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The Cottage House Manual

Contact

Don’t be afraid to get in touch – we are only a short walk away and are happy to help solve any issues, day or night.

Looking for Something Specific in The Cottage?

  • Updated: January 6 2026

We’ve tried to think of everything you might need during your stay—here’s where you’ll find a few common bits and pieces in case you go looking:

Firewood & Fire Tools (Not available in Summer)
Starter firewood is stacked in the courtyard outside The Cottage. More can be collected from the Animal Shed (a small fee applies). Fire starters and matches are under the kitchen sink.

Fire Safety
A fire extinguisher and fire blanket are located in the pantry. The smoke alarm is fitted and regularly checked for your safety.

Kitchen Essentials

  • The microwave is in the cupboard above the fridge.

  • Tea & Coffee can be found above the coffee machine. 

  • Basic pantry items (oil, salt, pepper, sugar, etc.) can be found in the pantry.

Cleaning Supplies
Under the kitchen sink you’ll find dishwashing liquid, surface spray, a sponge and extra bin bags.

A broom and dustpan are stored in the tall cupboard by the back door.

Some basic cleaning supplies can be found in the laundry.

Pet Essentials

In the lounge room there is a drawer with “Fur Babies” on it (under the TV). It contains some essentials to make your pet’s stay a little more enjoyable.

Feed for Farm Animals

You’re welcome to feed the animals under supervision. Please ask and we will arrange to do so safely.

Wi-fi & Charging
Wi-fi details are printed on the black board and on your WelcomeScreen on the TV. Charging cables/adapters aren’t provided, but if you’re stuck—just ask.

Power Out Kit
In the basket above the fridge, you’ll find the Power Out Kit, which includes torches and lanterns.

Laundry
The laundry is equipped with basic washing powder, pegs, and a drying rack. You’ll also find an iron and ironing board.

There is a hairdryer in the bathroom if needed.

Light Reading
You’ll find a selection of magazines and light reading tucked into the tall cupboard to the right of the TV—perfect for a slow morning or an afternoon on the verandah.

Games & Rainy Day Bits
Board games and a few classics are stored in the trunk over at The Bales Bar—perfect for lazy afternoons or rainy evenings.

Welcome

  • Updated: July 16 2025

We’re so glad you made it.

Whether you’re here to slow down and soak up the fresh country air, or heading out to explore everything the Northern Rivers has to offer, you’ve come to the right place.

Galloway Downs is our home – and for a little while, it’s yours too. You’ll find everything you need here to relax and reset, and we invite you to settle in and enjoy the rhythm of the farm.

While we’ve tried to anticipate your needs, we’ve also kept things simple, thoughtful, and comfortable. This guide will walk you through everything from how to fire up the pizza oven to where to find the best coffee in town. If there’s something we haven’t covered, you can always reach us – day or night – we’re only a short stroll down the paddock.

Thanks for choosing to stay with us. We hope you love our little farmstay as much as we do.

Let the good times begin,
The Galloway Downs crew
(and all our four-legged or feathered friends)

Check in / Check out

  • Updated: January 6 2026

Check in: From 2pm unless otherwise arranged.

Check out: By 10am unless otherwise arranged.

Check out instructions

  • Doors do not need to be locked
  • Please remove all rubbish and place in the large commercial rubbish bin (with the red lid) upon departure
  • Key can be returned to the lockbox on the fence (keys required to exit the gates)
  • Please let Alicia know if anything was damaged or needs attention upon departure

Farm Layout

  • Updated: July 14 2025
Download the Farm Layout

Where you're welcome

Your accommodation
Your home base while you’re here—completely yours to enjoy, with peaceful views and easy access to everything the farm has to offer.

The Bales Bar
Our rustic gathering space, loved by guests and family alike. If there’s an event or food experience happening here during your stay, you’ll be the first to know. Otherwise, feel free to pull up a stool, light the pizza oven, and make the most of this relaxed communal spot.

Animal Shed
This is the hub of animal life—they know exactly where their dinner lives! We store firewood and animal feed here, and you’re welcome to grab what you need (a small fee applies). Keep an eye out—you might even spot an egg or two tucked into the chaff!

Vege Garden
Help yourself to whatever’s in season—but please check in with us first so we can show you what’s ready to pick.

Farm Gate
When we’ve got abundance to share, we open the farm gate. You might find produce, fresh flowers, honey, or eggs. If the doors are open, you’re more than welcome to browse.

Picnic Table
A gentle stroll through the paddocks leads to a peaceful picnic spot at the top of the ridge. Follow the posted markers and please leave all gates as you found them.

Paddocks, dams and everywhere in between
You’re welcome to explore the paddocks at your leisure—just be sure to wear appropriate footwear, especially in summer. Guests are also welcome to kayak on the dam, sit by the water, or simply soak in the serenity.

