TOP FIVE
Australia's best farm stays
Start planning your winter escape now with our round up of Australia's most stunning farm stays. Mandatory? A fire place, an engrossing book and (several) bottles of red wine.
By Liz Elton
As the weather begins to cool and dreams of holidays evolve from the beach getaways of summer months, we are turning our thoughts to rural regions of the country and exploring some of the beautiful farm stays on offer around our great southern land.
Kimo Estate, Gundagai, New South Wales
From $450 a night
Kimo, the aboriginal name for 'mountains', is a 7000-acre working sheep and cattle farm located in the iconic and oft-sung about town of Gundagai. The farm originally got its name from squatters who arrived in the area before even Charles Sturt, and references the mountainous landscape in which it is located. The range of accomodation options makes it a perfect stay for everyone - from couples wanting a romatic getaway off the grid, to larger family groups with children and pets in tow. All of Kimo Estate's eco huts sit high on the hilltops, overlooking the picturesque Murrumbidgee River flats. Our favourite feature? The private hot tubs from where you can relax with a glass of wine while you take in surrounding views.
Upland Farm, Western Australia (top) and the balcony of the Greenly Carriage, South Australia.
Upland Farm, Denmark, Western Australia
Up to four guests, from $500 a night
Owned and run by Perth natives Shelley and Tyrone Kennedy and their two young daughters, Upland Farm is a 107-acre working cattle farm in the coastal town of Denmark, Western Australia. Architect Nikki Ross worked with Shelley and Tyrone to create a newly constructed family home, cladded in Iron Ash, which nestles in to the landscape and provides panoramic views of the farmland, valley and vineyard surrounds. Located in privacy among the paddocks are the available accommodations, also designed by Nikki: The family-friendly Guest House and the adults-only cabins, Wren and Forest. Complete with wood burning fires that run entirely on wood found organically from around the property, the accommodations have been designed thoughtfully with considered finishes in warm, earthy tones that will undoubtedly enable guests to relax, unwind and embrace the true beauty of rural living.
The Greenly Carriage, Coulta, South Australia
Up to three guests, from $284.86 per night
This unique farm stay is excatly what it sounds like - a train carriage, re-imagined. Found on the west coast of South Australia, just a short drive from Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln, the Greenly Carriage offers off the grid escapism for lovers of solitutde and quiet. The interiors have been lovingly pieced together from hand collected vintage pieces and the outlook is one of expansive countryside and ocean. Spend an unforgettable evening by the wood-burning indoor fireplace watching the sun go down or a storm roll in - you'll be in bliss, whatever the weather may have in store.
Five Acres, overlooking Phillip Island's Western Port Bay (top) and Eden Farm Escape in New South Wales' Bilpin.
Five Acres, Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria
Up to two guests per cabin, from $490 per night
Phillip Island lies just off Australia’s southern coast of Victoria and is home to Five Acres, the micro-farm started by Rom and Katie Lamaro and their three children in 2018. The farm uses permaculture paractices to grow organic fruit in their orchard and extensive vegetable gardens and also houses chickens, goats, sheep and two beautiful highland cows. The property is working towards being fully sustainable and already uses solar power, water for irrigation from its own rainwater tanks and even a worm farm septic system. At Five Acres you have your choice of three standalone luxury cabins, all located within ten minutes of the town centre with sweeping views over Phillip Island's Western Port Bay. Enjoy the scenery from your handcrafted concrete outdoor bath, relax by the log fire and enjoy a bespoke grazing platter while drinking locally made wine.
Eden Farm Escape, Bilpin, New South Wales
Up to ten guests (or more across multiple cottages), from $300 per night
Sharing the 90 acre property of Eden Equine, an organisation created for Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy, Eden Farm Escape is comprised of five self-contained, individual cabins nestled into the white fenced green paddocks of picturesque Bilpin. Sharing a border with the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, the hosts offer pony rides, bike and horse riding trails as well as an array of other on-site activities. With an outdoor fire pit, countless bushwalks, a giant chess game as well as resident animals who welcome visitors, Eden Farm Escape is so family-friendly, even the family dog is welcome to join you on your getaway. Our pick of the accomodations on offer is the Charlie cabin, gorgeously designed with an open plan layout, polished concrete floor and a private deck from which you can take in the scenery.
Kimo Estate image by Emily O'Brien Photography. Upland Farm image via Upland Farm. The Greenly Carriage image via Airbnb. Five Acres image by Marnie Hawson via Life Unhurried. Eden Farm Escape image via Eden Farm. Words by Liz Elton.
