Ranjen Farmstay and Stables

Ranjen Farmstay and Stables is a quiet working farm with cattle and horses at 658 Marsden Park Road, Calala, 10 to 15 minutes from Tamworth's CBD. The draw for dog owners is simple: open, level sites with room to move, sunsets over the dam, and a campground that is proudly dog friendly.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on the camping and caravan sites, with no pet fee or size limit published. The catch is that this is a working farm with livestock, so dogs stay under control at all times: no off-leash roaming and no chasing the cattle, horses or free-roaming ducks. Bring your own water for some sites and confirm site type and any conditions with the owners when you book.

Max: A working farm means livestock, and livestock means strict boundaries. Keep your dog on lead and under effective control, because the horses and cattle are not playmates.

The vibe

Powered and unpowered sites suit caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, with easy access for big rigs, and the facilities are solid for a farm stay: clean toilets, hot showers and a camp kitchen. Wildlife and birdlife fill out the setting, and the reviews consistently point to welcoming hosts and clean amenities.

Getting there and parking

Calala sits just south of Tamworth on the New England Highway approach, and Marsden Park Road leads out to the farm. Calala has the essentials covered, including a local IGA, bottle shop, pharmacy and pub, so you do not have to drive back into town for basics.

While you're out there

Head into Tamworth for a proper off-lead run at George Street Dog Park, coffee at Humble Espresso in East Tamworth, or a meal at The Pig & Tinder Box. If the farm sites are full, Almond Inn Motel is the motel fallback with pet-friendly rooms.

More bases are on the New South Wales pet friendly stays guide and the Calala destination page.