Idyllic farm stays in Queensland for a taste of the good life

It doesn’t get more picture-perfect than Blackwattle Farm‘s view across rolling green hills in the Glass House Mountains. Getting right into farm life is part of the fun here, so chuck on your gummies and chip in during the livestock’s feeding time. The cast of characters ranges from chickens and tiny, undeniably cute miniature pigs to heftier—but still friendly—alpacas and cows.

Relish the sensation of waking in your king-size bed to the sounds of nature stirring in the morning. With kookaburras cackling, chickens scratching and dogs snuffling about, every day will be a little different and unique. Rise for a morning stroll under an endless blue sky—the sight of a majestic hawk or eagle inspires awe, while cheeky, playful parrots will make you smile.

Pick up supplies on the way back for a quintessential Aussie barbecue: sausages, skippy, gourmet steak and crisp salad. The roaring fire will keep you warm while you enjoy an evening searching for shooting stars before turning in for a soak in your clawfoot bath.

The Ingleside Stud Farm in the tumbling Tallebudgera Valley is a back-to-nature escape that still maintains all the luxuries of home. From your perch on one of the many decks, stop and listen to Mother Earth breathe while taking in views of the misty hills. You’ll raise a tipple to your lips as the farm’s prize stallion shakes his mane and thunders across the greens in a wild display.

Mornings on the farm are busy for your hosts, but not for you. You’re free to sleep as long as you wish and help yourself to breakfast when you’re ready. Homegrown, free-range eggs will be waiting for you in the kitchen for a country-style breakfast sure to hit the spot. Return to Ingleside for dinner on a barbecue deck that’s all yours. With plates of char-grilled deliciousness, a setting sun and comfy furniture, what could be better?

Bring your binoculars—rainbow lorikeets are frequent house guests at the Lagoon Pocket B&B. In fact, it’s a downright birder’s paradise here: kookaburras laughing through the cool early hours will rouse you from your sleep with a smile.

Wrap up in a fluffy robe, piping hot tea in hand, and snuggle up on your personal veranda to witness the sights, sounds and smells of these unique country mornings. You’ll enjoy privacy in your quarters separate from the owners’ house, fully self-contained with an ensuite and own little sitting room overlooking the garden.

Contemplate the bygone years in the quiet garden back at Lagoon Pocket, your introspection fuelled by a clear starlit sky and the sound of absolute silence. Keep your eyes peeled in the dark for cuddly koalas making their way to their favourite eucalyptus trees for a nocturnal snack.

Cute, curious and mild-mannered llamas will keep you company when you arrive for a stay and a hike around Dayboro Cottages and Llama Walks. At just 45 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, you can wake up in the city and be trotting next to four-legged friends by mid-morning.

It’s not all just silliness, either—the cottages blend a touch of luxury alongside the quirk, so you’ll find that coveted balance of finery and fun. That means warm quilts on cloud-like beds for restful nights of sleep, and a gas pizza oven for gooey, cheesy slices out in the fresh mountain air.

In your quaint cottage nestled against bushland and mountains, slip into your provided bathrobe and pour a steaming cup of morning coffee as you drink in the view over the Dayboro Valley and beyond. The only thing punctuating the serene scene will be the odd rooster clucking and scratching the earth in search of a grubby treat. You’ll be close enough to the other cabins to have a chat with your neighbours, but when you return to your room, it will feel like no one else is around.

Round up your partner, friends, kids, even your pets for an unforgettable stay at Innistaigh Retreat. You can choose between Frog Hollow, Mountain Lodge or Sand and Sea rooms, then get down to the serious business of relaxing in this treasured natural space.

The aroma of freshly baked bread will get you out of bed for a leisurely brekkie of jam on toast, best enjoyed on your veranda as the sun banishes the rising mist from the landscape.

It doesn’t get more ‘country’ than a stay in Dovecote Cottage at Mango Hill Farm. You’ll breathe deeply as you marvel in the visual feast beneath the fretwork frame of this lovingly restored, century-old Queenslander.

For a literal feast of the farm-fare variety, gather in the spacious country kitchen and prepare local ingredients to your liking. Follow with a pot of coffee on the wraparound veranda, giving a polite nod to the resident grey horse who sometimes meanders past. Greet the other farm animals as you wander tree-lined paths through the manicured gardens.

Stop at the glistening lily pond, where abundant water flowers will tingle your senses with their thick perfume. If you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can take a 45-minute drive to the renowned Eumundi Markets and explore one of Australia’s biggest art and craft hubs. While you’re browsing the unique jewellery, fashion pieces, works of art and even homewares, don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce and artisan bread for your evening meal.

Back at the farm, seek out the peaceful shade of the gazebo for a restful afternoon cuppa after a few rounds of croquet on the lawn. As the daytime buzz gives way to gentle night, dine outside at the communal picnic facilities while chirping crickets offer a soft serenade. Save room for farm-style dessert—gooey, golden marshmallows toasted to perfection over a crackling fire.