In New England High Country, there is no shortage of fantastic accommodation options. Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, guesthouses, old-school pubs…you name it, this region has it. But if you’re looking for something a little different on your next trip through this picturesque pocket of NSW, may we suggest you consider visiting one of the region’s authentic working farms?
Just picture it: meals made with the freshest of fresh produce, wide open spaces free from traffic, and the chance to try your hand at the art of milking a cow. Not to mention the various farm animals you’ll have as temporary neighbours. Now that’s relaxation.
Below is just a sample of some of the charming farmstays available to you in New England High Country.
OAKHURST COTTAGE FARMSTAY, DEEPWATER
Retreat into the bush with a stay at Oakhurst Cottage Farmstay. Here, you can relax on your secluded front verandah, lounge by a cosy fireplace, help feed the farm’s sheep, collect eggs from the chicken, or explore the vast rural property. You can also bring your own pets, making it a perfect getaway for the whole family.
POPPY’S COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST, ARMIDALE
Poppy’s Cottage has charm by the barrelful, with this mid-19th century settler’s cottage providing the perfect opportunity to shake off the shackles of city living. The 140 acre farm is home to a family of five, not to mention their menagerie of ducks, hens, geese, cattle, dogs and various other friendly farmyard animals, and offers comfortable and authentic accommodation for those in need of a little r&r. The hearty homemade breakfast is a real winner, consisting of fresh and poached fruit, yoghurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, farm eggs and bacon, home baked bread, homemade jam and fresh coffee. If there’s a better way to start the day, we don’t want to hear about it.
CONINGDALE BED AND BREAKFAST, WOLLOMOMBI
Coningdale Bed and Breakfast is an historic property situated on a 4300 acre working sheep farm. Nestled on the banks of the Wollomombi River, this working farm offers some fantastic fishing opportunities, while those who wish to explore the property have the chance to join a 4WD farm tour.
CHEYENNE WILDERNESS RETREAT FARMSTAY, WALCHA
If you’re looking for an interactive farmstay experience, Cheyenne Wilderness Retreat could be for you. Situated on the edge of the Macleay Gorge, the farm offers the chance to feed pigs, collect eggs and milk cows, followed by an evening of roasting marshmallows at the farm’s fire pit.
RED HILL ORGANICS FARMSTAY, WALCHA
Red Hill Organics Farmstay is a 5,500 acre organic beef cattle property surrounded by the World Heritage Werrikimbe National Park. The property is the ideal place to base yourself to explore some of the most incredible walking tracks in the region, mountain bike trails, bird watching or taking the 4WD tail down to historic Youdales Hut picnic area & Kunderang Brook.
GLENHOPE BNB FARMSTAY, ARMIDALE
Now for something completely different…Glenhope BnB Farmstay offers charming accommodation on a working alpaca farm. This relaxed property offers the chance to immerse yourself in the countryside, with scenic vistas and fresh air in an abundance. Guests can help feed the friendly alpacas if they wish, or they can relax in the gardens and be serenaded by the local birdlife. The choice is yours!
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