Country holidays: Old MacDonald had a farm stay

SOULITUDE FARM, NSW

Located in the little-known Manning Valley, Soulitude Farm is lush dairy country, about four kilometres from the hamlet of Hannam Vale.

The 90-year old, self-contained farmhouse has been beautifully renovated with whitewashed walls and polished floorboards.

It sits on a rise overlooking picturesque rolling farmland and a neighbouring paddock of friendly cows, which mostly don't mind a pat. There's a pretty garden and plenty of grass for the kids to let off steam. Our daughter, Ella, loved the swing in the big jacaranda tree, and picking oranges to juice.

On a walk along the dirt road back to Hannam Vale we spotted kangaroos and patted the neighbour's horses.

Another morning a local farmer showed Ella the nest of a resident bowerbird.

Staying there Soulitude Farm costs from $160 a night mid week in low season and sleeps up to nine people. A separate cleaning charge of $50 is payable for all stays. See stayz.com.au/26220

Don't miss Fluffy home-made scones and pots of steaming tea at nearby Moorlands Cottage and a swim at the beautiful Waitui Falls.

LIVE IT UP

ROYALLA, NSW

This luxury working farm is perfect for urbanites wanting to play at farmers but not willing to forgo creature comforts. Located just outside Robertson in the NSW Southern Highlands (where Babe was filmed), Royalla has bucolic views over rolling hills to the ocean beyond.

Birds flit, sunlight filters through large botanic garden-like trees, sheep and cattle contentedly feed on lush green grass. The late 1800s farmhouse features a French dining table for memorable meals, cosy fireplaces, two luxurious bathrooms with heated floors (one with an Italian wooden bath), a children's room and an incredible country kitchen.

When we arrive warm hot cross buns, just-picked spinach, herbs, homemade jams, freshly laid eggs and more were left for us. We take long strolls, spotting cows, alpacas, fat geese and amanita red and white mushrooms straight out of a fairytale.

Staying there The main Farm House sleeps 10 and is priced from $1700 for the weekend; $600 for the Om Barn, sleeps two (or four with extra bedding); $500 for the Loveshack, sleeps two. See royallafarmstay.com.au.

Don't miss Lunch on the Tuscan-style terrace at the Burrawang Village Hotel.

ONE HUMP OR TWO?

KINGS CREEK STATION, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Immerse yourself in outback farm life at Kings Creek Station, the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia. The working station lies 36 kilometres from the magnificent Kings Canyon (Watarrka) among majestic desert oaks. Guests stay in either comfortable safari cabins or at the station's campground.

Camel or quad bike safaris are available for exploring the outback, or take a helicopter flight over the spectacular Central Ranges. Guests can fly direct to Uluru, see the sights then head on the self-drive "Red Centre Way" for Kings Creek Station's outback farm experience.

Staying there Camping is priced from $20 a night for an unpowered site; cabins cost $85 per adult a night ($53 children aged six-12) including bushman's style cooked breakfast. See kingscreekstation.com.au

Don't miss The station's famous "Kings Creek Camel Burger".

RUSTIC CHIC

TUPPENNY FARM, HEATHCOTE, VICTORIA

This gorgeous two-bedroom farm stay in central Victoria harks back to simpler times and offers the chance to experience country life in a rustic fibro farmhouse straight from the pages of Australian Country Style magazine. As we pull up, a welcoming committee arrives - six friendly goats, black-faced dorper sheep, including wee twin lambs, and two shy alpacas.

Owned by landscape architect Paula Kilpatrick and finance executive Antony Elliott, Tuppenny Farm has a whimsical style, with nostalgic items such as old books, a dollhouse, wooden cradle, vintage postcards and hand-me-down furniture.

There are gumboots to use and plenty of pencils and crayons for kids to produce spontaneous artwork. It is so quiet at night we sleep like logs under a blanket of stars clearly visible in the cloudless country skies.

Activities at the farm are simple and hark back to less complicated times. Children will love hanging out with the animals that may follow you around the 8-hectare property. We loved taking a glass of local wine out on the front deck and watching the amusing cockatoos, galahs and goats.

Staying there Tuppenny Farm sleeps up to six people and there's a cot for a baby, priced from $150 a night. See airbnb.com.au/rooms/893965

Don't miss Dinner at the Willow Room in nearby Heathcote with its seasonal menu of local produce.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

HARTS FARM, SHOREHAM, VICTORIA

The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Harts Farm off a dirt road on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula are the serene views of rolling vines and olive groves, across a small dam with sculptures of kangaroos. Penny and Graeme Hart's two friendly dogs, Dudley and Coco, will greet you and instantly make you feel at home.

