Almond growers, outback advocates and farmstay hosts — meet our mates Tegan and Tom Douglas from Wentworth

Almond growers, outback advocates and farmstay hosts — meet our mates Tegan and Tom Douglas from Wentworth

Follow the Darling-Baaka River about 30 minutes outside of Wentworth and you’ll find Outback Almonds, a working almond farm where visitors can sleep under starry skies, wake to birdsong and experience farm life up close.

It’s a place built on family, shaped by community and powered by a passion for sharing the beauty of the Murray region.

From almonds to outback stays

Tegan and Thomas Douglas didn’t set out to build a tourism experience, they simply saw a gap and followed their curiosity.

“We previously hosted events like weddings and dinners on our farm… and we also sort of realised that there weren’t many farmstay or farm tour or events businesses around.”

While Tegan and Tom just call it the farm, Garston Station itself goes back to Tom’s grandparents. His parents later diversified by planting almond trees during the 2000s drought. Now, the family also runs glamping, camping and cottage stays. What began with a few tents during COVID has become something much bigger.

Some guests arrive planning a short stopover, then find themselves wanting to stay longer.

“They see the river and they see the kids and the easy laid-back lifestyle… they can't help themselves but stay an extra night.”

Simple stays, rich experiences

Whether it’s glamping under starry night skies or sipping local wine beside a campfire, guests come here to unwind in ways they didn’t realise they needed. The property is intentionally off-grid, offering a break from screens, schedules and endless notifications.

“Guests can sit around a crackling campfire, toasting marshmallows, have a glass of red… and just really soak up what this is. We truly want people to come here, stop, slow down, soak it up.”

That might mean watching the sun set over the river, spotting kangaroos and emus in the distance, or waking up to the sound of birdsong at dawn. Seasonal changes add extra magic, from the almond blossom in August to misty mornings in winter.

“It offers a really whimsical visit… guests wander through the almond trees, and they don’t realise there are distinct seasons.”

Where the Murray meets the Outback

Outback Almonds sits at a rare junction where river country meets outback red dirt, and where laid-back farm life blends with easy access to bigger regional hubs like Mildura and Wentworth. Not far from here, the Murray and Darling-Baaka rivers come together, a powerful meeting place that reflects the contrasts and connections of the surrounding landscape.

“We're outback, but we're also on the river… and not far from regional tourism centres.”

That setting helps explain the mix of visitors. “A lot of our glamping guests are couples from Mildura on a weekend retreat,” says Tom. “Our camping and caravanning guests are retirees on big trips around Australia.”

The region is rich in places to explore, from the shifting dunes and cultural heritage at Perry Sandhills, to the distinct colours at the confluence of the Murray and Darling-Baaka rivers and paddlesteamers in Mildura.

“There’s Orange World (https://www.orangeworldmildura.com.au/), a working orange farm, Varapodio Estate for olives, and cellar doors across the whole stretch.”

Here, it’s not just about ticking off sights, it’s about slowing down enough to really experience them.

It’s a landscape that constantly surprises. One that offers space to slow down, trails to wander and small moments that linger, like pelicans gliding across the river at dusk or mist rolling off the water on a winter morning.

For guests used to traffic and noise, that kind of stillness can feel like magic.

Proudly local, thoughtfully low-impact

Supporting the region is part of everything Tegan and Tom do. Grazing boards, roast dinners and local wine are all on offer, thanks to partnerships with nearby producers.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Tom’s sister and her husband as they launch their Red Dirt Lamb… and we stock local wine from Monak Wine Co and Trentham Estate.”

They also aim to tread lightly. The property is off-grid, with guests encouraged to bring their own water and take rubbish with them.

“As we’re off-grid… we don’t want to be stockpiling landfill out here,” says Tegan. “That’s really important to us in providing a really environmentally friendly stay and the awareness.”

Visitors also leave with a new understanding of where their food comes from and how regional communities support one another. Whether it’s learning what it takes to grow almonds or seeing how local producers collaborate to create memorable experiences, guests come away with a deeper understanding of the land, the work and the people behind what’s on their plate.

It takes a village (and a farm)

Running a working farm and tourism business with three small children is no small feat but for Tegan and Tom, it’s part of what makes Outback Almonds so special.

“We couldn’t do what we do without a very tight-knit supportive community and our family.”

In a region where neighbours might live kilometres apart, connection still runs deep. People lean on each other for school drop-offs, borrowing a cup of sugar (or a spanner) and a good chat after a long week. That sense of shared support extends far beyond farm gates, it’s woven into daily life and quietly passed on to visitors, too.

Guests often get a glimpse into that life, meeting the kids or seeing the farm in action.

“Our kids come down and meet the guests and introduce themselves… they love everything we’re creating here as much as we do.”

It’s a calm, connected and community-minded lifestyle many don’t expect to find. But once they do, they want to return.

As Tegan says, “Whether people are travelling through or live locally, the river is just so tranquil. It’ll take you to a different place and that’s something we all need sometimes.”

Explore more of Wentworth and surrounds

This blog is part of the latest season in our Mates of The Murray series — a celebration of the people at the heart of our region. We’re spotlighting local operators whose passion, creativity and everyday efforts help shape The Murray, not just as a place to visit, but as a place to belong. It’s not about events or must-see spots. It’s about people, stories and the connections that tie our region together.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to meet more of our mates or subscribe to our emails for more stories from across The Murray.