These family friendly farm stays are a stone’s throw from Brisbane
If you have been dreaming of pulling up stumps and moving to the country for some fresh air, self-sufficient living and animal tending it might be time you booked one of these fun-filled, family friendly farm stays. Better yet, these scenic stays come with all the hallmark romanticism of farm life – without the responsibility of running one. Allow the kids to truly embrace the farm life in some seriously picturesque settings just a short drive from Brisbane City. It's time to find those cowboy boots and get ready for a road trip to the outback.
Trevena Glen Farm | Moreton Bay Region
For those travelling with little ones who don’t want to be fenced in, Trevena Glen Farm is a fun-focussed stay for kids and adults alike. Meet a range of farm animals including donkeys, goats, alpacas and more on this Mount Samson-based farm. Sitting pretty at the foothills of the D’Aguilar Range, only 40 minutes north-west of Brisbane, Trevena Glen Farm is ideal for barbecues, picnics, and pony rides. This site is also pram-friendly and completely accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Where to stay: Make yourself at home on the range at spacious and tranquil Samford Lakes resort, where there’s a choice of cottages to suit your family. This resort has a great number of amenities such as a swimming pool, a large pizza oven, a sauna, kayaks and more. Or opt for Clear Mountain Lodge – a zen-inducing hotel where you’ll find a day spa, vineyard and refined dining options on site.
Summer Land Camels | Scenic Rim
It’s not often you have an opportunity to see the majestic animal that is the camel. And yet, at Summer Land Camels – Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation – these gentle giants reign supreme. Based in the Scenic Rim, and only a 45-minute drive from Brisbane’s centre, Summer Land Camels give visitors a chance to meet and take photos with – you guessed it – camels. You can also visit the on-site café to sample camel-milk-based gelato, cheeses, cakes, skincare products and the now-famed ‘camel-cino’.
Where to stay: For a luxurious and chic cottage experience, Herrmann House in Kalbar offers all the luxuries of a contemporary stay, with the charm of an old-world farmhouse. For those who wish to go a little more rustic and sleep under the stars in a tent or caravan, The Royal Hotel Harrisville is a historic venue that offers free use of its grounds for pub patrons. The historic site was established in 1875 by one of Australia’s first female licensees.
White Ridge Farm | Moreton Bay Region
North of Brisbane, White Ridge Farm is a child-friendly favourite for a reason! Here, you can see all the sweet-natured farm animals, plus llamas, alpacas, rabbits, a donkey and a camel. There’s also putt-putt to play and bumpy tractor rides to excite little ones. Pram, wheelchair and walker friendly, White Ridge Farm is an accessible farm for visitors of all ages. Bring Your Own picnic basket and while away the day.
Where to stay: For the ultimate family friendly getaway, book at stay at the BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort where a wide-ranging choice of holiday villas, safari tents, plus camping and caravan sites abound. Among the grounds you’ll find a mini golf course, an entire water park, a poolside restaurant, a swim-up bar, go-cart hire, a winter firepit and so much more.
Towri Sheep Cheeses | Scenic Rim
If there’s one thing everyone loves, it’s cheese . For the food-focused holidaymaking families, Towri Sheep Cheeses, also in the Scenic Rim, is more than just a cheesery – it’s an experience. One hour outside of Brisbane lies an artisan sheep dairy and cheese room that proffers award-winning, hand-crafted sheep’s milk cheese. They also create cheeses that combine four types of milk from local dairies. On the first Saturday of the month, from 10.00am, visitors can participate in an interactive milking demonstration and talk, followed by a visit to the Towri Shop to create their own platters. There’s also French-inspired gardens, and a resident coffee van at that stocks Michelle’s Edibles doughnuts. And, while you’re in the Scenic Rim, you could pay some alpacas a visit too, at Canungra’s Mountview Alpaca Farm which happens to be adjoined to a winery, O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards, if you’d like to pair your cheese with a delicious beverage).
Where to stay: Set among peaceful bushland, The Kooralbyn Valley offers a selection of rooms, suites, and penthouses. Frequented by golf-loving folk, the accommodation is all about outdoor sporting and nature activities. Nearby, you’ll find Tamborine Mountain Glades where on trend rooms to five-star glamping and lodges make for an ideal family hideaway, and a host of activities are available on site.
Cedar Glen Farmstay | Scenic Rim
An hour-and-a-half’s drive from Brisbane in the Lost World Valley lies Cedar Glen Farmstay, which has been hosting guests for four decades. On the property you’ll find alpacas, donkeys, sheep, and even peacocks parading about and so much more! During the farm stay, guests can appreciate the animals as they roam the expansive property, learn to crack an Australian stockwhip, join in on an alpaca walk or guided cave hike and admire the views of this mountainous terrain.
Where to stay: Choose from an original 1901-built homestead, which sleeps up to nine people, or one of three rustic-style cottages that house between six and 11 people – each with verandas from which you can soak in those striking views.
Clandulla Cottages & Farmstay | Scenic Rim
Overlooking Tamborine Mountain, and only an hour’s drive from Brisbane, is Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay. This serene holiday destination is a family friendly dream with more than 70 animals (yes, 70!), abundant wildlife, tennis and soccer facilities, inimitable views and plenty of room to run around. Flee the city and wake up to bird song, then end the day under a star-filled sky toasting marshmallows over a firepit.
Where to stay: Clandulla Cottages & Farmstay offers its guests the choice of three cosy suites and a cottage to call their home-away-from-home. ‘Bluegum’ and ‘Banksia’ are best suited to families, while ‘Wattle’ and ‘Bottlebrush’ form optimal couple retreats.
Worendo Cottages | Scenic Rim
Popular family friendly farm stay destination Worendo Cottages boasts views over World Heritage Rainforest and the mountains of Lamington National Park. While spending time among this green setting, families can, kayak on the private river, picnic, go fishing, ride in a hot air balloon or helicopter, or hop on a winery tour. There are also lawn games, kites and other activities to keep kids entertained during their stay.
Where to stay: Nestled on this rambling property is a selection of five accommodation offerings. Three cottages (Wild Lime, Widgee and Barcoo), The Treehouse, and The Worendo Homestead offer something to suit the preferences of all families – from spa baths to fireplaces.
The Llama Farm | Ipswich
Have you ever taken a selfie with a llama? How about a panorama? No drama. At The Llama Farm in Brisbane’s Ipswich region, you can seize an opportunity to learn all about Queensland’s largest herd of llamas. You can also choose a llama to take a walk with along a scenic farm trail.
Where to stay: Just outside of Ipswich stands the grand Woodlands of Marburg. Visit the heritage Mansion, and its resident The SugarMill Restaurant, and stay for the comfortable suites and rooms of Bougainvilla House or Bunya House. There’s also a pool, tennis court and games room on the grounds.
Whether you’re seeking family friendly or romantic farm stay getaways, holidaymakers can enjoy the serenity of Fig Tree Farm Stay Highvale, the views and nearby bushwalks at Brockhurst Farm Accommodation, or the horses that reside at Shire and Dlyesdale Farm Stay.
Planning to visit Brisbane for a farm stay? Here are some more farm stay ideas that’ll have you dreaming of hitting that open road in no time.
