OUR STORY
High Valley Dawn was born from a deep passion for regenerative living, wellness, and the desire to share fresh, organic, locally grown food with our wider community. Long before the farm existed, an intention was set to create a self-sustaining haven that would inspire future generations to live in harmony with the natural world. In 2016, the universe answered that call, placing a magnificent 140-acre seaside allotment into our care and allowing the vision to unfold.
After tens of thousands of hours of ongoing effort and input from a handful of key staff and volunteers from all around the world, we have partially achieved our vision, which is to become:
An ever evolving, self-sustaining community model nurturing love and joy in harmony with nature for the greater good of all.
Our farm proudly features:
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a diverse 2-acre market garden, containing many rare and hierloom varieties of cultural and historical significance;
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an abundant 2-acre "food forest", with tropical and subtropical fruits from all around the world, and
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a newly established 1.5-acre "Bush Tucka Food Forest" of edible Australian native species (established in collaboration with the Darumbal Elders); and
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an array of farm animals, such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, donkeys, chickens and ducks.
Together, our organic gardens and "Food Forests" host over 1,000 species of edible plants from all around the world, many of which are not are not well known in the general community and not available in supermarkets. Participants in our current farm tours are amazed and delighted to discover interesting varieties they have never heard of.
We chose from day 1 to be totally off-grid with a solar powered farmhouse, leaning centre, pumps and bores and gravity fed irrigation systems. We also have a natural biofiltered desalination plant in operation and are currently in the process of building an underground "powerless" cold room and aircrete domes as experimental, low cost accommodation.
Our vision for the future includes a community education centre, more homes and cabins dotted around the property for both short and long-term residents, a community garden, a temple and infrastructure necessary to host weddings, festivals, retreats, conferences, workshops and events.
We welcome our local community and those from further abroad to get involved so If you can help make our vision come true or would like to come and volunteer your time to contribute and learn on the farm, then we would love to hear from you.
Our Indigenous heritage:
The Darumbal people are the traditional custodians of the land we live and work on. We wish to acknowledge our respect for their traditions and their culture. We strive to honour and help restore their culture through the work that we do here on the farm. We do this by working collaboratively with the local indigenous mob on projects like our 'Buderoo' Bush Tucka Food Forest and the Woorabinda State School Permaculture Project. We also host regular Welcome to Country's, smoking ceremonies and naming ceremonies at our events.
In 2022, our Bush Tucka Food Forest was named 'Buderoo' Food Forest in honour of the Darumbal totem, the green tree frog.
We have done extensive work with the subtle energies and spirits of the land under the guidance of Dr. Patrick MacManaway and others. We ask the spirits of the land for guidance and permission whenever we commence any new major projects.
Climate Resilience at High Valley Dawn
At High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, we recognise that Australia's climate is changing. Increasing weather variability presents challenges for agriculture, biodiversity and regional communities. Rather than trying to fight this change, we have designed our farm using permaculture principles to increase resilience. Every element of the property has been planned to work with nature, creating systems that are productive, adaptable and capable of withstanding changing conditions.
Our goal is not simply to grow food sustainably, but to create a living demonstration of how regenerative farming can help people and landscapes adapt to an uncertain future.
How We Build Climate Resilience
Water Security
Water is one of our most valuable resources. Across the farm we capture and store rainwater in dams along our valley floor, and distribute it efficiently through solar pumps and gravity-fed irrigation systems. Our swales and earthworks slow water movement across the landscape, allowing rainfall to soak into the soil instead of running off. Healthy soils rich in organic matter also act like a sponge, holding moisture for longer and reducing irrigation requirements during dry periods. We also use the roofs of our buildings to capture rainwater, which is then stored in tanks, filtered and used for drinking water.
Healthy Living Soils
Healthy soil is the foundation of climate resilience. We minimise soil disturbance, keep soils covered with mulch and living plants, compost organic materials, and continually build soil biology. Rich, biologically active soils store more carbon, retain more water, support healthier plants and are better able to recover after periods of drought or heavy rainfall.
Diverse Food Systems
Rather than relying on a single crop, our farm contains a diverse mix of market gardens, tropical fruit trees, native bush foods, perennial food forests and animal systems. Diversity helps spread risk. Different species respond differently to changing weather conditions, making the overall farm more resilient than a conventional monoculture.
Working With Natural Ecosystems
Native vegetation is protected throughout the property, providing habitat for wildlife and supporting natural ecological processes. We encourage beneficial insects, birds and soil organisms that help create balanced ecosystems and reduce reliance on external inputs.
Renewable Energy
High Valley Dawn operates completely off-grid. Our buildings are powered by solar energy with battery storage, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing energy independence.
Low-Waste Design
Many structures around the farm have been built using recycled, reclaimed or repurposed materials. Organic waste is composted and returned to the soil wherever possible, helping close nutrient cycles and reduce landfill.
What This Means for Our Visitors
Climate resilience isn't something hidden behind the scenes — it's something you'll experience throughout your visit.
Whether you're exploring our Self-Guided Audio Tour, staying in one of our off-grid Tiny Homes or joining a guided farm tour, you'll see practical examples of regenerative farming in action, including:
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water harvesting and gravity-fed irrigation
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food forests designed for long-term resilience
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healthy living soils
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renewable energy systems
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habitat for wildlife and pollinators
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low-input, regenerative food production
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creative reuse of materials.
Our aim is to inspire visitors with practical ideas that can be applied at home, whether they have a large property, a suburban backyard or a small balcony.
Our Commitment
Climate resilience is an ongoing journey rather than a finished project.
We continually observe, learn and improve our farming systems as conditions change. By combining regenerative agriculture, ecological restoration and practical education, we hope to demonstrate that productive farming and healthy ecosystems can thrive together.
We believe that resilient landscapes support resilient communities — and that every visitor who leaves with new knowledge becomes part of that positive change.