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Although we are big advocates for wandering off the beaten track, can we help you get un-lost?
Location: Junee, NSW
Getting there: 2 ½ hours from Canberra, 4 ¼ hours from Sydney
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
The Property:
The Silos Accommodation offers a truly unique eco-luxury romantic escape. Just 15 minutes from the historic town of Junee, the retreat is set on Kameruka, a 6th generation working sheep and cropping farm in the scenic Riverina region of NSW.
What was once a 1960’s Lysaght grain silo has been lovingly transformed into The Grain Loft, a secluded couples’ retreat where rustic charm meets modern elegance and luxury. Here, time slows, wander farm trails, breathe in the wide open spaces, and watch the sunset over the hills beyond the silo before sinking into the outdoor hot tub or gathering by the firepit under a sky of endless stars. Wake to a breathtaking sunrise over the Eurongilly valley, hear the birds sing, simply relax and take in the moment of tranquillity.
Your stay is all-inclusive, featuring the very best of our region. Farm-fresh eggs and StockinPiggle breakfast supplies, FarmDoor Riverina dinner meals, Tumblong Hills wines, Bulla Creek Brewery beers, Coolamon Cheese artisan cheeses, Mirooll Cottage crackers, Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory treats, Art of Espresso coffee, Riverina Fresh milk and more. Every detail has been carefully chosen to showcase the flavours of the Riverina and create a stay that feels both luxurious and connected to the land.
Design/Property features:
Inside, you’ll find an inviting open-plan kitchenette, lounge, and dining space designed for comfort and ease. The ensuite includes a separate shower and a two-person bathtub perfectly positioned to take in sweeping views of the valley. A cosy indoor wood fire, air conditioning, and ceiling fan ensure year-round comfort, while block-out blinds create the perfect retreat for a restful sleep. Upstairs, the loft bedroom features a plush king bed dressed in 100% French linen, alongside thoughtful touches like a TV for quiet evenings in.
Outside, enjoy seating on the deck, a BBQ and raised herb garden beds, a fire pit with outdoor lounge, and a wood-fired hot tub, all designed to make the most of the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Guests also enjoy the convenience of a carport and an EV charger.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. The Silos is entirely off-grid, powered by solar and battery, with recycled and repurposed materials woven throughout its construction. A tree is planted for every booking during our annual planting session, reflecting our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
Guests can also book our Meet the Farmer Tour, where we share the story of our family farm, introduce you to our sheep and cropping enterprise, and offer an authentic insight into life on the land.
At The Silos, you’ll find more than just a place to stay. You’ll discover peace, serenity, and a chance to reconnect with each other, with nature, and with the story of a family farm that has been cared for across six generations.
About your local community:
Junee is all heart, a charming country town rich in history and character. Known for its welcoming community, heritage railway station, and the iconic Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory. With its wide streets, beautiful parks, historic buildings, and thriving local businesses, Junee offers the perfect blend of culture, flavour, and small town hospitality.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
There is nothing quite like looking out over the Eurongilly Valley from the hot tub, with its ever-changing patchwork of paddocks till the sun sets and starry skies open up above. We love to warm up by the fire afterwards, listening to the crackle of the wood. One of our favourite times here is lambing season and we’re lucky enough to experience it three times a year. Watching the lambs play in the paddocks, hearing the birds in the trees, and spotting kangaroos at dusk are moments that always make this place feel so special.
What is your favourite trip close by:
After breakfast, head into Junee and start the morning at the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, make a giant freckle or chocolate pizza wheel, enjoy a coffee, or even take a guided tour. From there, wander over to the Gasworks car museum or the Broadway Museum to explore some rich history before stopping for lunch at the Junee Railway Café.
In the afternoon, visit the Heritage Railway Roundhouse Museum, to step back in time wondering through the old carriages and locomotives and see the impressive working roundhouse in action.Finish the day by heading to the local for a catch up, before returning back for a relaxing evening.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Their most comfortable and relaxing lazy days outfit. Also a pair of comfortable walking shoes so they can explore the farm trail and the outdoors.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
When we reflect on what led us to offering accommodation in the bush, it really comes back to two things. Our deep connection to this land and our desire to share it with others in a meaningful way.
