Picture this: you’re sitting on a wraparound verandah, boots kicked up, cold beer in hand, watching the sun go down. You’ve just spent the entire day feeding farm animals, going for bushwalks, having a picnic lunch, living your best kidult life swinging off ropes, and swimming in a nearby dam or creek.
It’s not hard to see why farm stays in Australia are an increasingly popular way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether it’s to slip out of your usual routine, take in some bigger surroundings, or just a change of scenery, farm stays are a truly magical experience.
Here, Urban List brings you the best farm stays in NSW.
Laurina Estate Countryside Getaway
Forster
Image credit: Laurina Estate Countryside Getaway | Airbnb
Set on a farm near Forster and Tuncurry, Laurina Estate is a bed-and-breakfast-style property with two rooms available to book in a private wing of the main manor house. While you are surrounded by rolling green paddocks and friendly alpacas, you're also only a seven-minute drive from the beach.
Expect luxe bed linen, towels, robes, and toiletries, and access to the pool, gazebo, and gardens. The best part? The stunning outdoor bathhouse with a view across the surrounding farm.
Wallaringa Farm
Hunter Valley
Image credit: Wallaringa Farm | Airbnb
The Hunter Valley’s breathtaking scenery, top-notch wineries and star-spangled night skies are best enjoyed with a home base at Wallaringa Farm, a private estate located in the Dungog Shire near Barrington Tops National Park. Accommodating eight guests with three bedrooms, the property provides the perfect escape for friends, families or three couples, located just two-and-a-half hours from Sydney or one hour from Newcastle.
This modern farm stay has heaps to offer including a fully-equipped kitchen, a commercial coffee machine, heated flooring, plenty of board games, and awesome add-ons like breakfast hampers, charcuterie platters, chef-catered dinners, and in-house wine tastings. Take in expansive countryside views while snuggling up by the indoor fireplace or head outside to the large timber deck for a barbecue, or to the toasty fire pit—an ideal hangout spot with a wine in hand.
Nguurruu
Yass River
Image credit: Nguurruu | Airbnb
Designed by award-winning architects, this luxe converted barn on a working cattle farm was once a horse stable. Its name is the Ngambri word for “camp” and it was chosen by a local elder to commemorate the bush camps First Nations peoples would set up along the Yass River as they moved through the country.
The farm stay operates using regenerative and biodynamic practices and is home to a herd of very cute Belted Galloway cows. There's a firepit, an in-ground heated swimming pool, a full kitchen, a sky full of twinkling stars, and plenty of country air to soak in.
Rosedale Farm
Orange
Image credit: Rosedale Farm | Airbnb
If you'd like your farm stay to feel fresh out of the pages of Country Style, Rosedale Farm is for you. Once the second home of famed Sydney stylist Steven Cordony and his partner Michael Booth, the pair opened up the property to the public in late 2022.
Set on an organic, sustainable farm, Cordony's breathtaking interiors are spread across two independent suites inspired by Italian country farms—think brick parquet flooring, wide fireplaces, and timber beams. This has been overlaid with plush furnishings, Frette linen, Santa Maria Novella amenities, air conditioning, and underfloor heating for a farm stay with all the creature comforts of a luxe hotel.
The Vine Loft By Yeates Wines
Mudgee
Image credit: The Vine Loft | Airbnb
Just five minutes from the heart of Mudgee, The Vine Loft studio farm stay sits above the Yeates Wines cellar door with a deck overlooking the working vineyard.
As well as luxe amenities (a king bed, double-glazed windows, air-conditioning and more), here you'll be treated to a top vine-stay experience. Your booking includes a complimentary wine tasting or glass of wine on arrival and a sunset session or picnic on the lawn.
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Sithuri Tiny Home
Windeyer
Image credit: Sithuri | Airbnb
Sithuri is a tiny home with big amenities so we think you’re going to want to pack your bags for this one, stat. Sitting on 300 acres of farmland, this NSW farm stay is perfect for those wanting heaps of adventure (think bush walks and mountain biking) and ample time to recover in a seriously beautiful outdoor bath (pro tip: bring some magnesium salts).
When you’re not soaking your troubles away, you can also explore the property and visit its alpacas, goats, and farm dogs too.
