Accessible tractor tour launches at Summerland Farm

A NEW all-inclusive tractor tour is driving agritourism growth at Summerland Farm, with the disability-led business investing $230,000 into the experience.

The purpose-built trailer has launched as part of the farm’s 2026 expansion plans.

Capable of carrying more than 50 people, it has been specially designed to accommodate two wheelchairs per tour while offering visitors an insight into the farm’s operations.

Since 1972, Summerland Farm has employed hundreds of people with disability across its agricultural and hospitality businesses.

General manager Dylan O’Malley said the project marked a milestone in rebuilding the farm’s agritourism offering.

“We’ve got a lot planned for 2026 and over the last few years we’ve worked hard to rebuild our agritourism activities,” he said.

“This year we’re launching a number of those, including the all-inclusive tractor tour.”

The 45-minute guided experience takes visitors behind the scenes of the orchards, paddocks and specialty crop areas.

The farm produces 120 tonnes of macadamia nuts and 35,000 trays of avocados each year, making it a key distribution hub for northern NSW farms.

The tour revives an experience last offered at the farm more than a decade ago.

“Historically, Summerland Farm had a very old, small tractor pulling a boutique trailer,” O’Malley said.

“Heading into COVID, that equipment was pulled out of the fleet, and for a number of years we’ve wanted to get that operation back.”

The farm currently operates five days a week with two tours daily and plans to expand to seven days a week within the next month.

It employs about 240 staff, including around 130 people with disability.

“Every 10 jobs we create, around five go to someone with a disability,” O’Malley said.

“We’re driving hard into the tourism space because building business as fast as we can ultimately supports further employment opportunities for our local community.”