Over here in Australia, we're (thankfully) enjoying a distinct lack of Covid. As a result people can go outdoors and the whole nation seems to be thinking about where to go for Christmas.

Talking to firends and colleagues has made it abundantly clear that as a result there's nowhere to find accommodation if you're sticking to mainstream destinations.

So how to solve this if you're really want to get out for Christmas? I'm reaching back to 2019 for inspiration here. Consider a farm stay.

the farm

Back in 2019 we really wanted to take the kids out to see the stars. Ideally the simple solution would have been to go camping however at that point in time the kids were 3 and 6, and for a long weekend away we were just keen to keep it simple.

So two windows open side by side on my laptop. One with AirBNB, the other with a dark sky map. The plan for a farm stay was born.

start at Z

Z is for Zinny. We were visiting Zinny's farm. Zinny is the farm's border collie and very keen to have visitors. He kept the kids occupied for hours and was great at tiring them out. He was happy to play ball almost endlessly or just keep a watchful eye on the kids as they explored the farm.

Zinny was also our tour guide, leading us down the the river on the back of the farm and just generally keeping us company. As someone who grew up in a semi-rural area learning to be ever vigilant for snakes it was a releif to have Zinny hanging out with us.

the river

The farm we stayed at backed on to a river. We spent most of our time down by the river banks taking in the environment and just enjoying a moment to sit down and slow down.

The kids of course don't sit down so easily, most of their time was spent climbing fallen trees and exploring everything they could, so sitting down and slowing down was more of an idea than something my wife and I really got to do.

out and about

The farm we stayed out was half an hour out from the closest town and our goal was to focus locally as much as we could. There may not have been a near by town, but there were some opportunities to go geocaching however.

There were a number of caches located along a near-by 4x4 track. It made for a fun day to go exploring with the kids.

We drove along the track most of the way and then searched the final bit by foot. There was plenty to see and some beautiful views to take on along the way.

Of course, we found a numbe of geocaches along the way, which the kids absolutely loved.

but what about those stars?

Of course, the trip wouldn't have been complete without taking the kids to see the stars. Torches in hand, we made our way to the river banks one evening and started up the fire-pit by the river bank. It was a lazy few hours of laying by the river bank, listening to the sounts of the river (and Zinny chasing the brds).

By the time it got completely dark it was time to let the fire reduce down to embers and turn off the torches. We all enjoyed a clear view of the stars that can't be achieved near urban areas. More stars, clearer stars, it was fantastic.

would we do it again?

Yes. Absolutely. it was a fantastic way to get away and do something different and a break we hope to repeat some time soon. It also managed to strike the balance of exciting for the kids and relaxing for the parents.