Nick has lived his whole life on our sheep and cropping property, joined by Amber since 1996. Today, with our youngest son Thomas also working alongside us, the farm carries forward into its sixth generation. For decades, we have worked this land, raised our family here, and built a life around farming. We’ve always felt that the beauty and tranquillity of the Eurongilly Valley was something too special to keep to ourselves.
Over the years, friends and family who visited would often remark on the sweeping views, the starry skies, and the sense of peace that comes from being out here, away from the rush of town. Those comments confirmed that we had to share this place, and we began to wonder how we could create an experience where others could also immerse themselves in that same calm and beauty, while still enjoying comfort and luxury.
At the same time, sustainability has always been important to us. Building The Grain Loft, as we call it, from a repurposed silo was a way of honouring the farm’s history while also creating something entirely new and future focused. We wanted to prove that it’s possible to offer a luxury escape in the bush that is completely off-grid, eco-conscious, and respectful of the land.
This project has been a true family effort, made possible with the assistance of all our children, from our eldest son Casey’s deconstruction work to our youngest son Thomas’s online and media support. Our youngest daughter Jaimee designing the logo, and our eldest daughter Hope’s ongoing input and assistance. So, what led us here is both personal and purposeful. Our love for this land, our pride in our farming heritage, and our commitment to sustainability. Opening our farm gates to guests allows us to share not just a place to stay, but gives an opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience farm life, and appreciate the region in all its beauty.
Book via The Silos Accommodation Website
Instagram: @thesilosaccommodation
Facebook: The Silos Accommodation
Location: Coolamon, NSW
Getting there: 3 hours from Canberra, 5 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: A solo visitor or a couple
Bedrooms: 1
The Property:
The Ark is a deconsecrated heritage listed church, lovingly restored and curated to accommodate one couple, or a solo. Fully self contained, suitable for short and or long term stays, and situated within walking distance of Coolamon's infrastructure.
A restorative space of quietitude envelops you as a narrative unfolds throughout The Ark. Our vision to identify the principle ‘less is more’ harnessing the generous proportions and splendorous light with minimal interruption. Absence of clutter and predominance of simplicity, enable individual features to hold their own and shine.
Design/Property features:
The desire to curate a balance of masculine and feminine, industrial and heritage, generous proportions beside intimate and secluded spaces was achieved through choice of building materials and structural design.
Restored lead-light windows, cypress pine floor boards, gothic influenced doors and their hardware, along with repurposed furnishings were given a new lease of life. Soft furnishings and linens created from sourced and gifted materials of quality found a new purpose, to dress surfaces, comfort guests and exude difference.
Accents of Art Deco feature in decorative and atmospheric lighting both in the open living space, secluded mezzanine and ensuite bathroom. Experience luxury, indulge with the fragrance of artisan soaps as you unwind in the antique, restored claw foot bath with the comfort of underfloor heating during colder temperatures. There is the alternative of a revitalising shower to invigorate you.
Our decision to include steel as a dominant internal structural material. stems from undergraduate training in silver-smithing and love for metal. Also a keen interest in “Steam Punk’, a sub genre of science fiction and fantasy and industrial steam engine powered machinery. Bold, steel I and C beams support a mezzanine, connect with the linear divisions surrounding the coloured panes of glass in the lead-light windows.
The decision to build a mezzanine is three-fold, structural - less floor space is consumed and interrupted. Proximity to the cathedral ceiling and its features confront with another dimension. Aesthetics - seclusion and intimacy plus the sensory experience of lying between layers of flax linens and waking to shafts of sunlight across you. Metaphorical- closer to the ‘heavens’ and a feeling of being elevated.
A background in textiles, couture, theatre costume and career in visual arts, influenced the styling of spaces and surfaces. Furthermore, the importance of bringing the outside in, is demonstrated through floral installations foraged from the surrounding garden, and home grown, homemade preserves complementing our welcome platter. Our inclusion of local and regional artisan producers and makers products further enhance The Ark’s key intention to provide a nourishing and memorable experience. Home baked and home grown breakfast staples are included should guests desire a slow start to their day.
