fbpx

Call an Australian luxury travel designer at The Tailor on: +61 (0)8 8354 4405

Australian Hand-Crafted Journeys

Top 6 Outback Lodges

BLOG | The Australian Outback houses diverse lodges which celebrate the wildly magnificent landscapes they’re found within. Discover our Top 6 Outback Lodges offering quintessentially Australian experiences not found anywhere else in the world.
El Questro Homestead The Kimberley Aerial Room Sunset Couple

Remote, vast, and beautiful – the Australian Outback occupies a profound space in the heart of the Australian identity and has captured the imagination of travellers from across the globe. Home to adventure, insight, and truly one-of-a-kind experiences alongside a distinct range of immersive accommodation, the Outback is something that everyone should experience if they truly want to discover Australia.

These outstanding Outback lodges are not only selected for their exceptional accommodation and dining offerings.. They are favourites of The Tailor team due to their commitment to personalised hosting experiences that deliver a true five-star experience. The Australian Outback is stunningly diverse reflected in these lodges, – offering a profound difference in landscape, culture and historical significance.

Experience the Outback through the eyes of those who know it best and develop a deeper understanding of the country with our selection of the Top 6 Outback Lodges in Australia.

1. Bullo River Station – Top End

At a Glance: Iconic working cattle station spread across over 400,000 acres of the Northern Territory’s Top End.

Worker on horseback overlooking Brahman-cross cattle.

Perched at the intersection of the Victoria and Bullo Rivers in the Northern Territory, Bullo River Station is a remote working cattle station in the rugged Top End, found near the Western Australian border. Spread across an expansive 400,000 acres and located 800 kilometres from Darwin, this high-end outback experience invites you to discover quintessential Aussie bushcraft and classic country hospitality on an all-inclusive adventure experience. Your stay at the Bullo homestead invites you into a laidback lifestyle; with shared dining and treats to enjoy at leisure before retiring to one of twelve private, en-suite guest rooms after days of adventuring.

Guests will quickly immerse themselves into vibrant working station life with the adventurous outdoor activities on offer. Venture into Bullo’s sprawling landscapes via 4WD, or helicopter at extra cost, and discover the secrets of the diverse environments housing buffalo, barramundi and saltwater crocodiles, tidal river systems, towering waterfalls and escarpments, and an amphitheatre of ancient Aboriginal rock art. On-site, join the staff as they manage the thousands of Brahman-cross cattle and participate in cattle station activities, cattle yard work, farm tours and more to develop a hands-on understanding of life on the land.

2. Finniss River Lodge – Top End

At a Glance: Experiential outdoor lodge and working cattle station built upon the floodplains of the Top End in the Northern Territory, easily accessible from Darwin.

Finniss River Lodge pool with a view

The latest outback lodge offering in Australia, Finniss River Lodge opened in April 2022 and has quickly established itself as a fabulous and immersive lodge experience alongside dramatic coastal floodplain surrounds, only 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. Catering to twelve guests across six luxury suites, guests of Finniss will discover the Top End’s most unique ecosystems through a range of personalised activities, alongside discovering authentic day-to-day life on a working cattle station owned by third-generation pastoralists. Flexible room configurations make this destination perfect for families and exclusive bookings, with the on-site restaurant and bar serving up delicious locally inspired meals, and the expansive deck with a plunge pool offering spectacular views of breathtaking sunsets.

Finniss combines an authentic cattle-station with a five-star lodge experience by offering interpretative expeditions into the dynamic, contrasting, and spectacular landscapes of the Top End. Each activity is led and hosted throughout by specialist-trained, highly knowledgeable guides who speak passionately about the region. Fishing charters, exhilarating airboat touring, sundowner drinks, cattle station activities, and personalised tour options are all on offer, as well as excursions slightly further afield to the ancient and stunning Litchfield National Park.

3. Mount Mulligan – Tropical North Queensland

At a Glance: Family-friendly luxury lodge set within sweeping outback Queensland, 150 kilometres north-west of Cairns.

Traveller standing amongst tall grasses alongside cragged hillside

Found within the vast expanses of the Queensland Outback and nestled in the shadow of its namesake is Mount Mulligan, an outstanding luxury lodge of Australia. Set upon an 69,000-acre working cattle station amongst picturesque Australian landscapes alongside a eucalyptus-fringed weir, Mount Mulligan offers guests of all ages to explore the bush with a broad range of outdoor adventures and eco-luxury amenities. This luxury lodge effortlessly compliments the Outback it’s found within, with each spacious guest retreat made of sturdy gum timber, and the main pavilion providing the perfect place to unwind with its generous infinity pool, sunset bar, and a dining area serving rustic yet refined meals.

Mount Mulligan provides a broad selection of equipment to explore the great outdoors that surrounds the lodge, including paddleboards, kayaks, sky-gazing telescopes, fishing gear and ATVs. Hosted adventures further afield invite you to discover a rich legacy of both local Kuku Djungan history spreading over 37,000 years, as well as the historic colonial gold and coal rush in the 1800s detailing the stories and tragedies of the old Mount Mulligan township, cemetery, and nearby Tyrconnell Gold Mine.

