Country Getaways

Country Retreats and Farm Stays across Australia

A good country retreat doesn't try too hard. It's a fire pit, a view, a breakfast you didn't have to cook. The RedBalloon range of country getaways covers everything from working farm stays to boutique cottages and wine country escapes, all built for two (or more) to properly switch off.

They also happen to make a genuinely good gift. Birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or just because someone's been flat out at work, a country retreat says you noticed. Most are designed for couples or small groups, so whoever you're gifting it to gets to share the experience with you.

Farm stays for a proper reset

If the idea of waking up to actual farmland instead of traffic sounds appealing, a farm stay might be exactly the reset you're after. These retreats put you in the middle of working properties and rolling paddocks, with all the comforts of a private villa or cottage.

This 2 Night Luxury Farm Villa Stay with Hot Tub & Yoga sits in Mudgee, NSW, with a private hot tub and yoga session included for two. Over in Western Australia, this 3 Night Kalgan Farm Stay at The Grange gives you three full nights to properly unwind near Albany. Tasmania's version comes with dinner sorted too, in this Overnight Curringa Farm Escape with Dinner and Breakfast near Hamilton.

Country cottages and cabins

There's something about a cottage that a hotel room can't match. Wood fires, wraparound gardens, a kettle that's always on. This 2 Night Country Cottage Retreat with 1 Hour Wellness Class in Kurrajong, NSW, throws in unlimited kayaking and a wellness class, so you've got something to do between naps.

Wine country retreats

Australia's wine regions were made for a slow weekend away, and a stay near the vines is one of the easiest ways to make a country escape feel like an occasion. This 2 Night Riverland Stay with Breakfast & Outdoor Bath puts you right on the Murray River in South Australia, with a design-led room and an outdoor bath for soaking after a day of tastings.

Glamping under the stars

For a country escape with a bit more texture, glamping is hard to beat. This 2 Nights Luxurious Pet-Friendly Glamping stay in the Hunter Valley even welcomes the dog along, with crates, soap and waste bags provided. Further north, this Undara Outback Escape, Lava Tube Tour & Breakfast takes you deep into outback Queensland, with a guided tour through ancient lava tubes as the headline act.

Mountain and hills retreats

If altitude is more your thing, a mountain retreat offers a cooler climate and views for days. This 2 Night Mount Dandenong Suite Stay with Breakfast puts you up in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, with breakfast, a welcome hamper and wine included.

Pair it with something to do

Once you've settled into your retreat, it's worth building a little something into the day. A hot air balloon flight over the vines is one of the best ways to see a wine region properly, while a scenic flight will show off the countryside from an entirely different angle. Closer to the ground, wine tasting and winery tours, horse riding and day trips and tours all make an easy addition to a country retreat itinerary.

Other Getaways to Explore

If a country retreat isn't quite what you're after, our full range of getaways covers plenty of other ways to get away. Trade paddocks for shoreline with a coastal and beach getaway, keep things romantic with a romantic getaway, sleep under canvas with glamping and camping, or bring the whole crew along with a family getaway.

Looking for a retreat closer to home? Browse by state:

NSW getaways · Victoria getaways · Queensland getaways · South Australia getaways · Western Australia getaways · Tasmania getaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a country getaway?

Layers are your best friend. Country regions can swing from warm afternoons to cold nights, so pack something warm for the evening along with comfortable shoes for walking. A jacket, sturdy footwear and a reusable water bottle cover most bases, whatever the season.

How much does a country getaway typically cost?

It depends on the length of stay, location and inclusions, but the RedBalloon range covers everything from a simple overnight stay to a multi-night package with breakfast, wine or a wellness class built in. Filtering by price on the country getaways page is the quickest way to compare options.

What are the best country getaways for couples?

Look for a stay designed specifically for two, with private extras like a hot tub, in-room breakfast or bottle of wine. This Overnight Barossa Valley Retreat with Bonus Wine is built for exactly that kind of quiet, just-the-two-of-you escape.

What are the best country getaways for families?

Look for stays that list a higher guest capacity or extra bedrooms. This 2 Night Estate Stay with Wine Tasting in South Australia's Clare Valley sleeps up to ten, making it an easy fit for a family trip or a getaway with friends.

What are the best country getaways for a weekend?

A one or two night stay within a few hours of a capital city is the easiest way to make the most of a weekend without losing a day to travel. This 1 Night Weekend Stay Tiny Home in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is built for a short, unhurried break.

What are the best activities for a country getaway?

Wine tasting, horse riding and cycling are all popular ways to fill the daylight hours, and a hot air balloon flight over the region adds a memorable start to the morning. Many stays, like this 2 Night Hunter Valley Getaway with Wine Tasting, already build an activity into the package.