The best Aussie farm stays

Slice of rural life

Breath in the country air on a picture-perfect retreat to one of these charming Aussie farm stays.

01 © Unsplash/Adalia Botha 02 & 03 Bunyip Springs Maidenwell © Tourism & Events Queensland

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Bunyip Springs Farm Stay 03

where Maidenwall, QLD Trade in the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of nights in the bush at Bunyip Springs Farm Stay. The 251 Rivendell Farm Cottages hectares are home to a large where Tambo Upper, VIC array of farm animals: kids will Not a fan of ‘roughing it’? Then adore leading and feeding the Rivendell Farm Cottages is for alpacas, milking the cows, you. Enjoying vistas of the grooming the horses before Tambo River, this former dairy taking a led ride, and collecting is now host to two pet-friendly eggs and feeding the poultry. cottages: the three-bedroom Families can choose between Arkenstone and Bag End, The Lodge, a grand house which started life as a water perched high on a hill with tank. While away the hours views of the bushland plateau exploring the mish-mash of below, The Bunyip Springs orchards, trufferie, veggie Cottage or the Farmstay Family patches and pastures brimming Unit – all fully self-contained with cows and sheep – and be with woodfired heaters to cosy sure to keep your eyes peeled up around in winter. for the roaming peacocks. 13 familymattersbyhwk.com.au

Mowbray Park FarmStay

where Picton, NSW This family-owned and -operated property just 90 minutes south of Sydney has been running since the 1980s, so the team knows a thing or two about life on the land. The animal nursery will undoubtedly be a winner with littlies, along with getting up close and personal feeding local residents great and small, which include donkeys, alpacas, chickens, ducks, goats, cows and sheep. In your own time, try some archery, go canoeing, bring your own bikes for a leisurely ride, have a game of tennis or relax at the pool during warmer months.

04 & 05 Activities at Mowbray Park FamrStay

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Mary’s Farm Cottages

where Kukerin, WA Located along the Western Australian Wheatbelt – a region full of quaint yesteryear townships and rolling farmlands – Mary’s Farm Cottages is run by fifth-generation family members excited to share their home among the gum trees with you. Spend the day jumping on a tractor ride, touring the nearby yabby farm, checking out the giant wheat bins and machinery, eating lunch in the shearing shed, tasting honey straight from the beehive or just sitting on your verandah watching the kangaroos hopping about. A playground and sand area will keep little ones entertained while mum and dad cook up a barbecue… on the bonnet of an ancient Austin Truck!

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06 06 Mary’s Farm Cottages © Tourism Western Australia 07 Kings Creek Station © Tourism Australia

Kings Creek Station

where Petermann, NT Situated at the foot of the stunning George Gill Range and surrounded by desert oaks, Kings Creek Station is a working camel and cattle station offering families a taste of everyday outback life. Brave an adrenaline-filled quad safari, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the bordering desert plains and water holes on a scenic helicopter flight, embark on a day hike at the nearby Kings Canyon or delve into Indigenous art and history with a cultural tour, before returning to your safari cabin, glamping tent or bush swag camp for a quiet evening under the stars.

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08 Doggo at Curringa Farm 09 Rounding up sheep at Curringa © Tourism Tasmania

Curringa Farm

where Hamilton, TAS Run by sixth-generation farmers Tim and Jane Parsons, this 300-hectare sheep and cropping property in the Derwent Valley is the perfect spot for relaxing over a cuppa and immersing yourself in a slower-paced lifestyle. The nine tuckedaway cottages overlook the picturesque Lake Meadowbank, perfect for watching sunsets and wildlife spotting, and come with freestanding baths, spacious decks and barbecues. Up for some action? Tours of the working farm include viewing a shearing demonstration, rounding up sheep with the farm dogs, guided forest walks and an afternoon tea of scones and cream.