Sutto's Hut, a new Farm Stay in the Upper Murray

Sutto's Hut was created when re-building the McColl's farm which was destroyed in the bushfires in Tooma. Named after a beloved friend lost in a car accident, the farm stay opened in June 2023, offering 2 bedrooms accommodating 4 guests.

After an easy process getting the business registered (one only needs a short term rental agreement number in NSW - no planning permit application), the learning curve has mostly been since opening but Sarah McColl does not regret the experience. 

What did Sarah learn along the way?

Tourists are looking for a 'true' experience - simple things like seeing farm animals, the wildlife at sunset, and the stars at night, are pure moments of connection with nature that they enjoy.

Stars are a big drawcard - Visitors coming to the Upper Murray are amazed by the view of stars; "the best they have ever seen".  Creek access is also a big drawcard!

Incorporating this business into a day at the farm can be a challenge, it needs good time management - you have to plan ahead. Making the place clean and welcoming is a priority; mow the loan before the guests arrive, organise a cleaner if you cannot be there. Be there. As a last resort, block the dates; you should be on top of it and control your agenda. 

Help tourists plan ahead - people are unaware of distances; tell them clearly in your booking confirmation how far you are from the closest supermarket, advise them to pack a cooler with some provisions if needed.

Think of the little extras - eggs and milk in the fridge, proposing an extra mat on the floor if it is a family coming (do your kids like to share a bed?). The attention and the intention is what will make a difference as visitors will feel valued.

You will learn and adjust as you go - the marketing side of things (social media, how to be listed and visible, pricing); your offer, rules or advice using your customers' comments and feedback; not to be frustrated by the lack of positive reviews online when you went the extra mile. Things take time, not everything is visible, word of mouth will play in your favour and bring referred customers.

What is Sarah's advice if you are in 2 minds about starting a farm stay?

Go for it, give it a try and you can always stop if it does not work. If you need extra income, it is really worth it. But make sure that the accommodation is as good as you would like it if YOU were to stay somewhere. 

Bookings to Sutto’s Hut can be made through Airbnb and Booking.com.

More people are investing in tourism and visitor experiences on the NSW side of the Upper Murray. This is an exciting move for the local economy.

To seek for help on how to develop your own agri-tourism business on the NSW side, visit https://www.riverinamurray.com.au/ 

On the VIC side, planning regulations make it a bit harder to start a business. So if you are interested, we recommend you participate in the Local Development Strategy - Tourism opportunity; visit https://innovationuppermurray.org/ for more information.