Farm Stays in Perth (2023)

Just outside Perth, in Swan Valley’s wine country, lies the historic Mandoon Estate. It sees a large number of daytime visitors for its wine tourism activities but, unlike most other similar estates, it also offers overnight accommodation. Its Maya Maya Hotel is a modern luxury hotel that has by now come to be seen as one of Swan’s finest. The complete range of wine enotourism associated with the estate is there at your doorstep, and indeed all the accommodation  has unobstructed views over the vineyards. It also has partnerships with local Noongar Aboriginal organizations, and you can explore elements of the Noongar culture and traditions around the estate. THE ACCOMMODATION: At Maya Maya, you’ll have a choice of 32 luxury rooms and suites, with a maximum of two per unit, divided between Delux Rooms (entry-level) Superior Rooms, and Executive Suites. Whether you choose a Delux Room or a suite, spaciousness is pretty much a guarantee. You’ll also find them tastefully furnished, featuring plush beds, top-notch modern amenities, and a design aesthetic that is modern and minimalist. With that in mind, their cheaper rooms offer good value in comparison to their more expensive suites, unless you’re planning an extended stay maybe, and don’t mind splashing out a bit for the extra space and slightly more homely feeling they might offer. All the accommodation overlooks the historical Verdelho vines initially planted in 1895, and each room has outside space with views of the vineyards, the ancient gum trees, and the meandering Swan River. Check out all your room options here at Booking.com FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO: Staying at Maya Maya means the renowned Mandoon Estate’s vineyards and winery at your door. Plus their Homestead Brewery, and their wonderful Llawn picnic ground where you can order your own picnic hampers. They have various activity programs for guests on the estate too – vineyard tours, brewery tours, wine & food pairing and tasting, etc. And things like Bush Tucker Tours where you can learn about local indigenous food and culture from local Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook. You can also explore indigenous art at their own Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery. The Wild Swan is a READ MORE

The luxury Swan Valley Retreat has made a name for itself over the years as the place for a spa/wellness break in the Swan Valley. Its spa includes a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy capsule amongst other things, and its massages are legendary. It’s an awfully well-designed and well-managed place in general. One that seems to just know how to make even the most stressed of guests feel relaxed and happy. The surrounding are incredibly peaceful too, it feels like an escape to some deeply remote countryside, but is actually only around half an hour from central Perth.  Animals that call Swan Valley Retreat Home include sheep, goats, and alpacas, as well as a great amount of native Aussie wildlife. Accommodation is in the form of individual wood cabins dotted around the grounds, all of them one double-bed studios with a kitchenette and some outside space. All of them are of the standard of a modern, top luxury hotel. An excellent fresh breakfast is provided, and you can order food, and wine, throughout the day including some very impressive lunch platters. You have a kitchenette in the accommodation too and you are surrounded by some of Western Australia’s very best restaurants and food places. The retreat staff will be happy to help with recommendations. GUEST REVIEWS: “Everything has been done properly at the Swan Valley Retreat. Often you may find a shortcut being taken here and there but not here. Top quality from start to finish….” “I loved how it was away from traffic, a farm stay with the animals such a peaceful vibe with such serenity double plus with the outdoor spa….” Click here to read more reviews & to book your stay at The Swan Valley Retreat Note: Pets and children are not allowed. READ MORE

Gumleaf Cottage is a traditional Aussie farm cottage on a 12-acre farm near Swan Valley and the Perth Hills, and around 30 minutes from Perth Airport. The cottage is self-catering and private, and you can have as much time by yourself as you need or you can also explore the farm and meet all the friendly animals that call it home; goats, sheep, hens, rabbits, parrots, and miniature ponies for example, and get involved in farm tasks such as collecting eggs, feeding the animals and fruit picking, etc. THE ACCOMMODATION: The 100-year-old original farm cottage still has a nice traditional feel but is fully renovated inside with a new modern kitchen and bathroom. There are three bedrooms, two of which are doubles with queen size beds, and one children’s room with 2 sets of bunk beds, so can sleep 8 but there are also two cots available to sleep extra infants if required. The cottage is adjacent to the main farmhouse and beside the gardens, which have a trampoline, a splash pool and a playground, and of course the 12-acre farm. There you will find lots of farm animals which you are welcome to meet and you can engage in all sorts of fun and educational activities that kids especially will love from pony rides (Note: the listing is in the horseback riding category though there are only ponies here to ride!) and row boating on the dam to bug collecting and possum spotting. You can also go bushwalking in the forests around the farm which have miles of trails and where you can spot all sorts of exotic wildlife. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos at Expedia here. THE LOCATION: Gumleaf is just half an hour from Perth Airport and a little more to the city centre (shuttle services can be arranged) and some of Western Australia’s famously beautiful beaches. The Perth Hills and the John Forrest National Park are nearby as is Swan Valley, famous for its agriculture and food and where in recent years a whole food and wine tourism scene has emerged, with many top wineries, restaurants, and farmer’s markets in READ MORE