When it comes to farm stays in NSW, there’s no better location than the Central Coast. The region, found just 90 minutes north of Sydney and an hour south of Newcastle, has some of the prettiest countryside in the state.
In fact, the Coast offers a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.
From boutique stays to working alpacas farms, here’s our favourite farm stays on the Central Coast.
1. Karinya Farmstay
Looking for a farm stay in NSW which offers a hands-on animal experience but with heated pool, firepit and pizza oven? Well, look no further than Karinya Farmstay. The property is beautiful and surrounded by stunning countryside. The experience is brilliant for little kids. There’s plenty of animals to play with in the day and then a pizza at sunset with a wine in hand for parents. This spot also doubles up as a girls getaway destination.
2. Paradise Botanical Gardens
This is a bit of a hidden gem, with the farm stay at the Paradise Botanical Gardens located on a rural 220-acre property in Central Coast Hinterland. It’s generally the go-to location for weddings but also offers a cottage suitable for large families. The pretty-as-a-picture cottage is plunged within deep manicured gardens with idylic ponds spotted throughout. There’s woodland walking trail and it backs onto the national park. This is less of an animal experience and more a countryside escape.
3. Kulnura Cottages
This is truly a quintessential farm experience, with Kulnura Cottages found in the picture-perfect rural area of Kulnura. Here you’ll stay in the two-bedroom cottage, which has a king-size bed in one room, and two singles and a rollaway bed in the other. In the morning, it’s time to collect the fresh eggs and say hello to the horse and cows. There’s a pool, BBQ area and fire pit for toasting marshmallows. It’s the only dog-friendly farm stay on the Central Coast so it’s incredibly popular.
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Alpaca Farm Stay NSW
4. Iris Lodge Alpacas
This alpaca farm in Jilliby has been made famous by its breakfast with alpacas experience, that attracts a steady stream of visitors every weekend. But Iris Lodge Alpacas also offers a truly unique farm stay experience, where you sleep on a farm shared with over a 100 alpacas. The onsite accommodation only has a double bed available, which is a great option if you’re flying solo with one of your littlies. And it only costs $140 a night.
5. Mollies Farm
Found in the beautiful Dooralong Valley is a boutique farm stay called Mollies Farm. Here you’ll find plenty of alpacas, cows, sheep and three very friendly border collies. The accommodation here is rustic, with a single-room cottage filled with a queen bed, double bed, a single and a sofa bed. But that, in turn, makes it an affordable option for a big family, with stays costing just $200 a night.
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Luxury Farm Stay NSW
6. The Growers Cottage
This incredible cottage is surrounded by orange trees, vegie patches and herb gardens, truly coming alive in late spring with bright blooms. The Growers Cottage can be found in Lower Mangrove, which is deep in the Central Coast countryside. And it’s one of the most luxurious farm stays in NSW, with outdoor bath and super stylish interiors. Leave the kids at home for this one. It’s a retreat for adults.
7. Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Better known for its on-site maze, farm and playground, Amazement Farm & Fun Park also offer a farm stay experience on the grounds. Their three-bedroom farmstay can host up to six people, with two cots available for toddlers. You’ll get to explore the farm first thing in the morning, before it opens up to the public. And book in for spring as there’s always plenty of baby animals to cuddle.
8. Yarramalonga Valley Farm Stay
Found just an hour drive from Sydney, just outside of the Central Coast region is the stunning Yarramalong Valley Farm Stay. It’s perfect for families with young kids but doubles up as a lovely retreat-style getaway if wanting to escape with friends. The kids collect the eggs in the morning, feed the ponies, alpacas and sheep. And you can even try a spot of yabbying in one of the dams.
Where next? Let’s head over to the best luxury accommodation on the Central Coast.Â
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