Escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday, to the crisp air and open spaces of a family farmstay. With so many to choose from throughout Victoria, your next Melbourne farm stay is sure to be a fun adventure!
We have put together some of the best farm stays that are available throughout Victoria, whether they be family friendly farmhouses, luxury cottages or pet friendly accommodation.
Get Back to Nature on a Relaxing Farm Stay
1. Bimbadeen, Phillip Island
Not far from the Grand Prix Circuit and the renowned Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, you will find the 340-acre farmstay, ‘Bimbadeen’.
Featuring comfortable eco-friendly accommodation for between two and ten people, ‘Bimbadeen’ allows guests to be part of the life of a working beef, dairy and pork production farm.
‘Bimbadeen’s’ farm stay retreats offer all the modern conveniences, while still allowing time to rest and immerse yourself in nature and farm life. Take a walk in the wide-open spaces and get acquainted with the sheep, alpacas or even the free-range hens while having the best farmstay.
Bimbadeen Phillip Island, 550 Back Beach Road, Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria, 0409 167 001, enquiries@bimbadeenphillipisland.com.au
Related post: Best Things to do on Phillip Island With Kids
2. Stoneycroft Cottage Farm Stay, Cavendish
Tucked in amongst ancient redgums and surrounded by native wildlife and vast country, you will find a family pet friendly farmstay at Stoneycroft Cottage Farm Stay in Cavendish.
A working farm since 1864, your stay includes accommodation in the cosy, renovated bluestone Stoneycroft Cottage and shearers’ quarters that can sleep up to 15 guests.
Experience dinner under the stars with outdoor dining and a firepit, or take a walk on one of the local tracks to see some of the beautiful flora and fauna of the Grampians National Park. Kids will love feeding the chooks and collecting eggs, while spotting sheep and lambs dotted around the farm.
Stoneycroft Cottage Farm Stay is the perfect way to find family time, off the beaten track.
Book Stoneycroft Cottage Farm Stay via AirBnb – address provided upon booking.
3. Billabong Ranch, Echuca
A remarkable way to traverse the Echuca bushland along the Murray and Goulburn Rivers, Billabong Ranch runs horse riding tours that are a fun way to get outdoors and try something new.
Also providing school camps that are customised to an itinerary to suit the needs of each group, the ranch is open to families and other visitors to take part in the range of activities that they have available.
While they don’t have accommodation on site, Billabong Ranch is close to Echuca Holiday Units – so after a huge day of fun filled activities, you have fully equipped, self-contained units to come home and decompress.
A unique farmhouse for adventure, Billabong Ranch is perfect for all ages.
Billabong Ranch, Corner of Glanville & Tehan Rd. Echuca, 03 5483 5122, info@billabongranch.com.au
4. Country House Retreat, Gippsland
Only a short drive from Lakes Entrance and Metung, Country House Retreat, Gippsland offers a luxury farmstay for up to 10 people. This makes it perfect for large groups of friends or time out with the family.
Experience the amazing night sky from the huge outdoor entertainment area (complete with fairy lights) while having a BBQ. Better yet, a fresh pizza from the woodfired pizza oven!
Country House Retreat is even pet friendly and has games, a wood heater for cooler days and a rope swing! It is close to Gippsland Lakes for water sports where you can wind down and detox.
Country House Retreat, 240 Nungurner Road Nungurner, +61 3 5156 32224 / 0411 463 791, enquiries@jettyroadretreat.com.au
5. River Gardens, Axedale
In the central Victorian wine region, River Gardens, Axedale, offers a luxury farmstay and bed and breakfast on a family-owned sheep and cropping farm.
River Gardens offers pet friendly farmstay accommodation, close to local wineries, cellar doors, tourism venues and Bendigo.
Offering a choice of a self-contained unit or motel-style accommodation, with cooked or continental breakfast, you can enjoy the view of the Campaspe River and the surrounding rose gardens from relaxed outdoor spaces. Other activities include feeding the farm animals, kayaking, and fishing.
For the best farmstay to enjoy some family time out, River Gardens Axedale is a luxurious location.
River Gardens, 91 Brownes Lane, Axedale, 0425716369, axedalerivergardens@gmail.com
6. Wiggley Bottom Farm, Badger Creek
Wiggley Bottom Farm at Badger Creek is a perfect pet friendly farmstay for you to get away with your furry friends, while enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Healesville and the Yarra Valley.
Immerse yourself in the lush countryside across 15 acres with ‘The Sister’s Gruff’ miniature goats, horses, geese, and goslings all at the end of a magical willow lined way. Close to all the usual activities on offer in Healesville and the Yarra Valley.
