Freshwater Creek Estate bid to transform woolshed into cellar door

A “historic” woolshed in a small hamlet in the Surf Coast hinterland would be transformed into a winery cellar door and function centre.

A woolshed on a farm in Freshwater Creek would be transformed into the region's newest cellar door under plans lodged with Surf Coast Shire Council. Picture: planning documents.

A “historic” woolshed in a small hamlet in the Surf Coast hinterland would be transformed into a winery cellar door and function centre, under a plan lodged with Surf Coast Shire Council.

The “agribusiness” proposal by the farm’s owners, Freshwater Creek Estate, would turn the farm into a boutique cellar door, operating 7 days a week 10am to 10pm, and offering occasional functions twice a month.

The Woolshed facilities and services would include car and bus parking and a dedicated fire

tank system, as well as making use of existing toilet facilities, wastewater management and rainwater tanks.

The farm comprises agricultural land and crops including a vineyard, the historic Woolshed, other agricultural infrastructure, pasture, protected native remnant vegetation and Merrigig Creek, wetlands, and the family home.

The woolshed prior to its restoration.

The objectives of the business, as stated in application, would be to farm sustainably, protect the native environment, connect with and involve traditional owners and employ locals in order to contribute to Freshwater Creek’s economy.

At present, the farm produces pinot grapes in a 1ha vineyard, as well as beef, lamb, eggs, barley and oats according to planning documents.

The 36.4ha farm is also home to 600 “paddock happy” chickens, sheep and cattle.

The woolshed, to be the centrepiece of the cellar door, was built on the property in 1949, and has been restored over the last six years, according to the planning documents.

“It comprises an open plan shearing shed with original wooden floors, corrugated tin roof,

modern toilet facilities and waste water system and mains power,” the documents said.

Family run, Freshwater Creek Estate are “experienced and successful business operators who are passionate about sustainable farming, protecting the environment, living sustainably, and being involved in their community” according to the documents.

“They have undertaken significant improvements to this property and are planning for their land to survive and thrive in the anticipated changes in climate ahead of us all,” the documents said.

Originally published as Freshwater Creek Estate bid to transform woolshed into cellar door