Retirement Group Activities NSW

A Different Kind of Day Out

Something Your Members Will Still Be Talking About Weeks Later

Planning meaningful, memorable activities for a retirement group is not easy. You need something genuinely engaging — not a passive coach tour with a look-but-don't-touch experience — and you need it to be fully accessible for every member of the group, whatever their mobility.

At Bulahdelah Clydesdales we have been welcoming visitors to our working farm for over 30 years. We specialise in small and large group experiences that move at your pace, not ours. There is no set clock to beat. When a member needs a moment to sit down, we pause. When someone wants to linger a little longer with Dusty May or Hercules, we let them.

This is a real working property in the beautiful Myall Lakes hinterland, midway between Sydney and the Gold Coast on the Pacific Highway. The scenery alone is worth the drive — but the horses are why people come back.

A visitor enjoying close contact with a Clydesdale horse at Bulahdelah Clydesdales

Why Retirement Groups Love This Experience

Six Reasons This Works So Well for Your Group

From activity coordinators at retirement villages to self-organised social clubs, the feedback is consistent. Here is what makes the difference.

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No Rushing. Ever.

The entire session runs at the group's pace. If someone is slower moving between areas, we wait. If the group wants to spend extra time with the horses, we give it to them. There is no ticket queue behind you and no next group waiting. You have the property to yourselves.

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Fully Accessible Venue

Wheelchair users, walker frames, and guests with limited mobility are all genuinely catered for — not as an afterthought. Flat terrain, undercover seating throughout, and a portable toilet on site. No one is left out or made to feel like the exception.

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A Living Memory for Many

For many Australians in their 70s and 80s, working Clydesdales were part of everyday rural life — on family farms, on roadsides, in memories of childhood. Meeting Dusty May, Hercules, Jax and Murphy is not just a nice outing. For some it is a deeply emotional homecoming.

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Real Australian Heritage

Clydesdales built this country — clearing land, pulling ploughs, hauling timber and grain. That history is alive here. Our harness display and live working demonstrations show what these magnificent animals actually did, not just what they look like standing still.

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Genuine Hands-On Contact

This is not a zoo experience where you observe from behind a fence. Members can hand-feed the horses, stroke their feathered legs, handle the leather collar and hames, and take photographs up close. The horses are calm, well-handled, and wonderful with adults of all ages.

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Coach & Bus Access

The property has ample space for coaches and minibuses. You do not need to worry about private vehicle arrangements or car park logistics. Drive in together, arrive together, leave together — the way group days out should work.

Living History

"We Had One Just Like That on Our Farm"

Before tractors were affordable and widespread, Clydesdales were the engine of Australian agriculture. If your group members grew up in regional NSW in the 1940s, 50s or 60s — or if their parents and grandparents did — there is a very good chance that a Clydesdale was part of that story. The smell of the leather collar, the weight of the hames in your hands, the sound of the trace chains — it is sensory memory that cuts through in a way that a museum exhibit simply cannot.

We hear it every time a group visits. Someone goes quiet for a moment. Then they say it: "We had one just like that on our farm." That moment is worth everything. It is why we do this.

The Session

What to Expect on the Day

Sessions run at 10am, last approximately 2 hours, and are structured around genuine engagement — not a rushed tick-the-box tour. Here is how the morning unfolds.

Arrival & Introductions to Dusty May, Hercules, Jax & Murphy

The group arrives by coach and is welcomed at the property. We take the time to introduce everyone to our four Clydesdales — their names, their personalities, and a little of their individual stories. Seating is available from the start so no one needs to stand through the welcome. This first introduction is calm and unhurried, giving even the most nervous members a chance to settle in at their own pace before getting closer to the horses.

Live Working Demonstration

Watch the Clydesdales do what they were bred to do. Our live working demonstration shows the horses in action — harnessed and working as they would have on farms across NSW. This is not a performance piece; it is the real thing. Seeing a horse this size move with this kind of calm, purposeful power is genuinely awe-inspiring, and it gives immediate context for the harness history that follows. Covered viewing area available for those who prefer to stay seated and out of the sun.

