Agritourism
Agritourism is a fast-growing sector, that is providing direct and indirect benefit to regional economies. Being driven by consumer demand as visitors seek to better understand where their food comes from and where it is produced, agritourism plays an important role in providing the direct link between the primary producer and the end consumer.
For these regional businesses the development of agritourism products and experiences, provides primary producers with opportunities to supplement their income, diversify their business, and have valuable direct contact with end customers, so they can better understand consumer preferences and demands.
For destinations, agritourism provides an alternative means of showcasing the region and potential to attract new visitor markets.
Resources for Farmers
Guide to Agritourism Business Planning
Local Government Area Land Zones
Agritourism Planning
Glossary
List your agritourism business on ATDW
TRA Agritourism Report
October 2025 | Measuring and evaluating agritourism in Australia
National Agritourism Framework | Australian Regional Tourism
National Strategy
Action Plan 2030
Toolkit for LGAs
Farmers’ Toolkit
Agritourism Planning Changes | NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
The NSW Government has made changes to make it easier for farmers to use their land for agritourism to complement their existing businesses. The planning rules will help landowners to add value to their existing agricultural operations and encourages the next generation to farm the land.
Read more on the NSW Planning website →
A guide to planning approvals | Setting up an agritourism business
A resource for anyone opening or thinking about opening an agritourism offering as part of their agricultural business.
The guide consists of two sections, including starting an agritourism business and specific planning requirements.
FAQs | Agritourism and small-scale agriculture development
Developed by the then NSW Department of Planning and Environment, this document answers your questions about changes to planning rules for agritourism and small-scale agriculture development. Resource updated September 2023.
Agritourism case studies
The NSW Government has made it easier for farmers to use their land for agritourism. Hear from some NSW farmers about the new activities they’ll setup on their farms to make additional income and add value to their existing agricultural operations.
Agritourism in the Sydney Surrounds South region
Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS), through the Sydney Surrounds South Destination Management Plan (DMP), has identified agritourism as a key priority to grow the local visitor economy, by providing opportunities to develop new and enhanced experience offerings, increase access to local produce and elevate the region’s reputation.
In 2023, DSSS engaged the services of industry development experts Sparrowly Group and together we worked with farmers from across the region to help them understand and leverage changes made in 2022 by the NSW Government, designed to support the development and expansion of agritourism experiences and offerings. Our collaboration included research and consultation with stakeholders to better understand the challenges, perceptions and opportunities that agritourism presents for the Sydney Surrounds South region.
As part of the program delivered a series of workshops were held provide attendees with information on:
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- starting an agritourism business,
- incorporating new experiences into their business,
- expanding existing offerings,
- overcoming challenges and barriers,
- examples of successful agritourism businesses,
- direction and guidance on transforming ideas and plans into action.
The video below provides an overview of the workshop objectives and outcomes and feedback from attendees.
DSSS continues to work with local farmers to grow agritourism across our region. Developing a robust cluster of premium agritourism businesses will complement existing tourism businesses and create a compelling visitor proposition, which will drive visitation, encourage dispersal across the region, and promote increased length of stay.
Program highlights video
Local case study – Buena Vista Farm
NSW Context | Agritourism Planning Changes
In March 2021, the NSW Government released an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for Agritourism and Small-scale Agriculture Development, the document outlined proposed amendments to support farm businesses and regional economies. The proposed amendments were designed to support the development of agritourism experiences and offerings through a series of amended and new definitions, including:
- farm stay accommodation: amended term, to support more farm stay accommodation
- farm events: new definition, to remove existing barriers and support farm events, such as events, tours, function, conferences, fruit picking, and horse riding
- farm gate activities: new definition, to enable the establishment of farm gate businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, tastings, and workshops linked to on farm or local agriculture
The proposed amendments also included fast tracked approval pathways, known as exempt and complying development, to allow for these activities. Led by the NSW Small Business Commission and Service NSW, following significant advocacy from industry stakeholders, including DSSS, the proposed changes were a welcomed opportunity to support diversification, innovation, and jobs growth for regional NSW.
The proposed changes were on public exhibition from 9 March 2021 until 19 April 2021, and during this time Destination Sydney Surrounds South (DSSS) submitted feedback on the amendments. Download the DSSS submission and case studies.
In December 2021, the NSW Government released a draft Standard Instrument LEP Amendment Order and accompanying information sheet, detailing the process for roll out the proposed changes outlined in the EIE.
On Tuesday 11 October 2022, the Department of Planning released updated information regarding the reforms. Further information is available on the NSW Planning website here.
