Queensland has more than its share of beautiful farm stays to get you back to nature and help you find that zen place you lost in the city somewhere. We’re not talking pitching a swag by the side of a paddock, we mean mountain cabins and heritage cattle farms—though if you're keen to BYO swag, there's also ample opportunity to camp under the stars.
Here are 13 of the best farms you can stay at near Brisbane.
Mayan Farm
Noosa Hinterland
If you want the farm vibes but not the rustic accommodations, Mayan Farm is the spot for you. Sitting on more than 100 acres in the Noosa hinterland, the farm is home to cattle, horses, ducks and sheep, but it also now hosts those with only two legs, thanks to a luxe rammed earth villa on the property. With an alfresco deck, pizza oven and a plunge pool (just to name a few of the amenities), all overlooking the farmland and countryside views. The villas sleep up to eight, so split the bill and take your whole crew. Book here.
Cadaghi Cabin
Ninderry
Surrounded by a perfectly manicured 5-acre property, Cadaghi Cabin is the definition of farm living. The owner handcrafted the house with antique windows and 100-year-old timber floors, so this is definitely not your average country cabin,but it’s kitted out with all the mod cons you’ll need. Soak up the country sun on the back deck, set up by the outdoor firepit, or feed Taco the Shetland pony. Looking for outing options? The cabin is only a short drive to Yandina, and the renowned Spirit House Restaurant. And just so you know, it recently made the finalist list for Host of the Year in Airbnb’s 2022 Host Awards, so you know you’ll be looked after—the owners will even bring you freshly baked bread and farm eggs each morning. Book your stay here.
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm
Scenic Rim
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm is an iconic Queensland farm stay experience. Tommerup’s is all about the farm-to-fork experience where, as well as dishing up the freshest local and organic produce, you can help the farming family milk cows, pick vegetables for your very own feast or picnic hamper, perfect for finding a sweet spot to take in those Scenic Rim views. Book here.
Wittacork Dairy Cottages
Witta
Set on over 300 acres of pure Queensland rainforest, Wittacork is, to this day, a working dairy farm and is listed as a Land for Wildlife registered property, making it a haven for native fauna. Spend a couple of days here and you'll certainly feel as though you've gotten back to nature; watch the farm's cows being milked, or hang on the banks of Lake Baroon (if you stay a night or two make sure to watch the sunset across the lake from your self-contained cottage). With kilometres of walking tracks and Obi Obi Gorge National Park to explore, Wittacork is the perfect farm homestay. Book here.
Cedar Glen Farmstay
Beaudesert
Cedar Glen Farmstay is situated on over 1000 acres of lush green pastures, all framed by the wild beauty of Lamington National Park. While your more traditional farm stay activities are abundant, the real highlight of Cedar Glen is their trail rides which trek through the foothills of the stunning Lost World Valley.
Tiny Farm House On The Hill
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
There are two things we love in the world: farm stays and tiny houses and, lucky for us, this farmhouse combines both into one picture-perfect getaway. This modern two-bed farmhouse has all the amenities needed for a private getaway including kitchen, modern toilet, outdoor fireplace and patio (all tiny of course) and some big, beautiful views to go with it. You can also spend some time with mini pigs, horses, ducks and even catch a glimpse of the platypus in the nearby creek if you’re lucky. Book here.
Darlington Grove
Scenic Rim
This one-bedroom farm stay allows you to quite literally lie amongst farming history, as you’ll be sleeping in a former milking shed. If you’re thinking that doesn’t sound super comfortable, don’t panic, it’s been fully renovated and features a queen bed and two singles if needed. This farm experience is super immersive, and you can get as hands-on in farming life as you like. If you choose to partake in farming duties, you’ll be able to feed the sheep, chicken, and ducks, collect and chop firewood, care for the sheep and check on the horse’s water supply. If you want a bit more relaxation, explore the olive grove and take a dip in the Albert River. Book here.
Old Glenroy Dairy
Sunshine Coast Hinterland
This quaint homestay was built in the 1920s, and has since been restored, maintaining the original character that makes it unique. Located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, you’ll be able to explore plenty of local towns while you’re there like Maleny and Eumundi. The property is part of a working cattle farm so you’ll catch plenty of cow glimpses and, on request, you can help out with the feeding jobs. The cottage promises misty views all the way down to the Mary River, an abundance of fig trees, and, of course, stunning sunsets to help you leave the work week behind and embrace rural life. Book here.
Sunshine Coast Farm Stay
Glasshouse Mountains
Looking for something with a bit more space for friends and family? This farm stay 40 minutes from Brisbane has three king-size bedrooms, an enormous living area and a pool with incredible mountain views. Bushwalking, mountain climbing and day trips to the beach are all a must to really take in the sights and sounds of the region. The owners will also provide picnic baskets filled with local produce or organise dinners under the stars if requested so you can make your stay as relaxing as you’d like. Of course, it wouldn’t be a farm stay without plenty of cows, horses and chickens to keep everyone thoroughly entertained. Book here.
Rosecliffe Bus Stop
Noosa Hinterland
You can call a vintage bus home on your next vacation with a stay at Rosecliffe. This retreat borders on Woondum National Park Rainforest and yes, you will actually be staying in a 1952 Leyland Tiger bus. The bus is set in a pavilion which features gorgeous views, an undercover deck and a restorative claw foot bathtub. The 93-acre property has a few alpacas that are sure to pay your weekend home a visit and plenty of native wildlife, from wallabies to sugar gliders, koalas, cockatoos, and eagles. The estate also has a very sleek infinity pool which is just begging to be splashed around in. Book here.
Laceys Creek Homestead
Dayboro
Step back to the 1920s with this heritage accommodation option. The restored farmhouse embraces its past and really provides the ultimate regional farm escape. Walking in, you’re greeted by a constant breeze, beautiful wooden flooring, a fireplace, traditional oven and farm-style furnishings. Limited reception allows you to relax and take in the unrivalled views of Lacey’s Creek valley on your private balcony and explore the many walking tracks. While you have the three-bedroom home all to yourself, you’re on an 80-acre working property so cattle, chicken and goat sightings are very likely. Book here.
Mango Hill Farm
Sunshine Coast Farmhouse
Another restored cottage, this Mango Hill retreat offers two bedrooms and lots of opportunities for exploring. Located in Peachester there are views of the Glasshouse Mountains area and Mt Beerwah. If you head down to the forest walk near the creek you’ll most likely make some new friends with the hinterland creatures living in the area, from kookaburras to water dragons and finches. The owners rescue and look after goats, alpacas, sheep and miniature horses so you’ll have the opportunity to hang out with their furry friends and really test out if farm life is for you. We’d just like to add that it also has a rotunda in the garden, and we can’t stop daydreaming about the tea parties that could be held in that space. Book here.
Clandulla Cottages And Farmstay
Scenic Rim
If rural country charm is more your thing, Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay is for you. This farm stay has all your traditional farm activities and animals on-site while featuring a number of luxury suites. Spend your time fussing over baby animals or grab a book and chill out underneath a shady tree in a quiet corner of the gorgeous property.
Keen to get out there, but not one for farm life? Check out these glamping spots instead.
Image credit: Tourism Events Queensland (Mayan Farm), Airbnb
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