Heavy Horse Harness Display — Handle the Leather Collar, Hames & Traces

This is the moment that resonates most deeply with older visitors. We lay out a full set of working heavy horse harness — the leather collar, hames, traces, breeching and more — and explain each piece, what it does, and how it was fitted. Members are encouraged to pick up the pieces, feel the weight of the leather, and ask questions. For those who grew up around working horses, this is visceral living history. For those who did not, it is a fascinating window into a world that shaped modern Australia.

Meet, Feed & Photograph

The part everyone looks forward to. Hand-feed Dusty May, Hercules, Jax and Murphy, stroke their manes and feathered legs, and take as many photographs as you like. We assist with positioning for anyone using a wheelchair or walker so that everyone gets a great photo — not just those who can stand and lean over a fence. This is a genuinely intimate experience. The horses are gentle, patient, and seem to genuinely enjoy the company of groups like yours.

Questions & Open Interaction — No Time Pressure

We close the formal session with open time — questions, conversation, more time with the horses if members want it. There is no bell, no announcement that "the tour is now over," and no pressure to move toward the exit. If someone has a story they want to share about working horses on their family property, we love to hear it. This final half-hour is often the best part of the day — and the most memorable for the group.

Accessibility

Every Member of Your Group Is Welcome Here

Accessibility is not an afterthought at Bulahdelah Clydesdales — it is central to how we design every group visit. Here is exactly what we provide.

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Wheelchair Accessible

The property has flat, firm ground throughout the visitor areas. Wheelchair users can access all parts of the session including the harness display and the Meet & Feed area. We position the horses to make close contact possible from a seated position.

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Walker Frames Welcome

The terrain is gentle and level. There are no steps, uneven cobblestones, or steep gradients to navigate. Walker frames and walking sticks are completely fine throughout the property.

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Undercover Seating Throughout

No standing in the sun. Covered seating is available throughout the session so that members can watch and participate in comfort, whatever the weather. We never expect guests to stand for extended periods.

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Portable Toilet On-Site

A portable toilet is available on the property for the duration of your visit. We understand that access to facilities is a practical necessity for many groups — this is provided as standard, not on request.

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Coach Parking & Drop-Off

Full-size coaches can park on the property. There is a flat, easy drop-off point close to the visitor area, minimising the distance members need to walk from the vehicle. No roadside drop-offs or long walks from a car park.

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Gentle, Flat Terrain

The entire visitor circuit is on flat, well-maintained ground. There are no hills, ramps, or tricky surfaces. The session was designed from the ground up to be equally enjoyable for guests with full mobility and those with mobility challenges.

A personal note from us: We have hosted many retirement and aged-care groups over the years, and the thing that matters most to us is that every single member feels included and at ease — not accommodated as an exception. If you have specific accessibility requirements for any member of your group, please contact us before booking. We are always happy to discuss the best way to make the day work for everyone.

Murphy the donkey at Bulahdelah Clydesdales, loved by all visitors

A Favourite With Every Group

Then There Is Murphy

Murphy is our resident donkey — and an absolute crowd favourite. Calm, characterful, and quietly determined to be the centre of attention, Murphy has a way of making even the most hesitant visitor smile. He has been known to insert himself into group photographs with no invitation whatsoever.

For members who are initially uncertain about approaching the larger Clydesdales, Murphy is often the perfect icebreaker. He is small enough not to be intimidating, friendly enough to approach without hesitation, and entertaining enough to make the whole group laugh.

Murphy is included in the Meet & Feed portion of every session. He will not let you forget him.

Pricing

Clear, Simple Pricing

No hidden charges, no extras for accessibility requirements, no fee for coach parking. What you see is what you pay.

Adults

$70

Per person. Covers the full 2-hour session including all activities.

Children

$40

Accompanying children welcome. Grandchildren on the day are no problem.

Under 10

Free

Children under 10 attend at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Groups 10+

POA

Special group rates available for bookings of 10 or more. Enquire for a quote.

