South East Queensland not only boasts beautiful weather and stunning beaches, but just out side Brisbane is also its rugged countryside is also something to behold. So what better way to discover Queensland’s country heritage than through a farm stay?
Here you can experience country life to the fullest by immersing yourself in a pretty hinterland farm or by delving into the outback lifestyle at a working cattle ranch.
LILLYDALE FARM STAY
Upper Logan Road, Mt Barney Via Rathdowney, Qld 4287
Ph: 5544 3131; www.lillydale.com.au
Lillydale Farm Stay offers the warmth of a genuine Queensland country farm. With a 4.5 star AAA rating, Lillydale is situated 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast near Mount Barney National Park. Activities include animal feeding, egg collecting, milking the cow, horse riding, saddle club, pony rides, riding lessons, abseiling, tractor rides, native wildlife searches, bushwalking and in-room massages. Rates start at $295 per night for two adults and one child.
MANGO HILL FARM
159 Commissioners Flat Road, Peachester, QLD 4519
Ph: 5494 9329; www.mangohillfarm.com
Mango Hill Farm is one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier organic farm attractions. Located in peaceful rolling countryside in view of the Glasshouse Mountains, it offers a range of accommodation including the beautifully restored 100-year-old Queenslander, Dovecote Cottage, which sits perched on top of a hill amongst fruit trees and serene countryside. As a traditional working farm, Mango Hill Farm offers its visitors the ability to harvest their own vegetables from the kitchen garden or collect fresh eggs from the free range chickens. Rates on application.
BESTBROOK MOUNTAIN RESORT
9790 Cunningham Highway, Maryvale, QLD 4370
Ph: 4666 1282; www.bestbrook.com.au
Bestbrook is a family-owned and operated farm stay. Located 90 minutes from Brisbane and two hours from the Gold Coast, Bestbrook sits in the foothills of the Main Range National Park – a bushwalkers paradise. Visitors can enjoy relaxed country living in the rustic self-contained cabins, where guests can opt to self cater or choose to dine in the licensed coach house restaurant. Activities include milking the cow, feeding the baby animals, pony rides, trail rides and horse riding. Prices start at $190 per night for four.
SPICERS HIDDEN VALE
617 Grandchester Mt Mort Rd, Grandchester, QLD 4340
Ph: 1300 179 340;www.spicersgroup.com.au
Perfect for couples. Situated on a cattle farm an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the property is centred around a grand old homestead which features Cottons Restaurant, a classic lounge area with an open fireplace plus bar. The accommodation is arranged in clusters of cottages with a colonial design and views of the Lockyer Valley. Activities include bushwalking, clay pigeon shooting, patting the resident alpaca, 4WD adventures, tennis, croquet and beauty treatments. Rates start at $279 per couple per night.
BUNYIP SPRINGS FARM STAY
503 Maidenwell-Bunya Mountain Road, Maidenwell, QLD 4615
Ph: 4164 6175; www.bunyipsprings.com.au
Located 210kms northwest of Brisbane and only 23km from the top of the Bunya Mountains National Park, Bunyip Springs Farm is a working grazing property of 251ha. Children are especially welcomed to enjoy a hands-on experience with the farm animals where they can feed the ducks, hens, farm dogs and cats, horses, calves and other livestock in the paddocks, collect the eggs or ride the horse. Rates on application.