These unique outback stays offer seclusion and comfort in some of the most far-flung locales.
1. Rangelands Outback Camp, Qld
A working cattle property near Winton, doubles as adults-only Rangelands Outback Camp, complete with six luxury safari-style tents and breathtaking vistas.
Settle in luxe tents at Rangelands Outback Camp. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
2. Saltbush Retreat, Qld
Step back to the pioneer days with a stay in a slab hut or outback cabin at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach. They are rustic in style but premium in comfort, giving guests an authentic but luxe outback experience.
Soak in a rustic tub at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach, Qld. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
3. Berkeley River Lodge, WA
Between the Timor Sea and Berkeley River, Berkeley River Lodge is one of the most remote in the country, accessed via a small plane. Stay in villas atop sand dunes with access to hidden waterholes and gorges.
Stay in villas atop sand dunes at the Berkeley River Lodge.
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4. El Questro Station, WA
Take a break from the ruggedness of the Gibb River Road at El Questro, which is an oasis of gorges, thermal springs and waterfalls; its homestead sitting atop a cliff overlooking the Chamberlain River.
Relax by the river at El Questro Station. (Image: Delaware North Companies)
5. Rawnsley Park Station, SA
Rawnsley Park Station has eco villas with over-bed skylights so you can fall asleep under the stars in style. It looks out over one of the country’s most enigmatic natural forms, Wilpena Pound/Ikara.
Sleep under the vast pink-hued sky in Rawnsley Park Station. (Image: Tourism Australia)
6. Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, SA
The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna north of the Flinders Ranges has been pouring beers for 150 years. It has 12 beautifully appointed rooms that make for a welcome pit stop on a Flinders Ranges road trip.
Make a pitstop at Prairie Hotel. (Image: Tourism Australia)
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7. Callubri Station, NSW
Stay on a fourth-generation merino farm at Callubri Station, two hours west of Dubbo, where shipping containers have been converted into plush suites and where you can experience real-deal station life. Choose church, presbytery or cottage at Broken Hill Outback Church Stay, a heritage building turned cosy accommodation.
Lounge in a hammock overlooking scenic views at Callubri Station. (Image: Monique Wye; Destination NSW)
8. Cicada Lodge, NT
Zip across floodplains and wake to the symphony of birdlife at Bamurru Plains in Mary River, where safari bungalows are nestled among wild landscape. Take note of its special events, including gourmet weekends, with James Viles leading the charge 24–27 March. Owned by the local Jawoyn people, Cicada Lodge is a luxe stay with easy gorge access in Nitmiluk National Park.
Opt for a luxe stay at Cicada Lodge. (Image: Shaana McNaught; Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)
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Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.
Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.
1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour
The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)
The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tourto explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. An artist’s view of Newcastle
There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up, which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.
The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)
6. Indulge in great gastronomy
Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)
7. Crystalbrook Kingsley
Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)
8. Newcastle’s creative side on show
Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October.The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations.Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.
