Life on the Land: The Story Behind The Red Hill Nest
When you experience The Red Hill Nest farm stay, you’re not just booking a cottage, you’re stepping into the daily rhythm of a working Australian cattle farm.
Owned by Annika and Dan Collins, this 100 acre property in Glanmire, just outside of Bathurst, is home to a small but mighty herd of Murray Grey cattle. These gentle, good-looking cattle are known for producing top-quality beef and thriving in the Australian climate. But more than that, they’re part of a quiet, steady life that unfolds far from the city rush. And it’s no other place they’d rather be.
Working the Land, Raising a Family in Glanmire, NSW
This isn’t a curated country experience – it’s the real thing. Annika and Dan are not just caretakers of the land; they’re in it boots and all with sleeves rolled up, raising two young boys here, working the farm themselves. They’re living what many would call “the good life” – though it’s not without its challenges.
Days here start early and end late (especially if you’re on night shift, nursing.) The land demands attention, and the animals do too. For Dan, there’s fencing to fix, calves to check on, feed to move, paddocks to manage and storms to brace for. It’s not glamorous, but it’s honest work – and it runs through everything they do. They’re raising sons who are growing up with mud on their boots and fresh air in their lungs, learning first-hand the value of responsibility and care. And what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.
They’re not farming for show. They’re doing it because they believe in raising animals the right way, in looking after the land, and in keeping rural traditions alive. Plus, they’re breeding lovely deep bodied animals for us.
“The cattle grounds me, gives me energy and reminds me to keep life simple and cherish the small simple things in life” – Annika
As Annika and Dan quietly get on with it, season after season, it’s a lifestyle that runs on routine, grit, and a love of place.
The Spirit of The Red Hill Nest farm Stay
The farm rolls across gentle hills and valleys, wide open country under a big sky. There’s a chicken coop, fresh eggs in the morning, and a few old gum trees that have seen more seasons than any of us. Kangaroos often bound past the fence line at dusk, and the cows, solid and calm, cast long shadows as they graze.
Here, quiet isn’t empty. It’s full. Full of bird calls, lowing cattle, the hum of insects, and the crunch of boots on dry grass. It’s honest country, deeply rooted in Australian soil.
Guests are welcomed but with clear boundaries. This is a working property. Cattle paddocks are for stock, not strolls, and respect for the land and its routines is part of the stay. That’s part of what makes it special. You’re not being entertained, you’re being invited in.
Meet Bear: The Farm’s Four-Legged Welcome Committee
No stay at The Red Hill Nest is complete without a greeting from Bear, the family’s loyal Australian kelpie. Smart, spirited, and gentle with kids, Bear is more than just a working dog, he’s part of the family. He’s always quietly keeping an eye on things but never in the way. Like everything else at The Red Hill Nest, his welcome is genuine and a big part of what makes guests feel at home.
And just beyond that welcome, the farm opens up to something else entirely – a majestic space where gatherings are grounded in nature and full of heart.
A Place for Gatherings, Big and Small
Weddings at The Red Hill Nest unfold among golden paddocks, beneath open skies and towering gums – grounded, beautiful, and undeniably spectacular. In collaboration with fabulous even planner, The Collective Planner, Annika and Dan help couples bring their vision to life.
Vows on soft grass, sunsets, long tables strung with fairy lights, and moments that feel both intimate and unforgettable for all.
With thoughtfully designed packages, personalised spaces, and the support of very talented local businesses – Kylie Hobby Photography, Bathurst and Florence Grace Flowers – and with all the bells and whistles in a setting that reflects your story, and stays with you long after the last dance.
For a wedding that feels nothing short of extraordinary, stunning in setting and deeply personal, The Red Hill Nest farm and accommodation is the place.
What Makes It Matter
Places like this are rare. They remind us that behind every bite of steak, every wool jumper, every rolling green view on a road trip, there’s someone out there putting in the work. And Annika and Dan do it with care, with kids in tow and dirt under their nails.
For travellers craving authenticity, something more than just a weekend away, this is it. This is real Australia. Quiet, hardworking, connected to the land, and proud without making a song and dance about it.
Why We Back Stories Like The Red Hill Nest Farm Stay
As co-founders of Travellarks, we’ve seen Annika reporting live from the Bathurst 1000 – knee-deep in mud, kids in tow, grinning through the rain, and we’ve spoken with Annika and Dan many times. We’ve listened to their humility, their strength and appreciation, and their quiet pride in the life they’ve built.
This is exactly why Travellarks exists: to back regional families doing the real work, to keep profits in the country, and to offer something genuine to travellers who want more than just a place to lay their heads. There are no booking fees here, no offshore systems, just honest, beautiful stays run by people who care deeply about place and community.
What Guests Say about The Red Hill Nest farm stay
“Upon entry to Red Hill Nest, you feel like you’re at home. Every comfort is met, even down to the dogs greeting us with a wagging tail. The spaces are well planned and very comfortable. To wake up with the cows at your door adds to the serenity. The little extras of fresh eggs, milk, bread, and fruit made the stay extra special. Thank you so much, Annika. We hope to see you again.”
— Doreen Pearce, March 2025
Book a Stay. Support the Story.
The Red Hill Nest farm stay, is an experience grounded in real life, real people, and real Australia. Whether you’re here for a quiet farm stay, a regional event, or even a wedding, The Red Hill Nest offers luxe accommodation, with two beautiful bedrooms, an enclosed country garden, and wide open spaces. It’s your own slice of country paradise.
It’s a place to relax in style (or slip into wedding attire) and remember what matters. You’re also supporting hardworking families and contributing to the vitality of regional communities Down Under.
Book your stay at The Red Hill Nest . x
