Our farm is "free and easy". We have a variety of animals you can get close to and hand feed with your own food at any time. We do not have structured activities, but you are welcome to join us in the late afternoon around 4:30–5:00pm when the horses are fed and the other animals are fed as well. We live on the property but you are free to do as you wish — enjoy the serenity or use the farm as a base to explore the many local attractions.
We recommend that guests have their own transport. It is easy to drive around Perth and the Swan Valley. Guests without their own vehicle can use taxi services (cost from Perth city to Swan Valley is approximately $55) or there is a shuttle service — contact us for details.
No — the farm is not open to the public and is for the exclusive use of guests staying at the cottage. This is what makes your stay so special — you have the whole place to yourselves!
Our maximum is 8 persons. However, the cottage is NOT too big for a family of four or a couple. We have one queen bed, one double bed, three single beds, a fold-out bed, and a cot if required.
We do not provide meals — the kitchen is fully equipped so that you can cook your own meals. There is also a gas BBQ for cooking outside. Restaurants are located close by if you wish to eat out.
Full grocery supplies are approximately 8 kilometres away — Coles Caversham, Woolworths Altone Park, Coles & Woolworths at Ellenbrook or Midland. There is also a small minimart at the nearby petrol station just 5 minutes drive away for immediate supplies.
No — all our horses are competition horses and are not suitable for guests to ride. However, you are very welcome to give them a carrot or two! Horse riding can be done at Ron's Riding Ranch, approximately 30 minutes from Settlers Rest, open 7 days.
We have had no complaints regarding warmth inside the cottage in winter. All beds have electric blankets, warm duvets, and extra blankets. There are convection wall heaters in the main lounge room and in the two large bedrooms, plus an open fireplace. The cottage has ducted evaporative air conditioning for summer use. It can get cold outside on the farm in winter, so bring warm clothing and coats.
We would recommend a stay of 3 to 4 nights to really enjoy the quiet country atmosphere and to experience farm life. It is a very unique experience and so close to the city!
Apart from the immediate attractions of the Swan Valley, from Settlers Rest it is easy to visit: Perth (Kings Park, Bell Tower, Perth Mint), Fremantle (famous for Fish & Chips), Hillarys Boat Harbour (Aquarium of WA), Cottesloe Beach, Rottnest Island (ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys), Mandurah (dolphins), Yanchep National Park, The Maze (great for kids), and more. The Swan Valley Visitors Centre in Guildford is only 10 minutes away and open 7 days.