A wonderful farmstay for families, groups of friends or couples, Wiggley Bottom Farm has a range of accommodation including: ‘The Apartment’, ‘The Cottage’, or ‘The Tiny House’.
Plus, kids aged from 0 – 11 years stay free!
Wiggley Bottom Farm, 49 Pine Ave, Badger Creek, +61 411 608 400, gillie@wiggleybottomfarm.com.au
7. BullerRoo, Mansfield
Get away to the alpines where at the base of Mt Buller, Bullerroo Luxury Chalet and Stone Creek Cottage provide the chance to experience the best farmstay in Victoria’s High Country.
A pygmy goat stud farm, this luxury farmstay has 24 acres of incredible views of native wildlife, farmland, the magnificent Barwite Valley and Broken River. Starry nights will make way for days with flocks of wild birds, alpacas, and of course their pygmy goats.
This amazing farmstay has a choice of accommodation with its luxury chalet or the whimsical stone cottage, all providing the best chance to switch off and unwind.
Great for families with older children – note that management advises this apartment is not suitable for children under 6 years old, with exceptions made on request only.
Bullerroo, Mansfield, 177 Melba Rd, Mansfield, 0400 872 480, info@bullerroo.com.au
8. Tarndie, Warncoort
On the homestead of one of Australia’s oldest sheep farms, and recognised by the National Trust, you can immerse yourself in the history that is Tarndwancoort and the country lifestyle that it encapsulates. To this day it continues wool production and honours the Traditional Owners of the land, the Gulidjan people.
Tarndie offers families The Farmer’s Cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to kick back and chill out, while experiencing a stay on a working sheep farm.
Experience the incredible countryside while you stroll away the day, then watch as the sky is illuminated with stars at night, on the best farm stay at Tarndie.
Tarndie, 37 Roseneath Rd. Warncoort, 0480 080 248, info@tarndie.com / wool@tarndie.com
9. GilGraves, Axedale
Located in Axedale and nestled into a vineyard is GilGraves, a 50-acre working farm and vineyard that is the best escape for families to de-stress and get into nature.
With 60 head of Dorper sheep, at GilGraves you are encouraged to immerse yourself in farm life and help feed the farm animals, collect eggs, and visit the alpacas, goats, and pet sheep.
You can bask on the verandah of the 3-bedroom family farmstay while enjoying the gorgeous pink hues of sunrise and sunset, over the Australian countryside and vineyard.
Offering quiet seclusion, GilGraves is a great escape to switch off or if you prefer, travel through the Heathcote and Bendigo region.
GilGraves, 0409 805 951, hello@gilgraves.com.au
10. Freshwater Creek Cottages, Freshwater Creek
Freshwater Creek offers the quintessential farmstay on the Surf Coast, and with a rural setting that is surrounded by natural bushland, there is something to offer everyone.
Freshwater Creek Cottages are set over 50 acres with sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and cows. In the evenings you will also catch a glimpse of kangaroos, who call the land home and graze freely.
With packages for small groups or larger groups of up to 20, Freshwater Creek Cottages can provide the best farmstay experience for your family, friends, or group.
Freshwater Creek Cottages, 815 Pettavel Road, Freshwater Creek, +61 3 5264 5296, admin@torquayretreats.com.au
11. Gaddleen Grove Cottages, Wodonga
Located in the Victorian region of Wodonga, only moments from Albury airport is Gaddleen Grove Cottages, a lovely farmstay that provides fully equipped accommodation in a rustic setting.
With activities like hiking and cycling in the area or gardening on the farm, Gaddleen Grove guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation, with some apartments featuring mountain views from their patios or balconies.
For a rejuvenating farmstay in a bushland setting, Gaddleen offers an opportunity to take a break and experience regional Victoria.
Gaddleen Grove Cottages, 177 McGaffins Road, 3690 Wodonga, 0412 872 753, gaddleengrove@gmail.com
12. Warby Cottage, Wangaratta
Tucked into the base of the Warby Ranges, Warby Cottage can be found. A pet friendly farmstay on 27 acres, it is surrounded by the tranquillity of bush and farmland. You are welcomed to the cosy, fully equipped cottage for your stay.
There are some kids activities provided and baby high chair is available upon request.
While this farmstay retreat is secluded, you are also moments from Wangaratta’s town centre, local vineyards, and the town of Glenrowan, as well as ski fields and hiking trails to get out into the great outdoors.
