Fancy the idea of going back to basics? Then you will love a NSW farm stay holiday.
Living off the land is an increasingly popular fantasy for city families caught up in urban life’s hustle and bustle.
Unfortunately quitting your day job isn’t a viable option for most people.
So trade in the city life for a weekend at any of these NSW farm stays– the kookaburras are calling (literally).
Farm stays Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is about two and a half hour’s drive from Sydney via the M1.
The region is known for growing award-winning Chardonnay, Semillion and Shiraz.
These are our favourite Hunter Valley NSW farm stays.
Belford Block Eight, Belford
Where: 65 Squire Cl, Belford NSW 2335
Just eight minutes off the Hunter Expressway, Block Eight lies at the gateway to the Hunter Valley wine region.
The NSW farm stay commands views out to the Barrington Tops, Brokenback Range and the Great Dividing Range.
Wander around six hectares of grapevines, four hectares of olives and three large dams. Or make friends with any of the wildlife on the property including kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, sugar gliders and swans.
The accommodation sets a high standard for other NSW farm stays to match. Select from any of the five self-contained villas that offer water, vineyard or treetop views.
Plus their philosophy is unobtrusive service, meaning they leave the keys and leave you to your own devices. If you’ve got any questions their team is available whenever you call upon them.
Block Eight is a fully functioning vineyard and producer of olive oil plus it’s surrounded by Hunter Valley’s best wineries and cheese manufacturers. So it’s the perfect rural escape if you’re a budding foodie.
Donnybrook Eco Retreat
Where: 702 Luskintyre Rd, Luskintyre NSW 2321
If safari-style glamping is your style then check out this NSW farm stay.
Donnybrook Eco Retreat is an off-grid property set on 40 hectares of peaceful Hunter Valley countryside.
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Donnybrook has three glamping tents and each one has a double queen bed. The ‘Billabong’ tent is self-contained with its own kitchenette and sits by itself by a dam. The other two, the ‘Valley View’ and ‘Hill View’, sit near each other on a small hillside.
Donnybrook is self-catering but a farm-fresh breakfast pack is included in the rate and, as the name suggests, features some organic products straight from their own farm.
Apart from enjoying the peaceful surrounds and lush grasslands you can swim in the indoor pool, borrow a bike, kayak or fish.
Emma’s Cottage Vineyard
Where: 438 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale NSW 2320
Calling all wine-lovers. Emma’s Cottage Vineyard has been producing premium boutique wines since 1989.
They offer a full complement of wine tourism activities and neighbours many other Hunter Valley wineries and cellar doors.
Even if you have no interest in wine, it’s the perfect calm, healing atmosphere to unwind. Test the outdoor swimming pool or visit their onsite art gallery.
At Emma’s you’ll have a choice of two- three- and four-bedroom private cottages that can sleep up to eight guests. All are spacious with generous living and dining areas, cosy log fires and outdoor spaces with barbecue facilities.
If you have an interest in history you’ll want to check out the heritage-listed, 19th-century cemetery on Emma’s Vineyard property.
Gypsy Willows Farm
Where: 201 Narone Creek Rd, Wollombi NSW 2325
This has got to be one of our top picks for a NSW farm stay. Set on 10 hectares of peaceful farmland, Gypsy Willows is a secluded Hunter Valley retreat.
It offers two exclusive private houses: one with three double bedrooms, and the other with two, and all with King or Queen size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Both have their own private pools and log fires.
Meander around the surrounding gardens and farm which is home to cattle and horses.
The farm is within walking distance of the lovely little village of Wollombi. Visit local restaurants, cafes and boutique wineries. Try the famous ‘Jungle Juice’ at the Wollombi pub.
You are in the Hunter Valley so treat yourself to a wine tour, helicopter ride or boat trip.
Little Valley Farm
Where: Laguana, Hunter Valley – you’ll get the exact address once you book your stay.
Get off the grid just 90 minutes from Sydney. The owners of this charming NSW farm stay are also registered alpaca breeders (so yes you could go home with one of the fluffy ‘pacas).
The T4615 Red Rattler is a converted 1950s train carriage and your accommodation for your stay. It offers a spacious bedroom with a queen bed, a camp-style kitchen and an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven.
Satisfy your craving for the outdoors by taking an outdoor bath with hot water, having a lay down on the hammocks or rolling out one of the provided yoga mats on the deck.
The NSW farm stay operates with a minimal environmental footprint. The cabin has 12-volt power, meaning you’ll be able to charge your phone and torches, but it’s not really suitable for your hairdryer. the owners plant a tree for every visitor that stays, to make the farm carbon neutral.
