Do you remember the TV show Green Acres running on repeat growing up? Or maybe you've seen the hilarious re-runs? Here's a selection of our farm stay experiences that any modern Eva Gabor would be happy with.
Who cares if you can't tell a boy cow from a girl cow?
The appeal of country holidays is timeless: fresh air, plenty of space plus local produce to put a twinkle back in your eye. Our rural regions are tailor-made for a revitalising holiday break and you may also learn some helpful stuff about cows. Or are they steers? You be the judge.
Some of these delightful rural properties are on working farms so you can see the daily rituals of our hardworking farmers. Others are secluded escapes nestled in rural splendour, so all you have to do is relax and fall in love with the serenity.
Afterall, it's inspired a lot of tree-changers to make some life altering decisions for a better work-life balance. Will you be one of those too?
Plan your 'yee hah' holiday here with us and blaze your own trail in the Barrington Coast.
The Mad Shack, Mitchells Island
Who said farm stays only had sheep or cattle? This is utterly unique riverside accommodation at the oyster farm owned by the Mad Shuckers from Brighton Oysters. As the only oyster farm overnight experience on the east coast, you can savour the freshest oysters harvested right from the farm waters at your doorstep.
Explore the local waters, take a boat tour of the working oyster farm and watch the sunset from the farm wharf as you enjoy a tasting plate of oysters with paired wines and gourmet delicacies.
Villa Medici B&B, Gloucester
Enjoy peaceful rural views of the Buccans Buccans at this delightful farm stay featuring French Provincial style. This purprose-built B&B offers two suites, each with its own verandah to relax, watch the grazing cattle and enjoy the sunset.
In addition to the heated plunge pool and spa, there are bicycles available to explore the property. Bathrooms feature deep European Duo bath designed with room for two.
Highlanders Retreat, Tugrabakh
Situated on 50 hectares near Gloucester, this 1890s original cottage has been beautifully updated to provide modern conveniences. There are sweeping views of the rolling countryside and you’ll feel like you’re on a classic movie set. We loved it so much that we used it for our photo shoot, the friendly Angus steers (yes, the boy ones) at the front door became our media superstars!
Clunes Lane Cottage, Coopernook
If you're looking for a farm stay suitable for a Country Style magazine cover, then you'll love this stylish farm stay in a hidden riverside location. A converted milking shed, Clunes Lane Cottage is nestled on the southern edge of Mamboo Island on the Manning River delta. The cottage has been lovingly restored, tastefully decorated and enjoys views from every room. Settle in for the day and take in the fresh salty air and views on the beautiful sunny deck or if the weather is less than average, get comfortable on the linen couch by the fire.
Ashmar Farm Stay, Waukivory
Ashmar helped farm stays become popular, it’s one of the originals and still one of the best. Family holidays are unique at Ashmar: try your hand at milking a cow, collecting farm eggs or feeding the animals and enjoy a hay ride around the property. Set on a 200 hectare Hereford cattle stud, Ashmar Farmstay is a Destination NSW Award Winner offering a true country experience loved by all its guests, especially the kids!
Buster's Run, Topi Topi
This gorgeous rural property ticks all the boxes for 'living in the country': wide open spaces; complete privacy; stunning views from almost every room (even the downstairs billiard room); open plan living area so you can still be part of your guests' conversations; slow combustion fireplace for cozy winter months; and wrap-around verandah to watch sunrises or sunsets. In the garden there are outdoor living areas with an enormous old campfire to sit around and spin a yarn or two. Country happiness can be found here.
Altamira, Bundook
Altamira Along Bakers Creek is a country escape on a working farm in the heart of our region near Gloucester. Set on 100 hectares of private rural property surrounded by mountains, the property retains all the original agricultural buildings including the homestead, cabins, and farm shed. Enjoy a picnic by the creek, go bush walking or jump in the pool. The kids will love the animal farm: goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys and peacocks!
Dungannon, Krambach
This deluxe country home at Krambach is designed for modern comfort, set on a 120 hectare property spanning native forests, grasslands, creek, and farm. Nestled on the side of Krambach Mountain with breathtaking views across the valley and towards the coast you won’t be disappointed. The house has a comfortable minimalist design philosophy: clean lines and simple finishes, with featuring materials such as polished concrete floors, native hardwoods, and glass. There’s a plunge pool to enjoy those breathtaking views.
Soulitude Farm Stay, Hannam Vale
This 100 year old ex-dairy is a fun and funky farmhouse with sweeping 360-degree views and near to rainforests, waterfalls and Pacific Ocean beaches. Set on 14 hectares, the timber cottage has been beautifully renovated. It sits inside a fully-fenced yard surrounded by glorious and established large shady frangipanis, mulberry, orange and numerous fruit trees.
Waukivory Estate, Waukivory
The beautifully styled interiors at Waukivory Estate are abundant with the simple country charms of this 100 year old working farmhouse, recently restored. Enjoy the layers of textures inside the home with all the creature comforts, this is a perfect partner to the untouched farmlands and Waukivory Creek that curls through the centre of the property.
Old Fig Farm, Hannam Vale
This is a delightful cottage in beautiful dairy country at Hannam Vale. Old Fig Farm is a 40 hectare working farm and the owners follow the farming practices of regenerative agriculture: chemical free, caring for planet, people, animals, soil. On this green and pretty farm you'll find cattle, goats, horses, chickens, guinea fowl and organic limes.
Riverside Park Cottage, Nabiac
Smart and stylish convenience with country charm, this cottage on 16 riverside hectares offers expansive views over paddocks and the river where you can watch cattle roam lush pastures. This is a perfect escape from the city, where a peaceful quiet ambience is only interrupted by bird and cattle calls. At night, soft beds will ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.
Shinglers Cottage, Mayers Flat
This is a storybook rural cottage beautifully set at Mayers Flat near Bulahdelah in the heart of the Myall Lakes region of the Barrington Coast. Although it's not a working farm itself, the neighbour runs cattle in the paddocks, so you can easily imagine life on the land as those friendly cows greet you each day.
Tirrintippin Farm Stay, Elands
Close to stunning Ellenborough Falls, this relaxed farm stay accommodation is an old barn renovated into comfortable quarters. The rustic veranda overlooks the rolling hills of the farm and the border of the National Park. Tirrintippin is a working farm with horses, puppies, piglets, ducks, sheep and chickens and organic gardens. It follows principles of ecological agriculture. If the TV show Green Acres had an Australian setting, then this would be it. You can easily believe the lovable character Fred Ziffel is about to knock at your door with his pig Arnold under his arm.
