Australia’s Outback Luxury

Introducing Australia’s Must-Do Outback Luxury

 

While ‘Outback Luxury’ may sound like an oxymoron, heading to Australia’s outback need not leave life’s luxuries behind.

 

Australia’s Best Outback Luxury Accommodation

Here we’ve put together a collection of #fiveofthefinest outback luxury lodges and retreats:

 

Mt Mulligan Lodge, Far North Queensland

Yes, this is Far North Queensland but not as you know it! 160km inland from Cairns; a very scenic heli-transfer from the lush green rainforests of the Daintree and the technicolour corals of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Mt Mulligan Lodge showcases Far North Queensland in a new light.

Captivating ancient landscapes and a rich history (indigenous, pastoral and gold rush) are the backdrop for outback adventures exclusive to guests of Mt Mulligan; from quad biking and paddle-boarding, birdwatching and barramundi fishing to star gazing and cattle mustering (date specific).

Australia’s newest luxury lodge (opened mid 2019), Mt Mulligan’s all-inclusive outback luxury accommodation caters for just 16 guests. Eight purpose-built guestrooms are paired into Outback Pavilions that can be interconnected by a communal lounge area to comfortably accommodate families or friends travelling together. Each spacious contemporary outback luxury retreat has a private deck with outdoor bath-tub and a golf-buggy to get around the property. Family-friendly Mt Mulligan welcomes guests of all ages.

 

Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges – South Australia

A former sheep farming homestead set on a private wildlife conservancy in the ancient outback landscapes of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Arkaba Homestead offers a window into Australia’s prehistoric, indigenous, pioneering and pastoral history.

Today, guests can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife safaris by foot, 4WD or air, get involved with hands-on conservation activities, walk through the wilderness with an engaging indigenous guide or venture further afield with heli-touring adventures to Wilpena Pound and beyond. Arkaba Homestead is also the base for one of Australia’s Great Walks, and unique excursions such as a private overnight heli-swag experience in the Australian outback.

With its deep verandas and flagstone floors the character-filled Arkaba Homestead houses a cosy guest lounge and library, whilst communal dinners are usually hosted on the terrace enjoying views to the Flinders Ranges. Outside, the swimming pool, overlooking Arkaba Creek, is a welcome retreat for a refreshing dip after a day of outback adventures.

Five individual guest rooms (four in the main Arkaba homestead and a Coachman’s Cottage, ideal for honeymooners, in the garden) cater for a maximum of just 10 guests, each with private ensuite and all with their own character. Arkaba welcomes guests 8 years+ and is also available for exclusive-use.

 

Bullo River Station, East Kimberley – Northern Territory

Made famous by Sara Henderson (Australian cattle farmer and author: From Strength to Strength), Bullo River Station is a 500,000-acre working cattle property in a remote corner of Australia’s Northern Territory that offers an authentic window into life in the outback in combination with a collection of unforgettable Australian adventures.

Cruise the Bullo River Gorge, fish for barramundi and swim in secluded waterholes. Join in the station activities or head out wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Tour these ancient landscapes (dotted with Aboriginal rock art and insta-worthy vistas) on foot or on horseback, by 4WD, heli or quad bike. Return to the Bullo River homestead to enjoy lazy afternoons by the pool, in a hammock between the palms or sharing a sundowner with your fellow guests looking out over the outback plains.

The original Bullo River Station homestead houses the 12 air-conditioned and en-suite guest rooms (beautifully styled by Australian interior stylist, Sybella Court). Enjoy wholesome homecooked breakfast on the homestead veranda, picnic lunches in the shade of a boab tree and shared dinners under the stars around a campfire.

 

El Questro, The Kimberley – Western Australia.

Experience the best of Australia’s Kimberley, enjoying El Questro homestead’s signature outback luxury.

The all-inclusive El Questro immersive outback luxury experience offers a range of personalised and exclusive outback touring and activities. Enjoy sundowners on a remote escarpment or a soothing soak in the Zebedee outback thermal springs; hiking, heli-fishing, horse riding and more. With 700,000 acres of rugged Australian outback to explore, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy splendid isolation and private romantic moments.

El Questro Homestead’s nine outback luxury suites (catering to a maximum of 18 guests) are perched on a cliff-top overlooking the stunning Chamberlain River. Choose from homestead rooms and gorge view rooms (with bathrooms cantilevered over the gorge) in the main El Questro homestead, freestanding Cliffside Retreats (with outdoor bath tubs on the private timber deck) or the stunning Chamberlain Suite. El Questro welcomes guests 16+ years, and is also available for exclusive use.

 

Longitude 131, Uluru – Northern Territory

Epitomising Australian outback luxury, is Australia’s most iconic outback lodge, Longitude 131.

In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, overlooking the World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131’s refined pavilions stand proud against the rugged Australian outback that surrounds them. 16 free-standing safari-style ultraluxe “tents” offer a sophisticated sanctuary from which to enjoy some of Australia’s most iconic outback experiences.

Whilst the push of a button will reveal floor to ceiling views to Uluru from the air-conditioned comfort of your divine “Baillie Bed”, for the ultimate in outback luxury we highly recommend a night under the outback stars enjoying the comfort of a deluxe swag on your private balcony, warmed by the fire at your feet and the nightcaps delivered to your bedside.

Guests of Longitude 131 also enjoy world-class contemporary Australian cuisine (and access to some of Australia’s most unique dining locations), indigenous-inspired spa treatments and a range of outback luxury experiences and activities, exclusive to Longitude 131.

 

More Australian Outback Luxury:

Of course, the above is only the start, there is so much more to explore and outback luxury to be had, just ask us how.

 

Prefer a little more adventure? ask your Southern Crossings Travel Designer to tailor a personalised outback luxury itinerary incorporating the Larapinta Trail – one of Australia’s Great Walks, a 4WD safari through the Gawler Ranges or scenic self-drive itinerary taking in the best of the Red Centre (Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru).

Alternatively, if you really want to vacation like a VIP and explore Australia’s outback in UltraLuxe style: how about a heli-safari lodge-hopping through Australia’s Kimberley? a tailored stay at Longitude 131’s one-of-a-kind ueber-luxe Dune House? a private air-safari visiting remote ranches and exclusive outback experiences? or a luxury superyacht charter to cruise the remote Kimberley Coast? ask your Southern Crossings Travel Designer how.

 

Please note: Some of Australia’s outback stays are currently closed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, these outback luxury properties look forward to welcoming visitors again in 2021 and it is never too soon to start planning something to look forward to.