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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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.