Yeowarra Christmas Tree Farm
Yeowarra Christmas Tree Farm Project
Why it Matters
This approval supports:
✔ Sustainable Coastal Design: The home works blends with the landscape, designed with natural materials that feel at home with the beachfront hues minimising visual impact.
✔ Environmental Considerations: Addressed land capability, bushfire considerations and view-sharing concerns while advocating for a balanced solution
✔ Planning Success: Proposal approved by Council, with key negotiations on visual prominence from the Great Ocean Road and response to neighbourhood character. Independent urban design experts upholding the Urbankind assessment.
✔ Local agritourism
✔ Seasonal community events
✔ Farm-to-consumer experiences
✔ Sustainable growth for a long-standing regional business
Projects like this require clear justification, strong planning arguments and an understanding of rural + heritage controls.
If you're expanding your farm business or planning a tourism-related development, we can help you navigate the approvals process.
To learn more about Yeowarra farm, visit their website here and follow them on instagram here.
A look at how we secured planning approval for a much-loved local Christmas tree farm. A farm with 185 years of history.
Yeowarra has evolved from orchard to homestead to a thriving Christmas tree farm.
Now operated by the McMahon family — three generations strong — the farm blends tradition, tourism and sustainable innovation.
Seasonal Ancillary Café & Shop
To support the growing “cut-and-choose” Christmas tree experience, the owners proposed:
• A Christmas shop
• Café to enjoy while you wait for your tree
What triggered the permit?
The land sits within the Colac Otway Planning Scheme, with the proposal assessed under:
• Clause 43.01-1 – Heritage Overlay
• Building & works for a new shed associated with primary produce sales (Christmas Trees)
The project required careful alignment with heritage, rural character and tourism outcomes.
Permit Approved
Council granted the planning permit, allowing the development to proceed with conditions around:
• Stormwater + drainage
• Parking construction
• Compliance with endorsed plans
• Timeframes for commencement + completion
A great win for the family and the local community.
Why This Project Matters
Partner With Us
📩 Contact us at hello@urbankind.studio. Let’s talk about how we can bring your project to life.
