Batchelor Butterfly Farm

LOCATION
Behind the BP service station, Batchelor.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Batchelor Butterfly Farm and Tropical Retreat is upgrading and the results are stunning. New owners Lyndall and Judy have restructured this formerly casual venue into an upmarket but welcoming tropical oasis fit for weddings, group retreats and business functions. With an enormous covered verandah that allows for alfresco candle-lit dinners backed by soothing waterfall sounds and ambient music, the Long Table Restaurant is the star piece. Indoors it is an equally beautiful sanctuary of beautiful woods, cushioned couches and cooling fans. But wherever you choose to sit one thing is for sure, this tranquil place, located an hour from Darwin and just 15 minutes from Litchfield National Park, it an ideal spot to take a break.

Organic produce from the garden supplies much of the menu, which is complemented by an enjoyable wine selection. Treats to tempt your tastebuds include chilled banana smoothies (with garden bananas), fresh bread with a generous serve of pesto (made from garden herbs of course), tropical fruit pancakes, fresh-caught barramundi, grilled chicken breast pocketed with cheese, sun-dried tomato and roasted pine nuts and Lyndall’s favourite, coconut king prawns with a mango salsa. The superb “super salad” and gourmet vegetarian pizza are also tempting as is the “caramel sin gateau” which comes garnished with a delicate custard anglaise and tropical fruit fresh from the garden. A convenient all-day cafe also runs in addition to main mealtimes. Alternatively enjoy lunch within the rainforest butterfly enclosure and spot the charming colony of basking turtles in the eco-ponds. Forgot your picnic? Pick up a hamper complete with esky, picnic rug, sandwiches, quiche, muffins and beverages.

Merridy Anne Pugh