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Edendale Community Environment Farm Visual Story

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Arrival at Main Entrance

Edendale Community Environment Farm welcomes visitors to its main internal car park accessed via Gaston's Road. The car park has 31 spaces including two accessible car parking spaces. From the car park, a pedestrian pathway leads visitors onto the farm.

To the left is a timber animal shelter, enclosed by a wooden fence and featuring educational signage. On the right is The Shop which is a large timber building with a steel roof. The central view is of a yellow weatherboard homestead with a red roof.

The buildings are set against a backdrop of pathways, fences, trees, gardens, and open grassy areas.

Entrance to Edendale Community Environment Farm from Southridge Carpark. The large timber post and rail fence is topped with old rusting metal containers and various farming ornaments for an authentic effect.
A concrete pathway leading to the venue, surrounded by well-maintained grass. Along the right side of the path stands a concrete structure resembling a horse's head. Further ahead, the venue's building with a corrugated design is visible, accompanied by other structures, street lights, and tall trees.
Two accessible car parking spaces with yellow markings and rectangular bollards are in place. A pedestrian driveway leads guests onto the premises. On the left stands a yellow horse stable, enclosed by a fence. Signage is visible, and to the right, a tall tree provides shade to part of the parking area. The surroundings are adorned with well-maintained shrubs, plants, and green grass.
A concrete pathway branching out in two directions. The left pathway leads to the Plant Nursery, and the other leads to Edendale's entrance. In the middle, a plant box is surrounded by trees and ornamental plants, with signage placed underneath. A concrete structure on the left features directional signages and posters. A section of the building entrance is visible to the right, along with a shaded seedling box. The area is surrounded by neatly maintained grass.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Trains sounds (wheel screeching & horn)
  2. Trees rustling
  3. Animal sounds
  4. Vehicle sounds
  5. People talking & laughing
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Animal smells
  3. Bushland
  4. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  5. Grass
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Open space
  3. Change in floor surfaces
  4. Elevated heart rate
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Parked vehicles
  2. Pedestrians
  3. Grass and trees
  4. Timber structures
  5. Farm animals (distant)

Community Buildings

Continuing along the path, visitors arrive at a central wayfinding sign. Turning left are paddocks and animal enclosures. Straight ahead is the Homestead, a structure built in 1896 which has gardens and trees around it. To the right is The Shop which sells local crafts, gifts, environmental products and vegetable seedlings.

The Shop and surrounding areas are accessible via step-free entry, with a ramp equipped with a handrail. Moving down the ramp leads to an open concrete amphitheatre which has a sail over the seating to provide some protection from sun and rain.

On the right of the ramp is an old red brick building called the Mummery and in front is a modern building with corrugated steel walls called the Macey. Behind the Mummery building are bathroom amenities including an accessible bathroom.

This part of Edendale Community Farm displays uneven concrete ground with two pathways in the middle, each accompanied by a metal railing. Two trees and plants are situated in a concrete plant box, and multiple signs are affixed in front. On the right side is a red building with concrete plant boxes in front.
Weather protection sails above amphitheatre seating
The building features a corrugated roof, glass doors with wooden frames, and a step-free entrance on the left, accompanied by a handrail. To the right, a dome-shaped planting box displays information. Banners, posters, and an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser are affixed to the glass door. On the right, there are trees and green grass, while the left reveals a section of the building.
Inside the "Shop at Edendale," various local artisan products are displayed on shelves and wooden racks. On the left, there is a glass window designated for the cashier area. In front of it, a small white basket is displayed. Additionally, a flatscreen is mounted to the wall on the left. The brightly lit and carpeted space includes a central display rack showcasing brochures, key chains, and other products.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Buzzing & beeping (in The Shop)
  2. Animal sounds (distant)
  3. People talking & laughing
  4. Trees rustling
  5. Trains sounds (wheel screeching & horn)
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Animal smells (distant)
  3. Artisan products (in store)
  4. Café aroma (distant)
  5. Bushland & trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Hard floor surfaces
  2. Open space
  3. Close proximity to others (in store)
  4. Queuing (in store)
  5. Relaxed & happy
Sight

Sight

  1. Timber & steel buildings
  2. Meandering pathways
  3. Retail items for sale
  4. Pedestrians
  5. Plants & seedlings for sale

Animals at Edendale Community Environment Farm

Edendale Farm has many different types of animals. Farm animals can include alpacas, sheep, goats, ponies, guinea pigs, Australorp (black) chickens, and Belgian D’uccle bantams (feathery feet). Visitors can feed the goats with tree cuttings provided at the goat shed or they can buy chicken food at The Shop to feed the chickens.

