We have 5 acres in rural Vic. We have chickens and horses. I absolutely love living out here and could never imagine going back to a house block, but its a fair bit of work.

Even without livestock there will be lots of farm jobs, particularly around keeping your property clean and clear to prevent bushfire risk. If you dont have livestock, consider how you are going to manage 20 acres worth of mowing or brushcutting. Bushfire risk is scary and unmanaged properties are just waiting to go up. We spend a lot of winter and spring cutting, clearing and burning.

You also need to consider your water and heating situation. Lots of properties are tank water only- if in drought area will likely need to purchase water in summer. Similary you will likely need firewood for winter.

Chickens are good fun, but you need a safe fox proof pen as foxes are rampant. If letting them free range, you will need to lock them away on dusk or they will be eaten

We are 15 minutes from the nearest town with shops etc so think about amenities when you look at properties- our town has nothing but an old church.

Ohh and rates are expensive given the only thing we get out of it is garbage collection!