Kangaroo Valley farm stays
The Kangaroo Valley is nestled between mountains two hours south of Sydney via the Hume Highway.
This is the place to go if you love rugged bushwalks, waterfalls and fresh farm produce.
Here’s our pick of the best Kangaroo Valley NSW farm stays.
Minimbah Farm Cottages
Where: 48 Nugents Creek Rd, Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
The most family-friendly NSW farm stay yet, Minimbah Farm Cottages is nestled in the quaint Kangaroo Valley.
It features amazing views of endless grass paddocks that back onto a lush rainforest with its own flowing creek.
A 60 hectare cattle property, Minimbah Farm Cottages is also home to goats, alpacas, sheep, chickens, ducks and abundant wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, kookaburras and echidna.
A ‘Kid’s Fort’ playground with plenty of fun games will keep your little ones occupied. Guests are free to roam at their own leisure around the farm. Feed the friendly alpacas and goats, collect eggs, paddle in the creek, have a picnic or go wildlife spotting.
The property offers three cottages. Budderoo House is perfect for groups or big families with six bedrooms and ample space. Plus there is the three-bedroom loft and two-bedroom cottage.
Amaroo Valley Springs
Where: 260 Bunkers Hill Rd, Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
Amaroo Valley Springs is a working beef cattle farm of 65 hectares of secluded valley.
The NSW farm stay is surrounded by the Morton and Buderoo national parks. It fronts onto Barrengarry Creek and has its very own waterfall.
Enjoy nature and the wildlife at Amaroo Valley springs by taking a dip in the swimming hole or venturing out for a picnic lunch.
Enjoy Kangaroo Valley in the utmost comfort in Amaroo’s boutique cabins.
Both the Bird’s Nest and Grand View luxury cabins feature two generously sized bedrooms, an outdoor deck and full kitchen with a coffee machine and farm fresh food.
Crystal Creek Meadows
Where: 1655 Kangaroo Valley Rd, Kangaroo Valley NSW 2577
Crystal Creek invites all guests to plant a tree to help the farm stay’s ongoing efforts to provide a habitat for native animals.
Borrow a pair of our binoculars and try to sight any of the 95 species of birds at this incredible property.
After more of a lazy holiday? Take advantage of the spa treatments available in your private cottage. Rejuvenate with a ‘Crystal Aromatherapy Massage’ or a private yoga session.
Choose between the one-bedroom cottages; the ‘Billabong’ and the ‘Jolly Jumbuck’, and the two-bedrooms cottages the ‘Fleur Farm’ and ‘Rose Garden’.
Your stay includes breakfast and if you upgrade to the Deluxe tariff, you’ll get a decadent set of extras including afternoon tea with homemade scones and lamingtons, local port, cosy robes and slippers and more.
Luxury farm stays
Barranca, Kangaroo Valley
Where: 408 Bunkers Hill Rd, Barrengarry NSW 2577
Escape to the private world of Barranca, a luxury farm stay geared towards rest and relaxation in an eco-luxe environment.
Designed for the discerning traveller, the exclusive retreat offers luxury accommodation and a state of the art function space. Each of the four villas can sleep up to eight guests.
This 400 hectares rural paradise is beautifully framed by an amazing amphitheatre of sandstone.
Wellness is a key focus at Barranca. So treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment or energise yourself with a private yoga session over the valley.
If your inner-adventurer is calling, Kangaroo Valley has plenty of activities to offer. Go fishing, kayaking, bushwalking, horse riding, mountain biking or take a trike tour
Despite its luxury branding, this NSW farm stay is still family-friendly. Kids will love getting up close with the farm horses.
Belisi Luxury Farmstay Cottages, Wagga Wagga
Where: 1103 Oura Rd, Eunanoreenya NSW 2650
A rural sanctuary awaits you at Belisi Farmstay Cottages, just 15 minutes from Wagga Wagga. Adults and kids are invited to unwind and enjoy the simple things in life.
Adults might like to sit back and enjoy a locally sourced wine and cheese platter. Kids will be jumping for the school holiday program which offers horse-riding, craft, cooking and games.
The two-bedroom luxury accommodation is built from recycled shipping containers and sleeps six guests. It includes your very own stone bath, private deck, kitchen and undercover parking.
As per the ‘luxury’ tag, Belisi can arrange riding lessons, yoga classes, massages or wellbeing sessions so you can make the most of your stay.
Callubri Station
Where: 586 Dandaloo Rd, Buddabadah NSW 2825
Callubri Station is a working farm in outback NSW and in March they started welcoming guests to stay in one of their four Sky Suites. Guests can swim in their 12-metre mineral pool complete with a swim jet, take tours of the farm and watch kangaroos over sundowners.
