SIT BACK AND RELAX
GIVE THE KIDS FREE RANGE, CUDDLE A CUTIE AND EMBRACE COUNTRY LIFE AT THESE RURAL RETREATS. FROM BOTTLE-FEEDING BABY LAMBS TO SWAPPING STORIES AROUND THE CAMPFIRE, A VISIT TO A FARM STAY WILL BE A SCHOOL-HOLIDAY HIT.
Scenic Rim
The Overell family love sharing their petfriendly piece of paradise in the Lost World Valley.
They’ll introduce guests to sheep, cows, horses and chickens and, if the timing is right, they may even get to cuddle a newborn lamb.
“It’s really good to see the kids learn and grow around the animals,” owner Nathan Overell says.
“Even if they’re really tentative when they arrive, they’re right into it by the end.”
Four cottages and a homestead feature gorgeous green views over Lost World Valley and the World Heritage listed Lamington National Park.
The rainforest-ringed Treehouse Cottage includes a fireplace and romantic four-poster bed, while Worendo Homestead, a fully restored Queenslander that sleeps 12, is great for bigger groups.
“People are always surprised by how much there is to do around the area – short hikes, fishing, kayaking, secret spots for a swim, local wineries and breweries, and there’s a beautiful local cafe,” Nathan says.
“There’s still a few spots for the school holidays if you get in quick and it’s cool at this time of year so you can have a fire.”
Scenic Rim
Dave and Kay Tommerup’s sixthgeneration working dairy farm provides travellers with a boots-and-all journey from paddock to plate.
About 75 minutes from the Gold Coast amid the bucolic beauty of the Scenic Rim, the farm has only two guest houses, so you’ll feel like part of the family.
Weigh in on twice daily milking, help out with bottle feeding the calves, smashing pumpkins for the pigs and spreading grains for the chickens.
Order a gourmet picnic hamper or raid the farm larder, then head off down to Duck Creek or the Albert River where you’ll find a pretty place to park.
Oxenford
A farmer’s day begins early, so Paradise Country Farmstay guests are invited to get cracking at sunrise with egg collecting in the henhouse.
Kids are also shown how to milk a cow by hand the traditional way at the Gold Coast’s most central farmstay experience.
When the sun sinks, it’s time to roast marshmallows around the campfire (or maybe for Sirromet wine tasting if you are a grown-up).
Stay in one of Paradise Country’s luxury eco tents, complete with queen beds and linen, or roll up in your own ride if you’ve booked a powered site.