8 remote outback retreats around Australia

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These unique outback stays offer seclusion and comfort in some of the most far-flung locales.

1. Rangelands Outback Camp, Qld

A working cattle property near Winton, doubles as adults-only Rangelands Outback Camp, complete with six luxury safari-style tents and breathtaking vistas.

the Rangelands Outback Camp, Winton, Qld

Settle in luxe tents at Rangelands Outback Camp. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Saltbush Retreat, Qld

Step back to the pioneer days with a stay in a slab hut or outback cabin at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach. They are rustic in style but premium in comfort, giving guests an authentic but luxe outback experience.

guests soaking in outdoor tubs at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach, Qld

Soak in a rustic tub at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach, Qld. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Berkeley River Lodge, WA

Between the Timor Sea and Berkeley River, Berkeley River Lodge is one of the most remote in the country, accessed via a small plane. Stay in villas atop sand dunes with access to hidden waterholes and gorges.

the Berkeley River Lodge on the Kimberley Coast

Stay in villas atop sand dunes at the Berkeley River Lodge.

4. El Questro Station, WA

Take a break from the ruggedness of the Gibb River Road at El Questro, which is an oasis of gorges, thermal springs and waterfalls; its homestead sitting atop a cliff overlooking the Chamberlain River.

El Questro accommodation on WA’s Gibb River Road

Relax by the river at El Questro Station. (Image: Delaware North Companies)

5. Rawnsley Park Station, SA

Rawnsley Park Station has eco villas with over-bed skylights so you can fall asleep under the stars in style. It looks out over one of the country’s most enigmatic natural forms, Wilpena Pound/Ikara.

the pink-hued sky at Rawnsley Park Station, Wilpena Pound, SA

Sleep under the vast pink-hued sky in Rawnsley Park Station. (Image: Tourism Australia)

6. Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA

The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna north of the Flinders Ranges has been pouring beers for 150 years. It has 12 beautifully appointed rooms that make for a welcome pit stop on a Flinders Ranges road trip.

an aerial view of Prairie Hotel in outback SA

Make a pitstop at Prairie Hotel. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Callubri Station, NSW

Stay on a fourth-generation merino farm at Callubri Station, two hours west of Dubbo, where shipping containers have been converted into plush suites and where you can experience real-deal station life. Choose church, presbytery or cottage at Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, a heritage building turned cosy accommodation.

a woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside at Callubri Station, Buddabadah

Lounge in a hammock overlooking scenic views at Callubri Station. (Image: Monique Wye; Destination NSW)

8. Cicada Lodge, NT

Zip across floodplains and wake to the symphony of birdlife at Bamurru Plains in Mary River, where safari bungalows are nestled among wild landscape. Take note of its special events, including gourmet weekends, with James Viles leading the charge 24–27 March. Owned by the local Jawoyn people, Cicada Lodge is a luxe stay with easy gorge access in Nitmiluk National Park.

a couple on the balcony of their suite at Cicada Lodge

Opt for a luxe stay at Cicada Lodge. (Image: Shaana McNaught; Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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Once just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip

    By Emily Murphy
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    From art tours in Melbourne to Bowral beehives, Airbnb has just launched its biggest evolution yet.

    Forget scrolling endless booking sites or relying on travel agents to curate your perfect escape. Airbnb’s latest global release redefines what the platform can offer, moving beyond accommodation to become a full-service travel companion that plans your entire trip.

    Luxury services are now bookable

    Airbnb Experiences flow on phone

    Book experiences and services through Airbnb now. (Image: Airbnb)

    At the centre of the shake-up is Airbnb Services, a brand-new offering that lets users book top-tier professionals across 10 categories, with five of those launching in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Need a private chef for an anniversary dinner? Want a photo shoot with an award-winning photographer? Prefer to skip the supermarket and have your Airbnb fridge pre-stocked before you arrive? It’s all now possible, straight from the app.

    And these aren’t just any service providers – we’re talking Michelin-starred chefs, renowned wellness practitioners with serious credibility and more.

    Experiences that go way beyond the standard city tour

    AirBeenBee honey Airbnb Experience in Bowral

    Travellers can book a honey experience in Bowral. (Image: Airbnb)

    Also making a big comeback: Airbnb Experiences, now completely reimagined and relaunched with a sharper focus on expertise, authenticity and local flavour.

    The new line-up includes thousands of activities hosted by locals who know their cities best – and Aussies are already embracing the idea. You can now book everything from tasting rare honey straight from the hive in Bowral to a deep dive into Melbourne’s street art with an artist.

    Duckboard Place street art

    Airbnb Experiences can be booked in your own city. (Artwork: Middle: Steen Jones/Right: Lukas Kaspar)

    It’s not just for travellers, either. Airbnb reports that over 40 per cent of Australians say they’re keen to use Experiences to explore their own backyard.

    The categories span everything from history and culture to food and drink, art and design, entertainment, fitness, wellness and nature, with new options rolling out globally and across Sydney and Melbourne this season.

    Next-level exclusives hosted by global icons

    Megan Thee Stallion eating ramen for Otaku Hottie Quest

    Airbnb Originals are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures. (Image: Adrienne Raquel)

    And for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Originals: one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures, exclusively for the platform.

    Think making croissants with a French pastry legend, playing volleyball with an Olympian in Rio, or even cosplaying with Megan Thee Stallion at her Otaku Hottie Quest.

    You can also toss a football with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or join K-pop royalty SEVENTEEN in Seoul for an exclusive fan celebration.

    For Aussie travellers, it’s all part of a broader shift: from simply booking a place to sleep, to curating unforgettable moments – all in one tap.