We are essentially custodians and our primary intentions behind The Ark are to provide outstanding service, and curate a place and space that inspires, delights and comforts the traveller.
About your local community:
Coolamon Shire is an oasis of history and natural splendour lying hidden off the Olympic, Newell and Sturt Highways. Encompassing the best that central NSW has to offer. Coolamon has something for everyone. History, heritage, inviting cafes, diverse retail, unique signage, compelling museums and cultural precincts to hidden walking and bike trails winding through local forests. An agriculturally rich area provides an array of wonderful artisan goods provided by local producers and regional producers and makers, sure to tempt anyone. Coolamon's tremendous pride in its heritage is made evident with an immaculate and well maintained landscape and cultural precinct. A proactive approach to encourage visitation is supported with regular and diverse calendar events. Coolamon is surrounded by quaint villages, each with their individual highlights ensuring picturesque and enjoyable day trips.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
I take great pride in preparing The Ark for guests. Growing a garden of productive and ornamentals enables me to fill vases with flora and fill the accommodation with colours, textures scents. Furthermore the methodical, slow process of harvesting, preparing and making conserves and accompaniments. Simple acts and personal gestures that enrich guests' s experience.
What is your favourite trip close by:
Which direction, and which loop for a favourite day trip is the question! There are quite a few options, as we are surrounded by villages and townships, each with their unique attractions. I will start with breakfast at The Station Collective, situated within Coolamon's heritage listed railway station, followed by a visit to Quarrion to peruse their beautifully curated interior and exquisite homewares, millinery, artworks and more. Across the street to purchase a personalised gift hamper from Gigi The Gourmet Grocer, onto Coolamon Cheese Co for their award winning cheeses Garlic chimichurri marinated Labneh, 'The Rock' Blue and D'brie. A short drive to Ganmain to peruse the eclectic collection of secondhand books at Faraway On Ford. My next meander is along a 'back' country road to Junee's Licorice and Chocolate Factory for their divine Spelt Licorice and light lunch before returning to Coolamon. Finally, absorb the stunning restoration and interiors with late afternoon drinks at the Coolamon Hotel and finish with a platter of various gourmet products purchased along our day trip.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Esky, and or basket to fill with assorted products, unique to our region.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
We are in the very fortunate position of having two deconsecrated churches on one title. A weatherboard, built in 1904, with a very different story to The Ark, brick and built during the 1920's. Prior to The Ark's conception, the brick church had served many , and diverse roles as we trialed different temporary pursuits, before deciding to 'take a leap of faith', utilise our passions of hospitality, heritage and aesthetics to restore and convert a stunning building into a unique and bespoke accommodation experience. We are situated in a small regional community, rich in heritage, with diverse attractions, solid and well maintained infrastructure that actively supports and facilitates tourism.
Book via The Ark Coolamon website
Instagram: @thearkcoolamon
Facebook: The Ark Coolamon
Location: Temora, NSW
Getting there: 2 ½ hours from Canberra, 4 ½ hours from Sydney
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
The Property:
The Guest Wing at Harberton House blends Edwardian charm with modern comfort in the heart of Temora’s heritage precinct. Once the kitchen and dining wing of the Union Bank manager’s residence, it has been lovingly restored to create a stylish self-contained retreat.
Guests can choose between one or two ensuite bedrooms. The West Room is perfect for a solo traveller or couple, while booking both the East and West rooms offers a spacious stay for friends or family. Each bedroom features a king-size bed with crisp linen, high ceilings, generous windows, and modern comforts including reverse-cycle air-conditioning. The bathrooms are finished with quality fittings that complement the home’s historic character.
A fully equipped kitchen and dining area provide everything needed for relaxed meals, and a private courtyard offers the perfect spot for breakfast in the sun or a glass of wine under the stars. Step outside and Temora’s cafes, shops, and attractions are just a short stroll away.
