Darlington Grove is a unique farm stay experience located in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Lost World Valley. The owners Kate and Sam purchased the property to enjoy with their 3 little sons and love sharing their experiences with others. They reside in the main homestead if you want to say hi!
You will be staying in what used to be a functioning milking Dairy Shed. Think of your stay as cottage farm stay meets glamping! The Dairy has been fully renovated and features a beautifully decorated bedroom which has amazing mountain views, an open air kitchen, cottage garden and a rustic but comfortable, detached shower and toilet. The Dairy is situated on a 100acre hobby farm that has animals (sheep, chickens, ducks, horses, pigs and cows) an olive grove of 250 trees, and the Albert River flowing through it.
For the ultimate farmstay experience you can opt in or out of taking on all the farming duties of the farm for the duration of your stay. Farming duties include:
1) feeding the chickens and ducks and pigs
2) collecting the eggs and either eating them or taking them home with you
3) Collecting and splitting firewood
4) checking the water troughs of the animals including the horses and cows.
Few farmstays offer this much immersion and freedom in a real working farm setting. And if all this sounds too much at anytime you can simply opt out and let the onsite caretakers do it all.
Here is some info that you will find helpful to make the most of your stay:
What are the sleeping arrangements?
The dairy is has a queen size bed. It will comfortably sleep a family of 4 if you don't mind rooming in together!! There is available on request a port-a-cot and 2 trundles to accomodate little people. Additional families or friends aren’t allowed to camp with your booking, but we can recommend some other awesome farm stays in the street if you want to share the experience with others.
Is there TV and internet?
Not unless you count nature’s TV which is the amazing view down the valley!! We don’t have TV or internet in the dairy shed. Keep in mind that we also don’t currently get Optus phone reception in Darlington (we do get Telstra). You can completely switch off!!
When is check out?
In: 2pm, out 10am
Can I cook there?
We have an open air kitchen that is equipped with everything you should need, with exception of a microwave! We even have a nespresso machine but you will need to bring your own pods.
Do I need wood for the fire pit?
Wood can be bought for $10 a bag at Darlington park camp ground just down the road.
Is there air conditioning/heat?
Yes!! You are “glamping” and not camping after all!
What about water?
We are on tank water pumped straight from the Albert River. All the locals drink it but you are also welcome to bring your own bottled drinking water.
Do you have towels/sheets?
Yes…you just need to let us know if we need to make up the trundle beds if you are bringing little people.
What is the shower/bathroom situation?
You have your own shower and toilet which is detached, but tucked just behind where you are sleeping…and yes we have hot water and the toilet flushes! We are on septic so we just ask you
don’t flush anything except toilet paper.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately we are a working farm and so we can’t allow your furry friend to come.
What else should I bring?
Sunblock, torches, fire starters and a lighter for the fire pit, toiletries, food, a decent bottle of wine, additional toilet paper if you’re a scruncher and not a folder and plan to use more then the 2 rolls supplied! If you do forget any of the basics the local camping ground about 1km down the road sells all sorts of basics and Beaudesert is a 20-25min drive away.
What is there to do?
We have 100 acres to explore by foot as long as you don’t get lost!! The Albert River flows through the property which you have easy access to. The property is home to chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, horses and cows. Our chickens, sheep and cows are very free range so don’t be surprised if they drop by the dairy to say hi. The property is located in the heart of the scenic rim so we are a stones throw
from all the good stuff….Lamington National Park, Orielly’s, Mt Tamborine, the Scenic Rim food festival, vineyards, bush walks, cooking schools etc.
Waiver and Assumption of Risk
I fully assume the dangers and risks associated with animal handling, hiking, swimming and the use of open fires and agree to use my best judgment while engaging in those activities. I understand there are potential dangers these activities may present to children who are not carefully supervised, as well as the danger to any person while intoxicated or using any kind of drugs or medication. I agree to be fully and solely responsible for any accidents you may incur. I understand the risks discussed above and I agree to waive any claim whatsoever against the owner for accidents or claims arising in connection with the above activities.
Biosecurity – You are visiting a farm and normal biosecurity rules apply.
• In light of the recent discovery of Foot and Mouth disease in Indonesia it is particularly important you notify us before you arrive, if you have recently travelled to any part of Indonesia.
• If you have travelled outside Australia in the last 30 days, visited any farms, abattoirs or livestock premises in Australia during the past 7 days or your vehicle has been in contact with livestock or manure in the past 7 days you need to let us know.
• We will ask you for further information, formally document your visit and assess whether there is a biosecurity risk for our property.
• If you are assessed as high risk we may require certain conditions are met before access to Darlington Grove Farm is permitted. These conditions may include but are not limited to ensuring all footwear and clothing is cleaned and disinfected. We also retain the right to cancel your booking and refuse entry to Darlington Grove Farm should you be assessed as a high risk for biosecurity.
