The best family farm stays in Australia
Unforgettable Australian farm experiences await, from exploring outback cattle stations to making friends with miniature barn animals.
Your welcome party at Sixty6 Acres farm includes miniature cows, donkeys, horses and sheep. If that’s not enticing enough for your overnight farm getaway, there are farm-fresh eggs courtesy of the chickens, horses in the paddocks, a lake to swim and paddle board on and a two-hole golf green. Accommodation ranges from two- to three-bedroom self-contained cottages, each complete with a fireplace and bathtub.
Spy giraffes, zebras, rhinos and antelopes from your Zoofari Lodge deck at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in the vibrant regional city of Dubbo. When you’re not soaking in the wild sights from the comfort of your cosy cabin, you'll be treated to giraffe encounters and a saltwater swimming pool. Sunrise and sunset bring the chance for a real safari experience across the savannah aboard an open-air truck.
Drive just 90 minutes north of Adelaide to land in the quiet calm of Hummocks Station. Dating back to the early 1860s, this beautifully restored ironstone station is bordered by the Barunga Ranges and is home to towering river red gums, native birds and two flocks of sheep. You can sleep in the restored shearer’s shed or book a spot at the caravan site. While onsite, the adventurous can explore the trail to the creek or wander the original outbuildings.
Experiencing life on an outback cattle station has never looked so inviting. The friendly team behind Bullara Station, a one-hour drive south of Exmouth, go above and beyond to ensure every stay is packed with memorable experiences. There’s burger night, walking trails, 4WD access to remote fishing spots, nightly campfire gatherings and open-air showers that ooze outback energy. Plus, you’re only an hour from the magical aquatic experiences of Ningaloo Reef.
A short drive up the Kuranda range will transport you from the balmy tropics of Cairns into the bucolic greenery of Kur-Cow Barnwell Farm. This working cattle property is a hive of activity, offering an incredible Aussie farm adventure. You can book horse rides and quad bike tours, learn about the cattle, pat the ponies and alpacas and taste the farm’s own wagyu beef cooked over a charcoal barbecue.
A stay at Redwing Farm might see you make friends with the resident pigs and ducks, toast marshmallows over the fire pit, play a round of checkers on the giant outdoor checkerboard or explore the pretty property on a bicycle. Located north of Adelaide, the Redwing Farm is anchored by the lovingly restored shearer’s quarters, dating back to the 1860s. Adding to the eclectic accommodation mix is a 1950s caravan and a converted school bus.
Dive into life on a working sheep farm with sixth-generation farmers Tim and Jane Parsons. The passionate farming duo have opened their Curringa Farm, north of Hobart, to share tales about running 3,000 sheep and the beauty of the Australian bush. Book a tour to see a sheep shearing demonstration, watch working farm dogs and learn about land care. After, roam free on the property to fish, bird watch and hike to nearby waterfalls in the forest. Deluxe studios and cottages can sleep between two to eight guests.
