Planning a getaway with the family but stuck in a rut trying to decide between bush and beach, pool or farm stay, minimal or all the trimmings? We get it.
The more people you travel with, the more interests and personalities you need to accommodate, so to help you narrow down the best family-friendly Slow Stays we’ve created a hit list. Happy travelling!
MAYAN LUXE VILLAS
Kin Kin, QLD
Tucked on a 100-acre working farm, among the lush rolling hills of Noosa Hinterland, Mayan Luxe Villas is a dream retreat for sustainably-conscious families. Made up of multiple rammed earth pavilions and a central entertaining area, this villa-style accommodation features mud walls, recycled timber doors and runs on rainwater—in short, it’s rustic and warm but elegant. With enough space to sleep eight happy travellers, a concrete plunge pool for summer swims and a pizza oven that is perfect for family feasts—topped with fresh herbs from the veggie garden, of course—you won’t want to leave.
MIRUMIRU BUBBLETENT
Tenterfield, NSW
Think glamping and family-friendly aren’t compatible? Well, Mirumiru Bubbletent is here to shatter all your misconceptions. Like the most deluxe family camping trip without even the hint of the perennial tent-peg struggle, this collection of off-grid bubbletents in the heart of NSW Northern Tablelands’ dark sky country has another secret attraction: stargazing. The transparent roofs, the too-cosy-to-leave beds, the outdoor bath, Australia’s only tree-suspended tiny bubbletent, a fire pit that’s made for sitting around sharing laughs – everything is geared towards wholesome family time with the people who matter most.
SHELLBACK
Cape Liptrap, VIC
Found at the remote Cape Liptrap, Shellback is a secluded country getaway, complete with ocean views. This stunning slow stay is an animal lover’s dream with one third of the 75-acre property dedicated to wildlife conservation—yes, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll spot wombats, echidnas, koalas, kangaroos and local wedge-tailed eagles. There’s enough room to sleep up to seven people across three bedrooms and, with a fence around the house, you can even bring along your favourite four-legged family member.
KESTREL NEST ECOHUT
Mount Adrah, NSW
If you really want to spend quality time reconnecting with those that mean the most to you, then Kestrel Nest is the perfect getaway to book for a family-friendly Slow Stay. With no Wi-Fi, therefore, no outside distractions, you’ll be able to spend your days taking in this incredible eco retreat and the regenerative farmland that surrounds it. Go for a bush walk, sink into the outdoor bath and then indulge your taste buds with a local paddock to plate hamper. Don’t forget to take advantage of their regional wine list too—it doesn’t get much better than a glass of red around the fire pit.
THE G AT GERROA
Gerroa, NSW
Thirty relaxed steps… that’s all it takes to reach the white sands of the South Coast’s Gerroa Beach from the door of The G at Gerroa, a recently renovated family getaway less than two hours from the honking horns of Sydney’s streets. Not content to just sit pretty on the beach, The G at Gerroa contains all the hallmarks of a classic family beach holiday with a sustainable twist. Renewables like solar-panels will soon be joined by an electric car charging point to help you avoid range anxiety – if you’ve made the EV switch. Littlies love to splash in the placid waters of the mouth of Crooked River and kids of all ages can use the included surfboards to paddle out for some South Coast waves. With room for lively backyard games and multiple decks to choose from, there’s also a selection of quiet spots for rest and contemplation inside, so you can find solace wherever you go.
UPLAND FARM
Denmark, WA
A mesmerising country setting and a stunning, architecturally-designed guesthouse come together to create an incredible pair at Upland Farm in Denmark, WA. Sitting on a 107-acre cattle farm, it’s an ideal neighbour-free situation if you’re travelling with little wildlings who seem to have no volume control. Venture out for the morning and check out the forests, walking trails and beaches nearby— Greens Pool is a winner for families! Then, head back to the cabin for the afternoon, where a cosy nook inside will most likely be calling your name.
BOOTMAKERS COTTAGE
Birregurra, VIC
Just an hour and a half drive out of Melbourne, Bootmakers Cottage feels like a world away. Positioned on a quarter of an acre, right in the heart of the historic town of Birregurra in the foothills of the Otways Range, this welcoming home is a surprising little package. Opening onto a paved courtyard, it’s out here you’ll find a hammock, outdoor bath, communal fire pit and workshop-slash-bar—complete with a movie projector and fuzz ball table. Game, anyone?
FARMHOUSE AT OXLEY
Oxley Island, NSW
There aren’t many family-friendly Slow Stays that satisfy both beach and bush getaway requests and comfortably sleep almost 20 people. But with room enough for 16 across six rooms, and the beaches of NSW’s Mid-North Coast within cooee, Farmhouse on Oxley occupies a rarified position – both literally and figuratively. Set on 57-acres of rolling pastures and river frontage, it’s the ultimate family farm stay. Inside, the open-plan central zone forms the beating heart of this rustic chamer: vaulted ceilings with exposed beams hang over the kitchen/dining/living area where a huge farm table sets the scene for family dinners and games. Activities for all ages abound: there’s a games room and gym, canoes and a tinny and the private jetty is made for throwing a fishing line from. Or lace up the boots and hit the trails of Khappinghat National Park, just under 30 minutes away.
THE RIDGE HOUSE
Yarragon South, VIC
Only 90 minutes outside the madness of Melbourne, The Ridge House is a West Gippsland retreat made for switching off with your family in tow. Living up to its name, the generously sized house is balanced on a ridge in Yarragon Hills and has room for a couple of families. Here you’ll find the lashings of cosiness required of a secluded bush retreat – hello, roaring indoor fireplace and luxe fit out – and all the necessities included with the stay, you need not worry about what to pack. The lovely hosts will even arrange champagne and cheese platters on arrival, shopping deliveries or restaurant reservations so you can get out and explore the charms of country life, pronto.
