Working Australian Cattle Stations That You Can Stay At

The soon to be released Baz Luhrmann’s Australia Movie is bound to spark interest in the Australia’s iconic cattle stations. Nicole Kidman stars in the movie as the unlikely heiress of a cattle ranch - or station as the Australians would call it. In many ways the cattle industry has come a long way since the 1940’s that Australia Movie is set in. But many of the basic elements: the landscape, the Federation style homesteads, the isolation and the people haven’t changed at all.

For the tourist who is curious and wants to experience a working Australian cattle station there are several options: most of these fall into the luxury accommodation bracket so read on for a comfortable experience:

Bullo River Station, Northern Territory
Bullo River Station is located in the Kimberleys and consists of 200,000ha of savannah grasslands just on the Northern Territory side of Western Australia border. The property run 8000 Brahman-cross cattle but is also home to wild wallabies, buffalo, crocodiles and the prized fish, barramundi. Though not up to super-lux standards Bullo offer a dozen comfortable rooms in a purpose built annex and guess can visit a stock camp and Aboriginal rock art sites. A helicopter will whisk you away to a remote spring-fed sandstone gorge. The location is remote and access is from Kununurra in the Kimberleys.

Angorichina Station, South Australia
Located in the spectacular Flinders Ranges Angorichina Station has been in the same family for four generations and they make genial hosts. This is small period property which offers:

two guest rooms sleeping up to 2 guests each, one located in the main homestead with the other being a separate garden cottage that once functioned as a school room. Both have private bathroom facilities. For single parties booking the station exclusively, it is possible to utilise further rooms in the homestead for up to 8 persons in total (shared bathrooms).”

Located some 500km north of Adelaide the drive is easy but the owner Ian Fargher is a light-plane enthusiast who will be pleased to fly you up himself. The Flinders Ranges are a barren, spectacular environment which is a mecca for anyone with any interest in 600 million years of Australia’s geologic history. This is an intimate property, don’t come here if you want a sophisticated cocooned experience (El Questro in the Kimberleys would be a better choice). If you are looking at meeting some real Australians and getting an intimate look at both a historic cattle property and also some of Australia’s lesser known landscapes this is the station for you.

Angorichina Station, South Australia

Burrawang West, NSW
This cattle station has an unusual history. Once part of a 2000 sq km station it was bought by a Japanese company in the 1990’s and set up as a plush retreat for stressed Japanese executives. No expense was spared with guest accommodation in four double-bedroomed cottages all lavished with hand-made furnishing, spectacular art and gourmet kitchens. The Japanese corporation is long gone but the current owners run Burrawang West as a very up-market retreat on a working cattle station. As well as original station buildings dating from the 1800’s there are also the modern additions of a 20m heated swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts under lights and even an archery range. Burrawang is approximately 435km west of Sydney - a day’s drive or a short flight. The nearest town is Parkes, famous for its radio telescope which was part of communications for the original NASA moon landing. The air is clear and still and perfect for astronomy buffs. Alternatively the station is a haven for all types of wildlife and guests can also participate in normal station activities.