The farm stay is on the Mornington Peninsula's new Wine Food Farmgate trail, which aims to help visitors discover hidden foodie gems down country lanes, taste the bounty of artisan producers and buy direct from organic growers.

In a former life, 10-hectare Hart's Farm was a dairy property, but has evolved into a boutique olive grove and soon-to-be cidery. The purpose-built accommodation includes a luxurious queen size bed with pure cotton sheets, TV, DVD player, iPod dock. The enormous en suite has a freestanding bath looking out over a paddock and gum trees, walk in shower, big fluffy towels, bathrobes, and organic toiletries.

The decadent breakfast hamper may include goodies such as poached pears, house-made muesli and freshly squeezed juice. There's much to explore on the gourmet-blessed peninsula or kick back and relax on the daybed with a good book and glass of wine.

Staying there From $330 a night midweek including breakfast and a bottle of Harts Farm Extra Virgin Olive Oil. See hartsfarm.com.au; winefoodfarmgate.com.au.

Don't miss Lunch at nearby Green Olive at Red Hill, an 11-hectare sustainable farm where diners can feast on handmade lamb sausages, seasonal produce, organic Wiltshire lamb and free range Isa brawn chicken.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

SPICERS PEAK LODGE, SCENIC RIM, QUEENSLAND

Located more than 1000 metres above sea level atop a 3600-hectare working cattle station, Spicers Peak Lodge offers a refined Man from Snowy River-style experience. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed National Park, guests can sip champagne in the pool while taking in views over Queensland's Scenic Rim.

With nothing but cattle for neighbours, the silence is broken only by the trickle of the infinity edge pool and the crackle of the open fireplace. Owned by Flight Centre boss Graeme "Skroo" Turner, the lodge features recycled Blackbutt and Oregon timber and some of Australia's oldest Scottish bluestone.

Inside are soaring ceilings, warm earthy colours, rich textures of suede, leather and timber and plush furnishings. Artwork sourced from Christies includes William Robinson and John Olsen lithographs and a David Rankin painting. The guest lounge, with vast walls of glass, provides jaw-dropping views over Cunningham's Gap - the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink ahead of a seven-course degustation dinner. Afterwards retire to your suite where a fire is burning in the bluestone fireplace and someone has discreetly lit the candles.

Staying there Priced from $399 a night, including breakfast. See spicersretreats.com/spicers-peak-lodge

Don't miss A bush tucker walk with bearded bushie Russell Moreton as your guide.

REMOTE CONTROL

RAWNSLEY PARK STATION, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Owned and managed by fourth generation Flinders Range residents, Tony and Julieanne Smith, this remote, once-struggling sheep station is an award-winning tourism venture. The property is located on the southern side of the incredible Wilpena Pound (4½ hours from Adelaide) and runs 2000 sheep.

The station offers a mix of eco villas (with nifty retractable ceiling), motel, caravan and campsite accommodation. Rawnsley Homestead is the property's newest digs, luxurious accommodation in a restored, 1950s' stone farmhouse complete with private pool, two king-size bedrooms, campfire and outdoor shower. The excellent onsite Woolshed Restaurant offers stunning views over Rawnsley Bluff. Activities include 4WD tours, mountain biking, bush walking, scenic flights over Wilpena Pound and more.

Staying there One-bedroom units are priced from $140 a night; eco villas from $390 while the Rawnsley Homestead is priced from $530 a night (minimum two-night stay). See rawnsleypark.com.au

Don't miss During school holidays Tony offers shearing demonstration where the sheep are yarded by dogs. Participants also learn how wool is classed and baled and enjoy Devonshire teas.

VEG OUT

HARVEST HOUSE, CRESSY, TASMANIA

Harvest Moon, one of Tasmania's most prolific fresh vegetable producers, offers luxurious accommodation in a 100-year-old renovated homestead at working vegetable farm Kinburn, in Tasmania's northern midlands. Guests staying at the three-bedroom homestead will gain an insight into the production of fresh food for the Australian and international markets. Farm tours can be arranged.

Staying there Accommodation is priced from $180 a night, a double ($35 a person for extra guests, children under 15 free), during winter. See harvesthousetasmania.com.au

Don't miss Take a leisurely ride around the farm to see the crops of broccoli, potato, onions, pumpkin and poppies.

