Dream of quitting your desk job in favour of cute overalls and an idyllic farm full of animals but aren’t ready for the commitment? Farm stays across the Northern Rivers offer a taste of the sweet life without having to go the whole hog.
WRITTEN BY JOSIE SARGENT
Heartwood Farm
Where: Federal | Best for: Couples; small groups of friends
Nestled on a 100-acre cattle farm established more than 120 years ago, Heartwood is perfect for those wanting to truly relax in a rural setting. What sets this farm stay apart is attention to detail – the accommodation is a truly luxe two-bedroom country cottage perched on a ridge with sweeping views and complete with fine linens and designer furnishings.
If you can tear yourself away from the comfort of the cottage (and the clawfoot bath), there is a heated plunge pool or, for the more adventurous, a secluded swimming hole to be discovered.
For any supplies, Federal is just four minutes away (don’t miss Doma Café or the historic general store).
Note that due to the delicate nature of the furnishings, the farm is generally not suitable for children under 12 but if you would like to bring the whole family, advance permission and a security deposit is required.
@heartwoodfarmbyronbay
Dairy Flat Farm Holidays
Where: Dairy Flat | Best for: Family; friend groups
A fully functioning dairy farm beckons families to escape the city and soak up the country life in the Border Ranges National Park. With cows wandering in for milking twice daily, guests can help in the shed and children can bucket feed calves afterwards. In the farmyard, visitors can handle and feed Dairy Flat’s other furry residents, including goats, lambs and a donkey. And no farm would be complete without a brood of hens clucking nearby. Relax after all that hard work with a swim in the pool or a hit of tennis and, as the sun sets, enjoy toasting marshmallows or damper on a stick over the open fireplace.
There are three cottages, decorated with bespoke antique pieces seeping with character, as well as rooms in the stunning main homestead to choose from.
@dairyflatfarmholidays
Hosanna Farm Stay
Where: Stokers Siding | Best for: Families
From camp sites to glamping, and cabins to the homestead, Hosanna Farm Stay is a rural paradise for families. There is free animal feeding three times a day, chick cuddling, treasure hunts, walking tours and a waterslide – but, in typical farm style, it is a trench lined with plastic that ends in a dam. In the warmer months, there are inner tubes, pontoons to jump off and kayaks to paddle. At night, bush campfires to roast marshmallows beckon and there are also live music sessions to liven up Saturday nights with delicious pizzas available – just BYO drinks, camp chairs and good vibes. And, if you aren’t keen for a sleepover, Hosanna Farm Stay welcomes day visitors for a small entry fee. @hosannafarmstay
Hampson Farm Stay
Where: Boorabee Park | Best for: Couples
Enjoy complete privacy and cosy tiny-home living at Hampson Farm Stay. There are two peaceful 139-square-foot tiny cabins to choose from, one on the hilltop and one in the valley. Even though it’s small, it is large on comfort – it has a separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. There are views across the lush green paddocks and rolling hills, complete with resident wallabies and abundant birdlife. Get up close and meet the resident horses or, you can bring your own steed and access the stables and yard for free. Unwind with a glass of your favourite tipple at the outdoor firepit (not during total fire bans) and cook up a feast in the barbecue area. Note that guests need a 4WD to access the tiny house.
@hampsonfarmstay
The Barn House Farm Stay at Possum Manor
Where: Pumpenbil | Best for: Families; couples
Nestled under The Pinnacle in the shadow of Wollumbin, the rustic two-bedroom cottage (complete with weatherboard and climbing vines) on the 100-acre working cattle property beckons to those keen to meet the resident farm animals – including chooks, horses and cows. Mornings are heralded by the calls of roosters and native birdlife, with curious kangaroos hopping nearby to graze.
The landscaped gardens are the perfect place to unwind, followed by a walk around the property, and the outdoor firepit is the place to be at sunset, with views across the valley to the Border Ranges and log seating. @possummanor
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