Nestled among the rolling hills of Gingkin, near Oberon, Alstonefield Farm is proving that some of the region’s most beautiful handcrafted products begin with a gentle alpaca and a passion for quality Australian-made craftsmanship.
Owned and operated by Anne and Gordon, Alstonefield Farm is a small family-run business producing handcrafted alpaca yarns, kits, woven products and garments from their own herd of alpacas. Drawing inspiration from the natural colours of their animals, the couple has built a business that celebrates sustainability, creativity and regional manufacturing.
Their journey began after they attended a local agricultural show, where they first encountered alpacas.
“After seeing some alpacas at our local Ag Show, we quickly became quite captivated by these beautiful animals and their stunning fleece,” Anne said.
“They are highly intelligent, naturally gentle, low maintenance, and their distinct personalities make them lots of fun to work with.”
Beyond their appealing nature, alpacas produce a luxurious fibre prized for its softness, warmth and hypoallergenic qualities. Anne said alpaca fleece offers excellent thermal insulation while remaining lightweight, making it ideal for creating beautiful garments that drape elegantly.
The natural colours found throughout the herd continue to inspire many of Alstonefield Farm’s designs.
“The natural colours of our alpaca fleeces, from soft creamy whites and subtle caramel tones through to charcoal greys and blacks, constantly inspire us,” Anne said.
Having such a diverse palette to work with allows the couple to experiment with colour combinations, patterns and designs across their product range. Importantly, every stage of production remains Australian-made, with the fleece grown on the farm, processed into yarn in regional NSW and transformed into finished products locally.
Late last year, Anne and Gordon opened their farm shop to visitors and are now welcoming guests every Saturday.
The experience offers much more than shopping. Visitors can meet and interact with the alpacas, including the popular Archie, while learning how fleece is transformed into yarn and ultimately into handcrafted products.
“We want people to see the connection between the animal, the fleece, the processing, the yarn and the finished product,” Anne said.
She believes farm-gate experiences play a vital role in regional communities by helping visitors understand where their purchases come from while supporting local producers.
“Support for farmers and small regional businesses not only stimulates growth in hospitality and accommodation, but it also boosts the local economy and helps keep everyone going through harder times.”
For visitors to Oberon, Alstonefield Farm offers a unique opportunity to experience that connection firsthand. For more info, head to www.alstonefield.com.au.
