Farm Stay Barrington Tops NSW

Lots of animals to pet, feed and eggs to collect

Farmstays NSW award (SMH 52 Weekends Away)

Allowing kids to run free in the great outdoors is a delight at The Tops Organic Retreat

 Searching for the ideal family farmstay? Look no further than The Tops Organic Retreat, where there is something for everyone, regardless of age.

The Tops Organic Retreat rests at the northern end of the Hunter Valley, less than four hours from Sydney, making a NSW farm holiday weekend a reality.

The family farm stay cottages are fully self-contained: they have 2 bedrooms, one or two large bathrooms with a spa bath, an open log fireplace for those chilly winter evenings, and a comfortable spacious living area where sofas can be folded out for additional accommodation. 

The farm stay cottages have beautiful fully-equipped kitchens with aged red gum benches, oven, cook top, microwave, fridge and dishwasher. We have plenty of DVD’s to borrow and AUSTAR to keep everyone entertained at the end of the day. When the kids are in bed, a glass of wine can be enjoyed on the large veranda. The balconies overlook a creek and the forest- perfect for wildlife-watching!

Younger guests love feeding the chickens, ducks and geese, petting the guinea pigs, and getting up close to goats, horses, alpacas and cows.  Jumping on the big trampoline is also lots of fun, as is having canoe races on the lily pad pond.
The all-weather flood-lit tennis court (racquets and balls supplied) is always popular, as is the salt water pool.

Mountain biking and tramping the trails while keeping an eye out for those special native animals is good family fun.  We have a family of koalas on the property and there is great excitement when they are spotted up in the trees. The wallabies come out in the afternoons and graze quietly on the hillside above the tennis court. At night, the nocturnal creatures can be heard scurrying around.

Horse riding and white water kayaking all happen close by and can be arranged by your hosts. The Retreat is close to the Barrington Tops National Park, which is of international significance as it forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area.

The organic restaurant is close to the farm cabins and is open for breakfast 7 days and dinner Tuesday to Saturday evenings. All dietary requirements are catered for and Sharini looks after even the fussiest of eaters.  Children's meals (10 years and under) are half price.

John will be happy to explain about organic gardening and, weather-permiting, give 4WD tours of the property that go up to the pristine Dilgry River where magnificent trout can be caught.

If you are looking for a family farm experience close to Sydney, a memorable family farmstay, or fun mid-week break, The Tops Organic Retreat is the place to be- there is something for everyone!

The Tops Organic Retreat is the perfect place for young animal lovers and budding naturalists.

Participating in this kind of farm stay is long remembered by our younger guests who feed the chickens, ducks and geese and collect eggs. The guinea pigs and rabbits are a big attraction particularly when there are little babies. Cuddling these tiny creatures is a special experience.

The cows, horses, goats and alpacas have the freedom of the property and can be found sitting quietly under a tree chewing their cud or hanging around the organic garden hoping for an extra little tidbit.

 Holiday times are great for Jessie the dingo dog who loves the company of all the guests, particularly if they go walking. She will tag along and make good friends with everyone, adding to the farm stay enjoyment. The goats might come too!

Walks on the property can be long or short. When walking quietly, it is more likely that the native animals will be observed. Young birdwatchers will love to listen for the lyre bird mimicking other animals and sounds. The brush turkey with its red and yellow neck is easy to spot in the forest and around the Retreat, while the little red browed firetail finches are found chattering around the restaurant area.

 Koalas have been spotted having their afternoon nap high in the trees while red necked wallabies laze in the mid-day sun. Night time spotlighting is great for seeing some of our more elusive native animals when their eyes can be picked out by torch light.

A farm stay at The Tops Organic Retreat with farm and native animals is fun for all. C’mon… give it a go!