Country for a change

FARMSTAYS vary widely, as shown by a sample of just three of the many options in southeast Queensland.

Farmstay

KILLER the dog greeted us as soon as we opened the door in the morning. Cows looked up from the grass in the adjoining paddock to check out the newcomers and horses were whinnying in the distance.

It was our first day on Lee Farmstay and Cottage, outside of Kingaroy, after arriving late the previous night.

We tucked into our breakfast basket ("there are no pigs on the property at the moment," owner Kevin Lee had informed us the night before, making us wonder where they were now as we devoured out eggs and bacon) before taking a walk through a pasture with miniature horses to meet farmhands and feed the animals.

A recent weekend trip to the Kingaroy area saw my family and I checking out just three of the many farmstay options available in southeast Queensland and we found they all had something different to offer.

Farm stays have become more popular in the past decade - as a weekend or holiday option, especially during winter - giving children and adults a chance to check out life on the farm - some for the first time.

At the Lee Farmstay, our three-year-old daughter, Leia, got a blast from her first chore for the day - feeding the chooks, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks and guinea pigs.

The next animal was a tad more intimidating - Max the draught horse. As he chomped on carrots and hay, Susie the 10-week-old west highland white terrier got underfoot before attaching herself to Leia's slacks. Ginger the farm cat also followed us everywhere, much to the toddler's delight.

We were the only guests on the farm that night, but preparation was underway from Kevin and his wife, Gavina, for the upcoming school holidays.

With all of the animals, which include sheep, cows, sometimes pigs and a bird aviary complete with various breeds of colourful parrots, the farmstay is a hit with couples and families.

Even when the animal feeding is finished for the morning (you can do it again in the afternoon), there is still plenty to enjoy in the fresh air, such as play on tyre and regular swings, bike riding, jumping on the trampoline and a hay stack to play on.

Lee Farm treats guests like family, with use of the swimming pool and invitation to come knocking any time guests need or want anything.

The couple built every cottage and house on their 64ha property themselves and opened the farmstay in 2005.

Former builder Kevin designed the four two-bedroom cottages. A Queenslander was moved to the property not long after. Now renovated it can now host two families.

All accommodation boasts a spa bath, kitchen, TV, stereo, DVD player, living room and laundry.

One night of the weekend was spent on the other side of Kingaroy at the heritage-listed Taabinga Homestead, which is heritage-listed and central to the history of the South Burnett.

Built in 1846, it is one of the state's oldest continuously lived-in rural homes and has been in the hands of Libby Leu's family since 1887.

"My mother always said people were more important than places," Libby said of the family's decision to offer their property for farmstays, tours, concerts and general accommodation.

The cottage we stayed in was the original single men's quarters from when the working cattle property was a much bigger cattle station.

As soon as we walked in the design of the wooden walls instantly threw me back to my childhood country home. The cottage consisted of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, fireplace, laundry and kitchen with everything needed to self-cater.

Despite its rustic charm, modern luxuries such as a television and DVD player were included.

Libby and husband Colin Marshall were also happy to provide a home-cooked meal if booked in advance.

With nine buildings on the property, including the cottages, an old blacksmith shop, the original stables and creamery, there's plenty to browse and space for children to run and play.

Taabinga Homestead gardens are also exquisite and feature more than one 100-year-old tree.

Children love running around the homestead's open grounds, patting the dogs and horses, collecting eggs feeding the chooks and heading out to the paddock to feed the murray grey beef cattle.

There were plenty of calves during our visit and on the way to and from the cow paddocks we spotted at least six kangaroos and a possum.

The property is also a bushwalker's delight with many tracks to explore.

History buffs will love the main homestead building, set up as a dining room with one end of the building where Colin and Libby live.

It is decorated with historical photos and still has the original floorboards among other items.

For a twist on a farmstay experience, head out of Kingaroy and over to the Goomeri area where the Shahrizai Alpaca Bed and Breakfast recently opened.

Owners Marc and Marina Mullette have turned one part of the property into an inviting one-bedroom, one-bathroom flat with a covered, open-air kitchen with 360-degree views over paddocks where alpacas and miniature horses graze.

Guests can join in with herding, feeding orphans and helping care for the alpacas.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE REGION

THE South Burnett region is not just all about farmstays, so if or when you would like a break from relaxing or having fun on the farm with the animals, set aside a couple of hours to explore the area.

First stop could be the Taste South Burnett shop in Kingaroy, where varieties of local cheeses, peanuts, wines, liqueurs and fudge are available, with free taste testings.

Everything in the store is produced within 100km of Kingaroy and owner Marc Mullette makes up to 137 varieties of fudge flavours.

If it's a Sunday, you can join the peanut factory tour.

For the nature lovers, grab a picnic hamper and head out to the Bunya Mountains National Park for the day and see how many red-necked wallabies you can spot.

With a more limited schedule, drive instead to Maidenwell, about 35 minutes away, and head to popular swimming spot Coomba Falls. But be warned, the water is chilly.

While in Maidenwell you can see the Astronomical Observatory, Queensland's largest self-funded astro tourism business, for an evening of star gazing. If it's daytime, you can look (safely) at a real-time, close-up image of the sun.

Another alternative is to drive about an hour from Kingaroy to Goomeri where you can check out the Shahrizai Alpaca Farm or drop in to the famous Pumpkin Pie Coffee Shop to sample sweet pumpkin pie, based on a traditional American recipe.

The opportunities do not stop there with something for everyone in each direction.

There is the Prophet Gold Mine in Kilkivan, which offers a variety of gold-panning experiences and gold pour demonstrations. You even get to keep the gold you find.

And there is the Pottique Lavender Farm, with most products being made right on the property.

For a more educational experience visit the South Burnett Timber Museum in Wondai or learn about the history of power generation in the South Burnett at the Energy Centre in Nanango.

For the shoppers, plan your visit for the first Saturday of the month so you can shop your heart out at the Nanango Country Markets, the largest rural markets in southeast Queensland.

Info: queenslandholidays.com.au