In this month's issue of Traveler, Hotel Central features some of the finest Australian stations, the Aussie version of a cattle ranch. There are a variety of ways to experience the outback at its best; accommodations include lodge guestrooms, bungalows, and tented cabins. But for as little as $10 (USD) per night, you can camp on a cattle station and fall asleep under the Southern Cross stars. At El Questro Wilderness Park, choose from camping at the Black Cockatoo grounds or, if you prefer your own space away from fellow campers, you can pitch your tent at a private site along the Pentecost River.
Camping along the Pentecost River also is an option at Home Valley Station. The Bindoola River Camp is located about 2.5 miles from the main Homestead, complete with views of the gorgeous outback sunset and landscape. If you're looking for someone to share ghost stories with, the more social site at the Homestead grounds, near the Dusty Bar & Grill, Station Store, and lagoon-style pool, may be just what you're looking for.
With the money you'll save by forgoing luxury lodgings, you can afford to participate in the activities offered at the stations...like a daily boomerang contest. Check them out after the break.
El Questro's activities and tours include:
Photo credits: Horse riding from Tourism Western Australia; Gorge Walking, Ben Knapinski
- Chamberline Gorge Cruises - Experience the diverse landscape and plant and animal life of the outback. Fruit and sparkling wine is offered on the afternoon cruise. (from $30 per adult)
- Various trails, for
which you can request a guide or do it yourself. The station provides information about the
following trails, which you can access for free without a guide:
- El Questro Gorge - Complete with a rainforest canopy, the trail winds along a deep gorge
- Amalia Gorge - The challenging trail offers breathtaking scenery, and a reward awaits you at the end -- a plunge pool.
- Moonshine Gorge - Follow the trail along a creek, take advantage of birdwatching in the early morning, and cool off from the afternoon heat with a swim.
- Zebedee Thermal Springs - A short walk through tropical plants leads to a real treaure -- thermal pools tucked away among palm trees.
- Horseback riding - A favorite activity among guests and a great way to experience the Kimberley wilderness (From $53 per adult)
- Sunset tours - A guide escorts you to a lookout on Saddleback Ridge, where you have a 360-degree view of the outback. (From $42 per adult)
- Helicopter scenic flights - From an open-door helicopter, you'll see waterholes and landscapes that can't be reached by car. (From $107 per person for 20 minutes)
- Horseback riding - Guides lead you on a trail with views of the Cockburn Range to the Pentecost River. During the ride, you'll encounter wildlife and may catch a glimpse of the station's herds. ($65 per person)
- Sunset tours - In either an open-top bull catcher or 4WD vehicle, head to Home Valley's lookout over the Cockburn Range and take in the vibrant colors of the sky as the sun sets. Another treat awaits you at the top - champagne, local beer and wine, and a cheese and fruit platter. ($59 per person)
- Fishing ($62 per person) and bird watching ($65 per person) tours.
- Self-guided canoeing on Bindoola Creek is free to all guests and provides the opportunity to observe wildlife, such as birds and crocodiles.
- Every day at 3 p.m., Home Valley Station has a boomerang throwing competition, in which you can participate for $7, and prizes are given out at the Dusty Bar and Grill Restaurant at 7 p.m.
Photo credits: Horse riding from Tourism Western Australia; Gorge Walking, Ben Knapinski
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Years ago I went on a 20-day camping trip through the center of Australia, and we visited a few different Australian stations. They were awesome, and so beat luxury resorts--much more interesting, and give you a real sense of how large Australia really is.
Question: What is the most economical way to get to El Questro or Home Valley Station? Can we take a train, or do we have to rent a car or hire a plane?
I would also like to know the suggested method most economical for getting to the camps.
seria dassing
There are a few options for getting to the stations from various cities in Australia, including renting a car, arranging a pick-up with the station, and flying.
For more detailed information, check out the stations' websites:
For Home Valley Station:
http://www.homevalley.com.au/travelling-in-the-kimberley/more-getting-there.html
For El Questro:
http://www.elquestro.com.au/getting/
Happy Travels!