Kimberley Farmstay/Homestays

by Sally
(Grafton, NSW)

Are there any farmstays or homestays in the Kimberleys which offer meals and farm-related activities, possibly also with some short (half-day) tours?

Related question:
Need Tips Regarding Ranches In The Kimberley

Comments for
Kimberley Farmstay/Homestays

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May 13, 2008

Not really...
by: Birgit

Hi Sally,
Farmstays as you know them from down south are not common up here. But there are several cattle stations on the Gibb River Road that welcome visitors. They are listed on the Gibb River Road accommodation page.

Birdwood Downs is another one, very close to Derby, that might suit you: http://www.birdwooddowns.com

And that's about it, I'm afraid.

Jan 14, 2009

Birdwood Downs Experience
by: Anonymous

We turned up at Birdwood Downs in 2006 for a nights stay and waited ages to be greeted or to find anyone.

The campsite is basic with a slap together sink and the bins were overflowing.

The toilet block was full of every small amphibian we could think of and the laudry had clothes and sheets strewn all over the floor and in piles, presumably from the casual workers.

Our stay was.... memorable.

Jan 14, 2009

Amphibians are part of life in the tropics
by: Birgit

I acknowledge that what you found may have been substandard or neglected at the time, and if people do offer accommodation or camping and charge money, then they are obliged to look after the facilities reasonably.

I wasn't there, so I can't agree or disagree.

Thanks for your input.

Anyway, the main reason I answered this is that I wanted to point out that wildlife in the amenity blocks is a fact of life up here. My house has that, too. In fact, it has lots...

Amphibians in wet areas are part of life in the tropics and in the bush. Expect it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a working station, not a luxury farm stay (there are some of those as well).

There is a huge difference between stations that focus on tourism, and stations that do offer accommodation and camping but are mainly working stations.

As for real working stations out here, yes, they may have very basic facilities and may not always have much time for their visitors. On the other hand, it's of course their problem and responsibility to balance the tourism and other side of the business.

I am not trying to justify what might have been substandard service or facilities, but I also want to separate those issues from what might have been wrong expectations.

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