Bluehills Farmstay, Harvey

Bluehills Farmstay is one of those places that makes getting away with kids feel easy. Tucked in the hills just outside Harvey, around a 90‑minute drive from Perth, it’s close enough for a stress‑free road trip with little ones, but far enough that you really feel like you’ve escaped the city. Perched above Harvey Dam with sweeping views of the Darling Scarp, the property feels wonderfully peaceful, yet it’s only a short drive from town and local attractions like Harvey Dam, the Big Orange and Stirling Gardens. 

Accommodation at Bluehills is in beautiful rammed-earth chalets designed with families in mind. Each chalet sleeps up to six people, with a queen bed in the main bedroom and two sturdy bunk beds in the second room. Inside is simple, comfy and practical rather than fancy – think solid timber furniture, earthy finishes and big windows to soak up the views. The kitchens are fully self‑contained with a gas cooktop, oven and microwave, plus all the basics you need to cook family meals. There are wood fires for cosy winter evenings and split‑system air‑conditioning to keep you comfortable in the warmer months, so it works as a year‑round escape. There is also now a larger connected chalet with an adjoining door, which is a great option for bigger families or friends travelling together. 

One of the big drawcards for families is the shared outdoor area in the centre of the chalets. Here you’ll find a fenced swimming pool with incredible views over the rolling green hills and Harvey Dam. The pool is small and not very deep, with wide steps and a gentle slope down to around a metre at the deepest point, so it’s very kid‑friendly. There’s a decked area at the shallow end where little ones can play, while parents relax nearby. Next to the pool is a shaded gazebo with a large table and benches, and a gas BBQ cleverly set up beside an old tractor seat – perfect for an easy sausage sizzle after a day of exploring.

The play area beside the pool is always a hit with children. There’s a trampoline, swings and plenty of open space to run around and make new friends.  It’s the kind of place where the kids disappear to play and only reappear when they’re hungry. 

In cooler, drier weather there’s a dedicated campfire area, which really adds to the farmstay feel. When conditions allow, guests gather around the fire to toast marshmallows, swap stories and enjoy the starry night skies. Fire restrictions do apply, and it’s often too wet or too risky in winter, so it’s worth checking the situation with the owners before promising the kids a campfire, but it’s a lovely extra when it’s on.

Of course, the real highlight of any stay at Bluehills is the animals. Scattered around the property you’ll find horses, cows, pigs, chickens and friendly rabbits. On arrival you’re given a bag of carrots and invited to feed the animals, and there’s also a bucket for your food scraps which can be taken down to the pigs. Collecting fresh eggs from the wandering chooks is a daily adventure for little ones and makes breakfast extra special.

The rabbit hutch is usually the star of the show for younger kids. Many children spend hours here, gently holding and patting the bunnies or feeding them grass and carrot sticks. It’s a calm, hands‑on experience that gives children a chance to slow down and really connect with the animals. At various times there have also been organised animal‑feeding sessions with the farmer, where families can tag along for the morning rounds and help feed and pat the animals. As schedules can change from time to time, it’s a good idea to ask about animal sessions when you book.

When you’re not by the pool or with the animals, you’re encouraged to wander and explore the farm. There are paddocks to stroll through, rocky outcrops and fallen trees to clamber over, and even an old tractor that always seems to capture kids’ imaginations. A circular bushwalk winds through the property and sounds like a beautiful way to start the day – though many families find it hard to lure their children away from the rabbits and the pool long enough to do it! There are also bushwalks out to an eagle’s nest and plenty of spots for a quiet picnic if you want to unplug and take in the views.

Harvey itself is a small country town, and there isn’t a lot open in the evenings, so most families choose to cook in their chalet or make use of the communal BBQ. During the day you can head into town for a coffee or to stock up on supplies, or venture out to nearby attractions. Harvey Dam offers a Playground, walking trails and picnic spots, the Big Orange is always a fun, quirky stop with kids, and Stirling Gardens is a pretty spot for a stroll or a relaxed play.

What makes Bluehills Farmstay so special is the combination of space, simple comforts and genuine farm experiences. Parents can enjoy the peaceful outlook and a slower pace, while kids have the freedom to roam, play and connect with animals. It’s the kind of place families return to again and again, discovering new things on the farm as it continues to evolve, but always finding the same warm, relaxed country welcome.

Bluehills Farmstay

Address: 410 Harvey Quindanning Road, Harvey WA 6220, Australia
Opening hours: Open year‑round; check‑in/check‑out times and availability are confirmed at booking
Website: http://bluehillsfarmstay.com.au (Not working at the time of writing). Visit their Facebook page for current info 

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