The owner has had a catering business for years and prepares a three-course dinner for guests in a former Officer’s Mess from World War II.
They’re currently converting the back of an old stock truck into space with astroturf, bathtubs and a chandelier, surrounded by mesh so that we can lie back and look up at the stars and moon without being eaten by mosquitoes.
Callubri Station’s luxury lies in its seclusion. A maximum of 10 guests will share the 11500-hectare property at any given time. So your experience will be nothing short of exclusive.
Back 2 Earth Vegan Health Retreat and Animal Sanctuary
Where: 60 Borrowdale Cl, Berry NSW 2535
If you’re looking for a holistic NSW farm stay that will centre your mind body and soul, Back 2 Earth is the one for you.
Back 2 Earth is an organic farm stay and health retreat. Owner Marc is a massage therapist and ex-pastry chef. His partner and owner Jenny is a fully registered clinical psychologist.
So they are more than qualified in their offerings of massage therapy, float tank therapy, psychotherapy, RAW vegan cuisine, RAW vegan workshops and cooking classes.
Their two-hectare farm produces its own organic fruit and veggies so you can be sure that all the delicious vegan food is farm-fresh. Even if you’re not vegan how could you pass up food that looks like this?
This restful retreat is the perfect escape from urban life. Meet the rescued farm animals, pick your own veggies and soak up the crisp Berry air.
Warramba Luxury Farm Retreat
Where: Capertee Valley, you’ll get the exact location once you book your stay.
‘Warramba‘ means turtle in the local Wiradjuri language. And that’s the pace you can expect to take at this NSW farm stay. Everything here is about slowing down.
The 1890s homestead has been restored into a farm stay worthy of magazine covers (it has in fact featured in Country Style Magazine and Marie Claire).
You can bring along six guests to the homestead, or eight if you add the available bell tent.
If you’re looking for a night under the stars, you can also hire a swag and sleep out on the deck.
The entire 40-hectare property is completely yours to roam around. Explore sheer sandstone cliffs surrounding the property or visit the Rylstone and Wollemi National parks, just a 25-minute drive away.
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- The best bottomless brunches in Sydney
- WA’s best kept wine secret anytime of year
South Coast farm stays
The NSW south coast is a wonderful mix of farmland, ocean, bushland and vineyards.
It’s a place to relax, kick off your shoes and get back to nature.
These NSW South Coast farm stays offer the best chance to do just that.
Cupitt’s Estate, Ulladulla
Where: 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla NSW 2539
NSW’s South Coast is known for being low-key. And nowhere is this best felt than at Cupitt’s Estate overlooking the vineyards that have been knitted to the surrounding hills.
The 100-year-old slab cottage features an original stone fireplace, full kitchen and verandah-dining. Light the fire and cosy up in the cottage, which also looks out over the Budawang Ranges and Burrill Lake.
The Tour & Taste Experience, which includes tastings at the onsite brewery, winery and fromagerie is worth doing. Book lunch at Cupitt’s Estate Restaurant, where they utilise fresh produce from the kitchen garden.
The Woods Farm, Jervis Bay
Where: 2 Bayly Rd, Tomerong NSW 2540
Wind your way down the windswept NSW South Coast to Jervis Bay where you’ll find The Woods Farm.
Luxury country cottages are dotted around some 40 acres of woodlands. Each has its own living area, kitchen and fire pit.
If you want to glamp it up, book a bell tent, which is furnished with a king-sized bed and has a luxe but chill vibe.
Those looking to extricate their children from their devices can nudge them toward yard games such as giant chess, big Jenga and bocce. The farm stay also has cows, alpacas, horses, hens and a big communal bonfire circle.
You don’t have to leave the farm to satisfy your inner explorer. There are bikes on the property, an outdoor swimming pool and a game yard.
If you’re an art-lover you can marvel at The Woods’ own collection. They’ve picked up pieces from laneways in Florence, the hills of Santorini and commissioned their favourite Aussie artists.
Airbnb farm stays
Did you know that you can also book farm stays on Airbnb?
We’ve rounded up the best farm stays we could find in NSW below.
Yarramalong Valley Horse Farm Stay House
Where: 267 Yarramalong Rd, Wyong Creek NSW 2259
Experience life on a horse stud at this newly renovated family cottage. It’s set on 24 hectares of land that fronts onto 1.2km of the Wyong Creek.
The owners of this Airbnb have been breeding world-class Arabian horses for over 40 years. So expect to see a fair few of those four-legged beauties around.
