Little Farm of Calm

  • Home
  • Little Farm of Calm

Little Farm of Calm Wellness, Pilates & Yoga Retreats & Wildlife Shelter in Benalla Victoria: We do evidence-based wellness, without the woo-woo.

Join us for a weekend or 7-day stay with private cabins, delicious meals and a huge range of activities.

28/11/2025

The Echidna Strikes Back … well, not really strikes, so much as meanders, pausing for a scratch before wandering off again.
But this is all part of that thing we mentioned that has Jill soooooo excited. So excited in fact that she nearly forgot to lodge the overdue BAS that she was there (hiding from the children and familiar responsibilities) to do … squirrel.

🎥 Introducing: A Little Dose of Calm!Most people know what we do (wellness retreats and wildlife rescue), but we want to...
27/11/2025

🎥 Introducing: A Little Dose of Calm!

Most people know what we do (wellness retreats and wildlife rescue), but we want to pull back the curtain and show you the who, how and why behind everything that goes on here, and what makes us tick.

Next week, we will be launching a regular series of video content featuring a blend of pragmatic health advice with wildlife & rescue news. Specifically, we'll try to provide 1-2 minute videos every day or so that cover:

🧘‍♀️ Evidence-Based Wellness: As a physiotherapist and recovering perfectionist and IT nerd, Jill will dive into the science of wellness. Forget the fads—we’re talking practices backed by science, and product reviews (targeting mind-body resilience, pain-free aging, stress management etc) for people juggling the chaos of real life.

🐾 Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation: Go behind the scenes at the Wildside Wildlife Shelter. See the critical work of rescuing and caring for our native fauna, understand the challenges, and share the highs and lows.

💪 Movement and Mobility: People forget that Daz is an exercise science expert and fitness veteran, while Jill's pretty good at that yoga stuff ☺ Together, they will bring you simple, effective movements and yoga sequences that you can add to your daily routine. The goal being to help you age well and live pain-free, without spending three hours a day at the gym.

WHY? We know the pressure to "do it all" is intense, especially when the world is shouting conflicting wellness advice at you. We created Little Farm of Calm to cut through the BS and demonstrate that wellness doesn't have to be complicated or fancy.

Not everyone has the time or funds to come on a retreat with us - so this seemed like the best way to share all the knowledge we've built over the past few decades. Otherwise, there's a risk that our heads will explode 🤣 So we're excited to share the details, the science, and the stories that define everything we do here at the Little Farm, that's sometimes Calm. Fingers crossed, someone might even find it useful 😛

Got a question about wellness, yoga, aging well or wildlife? Let us know and we'll do our best to cover it 👇

PS. This will all be done without the assistance of AI - because when we tried to edit a photo with AI, it replaced everyone with attractive substitutes and chickens. Though the general look is close don't you think?

PPS. This also means we have to figure out Tik Tok. If anyone has helpful tips, we'd love to hear them. We are old and clueless apparently ...

24/11/2025

Echinda vs tax reporting part two ☺ Who says short-legged, ant-eating marsupials can't jump? Not us ... or if we did, we take it back 🫢

There is even a part 3 to this which has Jill *very excited* indeed. But we'll make you wait for it. Is there such a thing as too much echidna-ey goodness in one day?

20/11/2025

Since she's got nothing else to do (🤣) we've tasked Jill with being our chief content creator. It serves two purposes 1) we need to post more regularly and 2) it means she has to know where her phone is.

Yesterday's effort was a distracting echidna. The day before was an incontinent wallaby. This was today's showing ...

We have a retreat on this weekend, so you never know...You might even get to see some wellness stuff! That's probably what we should be focusing on?

18/11/2025

When you are trying to finish the overdue business activity statement, but keep getting interrupted ...

So cool. Much more exciting than tax reporting.

IS THIS WHAT OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING LOOKS LIKE? (Insert *last minute discount*) OR JUST TONY THE SWAMP WALLABY AT THE VETS...
17/11/2025

IS THIS WHAT OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING LOOKS LIKE? (Insert *last minute discount*)

OR JUST TONY THE SWAMP WALLABY AT THE VETS FOR A PROLAPSE, IN A NAPPY?