Wilga Station
Bathurst
Image credit: Wilga Station | Airbnb
Wilga Station is a 260-acre working sheep farm property that captures the best of country living, nestled in rolling green hills close to historic Bathurst and Orange wine country and with a pond for swimming, bush walking track and private trail down to Wilga Creek.
The Farmers Hut is the perfect farm stay for couples, with sprawling views across the entire valley as well as all the seclusion in the world. The hut spills out of the ground and has a grass roof, which camouflages the property in its green surroundings. On top of this, you’ll be completely off-grid with a designer bathroom, sheltered barbecue, and wood fireplace all at your disposal.
For larger groups, The Shearers Hall—literally a converted shearer's shed—sleeps up to 10. Some original elements remain, like the old wool table, which is now a centrepiece dining table.
Barranca
Kangaroo Valley
Image credit: Barranca | Airbnb
There's something truly magical about Kangaroo Valley—and Barranca is one of the most magical spots to stay on a farm in all of NSW. Set on the rolling green hills of Australia's oldest Shire horse stud, Barranca features four luxury villas, each peering out onto a spectacular scene of uninterrupted rainforest and a dramatic sandstone escarpment.
Villas are roomy and come kitted out with a fire pit, fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, smart TV, fireplace, and more. Aside from all the natural beauty and luxe amenities at your fingertips, the property is home to horses, pigs, and a few friendly buffalo—and you're welcome to feed the animals each morning.
There's several pads to choose from: Banksia (sleeps four), Willow (sleeps eight), Ferndale (sleeps eight), and Jacaranda (sleeps four).
River Ranch
Mudgee
Image credit: River Ranch | Airbnb
A trip to Mudgee is always a good idea. One of our favourite places to visit in the area has to be the mighty farm stay known as River Ranch, which sleeps up to eight guests in a gorgeous converted barn.
Apart from its mighty architecture, which packs an open-plan living area, fireplace, 360-degree veranda that overlooks the Riverlea Valley and a clawfoot bathtub, you’ll also be in complete awe of your surroundings. There are alpacas, horses, and a river you can hike down to with a rope swing, tyre swing, and nearby fire pit.
The Machinery Shed
Blue Mountains
Image credit: The Machinery Shed | Instagram
This beautiful farm stay is located on an apple orchard and hobby farm in the Blue Mountains and yes, that means all the picturesque views to boot. The Machinery Shed is a restored historic space with that has been set up to be one of the most romantic getaways in NSW, and you're free to explore the farm’s entirety (even its secret lookout).
The stay faces the Blue Mountains cliffs and overlooks the Kanimbla Valley, which you’ll be able to lap up views of while you kick back in the freestanding stone bath on the deck (or in the roomy tub indoors if you prefer). On top of this, the farm is filled with friendly free-range chickens, alpacas, sheep, and Lottie, the resident dog.
Warramba Farm Retreat
Glen Alice
Image credit: Warramba Farm Retreat | Airbnb
If the idea of an 1890s homestead doesn’t get your heart going, we don’t what will. Situated on 100 acres of regenerated farmland in the Greater Blue Mountains, Warramba farm stay sees kangaroos, wombats, goannas, and birds (including the endangered Regent Honeyeater). This stunning three-bedroom homestead has major design cred—it's been featured in Country Style, Marie Claire, and Dezeen.
If you're after a night under the stars, you can also book swags and stay on the swag deck on the top of the hill with your very own campfire, whisky, and marshmallows (told you this place would get your heart going). The historic Rylstone and Wollemi National Parks are also just a 25-minute drive away.
Kumbogie Cabin
Daruka
Image credit: Kumbogie Cabin | Airbnb
There are lots of reasons why Kumbogie Cabin ticks all the boxes on being one of the best farm stays in NSW. This guy is eco-friendly (off-grid and powered by solar), there’s an outdoor fire pit for the most wholesome nights of stargazing, and it's surrounded by stunning natural surroundings.
You're about nine kilometres from the nearest shops and restaurants, so this farm stay is a perfect option if you're really looking to switch off and enjoy the peace of the Aussie bush.
The Shearing Shed
Cowra
Image credit: The Shearing Shed | Airbnb
If waking up in the morning with a horse literally at your window is high on your travel list, look no further than The Shearing Shed. This charming renovated shed is about five kilometres outside of Cowra and features all the country vibes with high beam ceilings, a corrugated iron structure, festoon lights, and cast-iron detailing.