With its blend of heritage detail, thoughtful design, and warm country hospitality, the Guest Wing offers a luxurious yet welcoming base to experience the charm of regional Australia.
About your local community:
Temora is known far and wide as the Friendly Shire — a reputation we wear with pride. It’s the kind of place where a smile and a wave are second nature, and where newcomers quickly feel part of the fold. That pride runs deep, reflected in our beautifully maintained parks, colourful gardens, and the care people take with their homes and heritage buildings.
Ours is a community that looks out for each other, with one of the highest rates of volunteerism in the country. Whether it’s helping a neighbour, running the local museum, or coaching the junior footy team, people here step up and get involved.
We’re lovers of sport and the outdoors, with a picturesque golf course, a range of recreational facilities, and Lake Centenary offering everything from water-skiing to quiet picnics by the water. It’s a town that hums with activity, yet still moves at a pace that leaves room to breathe — a place where you can truly feel at home.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
My favourite place at Harberton House is the north-facing courtyard. It’s beautifully sun-drenched and so well protected from the elements that it feels perfect in any season. In winter, I love sitting by the open fire pit with a glass of wine and a platter of local cheese. In the warmer months, it’s a peaceful garden escape — a spot to linger over coffee, read a book, or simply soak up the atmosphere. And the best part? It’s all just a few steps from Temora’s boutique shops, a choice of great coffee spots, and our welcoming country pubs.
What is your favourite trip close by:
My favourite day trip from Harberton House is the Canola Trail loop — it’s the perfect way to soak up the beauty, flavours, and charm of our region in a single day. I like to start with a morning walk around Lake Centenary, then enjoy a hearty breakfast at Diamonds and Dust. From there, it’s a scenic drive to Coolamon for a tasting platter at Coolamon Cheese, followed by lunch at the chic Coolamon Hotel and a wander through the town’s beautiful boutique shops. The afternoon is best rounded out in Junee, indulging in handmade chocolate treats before heading back to Temora. It’s a day full of good food, friendly faces, and the kind of country hospitality that makes this region so special.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Guests shouldn’t forget to pack their appetites and a sense of adventure. Harberton House is fully equipped for a comfortable stay, but the real magic lies in what you can experience beyond the door. In spring, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon over fields of golden canola, or step into the cockpit of a warbird flight simulator at the Temora Aviation Museum. Whether it’s savouring local flavours or chasing a new thrill, there’s always something to make your stay unforgettable.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
When I first stepped inside Harberton House, I knew exactly what I wanted it to become. This grand old Edwardian bank building, sitting proudly in the main street of my hometown of Temora, had history in its walls, beauty in its bones, and the kind of quiet character that only time can create. I grew up here, but life took me to London and the Suffolk countryside for many years. Eventually, the pull of home – of family, familiar faces, and the wide-open skies of the Riverina – brought me back. Restoring the former bank manager’s residence into a guest wing became a labour of love: keeping its original features, breathing life into forgotten spaces, and layering in the kind of comfort that makes people instantly feel at home. For me, offering accommodation in the bush is about more than a place to stay – it’s about sharing the best of country hospitality, where the days are unhurried, the nights are peaceful, and the people are as much a part of the experience as the place itself. Harberton House is my way of honouring our heritage, celebrating my roots, and welcoming others to experience the warmth of a country town that has always been close to my heart.
Book via Airbnb
Instagram: @harbertonhouse
Facebook: Harberton House
Location: Maidenwell, QLD
Getting there: 2 ½ hours from Brisbane
Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 2
Bedrooms: Each cabin has 1 bedroom
*Note - First 5 images feature The Quarters, and next 5 images feature The Granary
The Property:
The Firebreak is a boutique luxury farm stay set on a 150-acre regenerative cattle farm in Neumgna, Queensland. Designed for couples seeking seclusion and serenity, it offers beautifully appointed cabins where nature and comfort meet. With an outdoor cedar hot tub and bath, sweeping views, and thoughtful touches throughout, The Firebreak invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect — whether it’s a quiet weekend escape, a romantic celebration, or a micro-wedding. Rooted in sustainability and a deep respect for the land, every stay supports local producers and reflects a commitment to ethical, regenerative farming practices.
