Best Places to Farmstay Near Brisbane, Queensland

Farmstay near Brisbane

Brisbane is a buzzing city and it sometimes gets to a point where you feel that you are exhausted and overwhelmed by everything. But if you feel that you are not ready for long travel and not up for a flight to a holiday destination, don’t fret. Some of the coolest holiday destinations are within driving distance from Queensland’s capital city, including farmstays. My good friend Paul, an experienced Brisbane house washing professional, says this is one of his favourite things about living in ‘Brissie’ – it has all the conveniences of living in a large city, yet easy access to the outback.

Whether you are up for some farm activities or you just want a momentary escape and solitude from all the city chaos, there’s always something that suits your preferences. You may even learn a thing or two about how a farm operates on a day-to-day basis that you can eventually use when you decide to have a farm of your own.

Some Farmstays Near Brisbane

Brisbane River at sunset

Branell Homestead

This federation-style Queenslander homestead is situated in the majestic Lockyer Valley and caters to people who aim to experience the old-fashioned country life, away from the noise and chaos of city living. It is an 80-acre property close to Laidley, which is just around an hour’s drive from Brisbane.

Because of its spectacular location and overall aesthetics, it is also a very popular country wedding and reception venue that also includes on-site accommodation for the families and guests of the newlyweds.

As a farmstay, it offers luxe lodgings for both solitude-seeking tourists via its standalone cabins and for groups and families via its suites. Each accommodation serves you with a spectacular view of the Lockyer Valley from the comfort of your cabin’s deck. De-stress by just sitting and enjoying the peaceful surroundings and friendly atmosphere as cows graze in the paddocks, fish jump in the lake, and birds fly overhead.

Glasshouse Mountains Farmstay

Formerly an old Dairy Shed that has been transformed into four bedrooms, five beds, and two-bathroom accommodation that can house a maximum of eight guests, Glasshouse Mountains Farm Stay is a nice place to have a break from the city’s busy life. What’s good is that you don’t have to go far from the city as it’s only a 40-minute drive from Brisbane. 

Some of the amenities include a barbecue, outdoor furniture, and a swimming pool. Enjoy the outdoors by seeing amazing sunsets and feeding the animals with the kids. This multi-generation farm grows fruits like apples, pineapple, and passion fruit, among others.

Mango Hill Farm

In Peachester, Queensland, just a 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane, lies a lovely property named Mango Hill Farm. If its beauty isn’t enough for you to fall in love with the place, know that it is also home to a herd of rescue animals.

Accommodations include Dovecote Cottage which is a 112-year-old Queenslander that was restored but is still adorned with old decorations. Food is never a problem here as you can feast on the farm’s seasonal produce delivered in a hamper or you can even pick some yourself. They even serve afternoon tea with homemade scones.

It is a private haven where you can rest and unwind or participate in simple farm activities such as collecting eggs, feeding livestock, spotting animals from afar, or sampling vegetable gardens. However, it also caters to different family occasions or even business events or retreats.

Mayan Farm

Located within the Noosa Trail Network along the Kin Kin Creek that’s a two-hour drive away from Brisbane, it comprises 100-plus acres of fertile land full of grass for grazing. Being a working farm, it contains a plethora of livestock that include cattle, sheep, quarter horses, and ducks, which are roaming around the large paddocks within the property.

Mayan farm provides sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation which are popularly known as Mayan Luxe Villas. They offer a whole-house experience with a wide view of the farmland and the surrounding countryside.

Each villa can accommodate up to eight guests and the whole property’s structure is constructed using eco-friendly materials as it follows a strict sustainable luxury ethos. These materials include recycled timbers that came from the original construction of the slab hut building and rammed earth or compacted natural materials in place of commercial concrete. These make the villas cool during summer and warm during winter. 

Paradise Country Farmstay

This great adventure location that is perfect for families seeking opportunities to bond together to create good memories is just a 45-minute drive away from Brisbane. Here, you can enjoy some of the best camping adventures as it is home to some of the unique wildlife in Australia, as well as a plethora of farmyard animals.

The farmstay also offers sunrise and sunset activities but you can choose to just relax and enjoy solitude while being mesmerised by the beauty of the surroundings. The choices for accommodations can include Camp and Van Site, Eco Tent Couple, Eco Tent Couple Ensuite, Eco Tent Family, and Eco Tent Family Ensuite, and will depend on the number of guests.

Kids will surely enjoy collecting eggs, milking cows, visiting animals, and also enjoying some lawn games. At night, you can all gather around over a campfire while roasting marshmallows.