The farm animals are moved around by the farmers into different paddocks so it may be different every visit. Some of the farm animals will let visitors pat them. Edendale is also seasonally visited by native animals including ducks, swamp hens, turtles, frogs, and occasionally echidnas and snakes. There are sometimes baby animals on the farm but they quickly grow up.

In the midst of green grass stands a white chicken with a Belgian D’uccle bantams breed. It has feathery feet. To its right is a metal pole and a white chicken, while to its left is a brown chicken. Additional chickens are seen in the background.
Four black Australorp chickens with shiny feathers, red wattles, and combs stand clustered together in green grass. Behind them is a wooden fence, trees, and an animal shed.
Three adult alpacas, two black on the right and one light brown on the left, stand beside three greyish baby alpacas. They feed from a metal trough filled with grass. Tall trees, grass, and a metal fence border the area.
A flock of white adult and baby sheep grazes on green grass within a fenced area, accompanied by trees. Visitors observing the animals are visible in the background.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Guinea Fowl screeching
  2. Chickens clucking
  3. Horses neighing
  4. Sheep baaing
  5. Goats bleating
Smell

Smells

  1. Animal manure
  2. Animal smells
  3. Smelly boy goats
  4. Wet animal fur (when raining)
  5. Hay
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Uncertainty
  3. Chicken feathers
  4. Sheep wool
  5. Goat or pony hair
Sight

Sight

  1. Farm animals
  2. Wild animals
  3. Animals feeding
  4. Baby animals (seasonal)
  5. Visitors interacting with animals

Southern Edendale

Southern Edendale can be accessed from within the farm or off Gaston's Road where there are more car parks. From these outside carparks visitors can enter Edendale through the main farm gate. At the entrance is an artwork made from large timber poles with rusted metal hats.

A gravel path takes visiotors to the centre of Edendale, past The Shop on the right and the Homestead on the left. As visitors make their way up the path , they will move past small paddocks, animal shelters, and other pathways. 

On the right, there are large compost bays and two large timber buildings which are the goat shelter and hay shed. Trees and grassed areas surround the pathways and buildings.

A gravel pathway with green grass and two trees on the left. On the right of the path are gardens and trees and a red pole.
Two gravel pathways leading in different directions. To the left is a grassy area enclosed with a concrete and metal fence. In the middle is another enclosed grassy area with farm sheds. Continuing along the pathway on the right, there is a solar street light. Trees and a wooden fence border the pathway.
This part of Edendale Farm features a farm shed with a corrugated design roof. Three wind-driven stainless steel fans are installed on the roof. Farm equipment, including a goal model, is in place. Multiple banners are affixed to the wall. A wash area is also located on the right side near the glass window. The area is surrounded by grass and a fence.
Located at the pathway corner is a brown rust colour painted paddock with signage reading "Paddock Animals" on the wall. Two industrial wind-powered fans are installed on the roof. The left path features tall trees, a wooden fence, and a grassy area. The right path leads to an open gravel section, and further ahead is a fenced area.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Animal noises
  2. People talking & laughing
  3. Trains sounds (wheel screeching & horn)
  4. Birds chirping
  5. Sounds of farm machinery
Smell

Smells

  1. Animal smells
  2. Fresh air
  3. Cut grass
  4. Hay
  5. Gravel & dirt
Touch

Feel

  1. Calm & happy
  2. Fun feeding animals
  3. Open space
  4. Change in floor surfaces
  5. Elevated heart rate
Sight

Sight

  1. Lush, green trees & grass
  2. Farm sheds
  3. Animals
  4. Dirt pathways
  5. People feeding animals

Quiet Space (Farm Dam)

Moving along the central path visitors can turn left down a small, gravel path with paddocks on the left and shrubs on the right. This path leads to the Southern Dam and 'The Dam Shelter'.

