OLD MATES FARM - PIONEERS HUT

Old Mates Pioneers Hut is on the Atherton Tablelands on a working farm. The farm runs cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, buffalo, chicken, ducks, horses and dogs. The farm is also a camping facility with trails for bike riding, horse riding & nature walks. Outdoor fire (subject to conditions). Permanent running creek with refreshing swimming holes. Off grid 12 volt power system with battery storage. This runs lights, fridge, water pump, fans and USB ports for electronic devices. This hut takes inspiration from the traditional "Shepherds Hut" of yesteryear. These were used by farmers to keep close to their herds and flocks and ensure their well being and keep predators at bay. The hut can sleep 4 people comfortably and another on the day bed if required. Very clean, and private shared toilet and spacious hot shower facilities ($2 coin per 6 minutes) within 20 meters. People love the "Loo with a View" looking out over the rain forest. There is a fridge, 2 burner gas cook top, sink with hot & cold water. Out side there is a gas BBQ, table, 4 chairs. There is an outdoor fire place. Firewood $35 per 50kg. Pre-order before you come. Mobile phone access is available on the property, but is weak in the Pioneers Hut. All guests must check in before sunset (5.30 in mid winter, 6.30 in mid summer). Atherton is the closest township with supermarkets, fuel stations, pubs, and everything else you may need. It is a 15 minute drive from Old Mates Farm to Atherton. Walking, horse and bike trails through the rainforest and linking into to the Herberton National Park trails. Farm animals with feeding in the afternoon daily. All welcome. Native animals including (if you are lucky) tree kangaroos, platypus, goanna’s, wallabies and bird species. Arboretum – many tree species identified on the tracks and trails. Horse riding available through our neighbour – Wongabel Stables Pet dogs ok. Must be well socialised and restrained. (Not allowed inside the Hut). 90 minutes from Cairns to OLD MATES FARM (either Kuranda Hwy via Mareeba, or Gillies Range via Gordonvale). See map. 15 minutes from Old Mates Farm to Atherton, Yungaburra, Malanda, Herberton. 25 Minutes from Old Mates Farm to Lake Barrine, Lake Eacham, Kauri, Tinaroo Dam, Ravenshoe INFORMATION 1. Bring your own doonas, sheets, pillow cases & towels. 2. Or you may request linen packs from us at $10 per person per stay. This includes doonas, sheets, pillow cases & towels. Upon your departure, if you use our linen packs, please put the used linen in the grey laundry tub provided. 3. It can get cold her, particularly in winter. Bring enough warm bedding with you. 4. We do not charge a cleaning fee. Please leave the hut as you found it. Ie: • Dishes washed and stacked away. • Floor swept • And generally tidied up. 5. The hut is “off grid” and has an adequate 12 volt solar / battery power system. This runs lights, fans, fridge, water pump & USB ports. Please use power only when needed. 6. The toilet facility is shared with other guests. There is a hot shower available operated by $2 coins. Or alternatively a “bird bath’ at the creek can be had. 7. Dishwashing and general kitchen products are supplied. 8. Potable drinking water is supplied in the 2 blue containers in the hut. 9. Groceries are not supplied. Closest food shopping is in Atherton which is 15 minutes’ drive. 10. The hut is equipped with a small functional kitchen area. Its includes: • Small fridge • 2 burner gas cook top • Pots & pans • Cutlery & cooking utensils • Plates, glasses ect • Hot and cold water at sink GENERAL AMENITY, HEALTH & SAFETY 11. The hut is reached by a farm track. Most of the time it can be reached by 2WD. However, any significant rain requires access by AWD/4WD. If required, we can transport guests to the hut in our 4WD. 13. The Emergency Management Plan is available at the toilet facilities. This includes information on: • Medical Emergency • Bushfire • Flood • Cyclone 14. First Aid Kits – A very basic first aid kit is available at the toilet facilities. All guests should bring an adequate first aid kit with them in their vehicles. 15. Fires – camp fires in designated fireplaces only. Subject to any fire bans by Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, and/or OLD MATES FARM. 16. Fires – water hoses have been provided at the fire places. Please minimise fires that are unattended, and fully extinguish fires upon your departure. 17. Motorbikes, Quadbikes and the like - not to be ridden on the property except for the purposes of entry and exit. 18. Vehicles – Please drive only on the Tracks (not Trails) nominated on the Map and by the signs. The speed limit is 15 k/m. Please observe the safety for our free-range children, walkers, cyclists, horses and other animals. 19. Animals - Pets • Dogs – Only domestic, well socialised and restrained dogs upon request • Dogs not allowed in the Hut. • Dogs must be restrained at night. • No other animals – (no cats). 20. No Hunting - No Firearms, Weapons or Hunting Dogs 21. Closed gates, leave closed. Open gates, leave open. 22. Refuse/Rubbish – “leave no trace” – Please ensure that this is not accessible by wildlife during your stay. 23. Farm animals – approach with caution. Inexperienced persons with supervision only. Feeding takes place each afternoon. Inquire for actual times each day. All welcome. 24. Native animals – approach with caution. Inexperienced persons with supervision only. Please do not feed the wildlife. 25. Flora & Fauna – “leave no trace” observe and enjoy only. 26. Bicycles – bring your own. Many trails, tracks and roads that can be ridden (at your own risk). 27. Horse riding trails shared with free range walkers, cyclists and animals. Horse paddocks available for overnight stays. 28. Potable (drinking) water – is available near the front entry gate. Portable containers are supplied in the hut.