MUCK IN

MYELLA FARMSTAY, GLADSTONE, QUEENSLAND

Promising to leave you stiff, sore, dirty but happy, Peter and Olive Eather have been running the authentic Myella Farmstay since 1993. The 1000-hectare cattle property offers horse and motorbike riding, 4WD farm tours, home cooking, campfires, red dirt and mucking in and feed the animals or milk the cows.

An hour's drive inland from Gladstone, accommodation is simple but clean while camping is also available.

Staying there A self-drive package including meals, accommodation and farm activities is priced at $180 a person; camping costs $25 a night. myella.com

Don't miss A lasso and whip-cracking lesson.

HIT THE HAY

PUMP HILL FARM COTTAGES, PEMBERTON, WA

Uninterrupted views over a misty green valley and majestic karri forest, cosy fires, fresh country air and hay rides feature at this family friendly farm stay in the picturesque town of Pemberton, south-west Western Australia.

Guests can join in each day to help feed the menagerie of farm animals.

Accommodation is in one, two and three-bedroom rammed earth and mudbrick cottages.

Staying there A one-bedroom valley view cottage is priced from $93 a night. See pumphill.com.au

Don't miss The morning hay ride, helping feed the cows from the tractor, then the donkeys, sheep, ducks and chickens.

FIVE WAYS FARM STAYS BENEFIT FAMILIES AND KIDS

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

A working farm offers an intimate look at the daily practices of life in the country. Families can get involved (or observe) hands on activities such as milking the cows, feeding livestock, grooming horses, building bonfires and collecting eggs.

DIGITAL DETOX

Children are able to run free, get dirty, spend time in the fresh country air and disconnect from technology. Some farms have limited or non-existent mobile phone coverage, forcing guests on a digital detox.

FOOD AWAKENING

Families gain a greater insight into where food comes from and can eat it at its source. Some farms offer the opportunity to help with mulching, planting or picking vegetables, herbs and fruit.

ANIMAL MAGIC

Many farm stays offer children the chance to connect with animals and participate in their care.

NATURE ON TAP

Farm stays help urban families connect with nature, the outdoors and each other through wholesome, fun activities.

Source: downunderfarmstays.com.au.

Or for something further away ...

ANNANDALE, NZ

On one of New Zealand's most prestigious working farms with 10 kilometres of dramatic coastline, Annandale offers four high-end villas including the adults-only Seascape, which combines dramatic architecture with jaw dropping ocean vistas.

See annandale.com.

NETTLECOMBE FARM, ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND

Owned by the Morris family for more than a century, Nettlecombe Farm is located on 61 hectares of scenic rolling Isle of Wight countryside. Accommodation is self-contained in a barn, cottages, converted milking parlour or a farmhouse. Livestock includes donkeys, alpacas, goats, Buff Orpington hens, geese and two reindeers named Comet and Dancer. In spring, kids can help feed baby lambs.

See nettlecombefarm.co.uk.

HOME RANCH, COLORADO, USA

Home Ranch in the Elk River Valley - one of the last alpine ranching valleys in the American West - offers an appealing combination of "haute mountain cuisine" by executive chef Clyde Nelson and down-home western hospitality. There are outdoor pursuits such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing horseback riding, wrangling, barn dancing, hay rides and more.

See homeranch.com.

COLLEGE FARM IN NORFOLK, ENGLAND

Families will love life at College Farm, featured in the Feather Down Farms' collection of 31 independent smallholdings offering luxury camping. Guests stay in Feather Down's signature super-size family tents, complete with master bedroom, bunks, kitchen, dining area hung with candlelit chandeliers and your own private toilet. Farmyard friends include cattle, horses, hens and Dolly the pet cow. In August or September, tents sit amid a glorious sea of sunflowers.

See featherdown.co.uk.

MORGAN'S ROCK HACIENDA AND ECOLODGE, NICARAGUA

A bit of a wildcard but this 1600-hectare expanse of Central American Nicaraguan jungle houses a low-impact working farm where 15 beach bungalows rest privately under thick foliage with gorgeous ocean views. Guests can lend a hand collecting eggs, milking cows or help pound corn into homemade tortillas for the morning meal.

See hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Hacienda_Ecolodge_Morgans_Rock.htm.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Sheriden Rhodes grew up in rural Sydney and loves nothing more than the feel of grass underfoot, fresh country air and ambles down country lanes.