Australian Agritourism is Making Farm Work Luxe

Agritourism: The Luxury Travel Experience Taking the World by Storm

Travel is synonymous with luxury in the Australian imagination. And with a growing focus on the experiential and the bespoke as key aspects of luxury, what could be better than the unique and personalised adventure that Australian agritourism has to offer?

Here is a shortlist of the country’s most prized luxury farm stays, vineyard lodges and rural getaways where you can experience Australia’s rich farming culture in comfort and style.

Kimo Estate, Gundagai, New South Wales

From its humble origins as a colonial squatter-hold in the 1830s to its present-day success as a sheep farm and luxury accommodations, Kimo Estate near Gundagai has a storied past, mired in the perseverance and ingenuity of the Australian farmer.

The estate houses a variety of lodgings. From the architect-designed eco huts, which offer an immersive, comfortable farm-stay experience, to luxurious cottages, replete with Australian colonial charm.

The property remains a working sheep farm and is home to an array of farm-craft workshops, where you can engage in guided workshops in wool felting and basket weaving. The estate also offers the real cattle station experience, with cattle working and horseback skills development classes staffed by professional stockmen. This immersive rural retreat is sure to ignite your inner jack/jillaroo!

Rivendell, East Gippsland, Victoria

The Rivendell estate in East Gippsland is a stunning, picturesque resort that offers an unforgettable farm-to-table experience. Set amidst the orchards and gardens that feed all at Rivendell, these pet and child-friendly lodgings are where the famed produce of the Gippsland region and world-class hospitality meet, along the lazy Tambo River.

Featuring the premium, self-contained homestead, the Arkenstone, as well as the cozy yet luxurious Bag End, Rivendell estate has something for everyone looking to immerse themselves in the country life.

La Matanza restaurant offers an inspired set-menu faire, where the resident chef and gardener, Josh Thomas, serves up an array of seasonal and memorable country-style dishes, as well as house-made cured meats and cheeses. Taste the loving labour of the harvest in style.

Jackalope, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Jackalope estate is one of the Mornington Peninsula wine region’s most celebrated and luxurious resorts, Set on the century-old property of the Edwardian homestead, McCormick House, Jackalope now operates a successful vineyard, producing cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay and cabernet.

With understated, luxurious suites, each sporting lofted ceilings, sprawling terraces and local artworks, the Jackalope lodgings typify simple elegance and comfort. Gleefully referred to as ‘Lairs’, these suites come in a variety of layouts and sizes to suit any group.

The estate hosts tours among the vines where guests can learn about the estate’s unique winemaking philosophy, before sipping some of the region’s most renowned single-vintage wines. Taste every step of the wine-making journey, with barrel selections and sample ferments straight from the cellar.

Marnong Estate, Mickleham, Victoria

Marnong Estate is a young agritourism facility just outside of Melbourne city. Integrating the historic homestead of the old estate, with a new vineyard, brewing and agribusiness centre, Marnong estate offers a premier provincial experience with all the comforts of a modern luxury resort.

Marnong Estate is the first of its kind in the region and sets the bar high for any Victorian farm stay experience, with an array of smartly appointed suites, as well as the grand Historic Homestead for larger groups.

A focal point for the surrounding agricultural region, Marnong Estate occasionally hosts a farmers market, where guests and visitors can peruse the local delicacies and produce of the Mickleham area. The estate boasts its own wine and beer making facilities to boot.

Sample the best picks of the award-winning Marnong Estate wines, to enjoy at the on-site restaurant and bar, the Bankvale Run and Atrium Bar.

Tintagel Estate, Margaret River, WA

Tintagel Estate is a boutique wine producer of the famed Margaret River region of Western Australia. Set amidst the swaying native eucalypts, this gorgeous estate offers the immersive experience of a renowned working vineyard, with all the comforts of provincial luxury.

The charming cedar and limestone lodge sleeps up to 8 in style, with generous, open-spaced interiors, and picturesque balcony adjoining the master bedroom. The lodge is self-contained, complete with laundry and parking facilities, as well as a well-stocked pantry.

The vineyard is located just minutes away from some of Australia’s most highly regarded vineyards, many of which feature cellar doors as well as guided tours of their grounds. This is a must-stay for wine lovers!

While agritourism in Australia is yet to reach the scale of its older European counterparts, this industry already features some world-class lodgings and hotels. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in rural agriculture, or premier wine-making, be sure to check out these stunning estates for all they have to offer.

Looking for a hotel instead? Discover the best boutique hotels in NSW.

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