Here’s your guide to the best Farm Stays & Days in the Scenic Rim
The waft of dagwood dogs across South East Queensland signals one thing – it’s SHOWTIME! Cattle farmers, sheep shearers, lumberjacks, jam-makers, cowgirls and cowboys are about to flock to South East Queensland as the country comes to the city for a hot minute. But for those who prefer their country stay in-situ, and anytime of the year, the Scenic Rim awaits!
For day trippers keen on a dose of country, the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is Saturday August 26 from 9am to 3pm detail here
Farmyard fun for the family
Opt-in for a change of space starring acres of farmlands, fresh air and fun! After a road trip so short there’s no time for, ‘are we there yet?’ the kids can swap devices for dairy farms, swipes for sheep cuddles and concrete for camel kisses!
- Tommerup’s Dairy Farm – Tommerups’ Dairy Farm is a famed sixth generation working dairy farm, beloved by those who have stayed, and envied by those who haven’t. Stay in The Homestead, the original family home built in 1888 and learn all about life on a dairy farm – help with the milking and animal feeding, explore the gorgeous fields, picnic by the creek, swim in the waterholes, stop by their farm larder for farm-fresh produce for dinner and meet their eight Jack Russells!
- Cedar Glen Farmstay – similarly multi-generational, Cedar Glen Farmstay is home to a menagerie of animals and activities. There’s over 1,000 acres populated by happy horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, ducks, peacocks, alpacas, donkeys, camels, and chickens! Guests can stay in a range of cottages, and take part in the farm’s daily activities. Plus, there’s a fantastic, guided cave hike.
- Clandulla Cottages And Farmstay – on the doorstep of Tamborine Mountain is the charming Clandulla Cottages & Farmstay, a working property with four self-contained cottages: Banksia, Bluegum, Bottlebrush and Wattle. Hosts Matt and Nambok welcome help in feeding baby animals and after farm chores are all done, it’s time to chill and take in the gorgeous landscape.
Love is in the country air
The Scenic Rim is all about romance – hike magnificent mountains and valleys, take drives to perfect picnic points, cuddle in front of toasty fires, watch the millions of stars at night, taste incredible local food and wines, shop farm-fresh produce at local markets and breathe!
- Olive View Estate – say ‘Olive View’ slowly or fast enough and you’ll get it! Olive View Estate is a five-minute drive from Boonah and Kalbar, set in rolling hills and a 700-tree olive grove. The charming cottage comes with its own pool for summer and fire pits for winter, and there’s a resident goat and sheep herd!
- Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead – in the stunning Lost World past Kerry Valley, Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead is on a working beef cattle farm along the magical Christmas Creek valley.
- Vanbery Cottage – at picturesque Mt Alford, Vanbery Cottage is the perfect choice for couples wanting a luxurious, private country retreat with panoramic views of the surrounding lush farmland.
Gather the crew, take two days or a few!
Escape for an overnight or longer with friends; visit wineries and breweries, taste local produce, hike, wander, feed the animals, laugh and solves the problems of the world!
- Greenlee Cottages – Nestled against the backdrop of a working macadamia orchard, at Greenlee Cottages soak up great views of the Canungra Valley, listen to the Canungra Creek and immerse in nature. With four cottages to choose from, visitors can enjoy time fishing or cycling on the farm, tasting wines of the area, or bushwalking nearby at Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain.
- Farmstay The Bluff – Retreat from reality for a few days with friends to a 50-acre regenerative cattle farm, ideal for those looking for space. Farmstay The Bluff is in the stunning Cainbable Valley of the Lost World.
- Skyline Farmhouse – If 360-degree panoramic views are what you are after, settle into serenity at Skyline Farmhouse. This spacious modern homestead in Rosevale serves up luxury with a huge helping of Scenic Rim countryside, complete with alpacas and other resident animals. If you’re visiting in summer, expect to spend most of your time in the pool or the spa. When the temperature drops, gather around the fire pit with your favourite people and local brews.
- Lost World River Retreat – on the banks of the Albert River is the Lost World River Retreat, a luxurious, self-contained guesthouse with both a pool and a private waterhole. There’s picnics, hikes, roasting marshmallows by firepit, stargazing, peacocks, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl and turkeys (not necessarily in that order!).
A LITTLE ABOUT HAY-CATIONS!
Country getaways have been named in the Top Five Travel Trends for 2023, in a report released by Expedia, Wotif, and Stayz titled The No Normal: Unexpected Travel Trends in 2023. Queensland’s Scenic Rim region would like to say …. WELCOME TO THE PARTY … and don’t forget to shut the gate, fill the feed trough and wipe the mud from your boots!
