The best farm stays in Victoria for a luxury homestead experience

Best for: a vineyard escape

As far as vineyard escapes go, Jackalope has garnered a reputation as somewhat of a disruptor. A stay designed for cocooning oneself, it also possesses a sense of audacity that pushes against the clichés of vineyard accommodation. Nestled within 27 acres of the working Willow Creek Vineyard, its striking charred timber-clad main building, neon-lit hallways and dark, shimmering interiors still remain impressive since its 2017 opening.

The 46 rooms and suites all have private balconies, with the two biggest suites – known as Lairs – offering an indoor-outdoor fireplace for year-round balcony enjoyment. Dine at Doot Doot Doot, the signature restaurant at Jackalope Hotel and also the venue for breakfast. There’s also more casual dining and drinks in the nearby winery building and the hotel bar.

Address: 166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North VIC 3926 / Distance from Melbourne: ~ 1-hour drive

Best for country elegance

One of the few five-star hotels in the Victoria High Country region, Lancemore Milawa is for the couple that loves to be pampered. Featuring its own 1.6-hectare vineyard on the hotel property and located next door to the Brown Brothers winery, this 40-room hotel exudes country elegance with its two tasteful communal lounge rooms, farm-to-plate restaurant, manicured gardens and outdoor pool area with luxe daybeds for sunny days. Pair all this with uninterrupted views of the working vineyard and mountainous backdrop and this romantic getaway is hard to beat.

Location: 223 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa VIC 3678 / Distance from Melbourne: > 2.5-hour drive

Best for a quick Melbourne escape

Another from the Lancemore collection, Cleveland Estate’s cool climate sophistication features the only underground cellar door in the Macedon Ranges. Situated in the charming country town of Lancefield, just an hour from Melbourne CBD, the estate offers 50 spacious and beautifully appointed suites surrounded by uncompromising tranquil vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Explore the nearby Hanging Rock and Lancefield Farmers’ Market close by.

Location: 55 Shannons Rd, Lancefield VIC 3435 / Distance from Melbourne: > 1-hour drive

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.”

Location: Barwon Downs / Distance from Melbourne: > 2-hour drive

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.

Location: Yinnar South / Distance from Melbourne: > 2-hour drive

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.

Location: Main Ridge, Mornington Peninsula Shire / Distance from Melbourne: > 1.5-hour drive

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.

Location: Little River / Distance from Melbourne: ~ 50-minute drive

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.

Location: Smeaton / Distance from Melbourne: > 1.5-hour drive

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.

Location: Wyelangta / Distance from Melbourne: ~ 2.5-hour drive

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.

Location: Delatite / Distance from Melbourne: > 2.5-hour drive

Best for award-winning wines

Sleeps: six guests

This luxury three-bedroom farmhouse is designed to conjure a familiar sense of nostalgia, reawakening memories of distant pastimes. Set with a backdrop of a mystical pine forest, European gardens and distant ocean views, the country escape is also home to an award-winning vineyard in Red Hill, capturing the essence of the maritime climate of the Mornington Peninsula.

The farmhouse sleeps up to six guests, though more intimate offerings are available in the form of four quaint villas. Book Villa 1, Villa 2, Villa 3, Villa 4 here.

Location: Red Hill / Distance from Melbourne: ~ 1-hour drive

Best for year-round adventure

Sleeps: five guests

BullerRoo is an architecturally-sound luxury apartment styled as a modern industrial ski lodge, sleeping up to five guests. Set on acres of farmland in Victoria’s High Country, it offers panoramic views across the Barwite Valley and Broken River, with Mt Buller and King Valley wineries all nearby. And lucky for those who value the sun and the snow, the farm stay is equally suited to winter ski trips and warmer countryside escapes.

Location: Barwite / Distance from Melbourne: < 3-hour drive

Best for a farm stay on island time

Sleeps: four guests

Located just 10 minutes from Cowes on Phillip Island, this adults-only retreat offers sweeping views across Western Port Bay while remaining close to beaches, wineries and coastal walks. The unique island experience combined with country-style tranquility is what makes this stay truly unique.

Location: Ventnor / Distance from Melbourne: < 2-hour drive

Best for a family escape

Sleeps: 10 guests

Port Farm offers a private, accessible base to explore the Great Ocean Walk or the 12 Apostles Trail on 170-acres of farmland. Perched high on a hill above the coastal village of Port Campbell, the corrugated iron building features expansive views of farmland and the wild Southern Ocean, with each of the three bedrooms offering dramatic scenery through large picture windows. Every part of the farmhouse has been carefully considered, from the soft flax linens to the large beautiful kitchen and outdoor lounge areas.

Port farm also has accommodation available for two

Location: Port Campbell / Distance from Melbourne: > 2.5-hour drive

Best for staying in a self-sufficient working home

Sleeps: four guests

Drawing inspiration from River Cottage and the 70’s series ‘The Good Life’, this Daylesford Longhouse is the culmination of owners Trace and Ronnen’s passion for food & cooking, animals and gardening. The award-winning designer home combines a luxury residence, working farm and cooking school in one thoughtfully designed longhouse, set minutes from Daylesford in central Victoria.

The elevated property offers gorgeous views overlooking farmland and bushland stretching towards Hepburn Springs and Mt Franklin, while wood-fire heating and a sauna also make it especially inviting in cooler months. A working farm is integrated directly into the home, giving you ample opportunity to spot cows, pigs, goats and hens.

Location: Elevated Plains / Distance from Melbourne: ~ 1.5-hour drive

Best for a character-filled stay rich in history

Sleeps: six guests

One of the state’s oldest residences, the Vicarage At Clunes was built in 1862 by the renowned colonial architect Leonard Terry and is deeply inspired by the French country villas of the period. Set in the heart of historic Clunes, the three-bedroom home is within easy reach of Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and the Pyrenees wine region. The residence retains its original French doors, stained glass and five fireplaces, alongside a wood-fired outdoor hot tub to enjoy year-round.

Location: Clunes / Distance from Melbourne: > 1.5-hour drive