7 premium farm stays in Victoria for a luxury homestead experience

Best farm stays near Melbourne

Best for: quiet respite for families and large groups

Sleeps: Eight guests

This modern three-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse acts as a tranquil respite from the bustle of city life. Warm green interiors imitate the lush surrounding pastures of this homestead estate; a 60-acre vineyard and cattle farm on the Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by untamed wilderness and nearby coastal border; wineries, local beaches, hot springs and charming seaside villages lie within reach.

Reasons to stay:

• 90-minute drive from Melbourne
• Short drive to Peninsula Hot Springs, local wineries and a world-class golf club
• Open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas fit for entertaining families
• Four car parking spaces

Location: Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula Shire

Best for: private tranquillity

Sleeps: Six guests

Located in the foot of a valley is a rustic homestead surrounded by five-acres of Idyllic bushland for an opportunity to switch off all the noise. Curated with bespoke, timber furnishings and luxurious, generous bedrooms – make use of the wood-fired pizza and deluxe amenities, or soak in the freestanding bath overlooking thick, unwavering bushland. One five-star guest shared their experience “watching the various birds that came to visit and the blue banded bees on the rosemary” as one of their many highlights.

Reasons to stay:

• Two-hour drive from Melbourne
• Exclusive and secluded stay for ultimate privacy
• Split-system air conditioning system makes the barn a pleasant stay all year round
• Outdoor area for alfresco dining

Location: Yinnar South

Best farm stays near Geelong

Best for: an idyllic off-grid experience

Sleeps: Six guests

An eco-retreat designed to feed the senses both inside and out, this stay combines contemporary architecture with stunning valley views and beyond. Plus, off-grid doesn’t have to mean off-the-face-of-the-Earth. Whether you’re feeling a bit peckish, desire a peak of the local lifestyle, or want to fall deeper into natural serenity – there is an abundance of local eateries, lush rainforests and pristine beaches along the Great Ocean Road and the Great Otway National Park for a plentiful experience.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot some wildlife during your stay. “A highlight was the first morning; opening the bedroom blinds to find kangaroos lounging just outside,” said one five-star guest, who added: “We visited Lake Elizabeth and the brewery in Forrest, then later spotted some more kangaroos in the early evening, hopping along at speed. On our last day, we took the quick drive to Lorne. Having the beach so close is one of the reasons we can’t wait to stay longer next time.”

Reasons to stay:

• Three-bedroom, two-bath home
• Experience 360-degree views of farmland and the Otway Forest
• Close to beach towns, with Lorne just 30-minutes through the forest and Apollo Bay 45-minutes by car

Location: Barwon Downs

Best for: an intimate couple getaway

Sleeps: Two guests

Tiny homes have been the accommodation du jour, and while Murray’s Place is small in size, it packs a punch. With your own private area situated on 17-acres of farmland, this custom-built home features an open space, functional kitchen amenities and a large deck for wining and dining. For those after a slice of adventure, the You Yangs Regional Park is a short drive away and is complete with hikes, bike-paths and scenic picnic spots. Located just 50-minutes from Melbourne CBD and 30-minutes from Geelong CBD, this stay is fit for a romantic – if not entirely impromptu – weekend away.

Reasons to stay:

• Private hot tub
• Outdoor claw foot bathtub
• Fire pit and a pier with deck chair for outdoor relaxation
• Short drive from Melbourne and Geelong CBD

Location: Little River

Best farm stays in the Central Highlands

Best for: luxury rustic charm

Sleeps: 10 guests

Situated within six acres of grounds just outside the small rural village of Smeaton is a distinguished, sophisticated property infused with old-world glamour. Thoughtfully curated interiors blend rustic charm with contemporary elements. Steal a book from the library and choose between the chandelier room with its fireplace or the sunroom, complete with a baby grand piano, for a day of relaxation and respite.

Reasons to stay:

• Two-story, five-bedroom, three-bathroom home
• Private pool
• Outdoor fireplace
• Short drive to Hepburn Springs and a historic mineral spring bathhouse

Location: Smeaton

Best farm stays near the Great Ocean Road

Best for: a getaway à la mode

Sleeps: Six guests

For a more contemporary experience, there’s Josephine, a three-bed, two-bath industrial home featuring a striking modern architectural style. The cantilevered structure and floor-to-ceiling glass panels create the sensation of floating above the five-acre property (formerly a dairy farm), overlooking the peaceful surroundings of Wyelangta in the Otways. Hike or bike along the trails that weave inland from the Great Ocean Road – it’s also the perfect stopover during an Australian road trip.

“We stayed at Josephine’s whilst hiking the second half of the Great Ocean Walk. House was perfect for our group of four. Peaceful location and the house had everything we needed for our stay,” said one guest who rated their stay five-stars.

Reasons to stay:

• Open plan living area fit for entertaining
• Indoor wood-burning fireplace
• 180-degree views of the valleys towards Johanna Beach and the Southern Ocean from the deck
• 10-minute drive to Great Otway National Park

Location: Wyelangta

Best farm stay near Victoria High Country

Best for: a traditional homestead

Sleeps: 10 guests

Nestled among the rugged Victorian alps and along the Delatite River bounds a heritage-style homestead for an escape from the modern day. With bountiful traditional motifs marking an ode to heritage, the five-bed, four-bath retreat is also set on a working farm for you to experience a full immersion into country living. Enjoy a lovely meal made from local produce on the farm-style dining table, or take a moment of quiet on the verandah while overlooking the snow-capped skyline.

Reasons to stay:

• Minutes from Mansfield town in the foothills of the Victorian Alps
• Traditional furnishings and interiors for a rustic retreat
• Located on the grounds of a working farm
• Private patio with BBQ grill for alfresco dining

Location: Delatite