Outback Stations

Gain an insight to a lifestyle that is uniquely Australian

Where an Australian says ‘station’, an American would say ‘ranch’.  A station is a farm without the crops … on a station one grazes sheep or cattle and adds fences and windmills to vast tracts of land.   Having said that, when you run as few as 8,000 head of cattle on a half a million acres of land, as is the case at Bullo River, the question must be asked – is this cattle station or is this Top End wilderness?

Stations are spread across our sunburnt continent, some are within a few hours drive of a major city, others must be reached in light aircraft that traverse miles and miles of the "never-never". What they all have in common is the promise of adventure, a quintessential Australian experience, colourful hosts (often with a rather irreverent sense of humour) and raw, rugged beauty.

At the foot of the Elder Range, Arkaba Station is the home of Pat & Sally Kent and is quite possibly the most beautiful station in the country!  Spectacular panoramas are best enjoyed with a chilled glass of wine from a vantage point as the sun sets.  Unique mammal species and bird life abounds in this region but it is the geology that sets it apart – these ranges have a history that extends back more than a billion years. Pat & Sally with chef, Jo and Kat, head-guide invite guests into their homestead to experience a few days of station life.

In the Top End, where the Northern Territory and Western Australia meet, Bullo River is on the edge of nowhere. There are rock art galleries and water holes to be discovered, beautiful billabongs dressed in lilies and the river is simply teaming with big barramundi and some of the largest salt water crocodiles on earth. Franz will take you helicopter flying, Marlee - bull catching; while stockman Evan saddles the horses for you or explains the ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Closer to Sydney, legendary Burrawang West Station stretches across 12,000 acres of central NSW and offers a station experience to those with limited time.  Endless skies, wide open pastures, an Australian homestead of grand proportions, comfortable quarters and wonderfully welcoming hosts convey the spirit of the land along with fine dining and a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

At the end of the day, no matter which station experience you choose, there is nothing quite like sharing a cold beer and a good yarn (chat) on the homestead verandah.  At night it is enough to just sit back and enjoy the stillness and canopy of stars like no other on earth.