About your local community:
Our local community in the South Burnett is a tight-knit and welcoming one, with deep agricultural roots and a growing focus on sustainability and local enterprise. There’s a strong sense of pride in the land and its produce, from boutique wineries and craft breweries to small-scale farmers and artisans. A unique aspect of our region is its connection to the Wakka Wakka people, the Traditional Owners of the land, whose culture and stories are woven into the landscape. One of our favourite local insights is that visitors often don’t realise how diverse the region is — you can spend the morning exploring the Bunya Mountains, taste wine in the afternoon, and finish the day watching the sunset over rolling farmland, all within a short drive.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
One of my absolute favourite things to do at The Firebreak is to sit out by the firepit as the sun sets, watching the cattle graze and the sky turn golden. There’s something incredibly grounding about being still and soaking in the quiet beauty of the landscape. I also love early mornings with a coffee in hand, walking the property and checking on the animals — it’s a simple routine that keeps me connected to the land and reminds me why we built this place to share with others.
What is your favourite trip close by:
One of my favourite day trips from The Firebreak is heading up to the Bunya Mountains. It’s only about 45 minutes away and offers a complete change of scenery with ancient bunya pines, cool rainforest walks, and incredible lookouts. I love grabbing a picnic or stopping at the little cafés up there and, if it’s the right time of year, spotting wallabies and native birdlife. It’s the perfect way to experience the unique natural beauty of our region and come back feeling completely refreshed.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Guests shouldn’t forget to pack their favourite cosy clothes for cool nights, sturdy shoes for exploring the property, and a good book or two for those slow, peaceful moments. And of course, swimmers are a must for the hot tub under the stars!
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
The Firebreak was born from a desire to share the kind of peace and connection we’ve found living on the land. We were seeking simplicity, nature, and meaning — and we found that here, surrounded by bushland and wide skies. We created The Firebreak to offer others a chance to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and reconnect with themselves and each other in a setting that feels both grounding and luxurious. It’s our way of inviting people to experience the beauty, stillness, and soul of this special part of the world.
Book via website
Instagram:@_thefirebreak
Facebook: The Firebreak
Location: Jindabyne, NSW
Getting there: 5 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
The Property:
Welcome to Big Yard Farm in the beautiful Snowy Mountains. Set on 100-acres of lush pasture, dotted with the region’s signature snow gums and bordering the Kosciuszko National Park, Big Yard Farm welcomes guests for a premium stay on a working, regeneratively operated cattle farm.
Around 15 minutes’ drive from the Snowy Mountains capital Jindabyne, Big Yard Farm offers a tranquil base from which to explore the region’s snow sports as well as popular summer activities like hiking, trout fishing and mountain biking.
Premium Interiors
A three-bedroom house with premium appointments, two open fires and a pool room, plus long verandahs for lounging and dining provides guests with a luxuriously comfortable farm stay. The house is surrounded by rolling green lawns, gardens, grapevines, lavender rows and heritage roses, while chestnut and hazelnut trees join apple- and stone fruit trees on the way to the help-yourself kitchen garden.
Off-Grid, Sustainable Stay
A stay at Big Yard Farm is an environmentally sustainable one, as all power is generated via rooftop solar panels and onsite battery, fresh water is pumped from the river. There’s cross breeze ventilation and air-conditioning in the summer months while in winter underfloor heating is powered by rooftop solar, and a generous store of firewood is collected from around the farm.
Mowamba River
Fresh water at Big Yard Farm comes directly from the fast-flowing Mowamba River which runs along the property’s front border, fed by snowy mountain streams. Renowned as blue-ribbon trout fishing territory, the river is also home to small fish, an eel or two and hopefully also platypus. Wombats and native birds enjoy a peaceful life along its banks.
Pup Friendly
Big Yard Farm is pup-friendly based on pre-approval and a wonderful chance for dogs to enjoy the free open spaces – and dams – of the farm. As Big Yard Farm is a working cattle farm, owners need to be mindful of their pup’s behaviour around the cows – and vice versa!
