Sydney Hunting | I Touched Upon a Different Life on a Private Farm in Sydney

If Australia only brings to mind the Great Ocean Road, the Sydney Opera House, and the Gold Coast, then this article might just give you a completely new perspective on this land.

While many are still debating which beach to photograph, I’ve already ventured into a private farm in inland New South Wales, holding a real hunting rifle, and experiencing a true wilderness adventure.

 

This farm isn’t on the typical tourist map. It's located southwest of Bathurst, a small inland town in NSW, about a six-hour drive from Sydney. There are no crowded tourists, no cookie-cutter souvenir shops. 800 acres of land, which translates to 3.24 million square meters.

 

Departing from Sydney, heading west, the scenery outside the car window gradually transformed from city to pasture, from pasture to rolling hills. By the time we truly arrived, the phone signal had become very weak, and before us lay a primitive landscape that made one want to take a deep breath – undulating mountains, tall forests, and streams winding through marshy meadows.

 

The first thing I did upon arrival wasn't to grab a gun, but to chop wood.

Yes, chop wood. The farm owner is an Australian uncle who speaks Chinese, kind and enthusiastic. His first order of business was to let us experience authentic farm life. Feeding horses, chopping wood, sitting in front of the cabin and doing nothing but watching the sky slowly darken. That feeling wasn't about being rushed by an itinerary, but truly "living" in the moment.

 

Only when night fully fell did the real adventure begin.

There are several types of hunting on the farm. During the day, we familiarize ourselves with the terrain of the hunting ground, tracking deer, goats, and wild boars; dusk is the best time to shoot, with soft light and active animals; but what truly gets the adrenaline pumping is night hunting.

Under the guidance of professional hunters, we entered the hunting ground. All around, there was nothing but the sound of the wind and occasional insect chirps. As the flashlight swept across, a pair of glowing eyes would suddenly appear in the shadows of distant trees. In that instant, my heart would react before my brain.

 

The firearms had been explained in advance: model, usage, safety protocols – every step was rigorous. Holding the gun, my hands felt heavy, but my mind was steady. A professional team accompanied us throughout, guiding every step from tracking and aiming to shooting. Even as a novice like me, encountering hunting for the first time, I didn't feel flustered.

 

The next morning, another round of hunting. When I returned, the farmer had already prepared a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, we had a target shooting experience; the moment the bullet zipped out, the recoil hit my shoulder, and my whole being felt invigorated.

 

If you think hunting is all there is, you might be underestimating the charm of this farm.

Back at the cabin in the evening, the farm owner personally hosted a bonfire dinner. The charcoal fire glowed, music played, and meat sizzled over the flames. Above, a magnificent starry river, the Milky Way so clear it looked painted. In that setting, it was easy to forget everything about city life.

Here, you can also choose to do nothing. Spend the day in a daze by the lake, watching ducks swim by; or get up close with the farm animals, feeding horses, taking pictures – these are different kinds of "rewards."

Although this farm is deep in inland NSW, you can also choose to come from Melbourne, which is about a 4-hour drive. The hunting season is mainly in spring, summer, and early autumn each year, when most parts of Australia have temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Days are cool and evenings are not too cold, making it very suitable for outdoor activities.

The itinerary is well-planned. Arrive in the afternoon on the first day, familiarize yourself with the terrain and firearms after checking in, go hunting in the evening, followed by a bonfire dinner and night hunting. The second day starts with more hunting in the morning, a shooting experience after breakfast, and then heading back before noon. Two days and one night, compact but not rushed, offering a complete experience from farm life to professional hunting.

 

What surprised me most was that hunting success here was "guaranteed." The professional team knew the hunting grounds inside out, ensuring a high probability of success for each outing. For a first-timer like me, the experience of a "bountiful harvest" truly exceeded expectations.

As I left, the car drove out of the farm, passing field after field of pasture, with the rolling ridge line in the distance. I suddenly realized that the charm of Australia has never been just its coastlines. The true rawness, wildness, and freedom are hidden in these inconspicuous corners off the map.

If you also want to experience Australia in a different way – not as a tourist, but as a participant; not just taking photos, but truly experiencing – then this private farm might be worth a special trip.

 

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