We've been swamped (get it?) with cancellations/ rescheduling requests for THIS WEEKEND. It was a fully booked retreat (and has been for a month now), which makes this really tough for everyone. So we're doing something we *NEVER DO*. Yup it's a last minute, kick arse discount.

Whether you want to see this as a Black Friday Special or a sign from above, here it is: A once-in-a-blue-moon chance to have an experience like no other - guaranteed to recharge your body & soul before the Christmas Crazies begin ...

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: 21st-23rd NOV
QS Cabin for 2 ppl (QS Bed) - $1999 (Save $800)
Twinshare Cabin 2ppl (Bunk Bed) - $2199 (Save $600)
KS Cabin for Solo Traveller - $1399 (Save $300)

Includes private cabin with ensuite, food & drinks, aerial yoga, massage, red light therapy, floatation tank sessions, infrared saunas, reformer pilates, self-defence workshop, myofascial release workshop, guided bike tour, heated magna-salt pool, hydrotherapy spa, mulled wine by the fire-pit. You do as little or as much as you feel like doing - everything is dedicated to making you feel good.

For more details pop over to https://littlefarmofcalm.com

To jump in and book your retreat for this weekend, head straight to: https://littlefarmofcalm.com/book-yoga-retreats/november-retreats

And as always, you'll be supporting Little Farm of Calm Wildlife Shelter as we brace ourself for those same Christmas Crazies and the influx of wildlife that it brings to our doorstep.

13/11/2025

Last week it rained, the wind blew and it was cold most of the time. Also last week, some very special people bravely joined us for a 7 day Wildlife, Yoga and Wellness Retreat

They were amazing people - we hope they enjoyed their time with us as much as we did. Special wombat feeding (special mention to Julie for the tummy tickles!), daily bottle feeding and animal supervision scattered in amongst the non-stop space and wellness experience.

We always treasure reviews from our guests (asking is not something we're good at!)- and waking up to this one was such a gift. Thank you so much Lilly 🫶! And we hope to see you again soon...

"My stay at Little Farm of Calm in Benalla was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely cared for and welcomed. The hosts are exceptional - kind, intelligent, and endlessly generous, creating a nurturing and calming environment for all. Their two wonderful assistants also deserve a special mention for the warmth and care they added to the experience.

The food was abundant, fresh, and meals were made with love. A particularly lovely touch were the homemade breads and a delightful array of tea blends to choose from each day. The program was flexible and balanced, offering the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. I loved the floatation tank, infrared sauna, spa, bikes, and those amazing massage chairs (honestly as good as, if not better than some professional massages I’ve had).

Each day brought something new - Reformer Pilates, Aerial Yoga, connecting with animals, or quiet moments of relaxation. You don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy this place, but it’s impossible not to fall in love with the farm’s peaceful rhythm and its gentle, but highly entertaining residents.

The hosts’ passion for health, anatomy, and Australian wildlife is inspiring. I arrived feeling stressed and exhausted, but left seven days later feeling refreshed, grounded, and genuinely renewed.

This place is a rare treasure - the perfect blend of comfort, nature, learning, and soul. Little Farm of Calm is my own slice of Nirvana. I hope to return one day soon and couldn’t recommend it more highly. ❤️"

Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5

Hotel highlights
Quiet, Great value

There's only one of these left on the schedule - a 7 Day Summer Retreat January 19-25th.

Bookings or more details @ littlefarmofcalm.com

13/11/2025

The headshake. By BB (Big Bambi)

She's beautiful. She's happy. She's eating ... but the headshake and nervous nibble tell you that she's not 100% sure what's going on right now (by poking a phone in her face) and would prefer us to stop filming and get a bottle instead!

It's not as bad as a whole-body tremor - which means I'm very stressed and need to get back in my mum's pouch (or equivalent) and feel safe and warm. Stress is the #1 killer of kangaroos - including joey's in care, as it suppresses their ability to fight off disease and infection.

In fact, we filmed BB to hear if she was 'snuffly' as she's just gone through the stress of moving into the 'Big, Little Roo' group in the heated shed overnights - Mostly due to her tendency to climb into the smaller roos bags, creating the risk of suffocation. But she is also well and truly big enough and needed to graduate to a new sleeping arrangement.

Kangaroos will also head shake at each other as a form of communication.

