11 of the best farm stays across the Region
Discover our 11 favourite farm stays in the New England North West, Waterfall Way and Coffs Coast. From revitalising nature escapes in the New England North West to waterfront homes and rainforest retreats in the Mid North Coast, this guide highlights the top farm stays across the region. And with each accommodation offering its own unique flavour of hospitality and stunning natural surroundings, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Let’s begin.
1. Poppy’s Cottage B&B, Armidale
Located just five minutes from Armidale on a 140-acre property, Poppy’s Cottage offers a quintessential farm stay in a beautifully restored settler’s cottage.
Originally built as a residence for gold miners in Hillgrove in the 1860s, the cottage was transported by a team of bullocks to its present location in 1901. Home to a collection of farm animals, including chickens, ducks, cattle, a friendly Border Collie and the crowd-favourite miniature horse, Coki, this charming farm stay is the perfect family-friendly getaway.
Equipped with electric blankets, fluffy duvets and heating, you’ll be ready to embrace the crisp New England air.
The Deets
Poppy’s Cottage
55 Edwards Lane, Armidale NSW
0412 153 819
poppy@poppyscottage.com.au
Website
Map It!
2. Waterfall Way Farm Stay, Wollomombi
Set against the backdrop of a stunning 3000-acre cattle farm lies Platypus Cabin, a secluded and off-grid couples retreat located just 50km out of Armidale along Waterfall Way.
Aptly named after the Platypus that are said to be living in the nearby river, this cabin offers a picturesque and restorative farm stay experience for both couples and solo travellers.
Relax with luxury linen, towels and cosy complimentary bathrobes. Indulge in a complimentary full breakfast on your first morning, complete with homemade bread and jams, bacon, eggs, cereal, tea, coffee and milk, and soak up the views of Cathedral Rock National Park from the outdoor bathtub.
Keen to explore the grounds? Why not spend the day fishing for trout in the private 4km of streams that are regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
The Deets
Platypus Eco Cabin
158 Wakefield Road, Wollomombi
0488 194 289
lucy@waterfallwayaccommodation.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
3. Dorrigo Bush Pepper Retreat, Dorrigo
Located on 120 acres in the stunning native forest that surrounds Dorrigo, the Dorrigo Bush Pepper Retreat is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sleeping up to five people and featuring a wood-fired heater, two adjoining outdoor bathtubs fed by mineralised water, an outdoor campfire and a breakfast sampler made up of the property’s farm fresh eggs, milk, tea, oil and condiments, this eco-lodge in Dorrigo offers family-friendly farm accommodation in the heart of nature.
Swim and fly fish in Deervale River which runs through the property, stroll along the walking trails or take your push bike for a spin. The farm also comes with plenty of friendly farm animals, so the kids can make some new furry friends, help collect the chicken eggs and enjoy the freedom of wide open spaces.
Looking for something else to add to the all-round relaxation vibes? Book a massage for two or a hypnotherapy session with the Bush Pepper’s owner and host Maria, who has trained in several complementary therapies.
The best part? The proceeds from this eco-lodge go towards the host’s not-for-profit organisation, Conscious Living, a community service with a mission to protect the native environment and cultivate organic gardens. Enjoy a holiday and support a good cause at the same time.
The Deets
Dorrigo Bush Pepper Retreat
2002 Deer Vale Road, Deer Vale, Dorrigo
0417 115 162
dorrigobushpepperretreat@gmail.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
4. North Beach Farm, Repton
Craving a waterfront escape? Then you’ll love this lush Farm Stay on North Beach Farm. Positioned on 175 acres of regenerative land, this single-storey family retreat in Repton offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
Enjoy the peaceful riverfront location and watch the world go by (boats, fish and birds) from the river deck. Enjoy fresh produce from the market garden, explore the rainforest-esque property and enjoy the convenience of being only a hop, skip and a jump away from nearby towns, Repton, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Sawtell.
Quirks and Perks? The family behind North Beach Farm also own popular brewery Bellingen Brewing Co, where they serve their own craft beer, a selection of Aussie wines and delicious woodfired pizza. We 10/10 recommend venturing to this venue on your journey.
Looking for other places to eat while in Bellingen? Check out this article.
The Deets
North Beach Farm
33 River Street, Repton
hi@northbeachfarm.au
Website • Instagram
Map It!
5. WeILHouse Living
Boasting four beautiful farm stays, (three of which are in Bellingen), WeilHouse Living is part of the Slow Stay movement, offering environmentally-friendly, family-friendly accommodation to the conscious traveller.
This stunning farm stay is situated just five minutes from the heart of Bellingen where you’ll find the owners growing seasonal and organic fruit and vegetables for themselves, their guests and a select few restaurants and cafes in town.
Take your pick from the two homes on the property, or if you’re looking for a chance to get closer to nature, try the off-grid bush hut, nestled between two national parks with easy access to swimming and fishing spots, walking tracks and horse trails.
Keen for the full farm stay experience? Help feed the animals, collect the eggs and stroll through the orchids that grow over 60 different types of fruit. Offering its guests the chance to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle, WeliHouse Living is a safe and beautiful location to slow down and enjoy the small moments.
Want to explore all that Bellingen has to offer while you’re in town? Read our guide on the best place to shop in Bellingen.
The Deets
WeilHouse Living
490 Bowraville Road, Brierfield
0415 525 903
bookings@weilhouseliving.com.au
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
6. Levenvale Farm
From Tiny Nancy, Glamping Bell Tents, the Baker’s Hut, Bickell’s Hut and campsites, Levenvale Farm has got you covered on all fronts when it comes to your wholesome farm stay needs.
