Axedale Farm Cottage & Vineyard

Axedale Farm Cottage & Vineyard is a cracker of a spot near Axedale, right between Bendigo and Heathcote in country Victoria. It's a working farm, so you'll get a real taste of rural life. They run about 60 Dorper sheep, and guests can get stuck in with farm activities like feeding the animals, collecting eggs, or just having a pat with the friendly goats, alpacas, and pet sheep. The accommodation is a comfy family-style home with three bedrooms, a good-sized living area, and a well-equipped country kitchen. You can relax on the wide veranda that wraps around the whole house, taking in the views of the vineyard and the classic Australian countryside. Sunrises and sunsets out here are amazing, and it's super secluded, set back about 450m off a quiet road. There's heaps to do beyond the farm work too. You can have a crack at bocce, croquet, hopscotch, or 10-pin bowling. If you're keen for a dip, there's swimming in the dam, or you can just chill out on the deck overlooking the water. For the cycling enthusiasts, the O'Keefe Rail Trail runs right past Axedale, so you can bring your bikes and ride to Bendigo or Heathcote. After a day of exploring, you can kick back by the crackling fire with a glass of GilGraves Wine, made right there on the vineyard. They even provide breakfast provisions for your first morning. It's a two-night minimum stay, but if you stick around for five nights or more, you'll get a 10% discount. It's a great spot for families looking to get away from the city hustle and enjoy some proper country air.