Your family won’t want to leave this 180-acre historic working farm in Springbrook. With horses, goats, sheep, calves and wide open spaces to roam, Echo Valley Farm Cottage is an absolute gem. Best of all it’ll give your family a time to explore and appreciate the beauty of farm life.
What is the accommodation like?
Owner Rozie has lovingly renovated the cottage and it has a fireplace, three bedrooms, one bathroom and a kid’s play area. There is a room with a double bed and two rooms with two single beds. Quality linen is provided and if you feel the cold there are hot water bottles to warm your toes.
The cottage is away from the main farmhouse so you are assured privacy. Bring your own board games or cards and watch the fire crackle away as you play or eat at the large wooden dining table. You’ll want for nothing and the kitchen is fully-equipped.
Are meals provided?
This isn’t a bed and breakfast, but breakfast baskets and other meals can be provided at an extra cost. There are no supermarkets or petrol stations at Springbrook Mountain, so it’s best to bring your own food and drinks.
However, there is a lovely fudge shop that makes great coffee just a short stroll down from the farm. You can drive a little further to a nearby cafe for some lunch or early dinner.
Find more information on Family Friendly Farm Stays near the Gold Coast HERE
What is there to do?
The possibilities are endless. You can spend days exploring the farm, enjoying the lack of mobile reception and be at one with nature. On the afternoon you arrive Rozie will meet you at the chook house where you can let the hens out, collect their eggs and learn the farm’s rules and history. This is for the safety of visitors and the animals.
We took up the offer of a farm tour which is something I’d recommend. Our kids got to meet the farm dogs and carry food to two retired horses, George and Daisy. They then were able to hand-feed friendly goats.
Being able to roam the property is such a gift and we were able to pick-up macadamia nuts that had fallen from 80-year-old trees. Exploring old buildings and jumping in puddles is also a must while visiting this farm. Depending on the season there are also calves on the farm, but sheep, cows and cheeky bush turkeys are permanent residents.
What makes this place so special?
So many things, but mainly it feels like you’re a million miles from the chaos of your busy life. Birds are singing, there’s not a car in sight and you’re breathing in the freshest air on the planet.
It’s also so close to World Heritage Springbrook National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforest. So if incredible waterfalls and stunning landscape is your thing, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Your hosts Rozie and David are also incredibly generous of time and spirit and aren’t intrusive. The accommodation is also very comfortable and spacious.
What should or shouldn’t I bring?
Ditch your phone, your stress and just bring an open mind and you’ll love the serenity. Even if you’re not an outdoors person by nature, you’ll enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Make sure you’ve got any food you require and a full tank of petrol for the return trip home. Pack warm clothes and gumboots for the kids if you’re visiting during the cooler months. But even during the summer it’s cooler because you’re atop a gorgeous mountain plateau.
Smoking is not encouraged but allowed outside only. Also, as the farm is a minimal chemical environment and its kiwifruit orchard is newly certified organic, please be mindful of what you bring with you. For bio-security reasons, pets are not allowed.
The essentials
- Sleeps 6 people in three bedrooms and has one bathroom
- Fully-equipped kitchen and laundry
- Has TV and DVD player, some movies provided
- Fireplace and outside fire pit
- Guests can walk independently around farm
- Own transport required, no public transport
- No fuel or grocery shops on mountain
- Closest supermarket at Nerang or Mudgeeraba
- Friendly chickens and free fresh eggs daily
- Check-in after 2pm and check out 10am
Where exactly is Echo Valley Farm Cottage?
It’s located on Lyrebird Ridge Road about 45 minutes from the Gold Coast and about 90 minutes from Brisbane. To get there exit the Pacific Motorway at Mudgeeraba (exit 79 from the north, exit 80 from the south) and follow the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road.
Alternatively, exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang (exit 69) and follow the Nerang–Murwillumbah Road for 23km then take the Springbrook turn-off at Pine Creek Road.
Pine Creek Road turns into Springbrook Road and on your right is Lyrebird Ridge Road and Echo Valley Farm Cottage is on your right. If you get lost on your way, just stop and ask a friendly local.
Get some more details and information on Echo Valley Farm Cottage here.
