Description
Situated in the top northwest corner of the Northern Territory in what is referred to as the East Kimberley, there is no better place to experience the quintessential Australian outback station. The station, although easily accessed by light aircraft, is incredibly remote, with the front gate of the property being 50kms from the homestead and the nearest neighbours a 3 hour drive away! This area is in fact so remote that some of the waterholes and Aboriginal art found here had remained unseen for hundreds of years.
The station is run by the Ranacher family and has been in the family since the 1950's. This is an amazing opportunity to share their home, experiences and great outback hospitality. Accommodation is in a purpose built building next to the homestead and consist of twelve air conditioned en-suite rooms. The rooms are simple in design and have sliding doors leading out onto the homestead's lawns.
Meals here are relaxed with breakfasts on the veranda, picnic lunches out and about and lovely fresh barramundi or organic prime beef from the local pastures being regulars on the dinner menu. The kitchen is constantly churning out cakes and biscuits to fill the picnic baskets and good, wholesome food is central to your stay here.
Activities are tailored to each individual depending on what you feel like doing on the day and range from cattle mustering, to quad biking, horse riding through vast gorges, river cruising and fishing for your dinner. There are plenty of great spots for picnics, swimming in waterholes and exploring and you can even take a helicopter flight to find your own private piece of wilderness.
Accommodation
Bullo River Station has 12 ensuite rooms in a single storey purpose built block adjacent to the homestead. All are airconditioned and are simply and comfortably furnished with tiled floors and aboriginal artwork on the walls. Rooms are available with kingsize beds, twin beds or for families there are rooms with queensize beds with an additional single bed.
Childcare
Bullo River Station is family run and the hosts have two boys of their own who, when they are home, love showing visiting children around their amazing homestead and sharing their experience of life on an outback cattle station. Children of all ages are welcome and meals and activities can be tailored accordingly.
Facilities
Meals are served on the veranda and consist of hearty local produce, often organic beef from the local pastures or barramundi that has perhaps been caught by guests that day. Picnics are a regular feature at lunchtime as guests are often out exploring. Due to the personal nature of the station, meals are flexible and relaxed. Guests are welcome to use the vast living areas of the homestead including the swimming pool and the emphasis here is to really make yourself at home.
Activities
Guests at Bullo River Station are encouraged to participate in the many activities on offer and these are tailored each day for each individual. Included are cattle station tours, fishing, bull catching, cruising the gorges, exploring Aboriginal rock art sites, cattle mustering, horse riding (some experience preferred) and quad bike tours. At an additional cost helicopter tours and Bungle Bungle tours can be arranged.
When to travel
The Northern Territory’s Top End has a distinct wet season between December and March, and although this can be spectacular the build up to the rains can be uncomfortably humid.
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Location and directions
Top End, Australia
Remote location in the top north-western corner of the Northern Territory, 800km southwest of Darwin in the Northern Territory and 200km east of Kununurra.
How to get there
Private charter plane to the homestead strip provides the best access. The flight takes approximately 90 minutes from Darwin or 30 minutes from Kununurra (there are regular flights between Darwin and Kununurra with Air North - www.airnorth.com.au) and is a spectacular and scenic flight setting the scene to the vastness of this stunning location.
