Beacon Hill Children's Farm — Attraction in Victoria

TLDR: If payment is mandatory, it should be structured as a ticket system, not framed as a donation. If it is truly a donation, then guests should be free to contribute or not. It should be voluntary and without pressure or judgment.

Our experience at the Farm was overshadowed by an unpleasant interaction right at the entrance. Upon arrival, we saw a sign at the booth that stated “suggested donation” with amounts listed for adults and children. Some of the families entering before us appeared to drop in a few coins. We did not want to make a donation today, especially before even seeing what's inside. Anyway, we proceeded through the gate and tried to park our stroller at the left corner of the booth, but the booth attendant directed us to an area just past the booth, where visitors can leave their bags by the fence. We parked the stroller, picked up our baby, and started walking further in.

Suddenly, the booth attendant called us out loudly from behind and demanded that we pay before entering. I asked if we could make the donation on our way out, and she initially refused, stating “most people donate before entering.” I was confused but asked how much; she said $14 for two adults.

Though we didn’t want to pay upfront, we walked back to the booth with cash in hand. Before handing it over, I double-checked the sign, which clearly said “donation,” not "ticket". I asked her, “Isn’t a donation voluntary?” She admitted, “Yes, it is.” I then politely said we would like to donate later, and she reluctantly agreed—with a visibly disappointed and cold expression.

The whole interaction felt unnecessarily rude and unfair. If payment is mandatory, it should be structured as a ticket system, not framed as a donation. If it is truly a donation, then guests should be free to contribute what they feel is appropriate, and when they feel ready. It should be voluntary and without pressure or judgment, especially at a community-oriented space like a children's farm.

We also couldn’t help but notice that the families before us were Caucasian, while we are visibly Muslim and people of color. I sincerely hope our religion and race had nothing to do with the difference in treatment, but the contrast in behavior was stark enough that it left us wondering. Regardless of intent, the way we were approached made us feel uncomfortable, scrutinized, and out of place.

Her approach (shouting from behind) made us feel as though we were breaking a rule, or doing something wrong. It created an uncomfortable atmosphere at what should have been a pleasant and welcoming place for families.

We donate regularly — whether it’s Zakat, humanitarian aid, or global relief efforts. But we prefer to give where we truly believe in the cause. This is a public park, and as taxpayers, we already contribute to its upkeep.

I hope the farm can clarify its policy and train its staff to engage more respectfully with visitors in the future. And please remove or revise the misleading...

Upon entering the farm, I was greeted by a variety of animals that instantly captured my attention. The selection of animals at the farm is impressive, and it is evident that they are being well taken care of. From majestic peacocks proudly displaying their vibrant plumage to chickens happily clucking around, every corner of the farm offered a new and exciting sight.

One of the highlights of the visit was the llama enclosure. These gentle creatures exuded a sense of calmness and curiosity, making them a favorite among visitors. It was a joy to observe their unique personalities and interactions with each other.

The farm also housed a charming group of pigs and guinea pigs. The pigs were relaxed and chubby, and it was evident that they were receiving proper care and attention. The guinea pigs, with their adorable squeaks and soft fur, added an element of cuteness to the overall experience.

What impressed me the most about the Beacon Hill Park Children's Farm was the evident dedication to animal welfare. The animals appeared healthy and content, and their enclosures were clean and well-maintained. The staff members were knowledgeable and approachable, readily answering any questions visitors had about the animals or their care.

For families with children, the farm offers an educational and interactive experience. There are opportunities to pet and feed some of the animals under the supervision of the staff, allowing children to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for these creatures. The farm also hosts educational programs and activities, further enriching the visit.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the farm is surrounded by the stunning beauty of Beacon Hill Park. Visitors can take leisurely walks, enjoy the well-maintained gardens, and even have a picnic on the park grounds. The combination of the farm and the park creates a well-rounded outing for individuals and families alike.

Overall, my visit to the Beacon Hill Park Children's Farm was a delightful experience. The range of animals, their excellent care, and the beautiful park setting all contributed to a memorable and enjoyable visit. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or a parent looking for a fun and educational outing, I highly recommend a visit to this...

I came to visit the petting zoo the other day with my family and had a very negative experience with the woman working the front entrance named Julie. When entering the petting zoo she stopped me and told me entrance is by donation. I explained that I’ve lived here all my life and sometimes I donate and sometimes I don’t, this has never been an issue. She continued to insist that I donate and pointed to the suggested donation amounts, I told her I’m choosing not to donate today. She then scoffed and let me in. It was an incredibly uncomfortable experience, I frequent beacon hill petting zoo often as I live near by and I have never had someone try to pressure me into donating. Sometimes I donate $20, sometimes just the change I have on hand, and sometimes I don’t donate at all, this has never been an issue before and I have always been welcomed with a smile and warm greeting. When I was in the petting goats area my 10 year old nephew asked me what had happened when we first came in and why that lady had stopped us. I explained to him what had happened and a woman overheard us and came up to me to tell me the same thing had just happened to her when she came in. She explained it was her first time coming there and she was donating $5 to enter for herself and her three kids. The woman (Julie) then stopped her and pointed to the suggested donations and told her it was $6 a person. She then felt shamed into donating $21 and told me she didn’t want to donate that much but felt it wasn’t optional. I apologized to her that her first experience at the petting zoo was so negative and reassured her that the donation of $6 a person is only a suggestion, not mandatory and never have I had an experience like that before today. I wasn’t going to send an email, but after having a woman approach me to also share her negative experience I wanted to reach out to let you know. I have always loved visiting the petting zoo and have been happy to donate, but being pressured so intensely like this left such a negative impression and honestly made me want to stop donating anytime Julie is working at the front. It also saddened me that this woman who approached me had such a negative first impression of your petting zoo because of being pressured and shamed into...