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For retirement village activity coordinators and social club organisers booking groups of 10 or more: call us directly on 0434 523 344 for a tailored group rate. We have worked with many retirement groups and understand the budgeting requirements. We will do our best to make the numbers work. Alternatively, use our group enquiry form and we will come back to you within one business day.

Make a Day of It

Add a Stop in Beautiful Bulahdelah

Bulahdelah township is just minutes from the property — and well worth building into the day for your group. The famous Bulahdelah Bakery is a local institution, beloved by travellers on the Pacific Highway for decades. Their pies, sausage rolls, and freshly baked goods are the real thing — not a motorway pit stop. A bakery visit on the way in or out is an easy, low-effort addition that groups consistently enjoy.

The Bulahdelah Tourist Information Centre is another easy stop, and the town itself has a genuine old-Australia character that complements the farm experience beautifully. Surrounded by state forest, close to the Myall Lakes, and with the kind of uncrowded, unhurried atmosphere that is hard to find these days — it makes for a genuinely refreshing day out from the city or suburbs.

Bulahdelah Bakery Tourist Information Centre Myall Lakes National Park Pacific Highway — midway Sydney to Gold Coast Beautiful state forest surrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions From Group Organisers

Answers to the things activity coordinators and group leaders most commonly ask before booking.

What Mobility Aids Are Catered For?

Wheelchairs, motorised scooters, walker frames, walking sticks, and crutches are all fine on the property. The entire visitor area is on flat, firm ground with no steps, slopes, or uneven surfaces that would present a challenge. We have hosted many guests who use mobility aids and the experience is designed to be fully inclusive for everyone. If a member of your group has specific mobility requirements you would like to discuss in advance, please call us and we will talk through the logistics together.

Is There Shade and Seating Throughout the Session?

Yes — and this is something we are particularly careful about. Undercover seating is available throughout the session so that no one needs to stand in the sun for extended periods. We are acutely aware that standing in direct sunlight is uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for older visitors, and we have arranged the session so that every activity has covered seating available nearby. This applies to the harness display, the live working demonstration, and the Meet & Feed area.

How Long Is the Session, and Can It Be Adjusted for a Slower Group Pace?

The standard session runs for approximately 2 hours starting at 10am. That said, we have no fixed end time and no group waiting behind you. If your group moves more slowly between activities, or if members want to spend extra time with the horses, we simply adjust. There is no pressure and no clock to beat. The session ends when your group is ready to leave, not when a buzzer goes off. For groups with significant mobility limitations, we recommend factoring a little extra time into your coach schedule — 2.5 hours is a comfortable buffer.

What Do Members Need to Bring?

Closed-toe shoes are recommended — sandals and thongs are not suitable around working horses. Comfortable clothing appropriate to the season. A hat and sunscreen in summer. A camera or smartphone for photos — you will want them. Members do not need to bring food for the horses; we provide the feed as part of the session. Water is available on the property. Overall, it is a relaxed, low-preparation day out — exactly as it should be.

Is There Coach Parking on the Property?

Yes. Full-size coaches can access and park on the property. The drop-off point is close to the visitor area, so there is minimal walking distance from the coach to where the session begins. We are experienced in managing group arrivals and departures and will help coordinate the logistics on the day. Please mention the size of your vehicle when making your booking so we can confirm the access arrangements.

Can the Session Be Adjusted for a Group With Very Specific Needs?

Absolutely. We have hosted groups with members experiencing early-stage dementia, groups with guests who have anxiety around large animals, and groups where one or two members have significant mobility limitations while others are fully mobile. In every case, we have been able to adapt the session so that every member gets something meaningful from the experience. Call us before booking — a brief conversation about your group's make-up helps us prepare properly and ensures the day goes as smoothly as possible.

Do You Have a Toilet on Site?

Yes. A portable toilet is available on the property throughout your visit. We know that access to facilities is a non-negotiable requirement for many groups, and this is provided as a standard part of every group booking — not something you need to request separately. If your group has specific sanitation requirements (for example, a larger or accessible portable toilet), please mention this when making your enquiry.