Housing Bello Beef (100 per cent grass-fed organic beef), alongside practising regenerative farming techniques and establishing an organic market garden, Levenvale Farm’s mission is to bring back localised food systems and create a community that can come together to learn, grow and regenerate the ecosystem.
Here you can relax with the sounds of the surrounding rainforest while enjoying stunning views of the farm and the promised lands from your off-grid accommodation. And if picking up a new skill is of interest to you, you might enjoy the farm’s events and courses. Learn permaculture design, how to cook over an open fire or even how to humanely hunt and butcher your own food. Searching for the perfect paddock-to-plate experience? Then you’ll love thier Long Lunch hosted by Terra Firma.
The Deets
Levenvale Farm
347 Hydes Creek Road, Hydes Creek
0419 191 938
Visit@levenvalefarm.com.au
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
7. Friday Creek Retreat
Situated in the Orara Valley, just 15 minutes from Coffs Harbour, lies Friday Creek Retreat.
Offering nine unique resort-style cottages among the rolling hills of the Coffs Coast hinterland, Friday Creek ticks all the right boxes – it’s pet-friendly, family-friendly, suited to romantic getaways and perfect for a restorative escape from the day-to-day.
Borrow one of the bicycles and pedal past the farm’s vineyard, healthy herd of cattle, happy horses and the organic egg farm. Take a dip in the split-level pool and soak up the panoramic views of the 100-acre property. While there, why not make use of the poolside barbecue area? Complete with a pizza oven, tables, chairs, Bluetooth speaker and a functional kitchen, this is the perfect spot for family gatherings.
Friday Creek also boasts a tennis court, walking tracks, stunning fishing spots and a library of movies, books and music that are readily available to you, so you’ll never be left looking for things to do.
The Deets
Friday Creek Retreat
267 Friday Creek Road, Boambee
0434 284 070
info@fridaycreek.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
MAP IT!
8. House on a Hill, Dorrigo
Located just 10 minutes from the town of Dorrigo, House on a Hill is set against the backdrop of a stunning 130-acre property.
Sleeping seven comfortably, this farm stay is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers alike. With a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, two bathrooms and breakfast provided on the first morning, you’ll be suited and booted for that home-away-from-home feeling.
Head outdoors and spend your time exploring the nearby heritage-listed national parks or discover the waterfall on the property. Enjoy the outdoor firepit and barbecue under a clear starry night sky, or snuggle up in front of the roaring wood-fired heater – good book and glass of vino optional.
The Deets
Waterfall Way Accommodation
28 Johnsens Road, Fernbrook
0488 194 289
lucy@waterfallwayaccommodation.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
9. Cod Cabin, Ben Falls Retreat
If a rustic, off-grid New England farm stay is what you’re after, you’ll love Cod Cabin, located at Ben’s Falls Retreat just outside of Emmaville.
Situated on over 2000 acres of farmland, Cod Cabin sits on the riverbank of the Severn River, home to an abundance of Murray Cod and Yellow Belly (which you’re welcome to catch and release).
The cabin itself is built from timber and oozes rugged charm. Powered by solar and complete with wood fire heating, this farm stay comes with all your basic kitchen needs, hot showers and a bathroom.
Sleeping eight comfortably, with six single bunks and a double bed, Cod Cabin is the perfect getaway for groups, families or those looking to retreat into the wilderness for a couple of days.
Keen for something a little more modern? Head to Ben’s Falls Retreat website to check out their other accommodation, as well as a list of available massage treatments. Lush.
The Deets
Ben’s Falls Retreat
254 Morgans Road, Emmaville
0428 774 101
bensfallsretreat@gmail.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
10. Kumbogie Cabin
This farm stay is one for couples seeking a romantic escape. Enter Kumbogie Cabin – an off-grid, eco-friendly private retreat located on a working sheep farm in Daruka, just outside of Tamworth.
Featuring a fully equipped kitchen, with local shops and amenities only a 9km drive away, this cabin is perfect for those looking to be self-sufficient during their stay.
Enjoy the perks of both indoor and outdoor fireplaces and the relaxation that comes with being surrounded by bushland and native wildlife. And with minimal distractions, Kumbogie Cabin offers ample opportunity for one-on-one time with your partner or relaxing solo with a book.
The Deets
Kumbogie Cabin
0457 208 426
529 Tintinhull Road, Daruka
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
11. Aurelia's Farm, Uralla
Offering a fully self-contained, two-bedroom cottage mere minutes from the township of Uralla, Aurelia's Farm is perfect for both short and long-term stays.
Sleeping five people comfortably, this farm stay features a deep spa bathtub, a generous breakfast basket on the first morning of your stay and – provided you order 48 hours in advance – a unique way to shop for local products and have them waiting for you on your arrival.
With a little heads up, the hosts of Auriela’s Farm will happily organise fresh local fruit and veg, local meats, cheese and anything you might need to make your stay more comfortable while having a true New England experience.
The Deets
Auriel’s Farm
130 Gostwyck Road, Uralla
0434 408 163
aureliasfarmbnb@gmail.com
Website • Instagram • Facebook
Map It!
Whether it's waking up to the sounds of nature at Poppy’s Cottage, enjoying a sunset overlooking the stunning river of North Beach Farm, or stargazing from an outdoor bathtub at the Dorrigo Bush Pepper Retreat, these farm stays offer a unique slice of paradise just waiting to be explored.
So go ahead, turn your mini holiday into an opportunity to connect with nature, learn a new skill and explore the rainforests, waterfalls and regional towns nearby.
