11 Farm Stays In Adelaide And Beyond For Your Next Rural Escape

Nothing screams rustic more than a shed made of corrugated iron, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you book this adorable Adelaide Hills farm stay. It might look a little basic from the outside, but step through the door and you’ll find a cosy, open-plan retreat with character galore.

Drink in the view while enjoying a cuppa at the breakfast bar or unwind by the outdoor fire pit with a glass of local vino. A clean and eco-friendly composting toilet just adds to the farm stay charm, and this place gets points for providing Zero Co toiletries for guest use too.

You get all of this, plus it's just a stone’s throw from some brilliant wineries, walking trails, cafes and pubs.

Expect a menagerie of animals at this stone homestead on a six-acre working farm in Adelaide’s Barossa Valley. Sheep, lambs, goats, cows, alpacas, chooks and even peacocks could make an appearance here, and that’s all before you’ve even gone inside.

If you fancy getting up close and personal with some critters during your stay, there is the option to get your boots out and join in at chicken feeding time. But for those who’d rather nestle with a good book indoors, you’ll find it hard to tear your eyes from the epic floor-to-ceiling feature glass wall, offering views over the vineyards.

Looking for a little luxury? There’s an inviting outdoor hot tub, and guests receive a complimentary breakfast basket with farm-fresh eggs, sausages, fresh bread, local produce, locally made jams, and other treats on arrival.

Water view anyone? This cosy and romantic studio on a working cattle farm in the heart of the Adelaide Hills overlooks a peaceful lake. The patch of water is big enough to have its own little island, which you can explore via a bridge if you’re feeling in the mood.

Want to give your legs more of a workout? Head to the viewing platform on the hill behind the lake and you’ll be treated to sweeping views over the Onkaparinga Valley. When you’re done exploring the farm, you can relax on your own outdoor patio and soak in the view, or jump in the car and head to some popular wineries and restaurants that are right on your doorstep.

From this rural haven, you’ll find yourself in an organic flower and herb garden where the plants are cultivated to create skincare products. It’s a pretty spot, away from the main road and just a 45-minute drive from Adelaide city centre. On this 33-acre working farm, you’ll soon find panoramic hilltop views to soothe your laptop-weary eyes.

The eat-in farm kitchen is the hero of this property, featuring a large Belling cooker with three electric ovens and five ring gas top burners, and you’ll find plenty of pantry staples, including spices, for you to use during your stay.

If you’d rather slack off on the cooking and pamper yourself instead, the thoughtful hosts have created an additional space for therapeutic massage treatments offered by an expert for an additional fee. Just ask at the time of booking.

Kangaroos, birdsong and a complimentary breakfast box filled with local produce. Now that’s what we call farm stay-style living. There’s a lot to love about this beautiful barn in Adelaide’s Southern Barossa region. It occupies a spot where work horses once stood, and the interior mixes modern convenience with rustic character.

Rebuilt from the ground up, there are tall ceilings, a paved floor and industrial-style steel windows. Plus, peer closely at the wooden surfaces inside and you’ll see they’re crafted from a red gum tree felled on the property.

The legends that own this place are chefs who are starting their own production garden and orchard, which you’re welcome to explore. You might want to pop past the chicken coop and say hello to the resident "Spice Girls" too. Their names are Cinnamon, Cumin, Nutmeg, Ginger, Fennel and Pepper, and we’re told they love cuddles.

Ever dreamed of clip-clopping your way through the bush on horseback? It’s possible to combine a spot of riding with an indulgent farm stay at this hidden gem in the Adelaide Hills.

Not only will you find ponies grazing peacefully in the paddocks around your antique English-style cottage, but you might be able to join a trail ride if you pre-book in advance for an additional cost. You’ll need to check whether your experience is suitable for the horses and ponies available.

If you don’t end up whacking a hard hat on your head, how about popping open a complimentary champagne and unwinding in the outdoor spa bath instead? There are plenty of handmade chocolates to indulge in. Plus a fridge stocked with full breakfast provisions, including local bacon, eggs, tomatoes, fruit, yoghurt, juice, milk and artisan bread.

It’s not quite a tiny home, but it’s not far off. Four minutes’ drive from the historic town of Hahndorf and 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD, sits an 85 sqm gem tucked away among fields. Described as a "romantic wellness experience" for adults only, this farm stay offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, heated floors, a hot tub, sauna and friendly cows.

Hit the snooze button in the morning before padding to the kitchen to enjoy your complimentary first-day breakfast. You’ll get farm-fresh eggs, sourdough, spreads, yoghurt, granola, and of course, coffee and tea.

Later, you can take a stroll to nearby attractions including Grünthal Microbrewery—a destination for craft beer—Udder Delights Cheese factory and Hesketh Wines.

Back at base and still want more? For an extra charge, this place offers in-house chefs, massages and yoga classes depending on availability.

Bring the whole family and your dog along to this pet-friendly stay at the gateway to the Flinders Ranges. This historic country home, three hours’ drive north of Adelaide, offers plenty of space to explore, with a spring-fed creek, wildlife, horses and cattle.

The homestead dates back to the 1800s but has been newly restored and now offers four bedrooms, sunny verandahs and two bathrooms—one with a luxe white bath.

While you’ll have the place to yourself, you might see the owners feeding the stock from time to time, which simply adds to the proper farm stay feel.

This mud brick studio on Little Bunyip Farm was once the place where watercolour artist Murray Edwards would paint. With views across the Skilly Valley, it remains a sketcher's paradise.

Art-lovers aren’t the only ones who’ll enjoy this spot. Located close to all Adelaide’s Clare Valley has to offer, it’s a draw for Riesling-quaffers too.

The studio was made from clay sourced on site and offers one main room and an adjoining bathroom with a compost toilet. There are stone walls, pendant lights and concrete floors, softened with rugs, which add to the appeal.

After a day spent exploring the region, you and your wine bottle can grab a seat on the slate verandah, where you might even spot a kangaroo.

Farm stay? Check. Swimming pool? Check. Billiards table? Oh, go on then. This barn-inspired farmhouse sits on a 54-acre livestock property offering some epic sunsets over the Adelaide Hills.

It’s big. Set over two storeys, it can comfortably accommodate 10 or more guests while the kitchen and dining space are an entertainer’s dream. It’s dog-friendly too, so you can bring your best friend, subject to approval. You’ll just need to make sure you follow some house rules.

So grab the canapes, roll on out to the undercover veranda and soak up that countryside air while watching the family splash in the pool. There are BBQ facilities for whipping up a spot of lunch and a comfy outdoor lounge setting for reading time. Upstairs, you’ll find an extra 45 sqm deck where you can do a spot of yoga in the morning. Bliss.

Farm stay, eat your heart out. We’re taking things to the next level with an alpaca stay instead. Book a getaway at Carlisle Lodge in the Adelaide Hills and you’ll get to see these cheeky, fluffy characters literally munching away outside your front door.

Inside your accommodation, you’ll find cosy, farmhouse-style decor, and there are pretty garden views from the lengthy private deck.

If you want to embrace the farm stay spirit, you can pet the alpacas and help feed them if you want. There’s also easy access to nearby cellar doors and restaurants, and guests can use the on-site gym too.