Staying on a farm is a unique way to holiday! Not only do you have lots of fresh air, open space and cute farm animals to yourself, you might just learn a thing or two about local produce!
Have you ever considered holidaying on a farm? You’ll get buckets of fresh air, open space and peace of quiet. You can also get up close to farm animals (a novelty for many people!) and, in some cases, see how a farm operates. You might even be able to help out with some chores!
Come and go as you want, just like regular accommodation, so you can explore the Great Ocean Road region. Or, if you prefer to take it slow, just grab some supplies and hang out in your own piece of rural paradise.
Macka’s Farm, Princetown
Macka’s Farm is just a 10-minute drive to the 12 Apostles look out. The accommodation includes a rustic style farmhouse and three self-contained lodges, fitted out with all the comforts you need. With log fires and verandahs with ocean views, Macka’s Farm is a relaxing place for couples or families. The hosts respect your privacy and are on-call 24-hours.
Johanna River Farm and Self Contained Cottages
If you like walking through thick forests and along wild beaches, Johanna River Farm is the place to holiday. These farm cottages have beautiful views across the farm to the ocean. They’re also conveniently located in the Otway National Park, right on the Great Ocean Walk route.
You can choose from a one-bedroom spa cottage, or a two-bedroom self-contained cottage – both with wood fires and all the comforts. Guests can explore the 280 acre farm; meet the friendly farm animals, collect eggs and pick fruit from the orchard. Ask about the nearby fern gullies, which are home to glow worms.
Sea Glimpse Farmstay
Sea Glimpse Farmstay is in the fishing village of Port Campbell This one’s a beauty because it has camels, alpacas, peacocks and donkeys! There’s a fair chance there’ll be some resident kangaroos, too. The farm is a great place to start and finish the 12 Apostles Food Trail, and a plethora of famous coastal lookouts.
Bellevue Farmstay
Bellevue Farmstay is a fourth-generation cattle and sheep farm at Scott’s Creek, near Timboon. The farmhouse has magnificent views from it’s three bedrooms, large lounge and family area. There’s a fully equipped kitchen so you can cook up a storm with locally produced ingredients.
There are lots of games and activities on hand for the kids, but they probably won’t need them as they’ll be too busy feeding the farm animals and helping out with the ‘chores’. Keep a close eye out for native wildlife like koalas, echidnas, kookaburras and kangaroos.
Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm & Cidery
In the foothills of the Otways is Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm & Cidery, with tastefully designed self-contained cabins for couples. Guests have views over the berries, to the valley beyond and will be joined by colorful, chatty parrots every morning.
You can bring your own food, or let the hosts take care of you with produce from the farm and surrounding region. And, there’s plenty of berry gin! They’ll even drive you to Brae Restaurant and back for a romantic meal. Sounds like a decadent weekend away! Oh, and well behaved dogs are welcome.
Kawarren Farmstay
The farmhouse accommodation at Kawarren Farmstay is large and luxurious, with a sprawling verandah. Breakfast is big and hearty; from bacon and eggs, to pancakes with home grown seasonal fruit. They also have an original, gluten free muesli.
If you’d rather your privacy, you can stay in a two-bedroom self-contained bungalow on the property. Either way, spend your days pottering around the farm and meeting the animals. Experience the sights and sounds of the bush, rivers and coastline. And, make sure you try their home-made berry, flower and eucalypt honey – delicious!
Nature’s Way Eco Sanctuary
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a genuine, self-sustainable house, stay at Nature’s Way Eco Sanctuary near Port Fairy.
The unique straw bale house (and the entire property) is off-the-grid and powered by solar panels. The house is heated, cooled and energised by lots of fascinating eco-friendly measures. Be assured, you’ll still have everything you need, like washing machine and dishwasher, plus a 65″ TV!
Outside on the farm live alpacas, goats and free range chooks. There are also bees busy producing honey and pollinating the organic orchard and chemical free gardens.
Fact: the straw house took the owners five years to build and is made with 746 bales of straw.
Find more accommodation options for the Great Ocean Road region.
