Apr 24, 2018
Fitting family time into your life alongside work, school and the daily grind… well most of us wish we were doing this better.
Sometimes the key to reconnecting with your loved ones is escaping the everyday. One of the best ways to do this is with a family holiday, and while we’re huge fans of beachside escapes and island getaways, there’s another type of break that is perfect for reconnecting – a Farmstay.
There is no better Farmstay than Paradise Country. Owned by Village Roadshow, this park is comprised of animal encounters and experiences, interactive shows, farm activities, wine tastings, and surprisingly great dining!
Nestled between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild, the Farmstay is in the heart of the Gold Coast, however, you feel as if you are amidst the outback – but with a few extra luxuries.
Read On for your weekend escape to the country!
FRIDAY
4pm ARRIVE ON THE FARM & CHECK IN
This is where you’ll step from the bustling Gold Coast over the border into the country (reads: you’ll enter the driveway between Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild). Once you pull up and step into reception you will instantly feel the difference. You’re in the country now.
There are accommodation options to suit varying budgets and tastes. From family tents to caravans to eco tents (these are essentially cabins with canvas walls) you can choose your level of comfort.
5pm KANGAROO SUNSET TOUR
The sunsets are pretty incredible out in these parts. You can expect smouldering reds, oranges, and pinks lighting up the sky. This is also when the local roo’s come out for a snack and some friendly pats.
The meeting point for this activity is outside the restaurant, where the wildlife keeper will meet you to begin the tour.
6pm – 8.30pm FARMHOUSE RESTAURANT OPEN FOR DINNER
Picture a HUGE open plan barn with high ceilings and decorated like something straight out of pinterest complete with fairy lights. It’s a warm, beautiful, homely setting perfect for a Farmstay meal with a bar.
There isn’t anything on the menu over $20 and there is a separate kids menu that includes their meal, drink, and dessert.
Now time for an early night to take advantage of tomorrow’s adventures!
SATURDAY
7am BUFFET BREAKFAST
You won’t find any cold eggs or soggy mushrooms at this buffet. Again based in the Farmhouse restaurant, this buffet is on the smaller side, but every item is fresh and delicious.
8am CHILDRENS MORNING FARM ACTIVITIES
This experience is a collection of activities kids will LOVE. Which is a good excuse for you to also play with the baby animals. There is egg collecting from the chickens, barnyard feeding the alpacas, piglets, sheep, goats, guinea pigs and more.
10.30am STOCK HORSE ARENA & BILLY TEA
This show/experience combo is fantastic. The majestic horses put on a great show, which is followed up with a billy tea performance which includes a (smaller) member of the audience being taught how to swing the billy tea can and then a snack of damper and tea.
12.30am SHEEP SHEARING & RAM PARADE
This dramatic parade showcases over five breeds of sheep and is utterly captivating. The kids can even take home a piece of wool!
2.30pm STOCKMAN & SHEEP DOG
Whip cracking and team work at its best! This show teaches you how to milk a cow, throw a boomerang*, and witness the skill and technique behind cracking a stock whip! While you can’t drink the milk, extracting it is definitely the most fun!
*results may vary
4pm SIRROMET CELLAR DOOR WINE TASTING (AND GRAPE STOMPING)
Finally a drinking activity that is child friendly! Sirromet have partnered with Paradise Country to bring their cellar door to the Farmstay. The results are fantastic. Located at the bottom of the restaurant green the kids have plenty of space to play under your watch, or they can partake in some grape stomping in the cellar door.
5pm LAWN GAMES & ANIMAL COUNT
After the lawn games are done, guests are invited to join the wildlife keepers in putting away the animals and doing the count to ensure they are all in their pens.
6pm – Late DRINKS BY THE CAMPFIRE
This is the perfect way to unwind and relax after a day of adventure. The crackle of the fire, the cool taste of your refreshing drink, and telling stories and reconnecting is the best feeling and way to end your day.
Drinks from the bar are delivered for Mum and Dad, and if you send the kids off and tell them to ask nicely, the restaurant will give them smores packages for them to make over the fire!
SUNDAY
8.30am KOALA BREAKFAST
This is an additional cost, but is well worth it to cuddle a koala with a photo and educational talk.
11.30am SUNDAY SOUNDS
Sunday’s the Farmhouse Restaurant hill comes alive with music, drinks and games for the kids on the green outside the restaurant. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up your weekend escape.
One of the great things about staying at Paradise Country are the extra perks that come with the Farmstay. The shows are amazing, but the animal encounters really have the kids engaged and enthralled. These are the experiences they remember. They are the memories that last a lifetime.
Talk to the team at Discover Queensland about your next family escape on 1300 788 553 or leave an enquiry now.
You’ll see it well before you arrive, next door to the big names of Wet ‘n’ Wild, Australian Outback Spectacular, and Warner Bros. Movie World! From the moment you step into the reception, the country charm begins (despite being in the middle of the Gold Coast!).
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