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Hay-cation top travel trend for 2023

Hay-cations have been named as a top travel trend for 2023.

In a report released by Expedia, Wotif, and Stayz, rustic cottages and farmhouses characterised by their regional farm life charm are quickly joining the ranks of beach destinations as Stayz’s top epic holiday home destinations in Australia.

The report showed demand for Stayz holiday homes in rural locations is up by more than 90%.

Hay-caytions are popular in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region, just 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where it is home to some of the country’s leading farmstay operators and agri-tourism leaders.

“The region really is the home of authentic 'Hay-Cation' experiences, where visitors can stay on working farms, share time with the farmers feeding their animals, harvesting crops, caring for the land and understanding the provenance of food,” Scenic Rim Mayor, Greg Christensen, said.

“This authenticity of experiences is one of the reasons the region was listed in the Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel' as one of the world's Top Ten 'must-visit' regions for 2022. It also shines the light on our wonderful farmers and producers who are forging pathways in agri-tourism as best-in-sector operators," he said.

Here’s a few HAY-CATION stars in the Scenic Rim.

Tommerup’s Dairy Farm

Tommerup’s Dairy Farm is an iconic Queensland farm stay experience. Run by sixth generation farmers the Tommerup family, the property allows guests to help milk cows, feed the animals, collect eggs and meet their gaggle of dairy cattle, pigs, goats and sheep. Tommerup’s is all about the farm-to-fork experience where, as well as dishing up the freshest local and organic produce, you can pick vegetables for your very own feast or picnic hamper, perfect for finding a sweet spot to take in those Scenic Rim views. Rest your head in one of two options: The Homestead, the original family home built in 1888; or more petite offering The Cottage.

Cedar Glen Farmstay

Cedar Glen Farmstay sits on over 1,000 acres of lush green pastures, all framed by the wild beauty of Lamington National Park. The owners have been living on the land here since 1888 and while traditional farm stay activities are abundant, the real highlight of Cedar Glen is their trail rides which trek through the foothills of the stunning Lost World Valley. Visitors can get involved in the best of country life, from animal feeding to cracking whips and making damper. There are four different cottages to choose from when it comes to spending the night: the original Homestead, Dairy Cottage, Wallaby Cottage, and Stinson Cottage.

Clandulla Cottages And Farmstay

Starring authentic rural country charm, Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay is at the foot of Tamborine Mountain, and is a working property with luxury suites and is particularly family-friendly. Begin your day in the barn with a continental breakfast before spending time fussing over baby animals or chilling out underneath a shady tree in a quiet corner of the gorgeous property. Accommodation here is self-contained, with four different cottages to choose from.

Greenlee Cottages

Nestled against the backdrop of a working macadamia orchard, at Greenlee Cottages you can soak up great views of the Canungra Valley, listen to the Canungra Creek and immerse in nature. With four welcoming, contemporary cottages to choose from, visitors can enjoy time fishing or cycling on the farm, tasting the many wines of the area, or go bushwalking nearby at Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

Olive View Estate

Say 'Olive View' slowly enough and you'll hear, "I love you". And this is what guests staying in Olive View Estate's beautifully modernised Queenslander whisper as they admire the view across the magnificent olive groves. Five minutes from Kalbar and Boonah; there’s a pool in summer and the wood burning fire in winter, and a resident goat herd, plus the farm shop.

East

Tommerups Dairy Farm - https://www.tommerupsdairyfarm.com.au/

Greenlee Cottages (macadamia farm) https://www.greenleecottages.com.au/

Clandulla Cottages and Farmstay - https://www.clandullacottages.com.au/

Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead - http://eighteenmile.com/

Central

Running Creek Beef Farmstay - https://www.runningcreekbeef.com.au/stay/

Cedar Glen Farmstay - https://www.cedarglen.com.au/

Freedom Farmstay - https://www.freedomfarm.com.au/

West

Skyline Farmhouse - https://skylinefarmhouse.com/

Olive View Estate - https://www.airbnb.com/h/oliveviewcottage (email oliveviewcottagescenicrim@gmail.com)