Top 10 places to see the outback in style

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1. Longitude 131, Uluru, NT

Australia’s original luxury lodge, in a prime position. The 15 ‘tents’ here have stunning and privileged views of Uluru, with private dining and tours available. $2040 per night for two, all inclusive; minimum two-night stay.

 

www.longitude131.com.au

2. Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Mary River FloodPlains, NT

If we’d done this feature three years ago it would have included Queensland’s Wrotham Park. The entire resort has been moved 2000km to Kakadu’s doorstep, to open April 1 this year as a Wildman Wilderness Lodge with luxury cabins and touring of the Top End’s diverse wetlands. $285 per person per night including dinner and breakfast; touring is extra.

 

www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au

3. Bamurru Plains, Mary River FloodPlains, NT

In the same region as Wildman and part of the Wild Bush Luxury portfolio (which includes Arkaba Station). Wetland tours, fishing and airboat adventures. $930 per person per night including all meals and scheduled activities, but aircon is extra. Minimum two-night stay.

 

www.bamurruplains.com

4. Bullo River, The Kimberley, NT

Made famous by Sara Henderson, the Bullo River Station is on the NT side of the Kimberley and is a true working station experience, with guest activities that include mustering by helicopter and horse, or more relaxed options such as fishing tours to various gorges and the Bungle Bungles. $800 per person per night.

 

www.bulloriver.com

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5. El Questro, The Kimberley, WA

One of the most special locations in the entire Australian Outback, let alone the Kimberley, there is a way to stay here without spending
$1890 a night: camping costs from $17 per night, plus $17 for a seven-day park permit.

 

www.elquestro.com.au

6. Cable Beach Club, Broome, WA

It’s a bit weird to include a beachside resort in an Outback issue, but Broome is where the Outback meets the sea and it’s a great leaping-off point or final destination for an exploration of the Kimberley. From $427 per night.

 

www.cablebeachclub.com

7. Rawnsley Park Eco Villas, SA

The Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park, five hours’ drive from Adelaide, are the best bang-for-buck accommodation in the entire Australian Outback. You’ll find loads to do in the
Flinders Ranges. $350 per night.

 

www.rawnsleypark.com.au 

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8. Burrawang West Station, Forbes, NSW

Not very high-profile but big on luxury, this working sheep and cattle station serves up
an authentic homestead and wilderness experience. $4400 per night for four people including all meals and some activities.

 

www.burrawangwest.com.au

9. Mungo Lodge, NSW

The incredible, sculptural, ancient landscape of Mungo National Park is 100km from Mildura and one of the least recognised destinations
in the Outback. Mungo Lodge’s self-contained deluxe cabins are on the simpler, more affordable end of the style spectrum. Expect king-size beds and plasma TVs, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a truly magic place. $250 for two.

 

www.mungolodge.com.au

10. Platinum SERVICE on The Ghan

The Adelaide to Darwin journey takes in some stunning central Australian Outback scenery. Enjoy the relatively new Platinum Service, which has larger rooms and beds and much more space. Jump off in Alice to explore the Red Centre then rejoin the train two days later. Or for the ultimate indulgence, book a self-contained carriage all for yourself. Darwin to Adelaide and vice versa, $2987 per person.

 

www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.