You can even feed the horses with the owners and if you’ve got your own horse they’re welcome too. Stabling is available at an extra charge.
Bellbird Cottage is just an hour north of Sydney and 30 minutes to Shelley Beach, The Entrance and Tawoon Bay. Plus there is a stack of nearby activities including golfing, TreeTop Adventure Park and the Amazement Farm & Fun Park Children’s Maze and Petting Zoo.
The accommodation can sleep five adults (plus an extra two if you utilise the living room). Plus the hosts are well-reviewed Airbnb super hosts.
River Ranch, Mudgee
Where: Riverlea, you’ll get the exact address once you book your stay.
Switch off at this NSW farm stay, just 15 minutes from Mudgee. Your digital detox starts here, where you’ll pat horses and alpacas and stargaze in the evenings.
The luxe barn-style farmhouse is decked out with unique ranch decor, antiques and homewares. There is plenty of space whether you’re a family or a travelling group, with room to sleep eight.
Apart from the stunning design, the farmhouse packs in a living area, fireplace, 360-degree veranda that overlooks the Riverlea Valley, and a clawfoot bathtub.
Hike to the nearby river that’s complete with rope swing, tire swing and nearby fire pit. It’s a great way to spend the day.
Orchard Escape, Blue Mountains
Where: 139 Shipley Rd, Megalong Valley NSW 2785
For the romantics, this NSW farm stay has everything you need for a couples hideaway.
The owners are also behind the Logan Brae Orchards. So there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding apple orchards.
Cosy up in your accommodation – the fully restored Machinery Shed. The ceiling is adorned with fairy lights so you’ll always have a star-lit evening.
This private oasis is full of surprise spots to amp up the romance. Cuddle up by the outdoor fire pit and watch the sunset over the apple orchards. Or pop a bottle of champagne as you soak in one of the freestanding bathtubs that look out over the Kanimbla Valley.
Liberty Retreat & Farm Stay
Where: 20 Marra Ave, Canoelands NSW 2157
This is the tiny NSW farm stay that’s in big demand. Liberty Retreat & Farm Stay is a family run business that offers people an escape from the day to day madness.
Despite their size, the minimalist accommodation packs a whole lot in. The two ‘tiny homes’ – ‘Pete’s Retreat’ and ‘Henry’s Hideaway’ – each sleep four guests with a queen bedroom and foldout lounge. They’ve also found room for a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and dedicated working space.
Each morning you can collect your fresh eggs from the chicken paddock and pick vegetables from the garden. Be mindful of the resident alpaca, she’s friendly but very protective of her chickens.
Liberty Retreat is pet-friendly meaning you can bring your dog (or horse) with you because animals are family too. You will need to ensure your furry friend is under effective control at all times on the property.
Family-friendly farm stays
A farm stay holiday is a great way to get the kids back to nature and off devices. No matter how old they are, kids love tending the animals and collecting the chicken eggs.
Here’s our pick of the best NSW farm stays for families.
Madison’s Mountain Retreat, Kurrajong Heights
Where: 1880 Bells Line of Rd, Kurrajong Heights NSW 2758
If you want to immerse yourself into farm life but aren’t really fans of ‘roughing it’, then Madison’s Mountain Retreat is made for you.
This alpaca farm is set along the outskirts of the Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks.
It features comfortable accommodation, with eight cottages and two refurbished train carriages and a glamping tent. Not to mention the 18-metre heated indoor pool and spa, tennis court, gazebos and barbecues.
The farm’s furry friends are never far away and guests are encouraged to get to know them and even feed them. Make sure to say hello to the baby alpacas, before taking a bush walk nearby.
Coolangatta Estate, Coolangatta
Where: 1335 Bolong Rd, Coolangatta NSW 2535
Coolangatta Estate invites guests to experience the 18th-century charm of life in the NSW countryside.
The accommodation options combine modern facilities with the striking architecture of colonial Australia, making it one of the most unique NSW farm stays.
Best of all the range of diverse accommodation options are located just a short stumble away from the estate’s cellar door and restaurant.
Active types will also appreciate the proximity to the tennis court, games room, croquet lawn and BBQ areas.
Pay homage to your forebears and book a night in the historic Convict Cottage, which is the last remaining convict cottage in the district. If you have kids, blump around the landscape with Bishops Bigfoot Adventures.
Hosanna Farm Stay, Tweed Valley
Where: 4 Tunnel Rd, Stokers Siding NSW 2484
Hosanna Farmstay is just 10 minutes from Murwillumbah and a short drive from Brisbane.
They specialise in providing authentic country camping that is rustic, simple, comfortable and free-range. If camping in tents isn’t for you, there are glamping huts and charming wooden cabins that look out over the dam and surrounding countryside.
