Softfoot was established as a conservation project in the picturesque region of Hindmarsh Valley, South Australia in 1999. Over 65 000 trees were planted by the Retallick Family shortly after they bought the land to revegetate the heavily grazed land and also to serve as a carbon sink for their then business, Team Poly; a rainwater tank manufacturing company.

CONSERVATION

Revegetating areas with trees and understory plants by all the family played a pivotal role in creating homes and food for wild animals. Eucalyptus trees feed the occasional wild koala and prickly acacia trees protect endangered southern brown bandicoots. Flowering plants provide food for native insects and bees and revegetated creek lines provide safe corridors for echidnas and kangaroos to traverse the property.

The onsite wildlife sanctuaries are comprised of four feral cat and fox proof fenced santuaries. The native Australian species house within, such as woylies, southern brown bandicoots, potoroos, rufous bettongs, brush tailed rock wallabies, etc, are some of the most endangered marsupials in Australia.

An early project was the creation of a billabong and large wetlands. These environments carved out of the almost treeless landscape by Gary and his trusty bulldozer now provide homes for a multitude of creatures including long neck tortoises, rare native fish, crustaceans, and an abundance of bird life. Birds eat insects on crops thus reducing the need for the application of pesticides.

Since the property was purchased by the Retallicks, no super phosphate has been applied to the land and natural biota has been restored.

Softfoot is committed to continued tree planting each year.

The environment at Softfoot is a 'sanctuary' in the true meaning of the word, not only for the animals but also for the people with whom the animals share it

One of the most ambitious conservation projects undertaken by the Retallick family entailed transporting Softfoot's heavy machinery to Kangaroo Island for construction of the three-kilometre-long fence across the Dudley Peninsula.

The voluntary contrubution of Softfoot machinery and staff labour assisted in the creation of a cat-free haven for Australian marsupials. Gary operated the excavator hydraulic hammer himself, sinking the 800 fence posts needed for the fence. The hope is to eventually release endangered marsupials bred at Softfoot onto the island once feral cats have been fully eradicated.

The Retallick Family, Gary, Sandy and their daughter believe that their role is as custodians of the land during their lifetimes and to be responsible for the health of the soil, plants, and animals that fall under their care.

ALPACAS

Alpacas were chosen as the only grazing livestock animal that aligned with the family's conservation policy. Alpacas are 'soft-footed' creatures that originated in South America. They are gentle on the land with gentle personalities and are bred for their superb fleeces. Gary and Sandy's extensive professional breeding programs resulted in a regular top position as Most Successful Breeder in the Australian alpaca industry.

Many luxurious alpaca products are available for sale in the retail shop located onsite at the restaurant.

SOFTFOOT RETREATS

The construction of our on-farm luxury retreats, Billabong, Coolibah, and Ironbark, was completed in late 2021. The combination of accommodation, restaurant, and alpaca and nocturnal farm activities are very popular (bookings essential).

Softfoot is proudly owned by the Retallick family.

All profits made continue to support funding of our conservation projects.