5 family-friendly sanctuaries to visit these holidays

Looking for some travel inspiration for the upcoming holiday season? We’ve got you covered!

Our Wildlife Land Trust’s Sanctuaries You Can Stay program features bush retreats, eco-friendly farmstays and stunning campsites around Australia, with something to fit every budget and interest.

Adventurous families can explore beaches, woodlands and rainforests, and for those looking to relax you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature with cosy, self-contained cottages. No matter what you like, you’ll be supporting wildlife and their habitats by staying at these retreats – that’s something everyone can enjoy!

Gather your loved ones together for a chance to unplug, unwind and reconnect with nature with these family-friendly destinations – for a full list of retreats, check out: https://hsi.org.au/australian-wildlife-and-habitats/wildlife-land-trust/find-a-sanctuary-map/

Lake Yalleena Nature Retreat – Tasmania

This retreat is set on a stunning 166-hectare property in the East Coast Midlands, Tasmania. Self-contained cabins offer breathtaking views across the private lake and the surrounding native forests. This tranquil property provides the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday, or the ideal base camp for an adventure in the Tasmanian wilderness.

Keep an eye out for native species like wombats, pademelons, quolls and wedge-tailed eagles, as well as black swans and cormorants on the lake. The owner, Natalie, is working to build a conservation area for Tasmania’s unique and threatened wildlife.

After exploring the property’s extensive bushwalks, take a day trip to the nearby Freycinet National Park, follow the East Coast Wine Trail or visit Meetus and Lost Falls for a picturesque picnic.

https://hsi.org.au/sanctuary/lake-yalleena-nature-retreat/

Mittagong-Talia – Victoria

Set in Victoria’s picturesque Woolshed Valley, Mittagong-Talia is the perfect destination for a tranquil retreat into nature, surrounded by bushland and with frontage to Reedy Creek. Take your time exploring the sanctuary’s ironbark woodlands, granite mountains and creek habitats, where you can spot resident wallabies, wombats, native birds or koalas.

The self-contained cottage and can house up to six – play fun board games, unwind by the fireplace or sample local wines and produce on the deck. The cottage also features a two-person outdoor bath where you can relax to the sounds of nature.

Sustainability is a big focus for your stay, with solar power, eco-friendly amenities and a wildlife-friendly property. In the day, head to the nearby towns of Milawa, Wangaratta and Beechworth, where you can explore nature trails, learn about the region’s colourful history and try local food and drinks.

https://hsi.org.au/sanctuary/mittagong-talia/

Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat – Western Australia

This breathtaking retreat spans 40 hectares of native bushland amongst a backdrop of breathtaking views, rugged mountain ranges and pristine beaches. This UNESCO recognised Biosphere Reserve houses a diverse range of wildlife including hooded plovers, western bristlebirds and the elusive western ground parrot, as well as a variety of unique and beautiful wildflowers.

Ask the hosts Karin and Carsten for the best nature walks and kayaking spots in the Fitzgerald River National Park or explore the nearby beaches, visited by southern right and humpback whales.

Stay in one of the peaceful and cosy solar-powered chalets or set up in the campgrounds which are fully equipped with hot showers and barbeques.

https://hsi.org.au/sanctuary/quaalup-homestead-wilderness-retreat/

Rosecliffe Conservation Area – Queensland

Perched high above Pinbarren Valley in the Noosa Hinterland, Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages is a beautiful retreat for families, and is dog-friendly!

Hosts Nadia and Paul have cared for Rosecliffe for over 30 years and love sharing their knowledge of wildlife and nearby nature walks with guests. This sanctuary is located directly on the scenic Noosa Trail System bordering Woondum National Park, and is home to an abundance of wildlife including koalas, gliders, pademelons and platypus, as well as over 80 species of rainforest birds.

Help out with the daily feeding runs for the resident cattle, ponies, alpacas and chickens, and enjoy the fresh, organic fruits picked directly from the orchard. The nearby beaches, towns and national parks are perfect spots for a range of activities such bush walking, bird watching, mountain biking and canoeing.

https://hsi.org.au/sanctuary/rosecliffe-conservation-area/

Highfield Farm and Woodland – New South Wales

Situated close to Wagga Wagga, Highfield Farm and Woodland is the perfect destination for a retreat into nature. This picturesque farm combines small-scale, sustainable farming with the conservation of critically endangered habitat teeming with native wildlife.

Stay at the Kestrel Nest EcoHut, an off-grid, eco-lux retreat suited for couples and small families. For the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience, try out the regional food & wine hampers and home-grown produce.

With around 14kms of well-marked trails through farmland and conservation areas, many linking to the Ellerslie Nature Reserve, you’ll have plenty of space to explore. Keep an eye out for wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and some of the incredible bird diversity that call Highfield home!

For a guided experience, check out the Farming with Habitat or Bird Watching tours to learn more about this incredible land.

https://hsi.org.au/sanctuary/highfield-farm-and-woodland/