8 remote outback retreats around Australia

Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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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.

the Rangelands Outback Camp, Winton, Qld
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.

guests soaking in outdoor tubs at Saltbush Retreat in Longreach, Qld
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.

the Berkeley River Lodge on the Kimberley Coast
Stay in villas atop sand dunes at the Berkeley River Lodge.

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.

El Questro accommodation on WA’s Gibb River Road
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.

the pink-hued sky at Rawnsley Park Station, Wilpena Pound, SA
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.

an aerial view of Prairie Hotel in outback SA
Make a pitstop at Prairie Hotel. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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.

a woman relaxing in a hammock with views across the countryside at Callubri Station, Buddabadah
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.

a couple on the balcony of their suite at Cicada Lodge
Opt for a luxe stay at Cicada Lodge. (Image: Shaana McNaught; Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)
Megan Arkinstall
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.
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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.