This shelter has bench seating and trestle tables and can be a good quite place to sit and rest. Visitors can look out over the dam and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst looking for native wildlife. Another quite space is the Acacia shelter near the nursery.

Along a lengthy gravel path, bordered by trees and shrubs on the South Ridge, lies the route to the "Dam Shelter." A fence and trees enclose the pathway, and to the far right stands a cream building with a red roof. Grassy areas surround the place.
Proceeding along the gravel path, there's a section leading to the lake. A seating bench is on the right near the shrubs, while a low concrete and metal fence borders the left side. Further along, is the Dam Shelter area that offers a view of the lake. This area is surrounded by trees and shrubs.
Continuing along the gravel path, is the Dam Shelter. This is a shaded area with a corrugated roof providing a view of the lake. Enclosed by an iron fence and gate, the space features bench chairs, white tables, and signage. A metal gate on the left reminds visitors to keep it closed. The area is surrounded by grass, shrubs, and tall mature trees.
A closer view of the Dam Shelter reveals a shed with a high ceiling and corrugated design roof. A signage reading "Dam Shelter" hangs in the middle. Bench chairs are lined up on the sides, and reminders are affixed to the metal railing. The area is surrounded by tall trees, their reflections visible on the lake water.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Splashing water
  2. Ducks quacking
  3. People walking on gravel pathway
  4. Animal sounds (distant)
  5. Frogs croaking
Smell

Smells

  1. Animal smells
  2. Fresh air
  3. Cut grass
  4. Still pond water
  5. Gravel & dirt
Touch

Feel

  1. Open space
  2. Relaxed & calm
  3. Elevated heart rate (walking on path)
  4. Change in floor surfaces (gravel/timber)
  5. Humidity (seasonal)
Sight

Sight

  1. Water
  2. Native wildlife (ducks, turtles)
  3. Timber structure
  4. People sitting & enjoying the view
  5. Trees & gardens

Café

The gravel path left of the community buildings takes you behind the Homestead and to Café Eden. There are bench seats available along this path to take a rest. Café Eden is a timber and steel structure with tables and chairs on the deck, with views over the farm and adjacent bushland. 

Access to Café Eden is via either two sets of stairs or a ramp from the Homestead verandah. There is also additional seating available surrounding the Café and a sandpit to play in.

Entrance to Cafe Eden. The cafe is painted with a grey and white ceiling. A menu is written on black board placed beside the glass window. Tables and chairs are arranged on the deck. On the left, there is a two-tier staircase with a handrail. Two green rubbish bins are placed against the wall, and a plant box with green shrubs is in front. To the right, a shade cloth is also placed overhead.
The cafe is constructed with timber and steel, painted in grey and white. Another entrance to the cafe is through a staircase with a handrail. Truncated domes are installed before and after the stairs for safety. Tables and chairs are arranged on the deck. On the left, rubbish bins are placed against the wall. To the right, a dirt path between a grassy area leads to a shaded area
Following the dirt path is a concrete pathway leading to another entrance of the cafe, accessible via a ramp with a handrail at the back. Next to the ramp is a shaded seating area. This area features well-maintained grass and an ornamental landscape.
Outside the cafe, the food menu is displayed on a blackboard affixed to the grey wall beside the glass window. A food trolley stands against the wall. Neatly lined up on the right are tables and chairs. Overhead, a black shade cloth provides shade to the tables. The wooden floor is marked with yellow "X" markings. Trees and shrubs surround the area.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. People laughing & talking
  2. Beeping & buzzing
  3. Orders being called
  4. Café sounds
  5. Children playing
Smell

Smells

  1. Coffee aroma
  2. Food aroma
  3. Fresh air
  4. Animal smells (faint)
Touch

Feel

  1. Hungry & thirsty
  2. Change in floor surfaces
  3. Relaxed & happy
  4. Satisfied
  5. Calm
Sight

Sight

  1. People eating & drinking
  2. Children playing
  3. People talking in groups
  4. Timber & steel structure
  5. Food & drinks for sale

Northern Edendale

Across from Café Eden is the main chicken enclosure, the worm farm area and vegetable gardens. Turning left from Café Eden and moving along the gravel path are a number of structures including the She Oak, Ironbark and Acacia shelters.

The Ironbark shelter has two unisex accessible bathrooms. Turning right from Café Eden and moving along the gravel path leads to the fruit tree orchard on the left and the Peppercorn shelter.

