BAMURRU PLAINS, NT:
Home to only 10 tent-style bungalows on stilts, the most opulent of which is the Kingfisher Suite, ceiling-to-floor mesh walls connect guests with the abundant nature. Expect a kingsize bed, lounge, and bathroom with twin basins and shower in this rustic chic timber and corrugated iron accommodation.
If an African safari in the Top End takes your fancy, look no further than Bamurru Plains, 1½ hours from Darwin. Perched on the edge of Kakadu National Park, and with exclusive access to 300sq km of flood plains and savanna woodland on the Mary River, this station touts itself as “wild bush luxury”.
Shower while enjoying views across the flood plains or enjoy an in-room candlelit dinner. Enjoy photographic and airboat safaris and fishing and birdwatching.
KINGS CREEK STATION, NORTHERN TERRITORY:
So pretty is this station, 36km from Kings Canyon, that 36 documentaries have been filmed here. This working cattle/camel station is renowned for its camel burgers, and the top accommodation isn’t too shabby either.
Expect sweet dreams in Dreamtime Escarpment luxury glamping tents, all positioned along the escarpment to capture both breeze and views.
Think quality linen and decor, kingsize or twin beds, a private outdoor bathroom, luxury amenities, bathrobe, slippers, power, heating, airconditioning and even coffee machines. Spend days quad-biking through desert oak country, take a helicopter flight, or simply swim at the station.
EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD, WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Fancy lazing in a bath while overlooking a gorgeous gorge? For the ultimate in outback opulence, check into The Chamberlain Suite, on the edge of Chamberlain Gorge, which blends rustic furnishings with modern style.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Kimberley and an outdoor dining area and deluxe indoor/outdoor double bath for two. Other luxe offerings include three freestanding Cliff Side retreats at the edge of a sheer escarpment; and Gorge View rooms, which boast stunning sights as well.
Your dining experience is inspired by produce of Ord River Valley, served under the stars at a communal table, or at one of three private locations overlooking the gorge.
ARKABA WILD BUSH LUXURY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, and taking only 10 guests at a time, there’s plenty of room in which to lose yourself among the 24,000ha of private wildlife conservancy here. Take some small walks among the wilderness, or join the four-day Arkaba Walk led by expert guides through the Flinders Rangers and Wilpena Pound.
Sleep in an elegant former sheep farming homestead which dates back to 1851, with its character pressed metal ceilings, shady verandas and open fireplaces. Or, sleep on “star beds” with viewing decks and swags to truly embrace the Outback.
At the homestead, feast on succulent South Australian produce such as bush tomatoes, quandongs, native pears and acacia pods, and sip from the open bar on Barossa and Clare Valley wines.
HOME VALLEY STATION, WA:
Even the name of this premium accommodation offering is evocative. Sleep the night in a Grass Castle, and you’ll be king indeed. Perched along the banks of Bindoola Creek, in the rugged Kimberley, these Grass “castles” hark back to the area’s early pioneering settlers, but with a modern twist.
Outside, these study steel and timber homesteads are shaded by towering eucalypts, which arehome to abundant many birds. Inside, there’s floor-to-ceiling glass doors, kingsize beds, polished timber floors, spacious bathroom, a day bed and separate bar area.
Explore waterfalls, billabongs, gorges, ancient landforms and ranges. There’s also fishing, walking trails, helicopter rides and sunset tours.
MT MULLIGAN LODGE, QUEENSLAND:
Even arriving on Queensland’s newest luxury outback offering screams style. Framed by an 18km ridge that is 10 times larger than Uluru, one of the best ways to journey to this 28,000ha property is via a 35-minute scenic chopper flight from Cairns.
A maximum of 16 guests sleep in one of four stand-alone pavilions which include private outdoor baths. Sip cocktails by the main lodge fireplace, or laze on a sun lounge by the infinity pool overlooking Mount Mulligan. The executive chef here focuses on locally sourced, caught and grown seasonal fare including from the fertile Atherton Tablelands.
KINRARA EXPEDITIONS, QUEENSLAND
Seeking some serious glamping in the middle of woop woop? Kinrara Expeditions touts itself as the first luxury outback expedition in the Gulf Savannah.Plonked on a 28,000ha cattle station, it’s located four hours southwest of Cairns and surrounds Kinrara National Park.
Working with traditional Aboriginal owners, the Gugu Badhun people, spend days touring tour this country, home to Australia’s second youngest volcano.
There’s also more than 60 bird species, kangaroos and emus, plus rainforest and waterfall oases. Sleep in one of 10 luxury double tents with patios overlooking Burdekin River.
SHANDONVALE STATION, QUEENSLAND:
There’s not a shearer in Australia who wouldn’t give his or her clippers to spend a night in these luxuriously renovated 100-year-old Shearer’s Quarters. We’re talking queen-sized beds and 1000-thread Egyptian cotton linen.Touting itself as the “real Straya”, you’ll find up to 6000 sheep, 140 camels, 20 guardian donkeys, plus horses, dogs, pigs, goats, chicken, deer and mobs of kangaroo on this 6000ha property, located 1½ hours from Longreach.
Feast like a shearer on meals which literally come from paddock to plate, soak in the treetop artesian bath, fly in a chopper, catch sunset at the boat shed, learn to shoot at the target range, herd sheep in a buggy, or just crouch around the campfire.
BULLO RIVER STATION, NT:
This working cattle station is huge. We’re talking some 200,000ha big. Situated 800km southwest of Darwin, in the East Kimberley Region, it’s home to 4000 Brahman-cross cattle, wallabies, dingoes, wild buffalo, birds, fish, and crocs, of course.
Sydney interior and product designer Sibella Court has lent her creative flair to the property, where visitors can stay in 12 stylish guest rooms or a lone pair of Lake View huts, atop a ridge line, and accessible by helicopter.
All accommodation contains either king or twin beds, and shower and toilet facilities.Activities include Aboriginal rock art tours, fishing and horse riding.