Best Places to Farmstay Near Rockhampton, Queensland

Rockhampton farmstay cattle

Rockhampton, Queensland is a popular destination itself, being rich in history and culture. However, not a lot know about this aside from the fact that it is one of the largest cities in the state and that it is considered a hub for activity in the region. When he’s not busy doing the best pressure washing Rockhampton has to offer, Scott of Capricorn House Washing says he loves to get away and enjoy the bush or the incredible waters at Yeppoon. “There’s so much diversity on the doorstep here in Rocky!”

Whether you are from the area and fed up with the usual stuff or a tourist wanting a relaxing rural escape after experiencing performing arts, heritage villages, art galleries, bars, and restaurants in this side of Australia, you don’t have to go far. There are a lot of good places to stay and to try countryside life with only a short drive from Rockhampton.

Where to Have a Farmstay Near Rockhampton?

Fitzroy River, Rockhampton

4Mile Farm

If you are a resident of Rockhampton, you really do not have to go far to experience authentic farm life. Just a 10-minute drive south of this city lies a picturesque farmland of about 104 acres. It is a working farm with lagoons where you can swim and a few seasonal creeks, and where you can immerse yourself into its actual operations.

It offers actual lessons about horse riding and other programs like the Horses Helping Humans program, Stable to Stable program, Everything Farm program, etc. that are being offered all year round. These are very essential parts of your learning about rural farm operations, as well as life skills.

However, if you just want to have to have a breath of fresh air, relax, and enjoy nature, you are most welcome to do so. Interact or feed the animals, pony pamper sessions, learn to horse ride, do picnics and have BBQs. Activities are open to families, groups, camps, team buildings, and even private bookings.

Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay

If you are up for some hands-on experience in an Aussie farm rather than just taking time off from your hectic city schedule, this is the perfect spot. Located in Marmor, QLD, about 35 kms. south of Queensland’s Beef Capital, or about a 30-minute drive, it offers activities that guarantee unforgettable memories for every age of its guests.

Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay is a fully working farm with animals that roam around freely on the property. Activities to choose from include horse riding, motorbike riding, animal feeding, kayaking, swimming, Chuck Wagon sunset tour, and mountain biking, among others.

To complete the farm experience, how about having a wood fired BBQ or cooking your food through a camp oven pit? It has readily available Alkoomi Beef BBQ packs should you need them anytime. The best part is that the firewood is absolutely free.

Hedlow Retreat

This is situated within the 14 hectares property known for its scenery of lush hinterland that’s not far off from Rockhampton as it will only take you 25 minutes of driving up to its location in Barmoya, Livingstone Shire, Queensland. It also boasts of its spectacular backdrop consisting of hardened volcanic magma and expansive landscapes that will surely leave you in awe.

A family-owned property, Hedlow Retreat is intended to be a secluded haven for individuals, couples, families, or groups to have a private space to unwind and be one with nature. It can also serve as a function venue for different occasions and events like weddings, receptions, retreats, teambuilding, etc.

Its onsite canopy opens out to well-manicured lawns that stretch all the way to the Hedlow Creek banks. These lead to the freshwater that’s so inviting for swimming and kayaking activities. Accommodation options include one-bedroom cabins, studio cabins, and Hedlow lodge rooms, which can accommodate a total of 25 persons at a time.

Myella Farmstay

Just an hour and a half hour drive from Rockhampton to Kokotungo, Queensland where it is located, this 2600-acre cattle property offers a variety of farm activities that guests looking to unwind would really enjoy. It offers modern facilities in the property while still maintaining its old-fashioned aesthetics which it has been known for since it opened over 30 years ago, living up to its country vibe that people wanting some moment off the grid are seeking for.

Owned and operated by a genuine farming family, it offers various farm activities such as horse riding, animal feeding, riding in a 4WD, stargazing, bushwalking, and even campfire, among others.

One selling point of this farm is its guarantee to spot kangaroos during your stay. Accommodations include air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, a swimming pool, and home-cooked food.

Shiralee Clydesdales & Farm Stay

Just 15 minutes drive from Rockhampton, this farmstay is located in Nankin, Livingston Shire. This Prado Downs horse spelling farm is also home to Shiralee Clydesdale Stud. Despite functioning as a full-operational farm, it offers a camping site with accommodation for guests wanting to take a break from city life.

