Peppermint Ridge Farm

This 8 hectare property has been transformed into a Living Classroom that demonstrates a sustainable approach to land management. With a focus on the value of indigenous plants in property design, Peppermint Ridge Farm provides educational experiences for schools, universities, private landholders, community groups and Local Government.

The refurbished Nar Nar Goon North PS (built in 1929) also provides the perfect venue for your next meeting or function. We can provide morning/afternoon tea or lunch using produce including Bushfood from our organic gardens (see photos below). Refer to the calendar to see our upcoming workshops and tours.

cornucopia living heritage centre

Guided Tours of the Cornucopia Australis exhibition

Learn about Australia’s environmental history and the changing approaches to land management. The ancient Greek legend of Cornucopia is woven into the tour to illustrate how we have regarded nature as a source of endless bounty. The tour outlines the consequences of this interpretation and the need for us to rethink our relationship with our unique environment.

Stroll through the extensive indigenous gardens and visit the original blacksmith shop. Afternoon tea is available at the conclusion of each tour.

Group bookings can also be arranged for these dates or you can organise your own tour. Contact us for more details. Tours are available for community groups, schools, TAFE and universities.

Organised Tours can focus on:

• Australian History – focuses on First contact with aboriginal society, early white settlers and the agricultural expansion across the land. Be entertained by bush poetry from our local bush balladeer
• Environmental issues such as over clearing, water, loss of biodiversity and land management
• Land Management & Sustainability for the future
• Aboriginal cultural history and the use of native plants – features an aboriginal presenter
• Bush Foods and the history of ethnobotany

BOOKING DETAILS

All events require payment prior to the event. Please note that we are not set up for Credit Card purchases - cash, direct transfer or cheques by arrangement.

Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre
459 Tynong North Road Tynong North Victoria 3813

Tours can feature a visit to the original blacksmith shop and the extensive indigenous gardens (see photo below). Refer to the calendar to see our tour dates.

This Aug 2009 photo shows the growth in the native gardens of Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre. The restored blacksmith shop (centre) and interpretive centre (right). View closeup image (jpg, 618kb)

This Jan 2008 photo shows the Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre's potting and seedling sheds (left), the blacksmith shop and museum (centre) surrounded by the extensive indigenous garden. View the closeup image (jpg, 320kb)

cornucopia Consulting Group

Our extensive and diverse backgrounds in environmental science, sustainability, land management, community development and project management enable us to provide consultancy services to a range of private clients and organizations in the following areas:

• Sustainable property and garden design with a focus on the use of indigenous plants
• Ecological surveys
• Bushfood garden design
• Low water and organic vegetable gardens
• Design and management of environmental and community development projects
• Organisational reviews and project evaluation
• Community capacity building projects

Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

the story of peppermint ridge farm

Julie Weatherhead and Anthony Hooper have been running the original Living Classroom at Peppermint Ridge Farm since 1996. In that time, over 5000 people have participated in our extensive educational programs. Julie is an experienced environmental educator and ecologist with a degree in Environmental Science and Education. She is passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Anthony has an extensive background in community development and the development of sustainable communities.

a letter - Peter, Moorooduc VICtoria

Thanks Julie, really useful info. We built and planted out our first "Julie Weatherhead" style veggie bed. The whole family got involved so we had great fun doing it. Thanks for your experience and knowledge.
Kind Regards, Peter (Emerald Rise Farm)

an article - permaculture magazine

Read this informative article by Alanna Moore (925kb,pdf) on Peppermint Ridge Farm as published in Permaculture Magazine.