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 are the best farm stays in NSW.
Rosedale Farm
Orange
If you like your farm to feel like a luxurious ranch torn from the pages of Vogue, Rosedale Farm is the one for you. Once the second home of famed Sydney stylist Steven Cordony and his partner Michael Booth, the pair will be opening up the property to the public in late 2022. Set on an organic, sustainable farm, Cordony's breathtaking interiors are 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. Still to come in the renovation is a pool and gym, complete with Technogym equipment. Like we said—luxe.
For the upcoming 2023 Easter long weekend, Cordony is giving one lucky person the opportunity to book an exclusive four-night stay from Thursday 6 April to Monday 10 April, for just $25 AUD per night. Bookings open on Monday 27 February at 9am AEDT on a first come first serve basis. Head over here to book.
Wilga Station
Bathurst
Wilga Station is a property that captures the best of country living, nestled in rolling green hills close to historic Bathurst and Orange wine country. This 260-acre working sheep farm has been home to one family for three whole generations and we guarantee you won’t find another stay quite like it. As for where to sleep, The Farmers Hut is perfect for couples and will score you 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 here and have a designer bathroom, sheltered BBQ, 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
There's something truly magical about Kangaroo Valley—and Barranca is one of the most magical spots to stay. Set deep within the valley on the rolling green hills of Australia's oldest Shire horse stud, Barranca features four luxury villas. Each villa peers out onto a spectacular scene of uninterrupted rainforest and a dramatic sandstone escarpment that glows burnt orange just before the sun sets. Villas are roomy (for four–eight guests) 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.
Book Banksia at Barranca here, Willow at Barranca here, Ferndale at Barranca here, and Jacaranda at Barranca here.
River Ranch
Mudgee
Here’s the thing, Mudgee is always a good idea. And one of our favourite places to visit in the area has to be the mighty farm stay known as River Ranch. It’s the ultimate place for a digital detox as this luxe barn-like property doesn’t spare a thing. 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, tire swing, and nearby fire pit. Book your stay here.
The Machinery Shed
Blue Mountains
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. You’ll be free to explore the farm’s entirety and even its secret lookout. The Machinery Shed is a restored machinery shed with a ceiling adorned with fairy lights and has been set up to be one of the most romantic getaways in NSW. The house faces the iconic Blue Mountains cliffs and overlooks the Kanimbla Valley, which you’ll be able to lap up while you kick back in the freestanding stone bath. On top of this, the farm is filled with free-range chickens, alpacas, sheep, and Lottie, the farm’s resident dog. Book your stay here.
Warramba Farm Retreat
Glen Alic
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, just casually, 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 Park are also just a 25-minute drive away. Book your stay here.
Kumbogie Cabin
Daruka
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 equipped with tables, chairs, and blankets for the most wholesome night of stargazing, and, if you don’t fall in love with its natural bush surroundings, it’ll be the sounds of all the wildlife that set your heart ablaze. Book your stay here.
The Shearing Shed
Cowra
If waking up in the morning with a horse literally right outside 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-living vibes with high beam ceilings, a corrugated iron structure, festoon lights, and cast-iron detailing.
You can play glass chess on your own personal outdoor table set up (while you sip on the good stuff), 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. Book your stay here.
Corynnia Station
Carathool
Corynnia Station is the pinnacle of farm life. This 17,000-acre working station is a busy-as-hell property producing high-quality Merino wool and meat from its cruisy flock of 8,000. 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. Plus, 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. Book your stay here.
Kimo Estate
Gundagai
Kimo Estate is a bucket list farm stay everyone needs to do at least once in their lives. This luxurious country homestead sees everything from weddings and romantic proposals, to proper farm life sheep and cattle. Accommodation here falls into three categories with Kimo’s ever-popular A-frame eco huts, cottages, and its shearers 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 can be sitting at any horse-riding level for these including complete and utter rookie. 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. Book your stay here.
Little Valley Alpaca Farm
Laguna
Located about 90 minutes north of Sydney in Laguna, 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 minimising your environmental footprint. The owners are also registered alpaca breeders (so yes, you could potentially go home with one of these fluffy beings).
There are two rustic accommodation options to choose from and each gives you the freedom to be completely surrounded by bushland, paddocks (filled with the aforementioned fluffy ‘pacas), and fresh produce depending on the time of year. The T4615 Red Rattler is a converted 1950s train carriage. This guy packs a spacious bedroom with a queen bed, a camp-style kitchen, an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, an outdoor bath with hot water, hammocks, and two yoga mats that you can roll out on the deck. Book your stay here.
Love glamping too? Here are the best glamping sites to hit in NSW.
Image credit: Rosedale Farm, Rosedale Farm, Wilga Station, Barranca, Airbnb, Airbnb, Airbnb, Airbnb, Corynnia Station, Kimo Estate, Airbnb
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