8 remote outback retreats around Australia

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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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.

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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)

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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)

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Megan Arkinstall
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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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road. These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver, which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum. Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)