supported, radiating a deep sense of purpose. Witnessing this compassionate vision in action, where every person is valued and uplifted, is a moving experience that showcases the profound power of community acceptance. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of grounds to take a walk. The expansive property features serene bushland paths, accessible lakeside trails, and heritage gardens, offering a peaceful setting for a relaxing stroll. It’s a perfect place to feel the calm and serene environment take over the senses. If you have kids, there is plenty to do! They will love meeting the friendly farm animals, including pigs, goats, miniature ponies, and guinea pigs and can burn off energy playing in the dedicated play area near the cafe. It’s a safe and joyful space where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature and one another. Sages Cottage Farm successfully blends the peace of a rural retreat with the convenience of an accessible location, making it a must-visit spot that nourishes both body and soul.”
Dennis John Gottschalk
a month ago
“Visited Sage Cottage Farm today with a group of friends, a really beautiful place I hadn’t heard of before but enjoyed the peaceful , rural atmosphere. The Cafe’ offered a good variety of meals and services were quick. We took a leisurely walk after lunch around the lake which had lots of birds, swans, ducks and water fowl. We look forward to visiting again soon as we didn’t have time to visit the gardens and farm area which is reasonably large.”
jessica beckman
10 months ago
“Had a fantastic visit today. Beautiful place in a lovely location. Had a great coffee shop and some animals to see. Myself and the kids happily explored here for a few hours”
karyn “Kaz” Bilney
6 months ago
“Lovely afternoon out , beautiful flowers nice lunch and a walk around the dam”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter sits on the Mornington Peninsula close to suburban Frankston, offering a genuine bush-feel escape. Kids can meet and interact with farm animals, explore heritage buildings, and walk the lake circuit where native birds are plentiful. The on-site cafe runs a solid meals menu with quick service. Entry is free. The grounds are expansive enough for several hours of relaxed exploration. The farm and cafe occasionally close without advance notice online.



