Family Friendly Bush Stays
There is something very special about taking your family on holiday to the bush. It could be the lack of ‘entertainment’ (you know cinemas, playgrounds, cafes, shopping centres, hideous trampoline parks etc.) that creates beautiful opportunities for time spent entertaining each other, talking and giggling.
Or perhaps it’s the time to explore the outdoors and learn new things (cue fly fishing adventures, kayaking mishaps, horse riding or a lesson in the art of milking a cow). Perhaps its simply enjoying the fact that it’s just you and your favourite people together in one place, a long way from anywhere.
Whatever it is, it’s worth the trip.
We have rounded up our picks for you to make some wonderfully enduring bush memories! Oh, and did we mention these ones offer good bang for your buck too? Which is always nice.
Enjoy xx
Where: Darlington, Scenic Rim QLD
The Hook: Sleeping 35 guests across a homestead and luxury cottages in the Lost World Valley of QLD’s Scenic Rim. Family memories are made at Worendo, don’t forget your camera!
While you’re there: Spend mornings exploring close by world heritage, historic Gondwana rainforests, and afternoons floating down the river to the Stone Hut picnic area!
Getting there: 1.5 hours drive from Brisbane and Gold Coast
How to book: https://www.worendo.com/accommodation.html
Where: Mandurama, Central West NSW
The Hook: Set on a 2000 acre working cattle farm near Orange NSW, Hilton Homestead is a beautiful historic homestead set in a large established garden. Recently undergoing extensive renovations, the homestead can accommodate up to 12 guests, perfect for family and friends looking for a ‘home away from home’ experience in the country,
While you’re there: Think of Hilton Homestead as your home in the country during your stay, enjoy walks through the paddocks, play hide and seek with the kids in the expansive gardens, cook meals together and watch the sun go down from the back verandah.
Getting there: Hilton homestead is 40 minutes from Bathurst & Orange and 3.5hrs drive from Sydney.
How to book: https://www.thehiltonhomestead.com
Where: Neerim South, VIC
The Hook: Sleeping up to 11 guests between a house & cottage, Gracefield is much more than a country stay, it is about the power of a life lived outside. Passionate about all things sustainable and green, Gracefield is the place to visit to reconnect your family with nature.
While you’re there: Pull your boots on and go exploring - 100 acres of rolling hills and forest, say hi to the local community of ethically raised animals and collect a bounty of organic and sustainably grown foodstuffs. Natural spring fed pool for warmer days or enjoy the spa and sauna when it cools off! Try your luck at fly fishing or spend a day horse riding.
Getting there: Gracefield is just under 2 hrs from Melbourne by car.
How to book: https://www.gracefieldcottage.com.au/rooms.html
Kingaley Farmstay, NSW
Where: Dungog, Hunter Region, NSW
The Hook: Kingaley is family holiday gold!! The 4 bedroom home comfortably sleeps 10 guests, with an added bonus: your furry friend is also welcome to join you!
While you’re there: Situated on the banks of the Williams River, activities like swimming, fishing & canoeing are all up for grabs during your stay at Kingaley. For those that prefer land activities, there is so much beautiful river country to explore on foot at Kingaley, or jump in the car and head to nearby Barrington Tops National Park for a day of hiking! For the thrill-seekers, Dungog Common bike riding trails are only 5 minutes away and are said to be an ‘exhilarating day of outdoor fun’!
Getting there: 1.15 hours from Newcastle and 2.5hrs from Sydney
How to book: Via Air BnB here
Dairy Flat Farm Holidays, NSW
Where: Woodenbong, Northern NSW
The Hook: You know that feeling of nostalgia when you think back to holidays or time spent visiting family as a kid, where nothing was too fancy, the houses were quirky but felt like home, and every room was a different colour? Those places still exist, and Dairy Flat is one of them!
While you’re there: The kids can wake up to cows wandering past their window, up the laneway to be milked - an experience they are welcome to watch and learn about!
Getting there: 2 hours south of Brisbane
How to book: https://www.dairyflatfarmholidays.com.au/accommodation/
The Barn at 417, NSW
Where: Nundle, Hunter Region NSW
The Hook: A good old fashioned slumber party with the fam - The Barn at 417 is an American Style open plan barn, sleeping up to 6 guests! Situated on a family sheep & cattle grazing property, this is the kind of bush stay where memories are made.
While you’re there: Take a walk through the paddocks or up a country road, wander down to the Peel river for a splash, there is nothing better at the end of the day than enjoying a glass of wine by the fire pit, watching the most amazing sunsets, throw a quilt on the grass and discover the night sky filled with stars.
Getting there: 45 minutes east of Tamworth and 4.5 hours drive from Sydney
How to book: Via Air BnB here