Experience the quiet seclusion that Warby Cottage provides and get back to nature.
Warby Cottage, 31 Omaru Road, 3678 Wangaratta, +61 427 782 414, warbycottage@gmail.com
13. Red Hill Barn, Red Hill
Between vines and olive groves with exquisite views of hills and dams, Red Hill Barn seems like something from a fairy tale. With accommodation for up to 6 guests, the barn is located on a quiet road in Red Hill with cows and sheep for neighbours.
A working farm, with an abundance of birdlife to provide you with a relaxing wake up call, this Mornington Peninsula farmstay is situated in a peaceful setting with rolling hills and open spaces that are heavenly for you to restore.
Just a short drive away are wineries, vineyards, and the chance to unearth the delights of Port Phillip and Westernport Bay.
Book Red Hill Barn via AirBnb – address provided upon booking.
14. Rural Retreat, Woodford
Set on stunning farmland with sheep, pigs, chickens and an Alpaca, Rural Retreat at Woodford is an idyllic working farmstay to really wind down and leave the world behind.
Your accommodation is a newly built, fully equipped, and private studio on five acres of lush farmland that allows you the space to experience nature and farm living.
Close by you will find walking trails along the Merri River. Go cycling or walking, or you can immerse yourself in a Reiki or Sound healing session to really practise deep relaxation during your immersive farmstay.
NOTE: the accommodation is not suitable for children aged 2-12 years. We’ve included this farm stay on our list as it will still suit for some family types.
Book Rural Retreat via AirBnb – address provided upon booking.
15. Black Horse Park, Boorolite
Bathe in history of the 1850’s with a visit to the recently restored Black Horse Park, deep in the Boorolite Valley of the majestic Victorian High Country.
Surrounded by ancient forests, Black Horse Park is close to Mansfield, Mt Buller and surrounds, and is the best farmstay for those wanting the year-round seasonal activities that the region has to offer.
With accommodation from The Pioneer Hut to the Elm Cabin, The Pin Oak Chapel or The Homestead, there is a range to suit the most unique farmstay experience.
Black Horse Park, Blackhorse Park 217 Desmonds Road, Boorolite, +61 418 427 273, robh@blackhorsepark.com.au
16. Yarra Valley Strawberry Farms, Wandin North
Situated in the Yarra Valley in a whimsical federation home is arguably the best farmstay in Melbourne to immerse yourself in strawberry farming.
Surrounded by fruit trees, a vineyard and a working strawberry farm, Yarra Valley Strawberry Farm has comfortable accommodation close to wineries, the Warburton Trail, and the equestrian centre.
The best time to try a rare Yarra Valley Strawberry Farms farmstay is from November through to the end of May during strawberry season.
Book Yarra Valley Strawberry Farms
17. Jamar Lodge, Goornong
Jamar Lodge is an ideal farmstay retreat central to Bendigo, Heathcote and Echuca, located on a working farm that allows you to rest a while in nature.
From incredible sunsets to the expansive night sky, Jamar Lodge is a great opportunity to soak up the country air and way of life. Enjoy nearby fishing, walks, yabbying, or you could learn about wool production and feed the lambs.
Continental breakfast is included with your spacious accommodation, and you can watch those spectacular sunsets from the comfort of the deck.
Jamar Lodge, 340 Collins Road, Goornong, +61 407 205 527,
18. Ironbarks Self-Catered Farmstay, Dunolly
If a self-catered farmstay is what you are looking for, Ironbark Self-Catered Farmstay in Dunnolly, Victoria is a great destination.
Surrounded by State Forests, reserves, and an abundance of nature, Ironbarks provides modern accommodation for groups of friends or families seeking a chance to escape and recharge the batteries.
There is plenty of space to chill out, as Ironbarks is situated on 100 acres and is the best farmstay for an immersive nature experience.
Book Ironbarks Self Catered Farmstay via AirBnb – address provided upon booking.
19. Animal Land Homestead, Diggers Rest
Looking for a break from the chaos of city living? Then you’ve got to come and chill out at Animal Land homestead – a gorgeous, roomy cottage that’s fully self-contained and perfect for families.
The best part about this stay is that it’s located just 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD, which means you won’t have to travel far to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get back to nature.
Some of the experiences families will get to enjoy during their stay include gathering eggs from the chicken coop, lending a hand with milking the cows, along with meeting animals at their petting farms, pony rides, playgrounds and more.
Animal Land Children’s Farm, 190 Duncans Lane, Gate 2, Diggers Rest, +61 3 9740 0750, fun@animalland.com.au
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