4. El Questro Homestead – The Kimberley

At a Glance: Absolute luxury hidden in the Australian wilds of the beautiful Kimberley region in Western Australia, offering some of the most exclusive and private experiences.

Aerial view of El Questro Homestead and surrounding guest accommodation

Amidst divine hot springs, remote fishing spots and secret cascading waterfalls lies El Questro Homestead. The massive 404,600 hectare property located in the east Kimberley region boasts some of the most incredible views and experiences. Cliff-side retreats facing the tranquil Chamberlain River offer the perfect base to come home to after a full day of bushwalking through untouched Aussie wilderness. Float through natural springs at the base of secluded waterfalls or wander through lush, verdant gorges and waterways found in the backyard of this stunning estate.

An intimate setting for up to 20 guests accommodated in ten suites, with six of these offering breathtaking views from private decks, the homestead perfectly combines both spectacular scenery and complete privacy. So exclusive that most of the best spots are only accessible from the air, the station pilots know all the spots for fish-laden waterholes. Take a helicopter over the incredible bushland and experience gorge country for an afternoon swim in a freshwater pool at the base of a waterfall. Experienced guides are on hand for those keen to explore on foot, ready to point out any one of the gorgeous wildlife around the station Whatever activity you’ve undertaken under the sun, you can return each day to relax in luxury at the homestead.

5. Longitude 131⁰ – Red Centre

At a Glance: An opulent luxury wilderness camp in the heart of the red centre, with spectacular views of Uluru.

Longitude 131, Ayers Rock Uluru Dune Pavilion Bedroom View

Nestled atop the breathtaking rust-red dunes in the heart of the Red Centre, Longitude 131° emerges as a true gem amidst the Australian Outback. This luxurious wilderness camp is an unparalleled haven, boasting mesmerizing views of the iconic Uluru. The interior showcases indigenous artworks alongside artifacts from the pioneering days, while glass doors invite the timeless desert landscape inside.

This retreat harmoniously blends luxury and landscape, allowing guests to embark on an exclusive touring program that delves into the awe-inspiring geography, biodiversity, and ancient culture of the Anangu people who have revered and nurtured this land for millennia. Partake in a personalised itinerary, from observing the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to walking through the spectacular Valley of the Winds or learn about the dynamic ecology of the harsh ecosystem on a botanical walk.

6. Davidsons Arnhemland Safaris

At a Glance: Purpose-built cabins melt into the surrounding bushland of the Top End in the Northern Territory, where your host is nature herself.

Davidsons Arnhemland Safaris

Davidsons Arnhemland Safaris provide the opportunity to explore and embrace outback Australia in its most raw form. Lily-covered billabongs and waterways teeming with birds, crocodiles and barramundi await in the wonders of Mt Borradaile, an elegant stretch of natural bushland located just 50 minutes out of Darwin via private charter. An exclusive 700km2 national park and a registered Aboriginal sacred site, this uniquely spectacular and culturally significant place is entrusted by traditional owners to the Davidson family and their highly trained guides to share with small groups of visitors.

At the lodge, a central hub overlooks the great plains and hills of one of Australia’s most iconic deserts, a perfect backdrop to the pool, bar and restaurant that serves up fresh barramundi caught in the very waterways you’re admiring. During the day, enjoy guided bushwalks to experience the stunning rock art that covers hundreds of sites across the park. Almost ten thousand years old, this incredible artwork captures the history of Australia as well as First Nation dreamtime stories and lore. Spend the late afternoon on the billabong observing the wildlife including the many crocodiles that inhabit the watercourses, finishing up with wine and nibbles as the sun sets over the floodplain. The perfect escape for guests looking for that quintessential Australian outback experience.

Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
On Key

Latest Posts

Sunset view from the Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne, VIC.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Melbourne

BLOG | Blending a rich cultural history with contemporary urban charm, Melbourne’s bustling city streets and vast array of culinary delights recognised the world over.

Boat anchored on blue water out the front of Lizard Island’s accommodation option The Pavilion

3 Incredible Experiences on the Great Barrier Reef

BLOG | Discover the unparalleled allure of the Great Barrier Reef in our latest travel article, showcasing a trio of curated experiences that transcend the ordinary and celebrate one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

We will get back to you in no time

Complete the following form

Watch the video

Play Video

Why travel with us?

Tailor-made Itineraries

Premier Accommodation & Private Tours

First and Business Class Flights

Australia's Most Trusted Luxury Travel Specialist

Privacy Protection

The personal information you provide remains strictly confidential to © The Tailor

How we use your information

Please read our Privacy Policy, which explains in more detail how we use and store your data.
Find Out More

Call an Australian luxury travel designer at The Tailor on: +61 (0)8 8354 4405

Australian Hand-Crafted Journeys

Leave a message

Send us your enquiry or message. We will notify you at your email address when you get a reply.

Guests on stand-up-paddleboards in sparkling clear waters.
Subscribe to our mailing list and receive exciting updates about luxury travel around Australia

We are here for you

Fill in your details and we’ll get back to you in no time.