*A headshake upon entering/approaching a mob can be a 'hello!' or an 'I'm not here for any trouble'.
*A head shake can be a sign of nervousness, warning or excitement.
*Or it could be to dislodge some flies!

There are medical conditions that cause constant head or whole-body shaking, such as an ear infection or pharalis grass toxicity. If you witness this combined with uncoordinated movement or in a roo who hasn't shifted from one place for more than a day then contact your local wildlife rescue group.

11/11/2025

Realities of running a rescue shelter ☯️
It's not all cuddles and bottle feeding 🐾
There's also lots of fencing. And sometimes ants 🐜
Luckily, Jill attracts all the ants, keeping the rest of us safe 🙌
We didn't have the heart to tell her they were on her back too 🫢

PS. She really did have ants in her pants (shoes, socks & top)😳
PPS. Please excuse the language🙏
PPPS. This was at our release property. There are way less ants and pant-less potty-mouthed women at our retreats 🤣

07/11/2025

This is Ron. He (she?) is a White Faced Heron we raised from a juvenile after they lost their parents in a storm 2 years ago. A tricky experience as they are difficult to a) catch b) keep alive and c) successfully release.

The hardest part of wildlife rescue is the release. So often you don't find out whether they survive or thrive. After months/ years of love and 24/7 care they disappear into the unknown without so much as a thank you! And that's it. You just clean up, wipe a tear from your eye and have to keep going with the next patient.

So it's a joy for us to have Ron return to us with their breeding partner of the season, build their pile of sticks high up in a tree and get ready to care for a little Ron of their own (both parents build the nest, incubate the egg and work to feed and care for the chick until next mating season when they will choose another partner and move on).

The dulcet tones (honk honk!) of Ron serenading the sunrise woke us this morning, as they groomed themselves and surveyed their domain. Complete with rabbits, ibis and goats in the background. A truly special moment to share!

Other than that, we're pretty busy with a lovely group of people on our 7 Day Wellness, Wildlife & Yoga Retreat. They are well up to speed with roo and wombat feeding now ... just in time to leave us tomorrow 🥲

And if you're still thinking about joining us, our last Weekend Wellness Reboots for 2025 are running on November 21st-23rd, and November 28-30th. And they are dedicated to filling your cup so you're ready and able to face the silly season as it hits.

Want more details? https://littlefarmofcalm.com

04/11/2025

It’s a wet day timetable here at the farm. No one wants to be outside just in case it makes their hair go curly … right Jill 🤣

?

We're leaning into our mission of Wellness without the Woo-Woo. Our retreats are dedicated to helping you feel good with...
02/11/2025

We're leaning into our mission of Wellness without the Woo-Woo. Our retreats are dedicated to helping you feel good with an authentic, evidence-based focus and down-to-earth vibe.

We designed this place to be like an adventure playground of evidence-based wellness. Where you can experience things in your own space and on your own terms.

Want to try the float tank but only for 10 minutes? Ok
Feeling so comfy that you slept through pilates? No stress
Want to try ALL the different teas on offer? You can
Not sure how you feel about goats yet? There's a fence 🐐
Wanna get in a cuddle a goat? Go for it!
Never done aerial yoga before?
- You'll love it. The silk makes everything better.
- You will surprise yourself with what you can do
- Yin, Flow or both? You will feel amazing.

Do as little or as much as you feel like doing. Our job is to make it all possible. And we take that very seriously! Your job is to show up and do whatever feels right.

In fact, we guarantee that a weekend of trying new and evidence-based activities with us will remind you how to feel good again. No crystals, chanting or sharing circles required.

Does this sound like you? Join us on Retreat. Refill your cup. Enjoy this Christmas:

Nov 3rd-9th 7 Day Feel Good Retreat (Bookings close today)
Nov 21st-23rd Weekend Wellness Reboot (Fri-Sun)
Nov 28th-30th Weekend Wellness Reboot (Fri-Sun)
Jan 2nd-4th Weekend Wellness Reboot (Fri-Sun)
Jan 9-11th Weekend Wellness Reboot (Fri-Sun)
Jan 19-25th 7 Day Wellness, Wildlife & Yoga Retreat.

All the details @ https://littlefarmofcalm.com

Address


Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Little Farm of Calm posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Little Farm of Calm:

Shortcuts

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Event Planning Service?

Share