Choices include a fully self-contained cabin with two bedrooms or a Winnebago camper that’s also fully self-contained. While staying there, you can take advantage of the free activities like collecting eggs, feeding the horses, and patting the foals. You can also drink around a communal campfire and use a smaller fire pit for privacy.

Also available is a horse-drawn carriage ride that comes with extra fees. Some of the best months to come are between March and September as more activities are available.

Best Places to Farmstay on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Sunshine Coast Farmstay

Sunshine Coast is known for its hybrid landscapes where rural and urban characters co-exist. Here are the reasons why.

It has a reputation as a frontrunner in the fields of farm machinery finance, health and sciences, manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, agriculture, and clean technologies. Companies that focus on new technology, knowledge-based, and specialist ICT are also abundant. 

The climate is perfect for agribusiness, different fruits and vegetables production, seafood, horticultural products, baked goods, and dairy. All these are a clear indication that Sunshine Coast is a thriving business region in Australia.

On the opposite of the spectrum are the characteristics that make it live up to its name – Sunshine Coast. With 261 days of sunshine per year, a fantastic climate, majestic beaches, and great outdoors, it’s definitely one gigantic travel destination.

Farmstays Within Sunshine Coast

Sixty6 Acres

Situated in Woombye on the Sunshine Coast hinterland and borders Bruce Highway in the north, this 66-acre paradise offers country-themed deluxe accommodation for any individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends or colleagues who want to spend time away from city life. Sixty6 Acres prides itself on its spectacular views that promise to give you that serene feeling and recharge your weary body and mind.

You can feed the animals sheep, cows, and donkeys or just search for platypus as you stroll by the creek. Or better yet, walk towards where the bush and the beach meet and explore the hinterland and coastline for what they have to offer.

Choice of accommodations includes six two-bedroom farm quarters that are all architecturally designed. Its luxury lakefront cabins are accessorised with full kitchens, freestanding baths, wide decks, wood-burning fireplaces, and top-of-the-line modern conveniences.

Smith House at the Falls Farm

At the highest ridge of Mapleton town lies this oldest but beautifully reconditioned house. It was originally constructed in 1908 by the Smith Family. It has a living room, dining room, and kitchen, and a large deck with a view of Obi-Obi Valley. It is also strategically set so that guests can have a perfect view of the sunset.

The living areas and the bedrooms are spacious and are decorated in such a way that combines luxury and history. The house is perched on half an acre where you can have a short walk to Mapleton Falls and The Falls Farm.

Despite the limitations of the area and the corresponding activities that you can do here, this is just a 35-minute drive away from the Sunshine Coast airport, 40 minutes from Noosa, and 90 minutes from Brisbane where you can explore more places. Not only that, it is only around 25 minutes from the beaches of Sunshine Coast if you want to have a swim with the family.

Tiny Farm House on the Hill

Located in Peachester in Sunshine Coast, this place has a breathtaking 180° perspective of the rolling Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with animals such as sheep, alpacas, and mini cows roaming around the property as you gaze from windows of the minimal impact luxury tiny house. You can even come near them if you wish and feed them through the fence.

The lawns by the creek are also so inviting, especially so that platypuses and ducks can also be seen. A covered boathouse pavilion can also be used as a relaxing spot where you can catch up on your reading or just enjoy the scenery.

The accommodation also has a kitchenette and BBQ on the patio. You may also eat near the fireplace outside where you can also do stargazing at the same time. How about snacking on some organic fruits and veggies?

Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat, Maleny

Maleny - Queensland Sunshine Coast hinterland

This is one of the original cottage retreats in Maleny and one of the most hidden as it is set within the majestic nature of Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Its classic bungalows are strategically scattered over the 50 scenic acres of the property, intended to catch the perfect views and breeze as they blend in the environment.

The 6 spacious self-contained cottages are kept simple yet comfortable and give guests the ultimate privacy that they deserve. They all have a King bed, log fireplace, spa bath, and basically everything you need to have the most relaxing rural experience.

You have the option to have generous breakfast baskets and other packages. However, only the accommodation is fixed and visitors are allowed to personalise the service according to how they want to enjoy their stay. 

Wittacork Dairy Cottages

This serene rainforest retreat situated at Maleny, Sunshine Coast, and around 1 hour 30 minutes away from Brisbane offers a legitimate Australian farmstay for individuals, couples, groups, and families. It is a 700-acre working dairy farm, with about 20% covering pristine rainforest.

Wittacork Dairy Cottages is a Land for Wildlife registered property and connects Kondalilla National Park and Lake Baroon. Its cottages are self-contained and strategically situated on a ridge overlooking these two majestic sites.