About your local community:
The Snowy Mountains community is welcoming, inclusive and friendly. At Big yard Farm we have partnered with local operators to offer themed packages as a 'bolt-on' to their stay. These include fly fishing tours (which can be down in the farm's river), back country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking tours, and local food and wines tours, as well as private transfer operators whose services make a remote hike or long restaurant lunch an easy option.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
We love walking around the property with our Golden Retriever pup Winston; it is such a joy to see him have the freedom to run and run. We like setting up the table and chairs under the chestnut trees for long lunches outdoors with friends and family. We are so excited to see wildlife - from wombats and kangaroos to platypus, deer and birds - all at home and thriving on the farm.
What is your favourite trip close by:
Our favourite day trips are to lunch at the Crackenback Farm or Dalgety Brewery, or to do one of the many walks in the National Park. For the rest of the family, I'm sure they would say skiing/snowboarding!
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Sense of adventure!
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
We had been looking for a place around the Snowy Mountains where we could come with our family and friends, and a place where our grown up kids would like to come with us, or their partners and friends. When we drove into the driveway of the property we felt that real sense of magic. It's a special place. On that day of our first viewing, the vendors were late departing. They asked where in Sydney we'd driven from and we said Avalon. 'Oh!' they said, 'We lived in Avalon for years and years.' As it turned out we knew their sons, and our kids knew their grandsons and then it was on, in a 'meant to be' kind of way. It was hard for them to leave and so I think we both felt it was a passing of the baton, that we would do our best to look after the farm. As I have a background in tourism, I was across the growing demand for premium farm stays where the kitchen was well appointed for keen cooks, for sustainable accommodation (the property runs almost entirely off-grid), for accommodation that suited families or small groups of friends travelling together and for places that offered a chance for people to switch off from the busyness of the everyday.
The farm offers direct, private access to the Kosciuszko National Park and to around 500-metres of the Mowamba River, famous for its trout and in which we're so thrilled to have discovered platypus also like to hang out. Now we are on the wonderful learning curve of sustainable farming, revegitating the land with local natives and working out how best to get rid of blackberries. Plus learning how to be accommodation providers! It's loads of fun.
Book via Big Yard Farm website
Instagram:@bigyardfarm
Facebook: Big Yard Farm
Location: Cooma, NSW
Getting there: 2 hours from Canberra
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
The Property:
Architecturally designed cottage nestled within the picturesque Monaro region. Located on a working cattle property in the heart of Ngarigo country. We are on the banks of the Maclaughlin River which is a well know fly fishing stream which brings lots of people to our place during the fishing season. It’s an unforgettable getaway with breathtaking scenery in a beautiful cottage.
About your local community:
We have a great community. There are people from all over the world that came here during the construction of the Snowy. People are very friendly and welcoming and always happy to help out.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
My favourite thing to do at the property is probably go down to the river and have a picnic and a fire. Enjoying the view in the valley.
What is your favourite trip close by:
Favourite day trip would be up to Thredbo for some skiing during the winter season and down the south coast town of Merimbula during the summer. So many places to explore!
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Camera, good book and winter woolies!
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
I married a farmer from the Monaro and I absolutely love where I live. I think the landscape is so unique and stunning that I wanted to create something to share the area with others. I felt there was a gap in the market in this area for a luxury farm stay and wanted to give guests a unique experience.
Book via Airbnb
Instagram: @Sherwood_Cottage
Location: Kalbar, QLD
Getting there: Just under 1 1/2 hours from Brisbane
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 8
The Property:
Mount French Lodge is a pristine rural hideaway less than 1 and 1/2 hours from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We have access for helicopter transfers. Nestled on 100 acres, we have 8 luxury suites. The Great Room is the main gathering place for guests. We also offer The Pavilion that has an entertainment system, bar fridges and spectacular views of the Fassifern Valley. There is a wood-fired pizza oven and fire pit. We offer all-inclusive meal and beverage packages making the experience opulent with nothing left to do but soak up the atmosphere of being with your favourite people!