Restricted areas

Machinery & Tractor Shed
This area is strictly off-limits for safety reasons. Please don’t allow children to climb on the tractor, quad bike, or any machinery stored in the shed.

Fireshed (North Paddock)
Emergency equipment only -please keep clear.

The Pool
Access to the pool is not permitted without prior approval. This is both a safety measure and a request for privacy—please respect this space and ensure children do not enter the pool area unless permission has been given. If access is arranged, swimming must be supervised at all times.

Main Homestead
As a general courtesy, we ask that guests avoid entering the main homestead area. It’s our private residence, and we appreciate you respecting that boundary.

Basic Housekeeping

  • Updated: July 14 2025

To ensure everyone’s comfort, please adhere to the following basic housekeeping rules:

No Smoking or Vaping
Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside the accommodation. Ashtrays are provided outside—please use them respectfully and dispose of the contents in the bin (not the garden) before you check out.

Noise & Neighbours
We’re lucky to have wonderful neighbours and a peaceful setting—let’s keep it that way. Please keep noise to a respectful level after 9pm.

Rain Water & Septic
All indoor plumbing (except toilets) runs on filtered rainwater. Toilets are connected to creek water, which can occasionally appear brown or run low, affecting flushing. If that happens, let us know—it’s usually a quick fix (about 15 minutes).
Please only flush toilet paper. Anything else can disrupt the septic system and cause avoidable issues.

Firewood
A generous starter supply of firewood is provided free of charge for use in the firepit or pizza oven. If you need more during your stay, you’re welcome to top up from the Animal Shed—a small fee may apply.

Pets

  • Updated: July 16 2025

We welcome well-behaved pets at Galloway Downs (fees apply), but we do ask that you follow a few simple guidelines to help keep everyone—humans and animals—safe and happy:

Control & Supervision
Pets must be kept under control at all times. If your dog doesn’t have reliable recall, please keep them on a lead—this is essential for the safety of our farm animals, working dogs, and wildlife.

Health & Vaccination
All pets must be in good health and up to date with vaccinations before arriving on the property.

Clean-Up
Please bag all pet waste and dispose of it in the outdoor bins. Let’s keep the paddocks and paths clean for everyone.

Furniture & Sleeping Arrangements
We’ve provided pet blankets and covers inside the accommodation. Please be respectful of furniture and do not allow dogs to sleep in the beds. Additional cleaning fees may apply if excessive pet hair or damage is left behind.

Emergencies

  • Updated: July 14 2025

We hope your stay is smooth and uneventful—but just in case, here’s what you need to know:

First Aid
A basic first aid kit is provided in your bathroom, including a snake bite bandage. If you’re heading out for a farm walk and are concerned about snakes, we recommend taking the bandage with you—just to be safe.

Nearest Hospital
The closest hospital is located in Kyogle, approximately 15 minutes from the farm.

Power Outages
Occasionally, we do experience regional power outages. If this happens during your stay, a Power Out Kit is located in the pantry. It includes:

  • Torches

  • Distilled water (as taps will not run without power)

  • Extra batteries

Fire Safety
Each accommodation is fitted with smoke detectors. If an alarm is triggered, we recommend you exit the building immediately and gather in the open space in front of the main homestead. Please contact us straight away so we can assess and respond.

If you’re ever unsure or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always nearby.

How to use the Woodfired Pizza Oven

  • Updated: January 23 2026

There’s nothing quite like a crackling fire and the smell of woodfired pizza drifting across the paddocks. While it’s not hard to master, there is a bit of a knack to getting the perfect crust. We’ve put together a quick how-to guide below—plus, we’ll be adding a video soon to show you exactly how it’s done.

👉 Watch the demo: (YouTube link coming soon)
(There’ll also be a QR code on-site for easy access)

Getting Started

Allow at least 1 hour to get the oven to the right temperature (around 300°C is the sweet spot).

Start with the flue open and the door open to get a small fire going. Use dried hardwood only (untreated pine kindling is okay for starting it).

Let the fire burn for at least 20 minutes—it’ll be smokey at first, but that’s normal.

Gradually add timber to build a steady, consistent heat.

Once the oven is holding its temp well, push the fire to the back of the oven.

Partially close the flue to slow down the oxygen flow—this gives a more even heat without being too intense.

Cooking your pizza

Brush the oven floor (or pat it clean using the stainless steel peel).

Lightly flour the pizza peel so your base slides in easily.

Slide your pizza into the oven and watch it closely—it’ll cook fast! Usually around 5 minutes.

If your flames are a bit lively on one side, give your pizza a little turn halfway through.

Use the stainless steel peel to remove your masterpiece and enjoy!