Family-Friendly Farm Stays: Unforgettable Escapes in Nature

Dreaming of a countryside getaway where the kids can roam freely, interact with animals, while you relax and soak in the scenic landscapes? Check out our curated list of family-friendly farm stays across Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia, and Taiwan for a perfect blend of rustic charm and hands-on activities that delight the entire family. 

Bilpin Country Lodge, New South Wales, Australia

Nestled in the scenic Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes away from Sydney, Bilpin Country Lodge is a popular bed and breakfast choice for families seeking an outdoor adventure. Popular among the Singaporean and expat families, this lodge offers a minimum two-night package with pre-planned itineraries featuring visits to nearby attractions.

Photos courtesy of Bilpin Country Lodge & Zig Zag Railway

The lodge boasts expansive orchards where families can spend afternoons picking seasonal produce like apples, plums and nuts. Kids can enjoy the playground, trampolines, or play table tennis and basketball, while parents relax at the spa or take a dip in the pool. For a spot of Aussie past-time, try catching yabbies, a type of freshwater crayfish from nearby ponds. Adventurer-lovers with older kids will love exploring rugged trails on a 4WD excursion, offering breathtaking views of New South Wales’ spectacular landscapes. Nearby, the historic Zig Zag Railway takes families on a ride through sandstone cliffs and lush forests, making for an unforgettable experience. The Blipin Country Lodge offers accommodation for families of all sizes, including groups of up to 20 guests. Daily self-serve breakfast is provided, and guests are welcome to prepare their own meals in the kitchen and BBQ area. Dining options nearby include restaurants and cafes such as the Grumpy Baker, serving up delectable home-made pies, sausage rolls, pastries and other baked goods. Must-tries include the Chicken Harissa, and the Moroccan Lamb puff pastries loaded with vegetables.  

Bilpin Country Lodge is located at 46 Bilpin Springs Road, Bilpin, NSW 2758, Australia. For booking enquiries, please email res@bilpinlodge.com.au, or call +61 (2) 4567 0300.

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Located in the heart of the Gobi Desert, the Three Camel Lodge is an eco-lodge offering a unique blend of nature and nomadic culture. The lodge provides families with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Mongolia’s vast, untamed landscape coupled with diverse terrains from sweeping sand dunes to ice-covered valleys. Guests can embark on excursions to iconic sites like the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been uncovered, or explore the scenic Yol Valley, home to the majestic Yol vultures and the Asian ibex.

Photos courtesy of Three Camel Lodge

Enjoy cosy evenings beneath the desert’s famously clear, starlit sky in traditional gers (also known as yurts) and wake to the sight of wild camels and horses roaming the plains. The felt-lined gers feature handcrafted wood furnishings, camel-hair blankets and custom stone showers which reflect Mongolian craftsmanship, creating an authentic yet comfortable stay. By day, discover the Gobi’s wonders by exploring the picturesque terrain on a bike tour or partake in ger-building workshops.

To experience the Mongolian way of life, guests can book a guided tour or horse-ride across the sand dunes to visit nomadic families and learn about their traditions and culture. At night, gather around the Mongolian campfire to stargaze in the Gobi Desert — a humbling connection with nature in the vast dessert.

Three Camel Lodge is located at 57 Station Rd Cranbury, NJ 08512. For bookings, please email info@threecamellodge.com, or call (800) 998-6634 (for the United States), or 976-11-325-786 (Mongolia).

Wacky Stays, Kaikoura, New Zealand

From the Mongolian yurt to colonial wagons and train carriages, Wacky Stays in Kaikoura, New Zealand, offers unique accommodation that kids will love. Apart from the eclectic choice of rooms, this family-friendly farm also features activities like animal feeding sessions, llama tours and more.

Photos courtesy of Wacky Stays

Embark on a llama walking tour, and let these gentle furry animals guide you around the farm’s scenic pastures. A short drive away, Kaikoura Peninsula invites visitors to explore its beautiful coastal landscape and, if you’re lucky, you may catch sight of the seal colony basking in the sun. For the more adventurous, be sure to book Kaikoura’s whale-watching experience. Whether by boat, kayak, or even helicopter, spotting these majestic giants in their natural habitat is sure to be an unforgettable highlight for the whole family. Foodies can also enjoy a range of dining options at Kaikoura. Feast on fresh local seafood, including the town’s famed crayfish at Cods & Crayfish, or grab a hearty meal at Why Not Cafe. 

Wacky Stays is located at 12 Kowhai Ford Road, Kaikoura, NZ. For bookings, please visit the website, email admin@wackystays.co.nz, or call +64 3 319 5033.

Qingjing Farm, Taiwan

Set on a beautiful mountaintop town in Nantou, Qingjing Farm is a family favourite in Taiwan, particularly during cherry blossom season from winter to spring. The farm’s playful sheep are a delight for children, who can feed the sheep while exploring fields covered in seasonal blossoms. For a touch of DIY-fun, families can participate in workshops to create wool-felt sheep dolls, a fun way to craft a unique memento of this farm experience. Older children can enjoy the “little jockey” horseback riding experience, in a safe, guided environment with the gorgeous Lipizzaner horses.

Stroll through the Small Swiss Garden, with its fairy-tale-like parterres and swan lakes, or enjoy live sheep shows and equestrian performances on the Qingqing Grassland. For an unforgettable adventure, head to Mount Hehuan for stargazing and sunrise tours above the clouds. Don’t miss the scenic sky bridge, offering breath-taking views of misty mountains.

Photos courtesy of Qingjing Farm

Book your stay at Top-Cloud Villa, just minutes from the farm, to wake up to gorgeous sunrise and grazing wild sheep. Keen to try creative dining? Head to the Carton King Theme Restaurant, where dishes like lychee honey garlic shrimp are served in a whimsical paper-themed setting. For a touch of elegance, enjoy English afternoon tea at the Old English Manor, a European-style castle with stunning views.

Qingjing Farm is located at No. 170, Renhe Road, Renai Township, Nantou County, 546001. For bookings, please visit the website, email cing.jing@msa.hinet.net, or call +886 97702409.

Top-Cloud Villa is located at No. 182-2, Renhe Road, Datong Village, Renai Township, Nantou County 54641. For bookings, please visit the website, email topcloudresort@gmail.com, or call +886 049 280 3788.

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