Regenerating the Land, One Step at a Time
Softfoot Farm, located in the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, is a true testament to regenerative tourism—an approach that prioritises the restoration and health of natural ecosystems while fostering sustainable visitor experiences. The Retallick family, owners of Softfoot Farm, have dedicated themselves to environmental conservation, sustainable farming, and educating visitors on how they can play a part in protecting the planet. Their story is one of transformation, care, and a deep connection to the land, which they have worked to heal and regenerate since the late 1990s.
From Cattle Grazing to Reforestation
In the late 1990s, when the Retallick family acquired Softfoot Farm, the land was heavily grazed by cattle, with only a few remnant gum trees remaining. Recognising the need for regeneration, Gary and Sandy Retallick, with a strong passion for nature, began a massive reforestation project. The couple had previously managed Team Poly, a large manufacturing business, and had a history of supporting environmental causes. Their company’s carbon footprint led them to take action, and they decided to offset their emissions by creating a forest on their farm.
With the help of their daughter and her partner, they planted over 60,000 trees in the early 2000s. These trees now stand as a testament to their commitment to the environment, creating critical habitats for local wildlife, and playing a key role in restoring the soil and increasing biodiversity.
The forest not only serves as a carbon sink but has also created thriving ecosystems that support a wide range of birds, invertebrates, and animals. The Retallick family’s ongoing efforts to plant and maintain these forests make Softfoot Farm a powerful example of how private landowners can contribute to environmental restoration on a large scale.
Alpacas and Conservation Grazing
Softfoot Farm has embraced alpacas as part of its sustainable farming practices, choosing them for their low impact on the land. Unlike traditional livestock, alpacas are soft-footed animals with toes rather than hooves, which minimises soil compaction and promotes healthier pasture. Their efficient digestive systems also allow them to consume less pasture per head compared to other animals of similar size.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Softfoot Farm’s regenerative tourism approach is its practice of conservation grazing. This method involves rotating the alpacas through different areas of the property, allowing the land to rest and rejuvenate between grazing cycles. This practice not only maintains healthy pastureland but also aids in soil restoration, fostering a richer, more diverse ecosystem.
Additionally, the alpacas’ fleece is of world-renowned quality, known for its softness and warmth. The farm processes this fleece into garments, which are sold in their Alpaca Boutique, providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase unique, sustainably made products while supporting local conservation efforts.
Guests can also experience the alpacas first hand on one of Softfoot Farm's Alpaca Experiences.
A Vision for Wetland Restoration
One of the standout features of Softfoot Farm is its commitment to wetland restoration. Gary Retallick, with his hands-on approach, transformed a small ephemeral creek into a thriving wetland ecosystem. His vision was to recreate a Murray-Darling wetland system on the farm, which would provide a habitat for native aquatic life, birds, and other wildlife. This restoration effort involved extensive earthworks and planting a variety of native plants, including tea-trees, she-oaks, and River Red Gums.
The wetland now teems with life, from the smallest zooplankton to larger fish species like the Murray Cod. The Retallick family’s dedication to restoring this important waterway not only helps in conserving local biodiversity but also plays a role in improving water quality and soil health across the farm.
Softfoot Sanctuaries: A Safe Haven for Endangered Species
Perhaps the most ambitious and inspiring aspect of Softfoot Farm’s regenerative tourism efforts is the creation of Softfoot Sanctuaries—a series of safe, feral-free enclosures designed to protect endangered Australian marsupials. These sanctuaries are not just a refuge for native species; they are part of a long-term plan for conservation and species rewilding.
Gary and Sandy Retallick constructed several sanctuaries on their property, each designed with high-quality materials to last for over 100 years. The sanctuaries are home to a range of endangered species, including kangaroos, possums, and other marsupials. The most recent sanctuary, the Woodland Sanctuary, is 52 acres in size and houses a variety of native animals, as well as rescue kangaroos. The sanctuaries are fully feral-proof, providing a safe environment for these animals to thrive away from predators and human intervention.
The sanctuaries also include breeding programs for species like the endangered Yarra pygmy perch, demonstrating Softfoot’s commitment to both land and species conservation. Through these efforts, Softfoot Farm is playing a key role in the preservation of Australia’s unique wildlife.
Regenerative Tourism in Practice
Softfoot Farm exemplifies regenerative tourism by offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and experience firsthand the positive impacts of conservation and sustainable farming. Visitors to the farm can engage in a variety of eco-tourism activities, such as guided walks through the reforested areas, visits to the alpacas, and exploration of the wetlands and sanctuaries. By offering immersive experiences in nature, Softfoot allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in protecting the planet.
Softfoot Farm is not just a farm; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of tourism, agriculture, and conservation. By embracing regenerative tourism practices, the Retallick family has created a model that others in the Fleurieu Peninsula—and beyond—can look to as an example of how tourism can contribute to environmental restoration and biodiversity conservation. Their work is an inspiring reminder that we all have a role to play in regenerating the land, protecting wildlife, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and abundance of the natural world.
For more information on Softfoot Farm and its regenerative tourism initiatives, visit their website or plan a visit to experience their conservation efforts firsthand.