You can pass the time playing chess on your outdoor table set up or rug up by the log fireplace, plus there are a couple of dogs on the property that will melt your heart when they swing by for a couple of pats and belly rubs.
Corynnia Station
Carathool
Image credit: Corynnia Station | Instagram
Corynnia Station is the pinnacle of a NSW farm stay that drops you in the day-to-day operations. This 17,000-acre working station produces cotton and Merino wool and meat from a flock of 8,000 sheep. The station draws in stunning homestead gardens, a pool, a tennis court, all of the cute animals, and all the delicious food.
Located in the Hay Plains, in the Riverina region of southwestern NSW, this 1930s oasis is pet-friendly and home to some beautiful sunrises. If you’re a nomadic couple or individual, you can hit up owners Bruce and Julie for a short or long stay in exchange for helping them out on the property for a few hours a day.
Kimo Estate
Gundagai
Image credit: Kimo Estate | Instagram
Kimo Estate is a bucket list NSW farm stay. This luxurious country homestead sees everything from weddings and romantic proposals to proper farm life with sheep and cattle. Accommodation here falls into three categories for groups between two and 12, with Kimo’s ever-popular A-frame eco huts, a few cottages, and its six-bedroom shearer's quarters.
Kimo Estates hits the 7,000-acre mark and you can go full Yellowstone here (or City Slickers) with dedicated “cattle station experiences”, which usually run for about a week at a time. You’ll be guided by one of Kimo’s stockmen and horse professionals, learn some cattle working skills and proper horsemanship, and all your meals will be provided with wine and beer too after a hard day’s work.
Little Valley Summerhouse
Laguna
Image credit: Little Valley Summerhouse | Airbnb
Located about 90 minutes north of Sydney, this charming farm brings together two great concepts: getting off the grid and alpacas. Little Valley Farm is all about getting in touch with your surroundings and minimizing your environmental footprint.
The summerhouse is an architecturally-designed masterpiece overlooking a peaceful pond. Inside, nearly every piece of furniture has been created by hand—from the entire kitchen cabinetry to the bespoke bed frames, bed heads, and side tables.
Wildnest Farmstay
Glen Davis
Image credit: Wildnest Farmstay | Airbnb
Adventure-lovers take note. This adults-only luxury glamping experience set on a family farm in the wilderness of the Capertee Valley in NSW offers a farm stay with a difference. There’s two tents located around 60 metres apart in a paddock here, so if you’re travelling with friends you can book both.
Wake up in your king size bed and take in the seriously epic canyon views. Your home away from home might have canvas walls but it doesn’t scrimp on the luxe factor. You’ve got your own kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, large vanity and complimentary IKOU wellness products—plus bubble bath for the tempting outdoor tub. Cook up a feast on the Heston Blumenthal barbecue while the resident cows graze nearby, or take a pew by your private outdoor fire pit and bask in the sounds of nature.
Tiny Farm Escape
Cooranbong
Image credit: Tiny Farm Escape | Airbnb
You’re just 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney at this rural farm stay, and yet your tiny off-grid getaway will leave you feeling seriously unwound. The legends that own this place invite guests to take a stroll through their vegetable and rose garden and feed some bread to the super friendly goats, cows and chickens.
If you fancy taking farm-style living to the next level, you can purchase some free range eggs and seasonal produce from the vegie cart stationed at the farm’s main gate. Whipping up a meal in your tiny home kitchen will be a breeze—it’s got all the essentials you need and there’s an outdoor barbecue too.
Firefly Creek Farm Dairy Stay
Firefly
Image credit: Firefly Creek Farm | Airbnb
Welcome to your own adorable wooden home set among landscaped gardens on a seasonal flower farm on the NSW Barrington Coast. Lovingly restored, this rustic stay is full of character and features an open plan living and dining space with pretty French doors that open out to a sun-drenched back deck.
Fill up the claw foot bath that sits there and enjoy a soak while the sounds of nature soothe your soul. Brekkie is already sorted for you at this farm stay, thanks to the complimentary welcome board of fresh herbs, eggs and flowers provided by the owners. You’re welcome to collect more eggs, herbs, veggies and fruit from the garden, depending on what’s there and, thoughtfully, a basket and secateurs are provided for your use.
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Contributors: Katherine Davison
Main image credit: Laurina Estate | Luxury Escapes
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