The hype
Families adore the animal feeding and friendly hosts, calling it the perfect road trip circuit breaker.
Hillview Farmstay
$160-320/ night
Book this if You need to break up the Sydney-Melbourne drive without resigning yourself to a soulless roadside motel.
Why People Love It
- Legitimate farm experience where kids can actually feed alpacas and sheep
- Sparkling clean cottages that feel like a home, not a rental
- Tesla destination chargers make it a strategic stop for EV drivers
Quick Take: A charming, well-run farmstay that unfortunately sits within earshot of the relentless Hume Highway.
Reviewed by @Travelogicalminds: I took my dog here for a weekend escape and we both loved it. The dome was super cozy, and waking up to those rolling hill views was unreal. It's rare to find a place this unique that actually welcomes pets with open arms. Definitely bring treats for the horses!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The glamping tents look amazing but can be noisy and drafty when the wind picks up or trucks rumble by.
- You are driving between Sydney and Melbourne with restless kids
- You drive an EV and need a charge while you sleep
- You want a self-contained space to cook your own breakfast (ingredients provided)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.3
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Guests consistently describe cottages as 'spotless' and 'sparkling'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Excellent. Modern fixtures, clean grout, and good water pressure.
- Maintenance: Very well maintained grounds and buildings, though glamping zippers/latches can be finicky.
- Linens & towels: High quality. Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy towels are a standard.
- Odors & scents: Fresh country air, occasionally interrupted by farm smells (it is a working farm) or drain odors in rare cases.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hume Highway truck traffic (constant drone)
- Wind flapping the canvas in glamping tents
Before you book
Good to know
- Dinner is DIY: Bring your own groceries or pre-order a BBQ pack 2 days before arrival.
- Two Tesla Destination Chargers are available on-site.
- Animal feeding happens at 8:30 AM sharp — don't sleep in if the kids want to join.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for glamping)
- Slip-on shoes for quick trips to the veranda or car
- Groceries for dinner if you didn't pre-order
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe One-Bedroom Cottage for couples (solid walls block more noise than tents)
- The Lodge for large groups (4 bedrooms, huge kitchen, great for multi-family stops)
Rooms to avoid
- Glamping Safari Tents ('Lion' or 'Cub') if you are sensitive to noise or cold drafts
- Dome Tents if you need absolute privacy (bathroom doors can be finicky)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a cottage as far back from the highway as possible to minimize traffic noise. We are light sleepers.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a restaurant on site?
No. You must pre-order dinner packs (BBQ meat, lasagna) 48 hours in advance or drive 20 mins to Gundagai.
Is the pool heated?
No, it's an unheated outdoor pool. Refreshing in January, icy in May.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's pet-friendly for a $30/night fee. Dogs are allowed inside but not on furniture.
How bad is the highway noise?
Noticeable. It's a constant hum. In solid cottages with AC on, it's white noise; in tents, it's distinct.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a generous basket with bacon, eggs, bread, and cereal is provided for you to cook yourself.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, free WiFi is available, though speeds can vary due to the rural location.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Buggy Ride' is an extra $50 but worth it for a private tour of the 1,000-acre property.
- ✨
Order the lamb sausages in your dinner pack — they are produced right on the farm.
- ✨
The tennis court has night lights, so you can play a match after the kids go to bed.
5 things to know before you go
💡The glamping tents can get very cold at night in shoulder seasons despite heaters.
💡You are literally 300 meters from the main highway connecting Australia's two biggest cities.
💡The 'breakfast' is a raw ingredient basket — you are the chef.
💡The bathroom doors in the glamping domes sometimes don't latch properly.
💡Wind can be fierce on the hill, making the tents noisy even without traffic.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hillview Farmstay is located and what's nearby.