If the shelters are not being used they are a good place to rest and eat. These shelters are not always available as they are also used by schools as part of Edendale’s school environmental education program, or hired to the public.

This part of Edendale Community Farm showcases a brown-painted building with large butterfly imagery on the wall. It is connected to another community building. An ornamental landscape and a bench for seating are situated on the side. Moving forward, there is a shaded plant box and a covered veranda.
A broad and uneven gravel space with a substantial tree surrounded by neatly arranged stones in the centre. On the left, a raised concrete pathway leads to a building with a red roof. To the right, trees are aligned along the path.
A space with gravel paths. On the left, there's a timber and steel shed with green bench chairs beneath it. To the right is a farm enclosed by a concrete and metal fence. Two plant boxes, one with seedlings and the other with flowering bushes, are beside the shade. A sign is positioned on the side.
A timber and steel structure with a hanging sign that reads "Peppercorn." Beneath it, green bench chairs and white tables are neatly arranged. Towards the back is a farm. Next to the verandah, two plant boxes contain seedlings and flowering bushes. A signage is positioned on the side. To the right, a large tree's branches extend to the veranda's roof.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Birds chirping (e.g. chickens)
  2. Trees rustling
  3. People talking
  4. Machinery sounds (distant)
  5. Road noises (distant)
Smell

Smells

  1. Native trees
  2. Grass
  3. Animal smells (e.g. chickens)
  4. Gravel dust
  5. External weather conditions
Touch

Feel

  1. Natural setting
  2. Slow pace
  3. Gravel floor surface
  4. Movement (e.g. walking)
  5. Breeze or wind
Sight

Sight

  1. Garden beds
  2. Outdoor shelters
  3. Enclosed animals
  4. Shaded areas
  5. People observing & pointing

Nursery Area

Following the path past Café Eden and the She Oak shelter takes leads to Edendale’s Indigenous Plant Nursery which is on the left, opposite the Ironbark shelter. The Nursery is surrounded by a blue fence, covered by yellow shade sails and has blue wooden benches to display the plants for sale.

The nursery sells native plants grown at Edendale that are local to Nillumbik (Indigenous plants). The Nursery also has a large work shed and plastic covered hot houses.

Another section of Edendale Community Farm is the nursery. This area comprises a spacious gravel expanse. On the left, a garden is delineated by stones and woods. A dirt pathway leads to a shaded seating area. In the center is the nursery, enclosed by a blue fence. Overhead, a yellow shade cloth provides shade for the plants underneath. To the right, a signage indicating accessible bathrooms is also present.
In the center is the nursery, surrounded by a blue fence. Overhead, a yellow shade cloth provides shade for the seating area. To the right, a signage indicating accessible bathrooms is present. On the left, a gravel pathway leads to the propagation shed with signage. To the right, a dirt road leads to a grey building.
Upon entering the Edendale Nursery, there is a space enclosed by a blue fence. A hand sanitizer is placed at the left entrance. Inside, blue tables host a variety of plants including seasonal Vegetable Seedlings, Compost Bins, Worm Farms, and Queensland Fruit Fly prevention. Pull carts for plant transport are positioned on the right. Overhead, yellow shade cloths provide cover, and the left section is surrounded by tall grass and trees
Adjacent to the nursery are the accessible bathrooms. A blue sign indicating the accessible bathrooms is displayed. On the right, a small garden landscape is situated, featuring bench chairs for seating. To the left, a gravel road leads to the opposite side of the garden, while on the right, another dirt road leads to gated areas.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Animal sounds
  2. Trees rustling
  3. Children laughing
  4. People playing (distant)
  5. People walking on pathway
Smell

Smells

  1. Trees & bushland
  2. Plants & seedlings
  3. Fresh air
  4. Animal smells (distant)
  5. Café aroma (distant)
Touch

Feel

  1. Purchasing plants & seedlings
  2. Close proximity to others (in nursery)
  3. Relief (in bathroom)
  4. Elevated heart rate
Sight

Sight

  1. Yellow shade cloth
  2. Plants for sale
  3. Blue fence
  4. People purchasing plants & seedlings
  5. Ironbark shelter

Arrival North Pedestrian Entrance

Edendale's north pedestrian entrance can be accessed from the Eltham North Adventure Playground. The playground has a large car park that can be accessed from Wattletree Road, opposite Eltham North Primary School.

