If you want to truly experience the Australian Outback then there is no better way than a station stay. With friendly hosts who know their ‘little’ patch of Aussie dirt like the back of their hand and history abound, a station stay will take you right to the heart of the outback. And with these unique experiences that can really only be found on a station, you know your visit will be bringing a smile to your face for a long time to come.
Donkey Showers
Built simply from a metal drum with a roaring fire beneath to warm your water, these outback showers are the perfect outback comfort. There is nothing more relaxing after a long day exploring red dirt country than a refreshing shower at camp followed by a hot chocolate and some star gazing.
Abandoned cars everywhere
You don’t have to be a classic car enthusiast to be wowed by the old Bensons, Fords and Holdens That you can find on every station. It has been joked that an old truck is thrown in with every deal in the outback and after wandering the automobile collections you’ll find this easy to believe. Wandering through the old Chevrolets gives you a real sense of the history of the surrounding land.
Did you know the iconic Aussie ute was invented by Ford in response to a letter received from anonymous Australian farmer’s wife wanting “a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays”?
Unique rustic bathrooms
The beauty of outback camps is often the remoteness – but this can make building ammenities a challenge. The creativity of the host families has lead to some of the most unique bathrooms in the world. From the sawdust commodes at Wooleen Station with a view out over the outback to the rustic double showers in historic buildings at Glenburgh Station, you know your bathroom break will never be boring in the outback.
The rustic and charming bathrooms on Glenburgh Station along the Outback Pathways
Uninterrupted outback views
If waking up to stunning views and nature as far as the eye can see then a trip to the Murchison-Gascoyne is for you. With each station covering tens of thousands of hectares, there is plenty of space to find a nice peaceful spot to camp. Or treat yourself and enjoy one of the cottages at Mellenbye Station which overlook the land with nothing but nature between you and the horizon.
The breakaway country on Kirkalocka Station along the Miners Pathway road trip
Treasures of the past everywhere
You can’t help but feel the history of each property when you stumble across old bottles, shearing blades and belt buckles around the place. Sit under a gum tree, find an old tin cup and say cheers to the drover or shearer who quenched their thirst in that exact spot 50, 80 or even 100 years ago.
An old telephone in the Wooleen Station museum
So whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or a road trip through history the Murchison Gascoyne is for you. Find your perfect itinerary in the Outback Pathways
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Follow the pathways
The 178-page full colour guidebook paints a colourful picture of the region - its history, nature and its charismatic characters following three self-drive trails through the Gascoyne-Murchison - the Wool Wagon Pathway, Miners Pathway and the Kingsford Smith Mail Run.
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Safety Checklist
While the Outback Pathways have opened the heart of the Gascoyne and Murchison to visitors, many areas on the self-drive trails remain remote and warrant extra travel precautions.