Barkala Farmstay, home of Pilliga Pottery, is tucked away on 12,000 acres in the Pilliga bush, about 10km down a dirt road. It's a cracking spot for a bit of a getaway. Maria and Richard Rickert, a couple of German immigrants, started the farm back in '86, and their family's turned it into a creative farmstay that still feels really personal. You can set up camp or stay in one of their pet-friendly accommodations, like the Old Schoolhouse or The Farmhouse. There's heaps to do without even leaving the property. You can explore the bush on walking tracks that a local legend, Kerry Lowe, mapped out, checking out lookouts and rock formations. They've got animal feeding for the kids, and you can even try your hand at pottery classes. The Blue Wren Cafe on site serves up delicious meals, so you won't go hungry. It's a proper working farm, so you get a real feel for the Australian bush while you're there. It's a great spot to switch off and experience a different pace.