Also, within its rainforests are about 5.5 kilometres of walking tracks that come with bridges and viewing areas for the waterfall. For a full farm experience, guests can tour the dairy, collect eggs, feed the animals such as pigs and goats, and even help in bottle feeding the calves. You can even use its 6-wheeler farm vehicle called “gator” to make short rides around the farm. If you have tagged along kids, they’ll surely enjoy Pony Rides.

What Is A Farmstay In Australia?

Australian Farmstay at sunset

Have you ever wondered what life on the farm feels like? Imagine getting immersed in agricultural life or participating in its social practice. Whether your purpose is recreational or educational, it will surely be a worthwhile experience.

Being one of the most environmentally diverse countries on the planet, it’s no surprise that Australia is also a farming nation with its vast agricultural land. Hence, it can offer some of the most ideal farmlands to tourists who want to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about how farm life revolves on a day-to-day basis.

A farmstay is a type of accommodation on a fully operational farm. In short, it is another way of showcasing how farm life works for kids and adults alike while they enjoy their break from their busy school and work schedules.

Gone are the days when the exclusive destinations tourists go to on a holiday are beaches and other types of nature tripping and recreation. Even farmers have adjusted the way they work to make room for interested people in learning this livelihood.

Types of Farmstays

Farmstays can be in any form and function below: 

Agritourism

From the name itself, agritourism is basically where a farm or agricultural land with farming facilities opened to the public for various reasons such as touring, having farm stands where different farm produce are being displayed for sale, and u-pick where tourists are allowed to pick fruits and vegetables from the farm themselves and pay for them.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism with a noble purpose and not just offering a venue purely for personal enjoyment. This is considered responsible travelling to any natural, conserved, and protected parts of the environment with the intention of promoting the conservation of the area and everything in it, as well as improve local people’s well-being.

Geotourism

Geotourism is a bit similar to ecotourism in the fact that they both have responsibilities that come along with every trip. However, geotourism aims to sustain or even enhance the geographical characteristics of the environment, its heritage, culture, and the aesthetics of the place, as well as the welfare of the residents.

Experience Farmstays in Australia

Farmstays are an ideal destination if you are looking for a staycation that involves either being one with nature, with different activities and tours or interacting with farm animals that your family can enjoy. 

You can choose the level of accommodation that you prefer or afford as every state has them all. The typical characteristics of farmstays in Australia include:

  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Campsites
  • Cattle Mustering
  • Farm animal activities for children
  • Homesteads
  • Horse Riding
  • Pet-friendly
  • Rustic cabins

Two Ways to Enjoy Farmstays

Rustic Australian farm shed

Farmstays can be the interactive type or family-focused if you have children who might be interested in collecting eggs, feeding animals, and doing other farm-related functions. That is if they allow kids at all because there are others that don’t. It can also be just a place to unwind where you can savour moments like relaxing underneath the night sky or gazing at the setting of the sun with the scent of grass, of hays, and of nature all over.

Hands-On Experience

If you and your family have been living in the city all your lives and want to experience life in the countryside even for just a short while, farmstays are the best way to make your wish come to fruition. Here, you can get the type of comfortable accommodation that suits your preference plus experience camping or using a caravan.

Kids will surely enjoy experiencing firsthand how to feed livestock like chickens, pigs, and horses, learn where their food comes from, milk cows, and even watch hens lay eggs or watch these hatch. You can even collect eggs for breakfast for a full farm-to-plate experience.

If you are lucky enough to find full-experience accommodation, they might even offer horseback riding, saddle a pony, or let you ride a wagon. Some even allow having a campfire so you can toast marshmallows in the middle of the night while stargazing.

Rest and Explore

If your idea of vacation or holiday is just momentarily shutting off from the hustle and bustle of city life and just being one with nature, farmstays are one brilliant way to achieve it. De-stress and recharge your energy by just enjoying the views while listening to the sounds of insects and birds, and even the swaying of the leaves of the trees all around.

Even just the simplicity of catching up on your favourite book or savouring your morning coffee with sunshine on your face is enough to reinvigorate you. Or better yet, take out your camera that has been sitting for so long on your shelf collecting dust and try renewing your passion for photography.

This can also be a chance for couples or families to bond over the quiet stillness of nature or even as a special place to hang out and catch up with friends in a more chill manner. Surely, even officemates will gladly turn off their phones and leave their work laptops at home to enjoy everything that farmstays can offer. Be it fishing, birdwatching, stargazing, or exploring country roads together, among other activities.