The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum 1792) is undisputedly the most widely introduced and cultured salmonid fish across the globe. Due to its popularity as a sporting fish and as a delicious, healthy meal - also that thrives in highly oxygenated cold freshwater, Which is naturally abundant in the alpine mountain regions of Victoria. Over the years, the introduced Rainbow Trout species have become a welcomed fish farmed in Victorian waters.
The characteristics that make rainbow trout appealing for aquaculture are rapid and high growth potential, ease of captive breeding, welfare standards, sustainable inputs, product outputs & marketability.
People are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about where their food comes from and how it is produced, including its effects on the environment and the effects on their health.
Rainbow Trout are not only a highly sustainable but also environmentally friendly source of natural, healthy food. High in Omega 3 oils trout have great heart health benefits which includes reducing the risk of death by heart attack, stroke or heart disease.
Our Farm
Established in 1958, the farm was set up in the late 50’s by Frank Parkes. There was no commercial farming of trout in Australia at that time and was instrumental in shaping Australia’s trout industry.
Today, Australia produces approximately 1500-2000 tonnes of trout each year, with approximately 85% of Australia’s trout grown in the Murrindindi & Upper Goulburn regions of Victoria.
A self sufficient farm – we do all of our own breeding, hatching, growing & processing.
Our fish & produce is then distributed through wholesale fish markets throughout the country as well as to local restaurants and wineries of The Yarra Valley. Our world famous Mountain Ash Smoked Trout & Hand-Milked Caviar are our farms specialities and were even featured on Masterchef! We grow approximately 80 tons of fish per year, the majority being for the wholesale and restaurant market and the rest for people who come fishing here at our farm. The fishing lakes and streams are surrounded by tall native gum trees.
Following Black Saturday, bushfires became a natural disaster threat at the front of our minds every summer, watching water temperatures rise and new bushfires ravage Victoria in recent history of summer 2020.
Our commitment is to provide a natural, freshwater, sustainable fish to Victorians in a transparent, authentic & hands on approach. Welcoming visitors to come catch their own freshwater trout & salmon in Buxton.
Established Environment
The farm has been here for over 50 years and time has shown an established reputation for having no negative impact on the river & environment surrounding the farm.Our farm is home to many creature great and small. You can find eagles, echidna, platypus, yabbies & frogs to name a few! These are ecological indicators – letting us know our impact on the environment & habitat of native wildlife.
Our Ponds & Water Supply
We grow our fish in limited quantities ensuring there is enough space in each pond for the fish to live & grow comfortably.Here in Buxton we have the Stevenson’s Rainbow trout require cold, clean water in order to survive, if water temperatures start to exceed 25 degrees the fish start to die, which is why our region’s cool clean rivers and streams provide the perfect place to grow trout.
Feeding the Fish
Our feed is purchased from Skretting, in Australia there are only 2 major feed companies to choose from, we chose Skretting as their feed has a better FCR (Feed conversion rate), on average to produce 1kg of trout we will need 1.1kg of fish feed. Feed Conversion Rate is very important to us as it dictates the sustainability of trout and salmon farming, and fish feed is also our biggest cost.No antibiotic chemicals or growth hormones are used on our farm.