Gather your gang and escape to the Scenic Rim this Spring. Book four apartments, get four free!*
*Valid for any 2-night stay during September, October or November 2025. Email hello@mountfrench.com.au for details and bookings (mention Stay in the Bush at time of booking.)
About your local community:
The closest town is Kalbar, a wonderful country town of 1000 with a welcoming feel.
Kalbar hosts the Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival on Saturday 28 June 2025 as part of the Scenic Rim’s ‘Eat Local Month’ in June.
Taste the flavours of the season’s harvest, sample local beer, wine, and spirits, and stock up on fresh produce as you stroll through 60+ market stalls (George Street Kalbar).
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
Experiencing the luxury and privacy with your people.
What is your favourite trip close by:
A hike up Mt Edwards, then picnic lunch at Lake Moogerah.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
A warm jacket for the evenings by the fire.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
Once we first saw the property we quickly realised it is best suited to exclusive all-inclusive bookings for luxury and privacy. Perfect for family get togethers or corporate retreats. We first visited the property in 2021. It was immediately obvious there is no other resort like it in South-east Queensland.
Book via http://mountfrenchlodge.com.au/
Instagram:@mountfrenchlodge
Facebook: Mount French Lodge
Location: Coonamble, NSW
Getting there: 7 hours from Sydney
Sleeps: Up to 200 across all accommodation options (unpowered sites, powered sites, cabin accommodation available.)
Bedrooms: 4
The Property:
Nestled on the edge of the Australian outback is Gilgooma, a quintessential Australian family farm. Owned and occupied by three generations of farmers, Gilgooma has swung open the farm gate and is taking bookings for an unforgettable experience. Set against the backdrop of rugged bush beauty and sprawling landscapes, Gilgooma offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and be immersed in the tranquillity and sometimes trials of rural life.
Gilgooma provides a low-impact camping experience on a family-run property, allowing guests to unwind amidst the untouched beauty of the Australian bush. Guests can choose from unpowered and powered sites, or cozy cabin accommodation, each offering a private space under starry skies. From meandering along tranquil creek beds to exploring rugged trails, Gilgooma offers a myriad of activities for guests to create their own adventures.
Visitors can bird watch, stargaze from the shearer's stretchers or embark on self-guided tours to uncover hidden gems within the farm and its surrounding areas. For those seeking a deeper understanding of farm life, personalised farm tours are available, providing an immersive experience alongside the family. Pet and family friendly, Gilgooma offers a rural retreat for a night or a week. Located between Coonamble and Pilliga, Gilgooma is the perfect base for day trips to see the local sights, and also has options to keep you entertained for hours....
About your local community:
While Gilgooma is the name of one of the farms our family lives and works on, it’s also the name of a 'villiage' 35km north of Coonamble. The village of Gilgooma used to boast a school, sawmill, tennis courts, cricket oval, church and Sunday school. There were regular get-togethers and thriving community which included our ancestors.
Today, just a couple of houses and the Soldier’s Memorial Gates remain.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
We hope you enjoy your time relaxing and recharging at Gilgooma. But if you’re ready for action, we’ve got you.
Hire our kayaks, push bikes, camp ovens and binoculars to create your own adventure; settle in on the shearer’s stretchers for an evening of astronomical wonders from our star gazing platform or choose from dozens of ways to explore our farm and our surrounds.
Bespoke farm tours are available with the family when booked in advance, and Gilgooma also provides a spectacular backdrop for events of all kinds.
We have thousands of hectares you can explore, and are also right next to the Pilliga West State Conservation Area; in an iconic Australian landscape offering rugged beauty on a grand scale. Our self-guided walking or bicycle tours are available for guests to take their own time to explore on our property:
Creek Country – native flora and fauna
Operations Update – cropping and livestock
Meet the Neighbours – the scrub
History Lesson – the legacy of those who’ve gone before us
What is your favourite trip close by:
With our valuable local knowledge, we have designed self-guided tours and day trip itineraries for you to explore and uncover hidden gems.
