Our family recently spent an amazing weekend at Kenilworth Homestead, located less than two hours north of Brisbane in the Mary Valley region of the Sunshine Coast. Young children love nothing more than to get up close and personal with animals – so we are often seeking accommodation options at local farms to visit with our son. This Kenilworth farmstay is a family destination for camping.
If you’re looking for accommodation that is a little unique – Kenilworth Homestead offers vintage caravans for hire. We gave this option a go on our stay.
In this post we provide you with everything you need to know about Kenilworth Homestead, including accommodation options, amenities, activities and things to do nearby!
Accommodation Options
Camping and Caravan Sites
As far as Kenilworth camping grounds go, this one is a top choice for families with young children. If you’re after an unpowered site, there is no shortage of locations to pitch your tent.
Sites are undesignated – you may choose to be near the river, or closer to the main amenities block. This also places you closer to the farm animals, so you can wander over with ease for a pat. However, if you prefer close proximity to the river or more privacy, many families are happy to jump in the car for a trip to the showers. In this case, two sets of drop toilets are also located on the property for convenience.
A limited number of powered sites are also available – located a moderate distance to both the river and the amenities block. On the weekend that we visited the camp ground was very quiet – offering plenty of privacy wherever you chose to be. However, I have heard that on long weekends it gets much busier, so keep this in mind if you prefer your camping with more serenity (but really, with kids is there any such thing).
Kenilworth Homestead Vintage Caravans
The homestead offers two vintage caravans for hire, and they have been refurbished to look like they are straight from the 1960’s when they were built! Miss Georgia includes two single beds and Uncle Arthur includes one double bed. Both caravans include a collapsible dinette table for small children.
We hired Uncle Arthur and were pleasantly surprised to find on our arrival that the caravan was set up with a gazebo, tables, gas stove, camp chairs, cutlery and cooking equipment. A small fridge, sink and storage space is also included. Linen can be hired for an additional fee.
The convenience provided makes the vintage caravans a perfect option for short family getaways. Forget setting up, packing up and cleaning the tent out when you get home – save time and effort so you can go straight into relaxation mode. Plus they are very cute and a lot of fun to photograph!
Spa Cabins
For those travelling without children and seeking total comfort, Kenilworth Homestead spa cabins will be more your style. These are designed for couples and include an ensuite, airconditioning, outdoor kitchenette (including a BBQ and small fridge, small courtyard and linen. The rooms are set up with a King size bed and fold out sofa. True to their name, they offer a little luxury with the inclusion of a spa bath.
Kenilworth Farmstay Activities
The property itself has beautiful views of the surrounding hills, and runs along the Mary River. It’s natural setting creates an atmosphere of relaxation – but there is still plenty of fun for the kids, which any farmstay should include.
Home to horses, donkeys, llamas, ponies and chickens – this farmstay opportunity is a big hit with families. We brought bags of apples and carrots, and our son loved wandering over to feed and pat the animals whenever we felt like it. The donkeys were particularly friendly and super cute!
The river is safe for swimming and there are a couple of spots to take a dip. Canoes were available to hire at the camp ground.
Another popular feature of the camping grounds is the opporunity to light a fire at night. There is nothing more satisfying after a fun day exploring than sitting in front of the fire for dinner and conversation.
Once a year, Kenilworth Homestead features the family bush olympics! I’m not exactly sure what this involves but judging by the plaques celebrating past winners which are on display, I assume it is a fierce and fun competition.
Kenilworth Homestead Campground Amenities
Kenilworth Homestead provides a full amenity block with hot showers (at no cost) and toilets. During our stay the amenities were very clean and well maintained. Two sets of drop toilets are provided around the property for campers’ convenience.
What to do Nearby
Kenilworth Main Street
The homestead is located just around the corner and a few minutes drive from the country town of Kenilworth. Here you will find plenty to do. The quaint main street includes boutique stores, the famous Kenilworth Bakery (where you can take a 1 kg cream donut challenge), the Kenilworth Cheese Factory (where you can have lunch, or stop in to buy all the cheese, icecream, yoghurt and chocolate mousse your heart desires), two more lovely cafes, and the Kenilworth Hotel, as well as a public swimming pool and park.
The local park, located just across from the cheese factory is perfect for wearing out little ones. It includes a fenced toddler playground and a separate playground for the bigger kids – including a flying fox. It also has BBQ’s and toilets. We grabbed a coffee one morning and relaxed while our toddler explored the slides, swings and other equipment.
Imbil State Forest Bushwalks
A number of family friendly bushwalks are located a short drive from Kenilworth Homestead at Imbil State Forest. Fig Tree Walk (a 7 minute drive from the camp ground) is 780 metre return and only takes around 20 minutes. This walking track is accessible by 2WD and is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
For those with a 4WD, Charlie Moreland is another 7 minute drive away. It includes two slightly longer walks (not suitable for prams) – Little Yabba Circuit, which is 1.5 km and 40 minutes return, and Piccabeen Circuit – which is 3.5 km and 1.5 hours return.
Good to Know
We recommend you bring:
- a few bags of apples and carrots, to feed the animals
- your swimmers
- drinking water
- firewood
If you have a little farmhand who loves to see the animals, or if you enjoy loveable country towns, Kenilworth Homestead is definitely a camping ground you should visit soon!
Will one of your vintage caravans accomodate 2adults and one child? What is the cost for two nights please?
Hi Carmel – apologies, I am not the website for Kenilworth Homestead – I have just written a blog post about our stay here. I recommend you check out their website. Many thanks for reading!