10 top Australian cattle/sheep station stays

[bob10]

From Aus. Geo., Bob

By:Laurene Joost and Alex Pike | August-8-2013

Cattle station stays are among the most authentic Australian experiences. Here are 10 of the best.
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14203/HV8_Cattle_Muster_0012_1.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?gid=14203&index=0)

There's been a recent increase in the number of working stations offering overnight stays. (Credit: Home Valley Station)
Open Gallery (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?gid=14203&index=0)



http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14204/Bullo_River_Cattle[1]_2.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=0&gid=14203)
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14205/01Bullo_Waterhole2.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=1&gid=14203)
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14206/02Hamelin2.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=2&gid=14203)
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14207/03HomeValley_2%20(2).jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=3&gid=14203)
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14208/03HomeValley_2.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=4&gid=14203)
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/assets/images/article/journal/14209/08MernaMora2.jpg (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?index=5&gid=14203)


GALLERY: Top 10 outback station stays
Open Gallery (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?gid=14203)

THE CONCEPT OF GOING back to basics and living off the land is a growing fantasy for over-worked Australians. Unfortunately, it's not always practical to quit your job and move to your own farm. But over the last 100 years the desire to escape the stress of the city, if only temporarily, has led to the creation of unique accommodation options – station stays.

Station stays are a largely unknown concept to most Australians, but an increasing number of working farms are beginning to open up their land to visitors looking for a change of scenery. There's an array of accommodation styles available, from basic camping to more luxurious lodgings (usually meaning air-conditioning is available), and all offer a refreshing contrast to the cookie-cutter modern weekend getaway.
Best Aussie farm stays

Surrounded by stunning landscape – from hills and mountains to far-stretching plains – and offering activities such as four-wheel-driving, horse-riding and farm work, it isn't hard to see why the concept appeals to overseas visitors and those seeking a break from city life.
Stations are located throughout Australia, from coastal areas to the middle of the outback. While some are still operational, many have left their livelihoods in the past, and continue on as hobby farms, tourism accommodation or simply as places of residence.
SEE THE TOP 10 STATION STAYS (http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/view-image.htm?gid=14203)

[Davo]

It sounds like the export bans kicked a few companies into diversifying. But you have to really check out a place before you take the leap. I thought having a look at Bullo River, (you know, from the Sara Henderson books), would be interesting, and they're not all that from away from us. Then I saw the prices . . . cough splutter hack. But find the right place and it would be a great holiday.

[Redback]

I've stayed at a few, Warraweena Station SA, Mt Ive SA(on that list), Mulga View SA and Arkapena, now owned by Rawnsey Station Flinders SA, they are all expensive, some because you pay for camping and also you pay to drive around the station, Warraweena was the most expensive, low camp fees $12 per couple but at $40 per track per vehicle.

Mt Ive was the cheapest, at $25 per night for 3 people 2 cars and you only paid one price for the all the tracks ($45 2 vehicles for 6 or 7 tracks) on the station and a good place to drive around, it borders Lake Gardiner, we were lucky as there was water in it when we were there, that was was a good drive that day, would we go again, I reckon we would.

Baz.

[bob10]

Yeah, Bullo is not catering for the domestic market, but click on a few of the gallery " websites ", cheaper places to be found. Bob

[Cobber]

Depends what you want from a camping holiday I guess?

[LandyAndy]

I missed out on a fishing trip to this Station a few years back,the boss decided he wanted his long service at the same time:(:(:(:(:(
They had the station house booked plus the shearers accom.It was very cheap per nite per person when booking the whole show.
Warroora Station - Ningaloo Station-Stay and Wilderness Beach Camping and Accommodation (http://www.warroora.com/)
Andrew

[Redback]

I missed out on a fishing trip to this Station a few years back,the boss decided he wanted his long service at the same time:(:(:(:(:(
They had the station house booked plus the shearers accom.It was very cheap per nite per person when booking the whole show.
Warroora Station - Ningaloo Station-Stay and Wilderness Beach Camping and Accommodation (http://www.warroora.com/)
Andrew


That's pretty good value Andy, looks like a very beautifull place.

Overall the stations we have stayed have been good, all of the facilites have been great, Warraweena was just let down by how much they wanted to drive around, when there are 2 vehicles that's $80 for a drive that was only a 3hr round trip, where as Mt Ive was $45 for all the drives and 4hrs was the minimum drive, much better value and probably why it's in the top ten list.

To make them better value, find out about the area, then use the station as a base and visit places of interest, this is what we did at Mulga View Station, being in the heart of the Flinders Ranges it wasn't hard to find places to see and do.

Another Station we have camped at is Kingfisher Camp on Bowthorn Station, near Doomadgee, great place if your a fisherman.
Kingfisher Camp Website (http://www.kingfisherresort.com.au/)

Baz.