Whether it’s for a weekend trip or the school holidays, farmstays offer a unique holiday experience for you and your whole family. Best of all, the kids have ready-made entertainment at their fingertips, including hand feeding farm animals, collecting freshly laid eggs and seeing native wildlife up close, interspersed with family visits to the local wineries and luxuries of the region.
Diamond Forest Farm Stay – Pemberton
Nestled halfway between Pemberton and Manjimup and 300km south of Perth you will find the luscious and pet-friendly Diamond Forest Farmstay (since our furry friends are part of the family too!). While there is a small fee each night for your pets, it does give you the opportunity to leave your dog somewhere safe while you explore the national parks of the area. If you let the owners know you will be going out for the day, they are happy to keep an eye on your dog, giving you that added peace of mind while you enjoy your day trips.
As well as being close to local highlights such as the Gloucester Tree and Tree Top Walk, the activities at the farm could keep you entertained all day. There is daily animal feeding each morning, opportunities to fish and canoe on their three-acre dam, a communal games room and a petting pen with rabbits and guinea pigs. A scenic fire pit will keep you warm in the cooler months, allowing you to toast marshmallows or cook damper together while listening to the resident frogs. Firewood and matches can be provided for you, so you’ll be able to head down and start your fire-side night at your leisure.
Ferguson Farmstay – near Bunbury
Located in the Ferguson Valley just over one hour from Perth, Ferguson Farmstay is a stunning property with a beautiful rose garden and ocean views and is often used as a wedding destination. Family-friendly accommodation includes the opportunity for pony rides, animal feedings and popular tractor rides to the back of the property, where you can feed the cows, and hopefully, the newborn calves.
If you’ve exhausted yourself on the farm’s tennis court, trampolines and basketball courts, there is plenty to do in the Ferguson Valley and Geographe region to keep the whole family entertained, including microbreweries, wineries, the local shops and kid-friendly activities such as Gnomesville (20 minutes away) and the Dolphin Discovery Centre (only 30 minutes away). While picturesque, pets are not allowed, so your pooch will have to sit this one out.
Four Elements Farm Stay – Margaret River/Yallingup
Located between Margaret River and Dunsborough, Four Elements Farmstay is a great location from which to access the whole of the Margaret River Region. As well as seasonal fruit picking and animal feedings and tours, the kids can try something different catching tadpoles and baby marron in the creek. Supervised by the owners, if the kids are successful in catching tadpoles they are able to take them back to their chalet overnight before returning them in the morning.
Especially during winter, regular campfires and larger scheduled bonfires (their Facebook will have more information regarding dates) provide the perfect opportunity to cosy up and marvel at the star-filled sky.
Big 4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park Margaret River – Cowaramup
Backing onto a working farm, this holiday park offers both cottages and camping sites, so you can get your caravan or tent out and spend the night in the great outdoors. If camping isn’t your thing, you can opt for self-contained and rustic cottages suitable for families. The kids will be happy to know there is a big ‘jumping pillow’ and go-carts for hire, as well as daily animal feeding. For those camping, there are grassy powered sites with access to all of your kitchen, BBQ and laundry needs. These are priced at $50 per night during the July school holidays.
While the park is usually dog-friendly, this only applies to off peak seasons, so your pooch won’t be able to join you in the school holidays. You will be impressed to know you can actually walk to 3 Oceans Wine Company and the Margaret River Dairy Company from the holiday park.
Margaret River Hideaway and Farmstay – Margaret River
Located only a few kilometres from the townsite of Margaret River and all its key attractions, this cosy farmstay offers both cottages and studios that cater for groups of 2 – 8. Your dog can also tag along for the ride, as well-behaved pets are allowed to stay free-of-charge! All cottages have their own verandah, outdoor seating area and a gas BBQ so you can cook your own meals alfresco.
With kangaroos, peacocks, sheep and alpacas free to wander the property, you’ll be able to watch them through the window as you unwind on this quaint farm property. Plus, the kids can take part in animal feedings and tours held every Tuesdays, Thursday and on weekends.