For many years Rosie Pamic and her partner, Drew, shared the dream of living off-grid and developing a sustainable business that could support their family, while also minimising their environmental footprint.

In 2014 they found a run down property on the outskirts of Dunolly in Central Victoria. Over farming had significantly exhausted the soil but Rosie and Drew had a vision of their future, and together they began the hard work of rejuvenating 10 acres of depleted land to bring their dream to life.

Today Squirrel Gully Saffron is a beautifully managed, sustainable, off-grid farm producing some of Australia’s best saffron.

Saffron is uniquely suited to the Central Victorian climate, with its frosty winters and hot, dry summers and with Rosie’s experience as a Chef, along with her desire to eat food as close to nature as possible, growing saffron became an obvious choice. Unlike most saffron growers however, Rosie and Drew grow their plants in wicking beds, allowing them better control over soil conditions, nutrient management and water sustainability. They are now in their third year of production and growing strong.

Squirrel Gully Saffron will be flinging open the farmgate (12 noon – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 12 noon – 3pm on Monday) for the Trail again in 2023. In addition to the saffron inspired eco-friendly picnic boxes you can pick up seeded greeting cards (featuring images of the beautiful saffron flowers grown on their farm) and our saffron bath products. Also available at the farm gate will be a range of limited-edition ceramic salt pigs, commissioned through Felix Ceramics, to complement the saffron infused sofrito salt made by Rosie, along with selected works by these Talbot potters.

Order your picnic box online at www.squirrelgullysaffron.com.au and pick up at the farm gate between 12 noon and 6pm, or book through the website to experience a unique ‘Twilight Picnic’ (available 5pm-6pm Saturday and Sunday only) to finish your day beneath the beautiful gum trees as you relax on outdoor recliners and enjoy a picnic box for two.

This year’s picnic boxes include:

Smoked Kabana by Oakwood Smallgoods

Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese

Saffron and Lime Quince Paste

Saffron and Lemon Myrtle Oat Biscuits

Scones by Dunolly Bakery

Saffron and Cinnamon Cherry Compote

Clotted Cream

Keep Kit – serving board, cheese knife, serving spoons and BPA free silicon pouch to store leftovers.

Stay in touch with what’s happening at the farm by following and liking Squirrel Gully Saffron on Facebook and Instagram or through their website.

Drop into Alvah Art Gallery on your way into Dunolly and see John Moir’s paintings, etchings and classic cars in his recently upgraded studio gallery. Stop in at Woolly Goose to pick up some fine art yarns or check out Studio 33 to see Val Wilkinson’s magnificent landscapes and her wonderful art garden. Drop by Puzzleflat Art Gallery to vote on your favourite work in the Tiny Towns Arts Trail Art Prize and roll down the road to Ministry of Fun.