A fabulous farm stay isn’t just about waking up at the crack of dawn to milk cows and sow seeds (it’s a holiday, after all!). But you will get the chance to see how life really plays out on a working farm, while enjoying some of the spoils along the way. Here are some of Australia’s best farm stay experiences, from the dusty to the decadent.
1. The Quarters, NSW
Located a few hours drive from Sydney, The Quarters offers a real farm experience in Emu Swamp, a few minutes from the charming regional town of Orange. It’s a sixth-generation sheep farm where you can, of course, spot these woolly cuties and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a working shearing shed. Then retreat to your own private quarters, complete with comfy queen beds and TVs, to relax and unwind.
2. Mt Mulligan Lodge, QLD
Don’t be fooled by the fact this place is a 28,000-hectare big cattle farm – Mt Mulligan Lodge is pure luxury. Next to the mighty Mount Mulligan, a stay here is about immersing yourself in nature, sure… but it’s also about getting stuck into awesome experiences like cattle mustering, paddle boarding and digging into the gourmet goods the lodge offers as part of its offering. Best to leave the kids at home for this trip, I reckon 😜
3. Diamond Forest Farm Stay, WA
Skip the zoo and take a trip to Diamond Forest Farm Stay, where over 100 types of animals roam the grounds, from alpacas to ducks and kangaroos. The fun doesn’t stop there, though. There’s a games room, canoeing, daily animal feedings and a peaceful three acre dam in the centre, perfect for relaxing sundowners once the kids have gone to bed.
4. Royal Mail Hotel, VIC
Okay, confession time. This farm stay isn’t all open fields and sheep up to your balcony… bunking at Royal Mail Hotel in regional Dunkeld at the foot of the Grampians is more of a luxe interpretation 😉 That doesn’t mean you won’t get up close to the great outdoors, though. This fine-dining hotel has its own adjoining kitchen garden as well as cattle farm, with the beef and lamb heading (almost) straight into the kitchen at on-site fine diner Wickens and the more relaxed Parker Street Project. Now that’s what we call farm-to-plate.
5. Lockleigh Park, TAS
You don’t have to be a horse-lover to appreciate this incredibly unique farm stay. Lockleigh Park is a full working Arabian horse farm located around 30 minutes outside of Launceston. You’re just 15 minutes’ drive from a couple of local wineries and rooms are fully self-contained, so you can cook on-site and maximise your time soaking up the serene atmosphere. Also: if you’re doing it for the ‘gram, photo opportunities abound when you’re frolicking with the local horses, cows, dogs and chickens.
6. Mount Bundy Station, NT
With so many outdoor activities, keeping the little ones busy will be a cinch at this historic cattle station. There are plenty of animals to make friends with (I hear Nigel the Bull is pretty chill!) and adventures to be had – the barramundi fishing on-site is said to be epic. For the adults? A visit to the on-site bar isn’t a bad shout 😉
7. Clandulla Cottages, QLD
It might go against your instincts to drive away from the beach when you’re on the Gold Coast, but it’s well worth it to reach the rustic charm of Clandulla Cottages, roughly half-way between the GC and Brisbane. You’re a short drive from glow worm caves and you’ll not only get up close and personal with traditional farm animals, you might also spy the odd kangaroo or peacock. It’s the perfect spot for those travelling with little, curious ones in tow!
So, wot are you waiting for? Ditch the city life for a few days and get out into nature – we reckon you’ll be a new person by the time you get home!
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
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