Itineraries revealing hidden gems and providing invaluable local insight have been designed by your hosts and are available to guests camping at Gilgooma.
We’ve included our top tips for who to meet and where to go for a cold beer, good coffee and spectacular scenery. While it’s possible to fit each itinerary into a day trip, you could easily spend two or three days enjoying all there is to see.
Our tailored itineraries include:
Like a Local, The Warrumbungle Way, Come-by-Chance, Pilliga Princess.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Spirit for adventure
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
We've always loved having family and friends come to stay, and we're consious that not everyone has a 'cousin in the country' anymore. We want to be that for people looking to experience the real rural Australia.
Book via this link
Instagram: @gilgooma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gilgooma
Location: Whitton, NSW
Getting there: 4 ¼ hours from Canberra
One or Two Bedroom Lakeside Boutique Villas, or Cottonwood House (4 Bedrooms)
The Property:
Nestled within the picturesque grounds of Whitton Malt House, our accommodation offers a unique blend of comfort and country charm. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, guests can unwind in a peaceful setting while enjoying modern amenities.
Stylish and spacious rooms feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and thoughtful touches to make your stay memorable. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family break, or a country escape with friends, you’ll find the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience.
Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite Cellar Door Restaurant, which showcases the best of local produce, or sample locally crafted spirits and whiskies at the whisky bar. For a bit of fun, try your hand at aqua golf, go fishing in the lake, or explore the region with the nearby Southern Cotton Gin Tour. Located just a short drive from Leeton and Griffith, Whitton Malt House is the ideal base to experience the Riverina region while enjoying true country hospitality.
About your local community:
The Riverina is one of Australia’s most productive food bowls, where generations of farming families have built a way of life deeply connected to the land. Across the region, you’ll find vast paddocks of cotton, rice, wheat, barley, and canola, alongside thriving vineyards and orchards. It’s a place where innovation meets tradition, and where the pride of local growers can be felt in every harvest.
Whitton plays a special role in this story. The Southern Cotton Gin, established in 2011, showcases the region’s cotton industry, while Whitton Malt House and Voyager Craft Malt highlight the grains that shape our landscape — creating award-winning malts and celebrating the Riverina’s agri-tourism potential.
Just beyond Whitton, the nearby towns of Leeton and Griffith add another layer to the Riverina experience, with vibrant cafes, boutique shops, and community events that reflect the warm, welcoming spirit of country life. Together, they paint a picture of a region rich in produce, people, and pride.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
My favourite experience at Whitton Malt House is taking part in a guided whisky tasting at our whisky bar, then enjoying a meal in the Cellar Door Restaurant where the menu celebrates the incredible work of our local producers. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with the flavours of the Riverina, and appreciate the region’s farming heritage. To finish, I love watching the sunset over Lake Hulong — a truly unforgettable moment as the light reflects across the water and the day comes to a close.
What is your favourite trip close by:
I love exploring the Riverina — from a tour of the Southern Cotton Gin or Altina Wildlife Park, to tasting olive products at Morella Grove. For nature, bushwalking in Murrumbidgee or Cocoparra National Parks is always refreshing, and nearby Leeton and Griffith offer vibrant markets, wineries, and country hospitality.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Guests shouldn’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the beautiful countryside and local attractions.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
Our story begins with farming. Whitton and the Riverina are shaped by the land — from cotton and grain to vineyards and orchards. Generations of farming families have built a life here, and that connection to the soil is something we’re proud to honour. Whitton Malt House was created to celebrate those farming traditions — from showcasing locally grown produce and craft beverages to sharing the stories behind the harvest.
We knew that to truly experience life in the bush, visitors needed more than a few hours — they needed the chance to stay. Our lakeside villas were designed to immerse guests in the tranquillity of the land, where mornings begin with wide-open skies and evenings end under a canopy of stars. By blending food, farming, and hospitality, we’ve created a destination that allows travellers not just to visit the Riverina, but to live and breathe it.
Book via The Whitton Malt House Website
Instagram: @whittonmalthouse
Facebook: Whitton Malt House