‘Everyone remembers their first farm experience’: Nostalgia and style make for perfect glamping combo

With the Ekka off and exploring our own backyard on, we checked in with this increasingly popular farmstay mixing country comfort with a real look at rural life.

CAMP IN STYLE: Ashley and Carly Clark with baby goats at Splitters Farm.

While the Ekka has been cancelled once again, there’s still a way to experience a city and country combo – enter glamping.

With holidaying at home more popular than ever there’s several places throughout Queensland that off a camping holiday escape with an element of luxury and Bundaberg is one of them.

Splitters Farm owner Carly Clark believes outdoor and adventure travel in general are on the rise, particularly “back-to-basics experiences that farm stays offer”.

She said farm fresh air, making damper, fishing in a creek and connecting over the fire while gazing at the stars are all ways to unplug and engage in quality time with loved ones.

And it’s places like Bundaberg that can offer those 5,000 star views on a clear night.

The local business has eight glamping tents, camping site, and is home to more than 400 farm animals including cows, horses, alpacas, geese, chickens, ducks, peacocks, Guinea fowl, sheep, goats, pigs and from next week a donkey.

“I think farm stays offer that ability to reconnect to your childhood,” she said.

Carly Clark with two baby goats at Splitters Farm.

“Everyone remembers their first farm experience, the smell, the sounds and the beautiful sunrise or sunset while you feed or tend to a herd so it’s that ability for people to be taken back in time or to introduce that to their little family members for the first time.

“Glamping just gives you the ability to do it in style with Aircon or all the mod cons.”

Of late, Splitters has had an increase in repeat business.

“Most guests are booking their next stay when checking out so it’s a testament to what we’ve created and the exceptional experience our team offer that see’s people coming back to Splitters Farm,” Ms Clark said.

She said there was a mixture of people travelling from the likes of Hervey Bay, Boyne Island, Gladstone and Rockhampton.

Outside of lockdowns, they get an increasing number of visiting from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane travelling north.

And the locals continue to show their support at the farm.

“Many locals remain loyal supporters of our day tours and it’s a great weekend getaway for them too especially if they have to stay close to home,” she said.

Once you’re at the farm, the myriad activities on offer include animal feeding, kayaking, damper making, fishing, go karts.

Splitters Farm is on 205 Blairs Rd, Sharon QLD 4670.

For more information about the farm or to book at trip, visit their website.

Originally published as ‘Everyone remembers their first farm experience’: Nostalgia and style make for perfect glamping combo