From the playground follow the Edendale signs along the path, cross the steel bridge spanning the Diamond Creek to Edendale’s northern pedestrian entrance. Visitors can also get to Edendale Farm by riding a bike or walking along the Diamond Creek Trail that links Diamond Creek to the main Yarra Trail.

A straight brick pathway leads to the Edendale building, bordered by small trees enclosed with plastic fencing on both sides. A large tree stands on the left, and a fence runs along the left side. Tall grass, bushes, and trees encompass the surroundings.
A straight brick path extends directly to the Edendale building. Small trees, encircled by plastic fencing, line both sides of the pathway. A large tree stands on the left, accompanied by a fence on the left side. The surroundings consist of tall grass, bushes, and trees. Another path leads to the left section of the barricaded area.
A bridge, with black metal railings, is situated on the right. On the left, a cluster of small trees is enclosed by a green plastic fence. A blue sign is positioned beneath a substantial tree. The surroundings include tall mature trees, bushes, and grass.
An elongated bridge with twin black metal railings. The floor surface is crafted from non-slip material, marked by a straight yellow line. The surroundings include towering mature trees, bushes, and tall grass.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Running water
  2. Footsteps on path
  3. Cyclists
  4. People laughing & talking
  5. People playing (distant)
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Bushland smells
  3. Cut grass
  4. Flowers & pollens
  5. Gravel & dirt
Touch

Feel

  1. Natural space
  2. Relaxed & calm
  3. Elevated heart rate (walking)
  4. Change in floor surfaces (grass/bitumen)
  5. Movement of bridge by passing people
Sight

Sight

  1. Timber & steel bridge
  2. Trees & bushland
  3. Adventure playground
  4. People walking & riding bikes
  5. Natural wildlife

Eltham North Adventure Playground

The Eltham North Adventure Playground is accessed via Wattletree Road opposite Eltham North Primary School. Car parking is available at the park, including two accessible car parking spaces. There are five bathrooms available, including one accessible toilet with handrails.

The park facilities include BBQs and undercover wooden structures with seating. There are climbing challenges, staircases, and walkways for the children to explore. The play equipment includes a Liberty Swing, a swing specially designed for wheelchair users.

For safety reasons, the swing is locked. Wheelchair users and carers can access an MLAK (Master Locksmith Access Key) key from ‘The Shop’ at Edendale Community Environment Farm.

A concrete parking area featuring two accessible car parking spaces with clear indications, accompanied by yellow markings and a yellow bollard. The parking area is bordered by bollards on the right and fenced in the middle. In front lies a generous grassy expanse where individuals are seated or standing beneath the shade of a tall tree. On the right, a shaded region offers picnic tables. Beyond, is the park.
A building with a corrugated roof, slightly elevated. On the left, there's a ramp entry bordered by large stone structures and a metal railing. To the right, a concrete pathway leads to a shaded area with signages along the path. Trees and ornamental plants line the pathway's edge, with a few people moving about in the area.
A building with a corrugated roof and wooden wall decorations. On the left, a small plant is barricaded with a chain fence. A stone structure fence is in the middle. To the left, there's a section of a long slide. On the right, a spacious grassy area extends. Further ahead, shaded areas with bench chairs for seating are visible. A few people are moving about.
A toilet block with corrugated walls and roofing. There are 5 olive doors marked with gender specifications. A wash basin is on the right, and two green rubbish bins are on the left. To the right, a section of the building with a corrugated roof and a slide is visible. The ground is made of concrete, and colored tiles, and some areas are uneven with grass cover.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Children laughing
  2. Parents talking & giving instructions
  3. Banging & clanging of equipment
  4. Birds chirping
  5. Trees rustling
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Bushland
  3. Trees & grass
  4. Animal smells (distant)
  5. BBQ aroma
Touch

Feel

  1. Elevated heart rate
  2. Excitement & anticipation
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Fun & enjoyment
  5. Different surfaces & surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Wooden structures
  2. Playground equipment
  3. Children playing
  4. Indigenous stories & seasonal calendar
  5. Trees & bushland
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Thank You

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