Friendly Animals

Winter Warmth on the Farm: Frosty Walks & Friendly Animals at Elevation652 Farm

There is a distinct magic to waking up at 652 meters above sea level in the middle of July. You step outside into the crisp, biting mountain air, and your breath instantly turns to mist. Down below, the King Valley is entirely blanketed in a sea of low-lying clouds, making you feel like you’re standing on an island in the sky.

While it might be tempting to hibernate indoors at home during the chilly winter months, July on the farm is actually one of our absolute favorite times of year. It’s a season of thick wooly jackets, muddy boots, vibrant green pastures, and animals who are absolutely thrilled to welcome you for morning feeds.

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter escape to recharge the soul and give the kids a break from their screens, here is a glimpse of what winter life looks like at Elevation652 Farm.

Meet the Locals

The heart and soul of the farm experience doesn’t change when the temperature drops—if anything, it gets a little cozier. Our resident animals spend the lead-up to July growing their thick, fluffy winter coats, making them look like adorable, oversized plush toys.


The Shetland Donkeys & Pygmy Goats: Our donkeys are incredibly gentle and always curious to see who is walking down the track. Meanwhile, the pygmy goats have zero chill, love a good morning head scratch, and are a massive hit with kids and adults alike.

The Horses: Watch them graze majestically against the backdrop of the misty, moody valleys.

Shetland Donkeys

Frosty Walks Across 1,500 Acres of Freedom

Winter in the High Country brings unparalleled clarity to the air. On a clear July day, the panoramic views from our Sunrise and Sunset lookouts are at their sharpest and most dramatic.

A morning stroll takes you through our dormant winter vineyards and frost-dusted olive groves. The property stretches across 1,500 acres, giving you all the space you need to truly disconnect. Keep your eyes peeled on the fringes of the bushland; the quiet winter mornings are prime time for spotting local birdlife and kangaroos grazing in the mist.

Pack for the season: We highly recommend packing your favorite beanies, heavy-knit sweaters, a sturdy pair of walking boots, and a camera—the winter light up here is a photographer’s dream.

The Afternoon Thaw at The Cattleman’s

fter a few hours of exploring the property and greeting the animals, there is no better feeling than the “afternoon thaw.” Stomp the mud off your boots, hang up your jackets, and step inside the absolute warmth of The Cattleman’s cottage.

Specifically designed with families and small groups in mind, it serves as the ultimate winter basecamp.

Fire up the hearth: Light the roaring wood fireplace and let the heat fill the room.

Pour a treat: Fix a rich hot chocolate for the kids and uncork a robust, locally sourced King Valley Sangiovese or Nebbiolo for the adults.

Unwind: Spend the afternoon playing board games, reading, or simply watching the mist drift lazily past the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ready to Pack Your Boots?

July dates—especially during the winter school holidays—are incredibly popular as families and couples seek out that classic, cozy winter aesthetic. Give yourself something beautiful to look forward to this season.

Exclusive Winter Direct Booking Bonus

Beat the winter blues with an exclusive perk. Every guest who books their June stay directly through our official website will find a complimentary bottle of premium local King Valley red wine waiting on the bench on arrival.