Hosanna Farmstay is all about celebrating good old fashioned fun with an immersive experience in nature. Kids can get up close and personal with the farm animals, collect stamps in their own adventure passport, and spend their evenings around the campfire.
There’s always so much to do at Hosanna Farm stay. Get involved in feeding the animals breakfast, go for a kayak and a swim in the nearby dam, play on the rope swings at the creek, conquer the waterslide or head out on one of the walking trails around the farm.
Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park, Myrtle Creek
Where: 670 Elliotts Rd, Myrtle Creek NSW 2469
You’ll feel like you’re at an American ranch at Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park.
The property is a working American Bison ranch. It is set on 477 hectares in the beautiful Bungawalbin catchment area – the largest freshwater wetland in the southern hemisphere.
Aranyani Bison Park is open to day visitors from 10am -5pm, seven days a week with camping and glamping options for overnighters.
This might just be the most fun-filled NSW farm stay yet. There’s an abundance of activities including bike-riding, archery, canoeing, fishing, mini-golf and bison feeding demonstrations.
Cape Byron Farm
Where: 436 Bangalow Road, Hayters Hill, Byron Bay, NSW 2481
Byron Bay isn’t all beaches and hipsters. Discover Byron Bay uniquely at Cape Byron Farm.
The farm sits high on the escarpment at Hayters Hill and overlooks the rolling hills of the Byron Hinterland and the world-class Byron Bay beaches just five minutes away.
Cape Byron Farm has six one- and two-bedroom cottages. They are all self-contained and offer stunning views from every window.
As well as modern holiday cottages, Cape Byron also has their own Mountain Bike Park (BYO bike).
On the property, you’ll see their herd of Angus and Black Baldy cows that roam freely over 121 hectares of lush pasture.
Ba Mack Farmstay, Mudgee
Where: 1367 Windeyer Rd, Windeyer NSW 2850
This NSW farm stay is the ultimate interactive experience for kids and adults alike. Ba Mack Farmstay is a scenic 25-minute drive from Mudgee’s town centre.
From dusk till dawn there are activities lined up. The day starts with full country breakfast provisions that you can cook in your fully equipped kitchen. After, guests can immerse themselves into farm life by bottle feeding baby lambs, collecting chicken eggs or horse riding around the 115-hectare property.
There’s a kids club with plenty of activities including baking (that you can sample later). And the hosts offer child-minding services if parents wish to dine out for the evening.
Ba Mack offers quaint country charm with its two accommodation options. The Ba Mack Cottage and the Ba Mack Train Carriage. Both have private verandahs with gas barbecues and outdoor seating surrounding a fire pit.
How could you not toast some marshmallows and relax under the stars.
Eden Equine, Blue Mountains
Where: 13 Hanlons Rd S, Bilpin NSW 2758
Eden Equine is tucked away on the quieter side of the Blue Mountains. This is a working equine farm that focuses on the healing benefits of horses.
After their youngest child had been challenged with behavioural issues, owners Michael and Deborah were led to Equine Assisted Learning and Therapies.
So it’s no surprise that their own farm stay offers Equine Therapy to children suffering from trauma.
Eden has five self-contained cabins. On the farm, you can bushwalk, swim in the freshwater dam or visit the farm’s resident animals including donkeys, alpacas and goats.
Nestled in the quiet town of Bilpin, you will find lots of things to do outside of the farm too. Visit Bilpin Cider, Mount Vic Flicks or hop on the Hawkesbury paddle wheeler
Mowbray Park, Picton
Where: 745 Barkers Lodge Rd, Picton NSW 2571
This family-owned and operated property 90 minutes south of Sydney has been running since the 1980s. So the team knows a thing or two about life on the land.
Regular farm activities include hay riding, animal feeding, cow milking and egg collecting, plus tennis, swimming and canoeing for the fitness-focused.
Horse-lovers listen up: this NSW farm stay has your four-legged friends in abundance. Pony rides happen each day and – for ages eight and above– an optional horse trail ride will take you winding through the beautiful surrounds
Feed the local residents of the animal nursery, which include creatures great and small – donkeys, alpacas, geese, ducks, goats and sheep. If the timing is right you can bottle feed a calf and help milk Lucy the cow.
Dinner is followed by a glowing campfire, marshmallows and camp songs included – it truly is a barn of a time!
The Picton farm stay has seven lodges to choose from as well as camping and powered RV sites. Each lodge has a unique character and can sleep up to 10 guests. Stay at the colonial style Cheddigton lodge or the 1800’s Chapel.
