The Complete Guide to Station Stays in Western Australia

Station stays typically offer a much more authentic look at the West Australian Outback, than what can be found by staying in towns and caravan parks.

When stations offer this service, it’s nearly always as an ancillary component of their business operations, with their primary focus still being to maintain a working station. This is important, because it means that they’re not solely focused on tourism. Whenever businesses are solely a tourism venture, it means they need to sell you on an idea. That idea is usually a loose proxy for what the area represents and is built around managing your experience. Put simply, it’s about selling an idea, and not providing authenticity.

I can only guess, but I think this is why station stays have become a lot more popular over the last few years. It’s a chance to avoid the usual corporate, touristy approach and a means of seeing these locations much more authentically.

Stations can be many hundreds of thousands of acres in size and in Australia, it’s not uncommon to find single stations larger than entire European countries.

By their very definition, station stays offer a remote experience. However, for those in caravans or simply not wishing to be too isolated, they offer this level of remoteness without the danger of isolation.

What to Expect at a Station Stay

There’s a lot of variance here.

Some stations will allow camping, but are less of a “station stay” and more just a location to set up your own camp. These have no amenities or facilities and might not even have any water available.

Some stations have completely self-contained options, which is often in a demountable building, while some very much resemble a standard caravan park.

There’s also some cool experiences on offer, as some stations will have old shearing sheds refurbished for niche accommodation and some even have glamping options.

Planning Your Station Stay Experience

It’s important to consider appropriate seasonality when looking at the more remote station stay options.

Most stations operate year round, however access to them can be limited or impossible during certain times of year. We mentioned that station stays can be a safer option for those who don’t want to camp in total isolation, but please understand how remote some of these places can be, and how isolated you may become on your journey to get there. If you’re not familiar with the scale of Western Australia, it’s bloody big. Most years, several people die from breaking down or getting stuck in the northern regions during summer.

Station Stays in Western Australia by Region

Kimberley Region

Mt Elizabeth Station Stay

Located halfway between Kununurra and Derby on the iconic Gibb River Road, Mt Elizabeth Station spans approximately half a million acres as a fully operational cattle station. The property sits in the heart of the Kimberley region, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions.

The station offers both camping options and bed & breakfast accommodation for travellers. Guests can enjoy the authentic outback experience while having access to necessary amenities and facilities during their stay.

Visitors to Mt Elizabeth can explore unique waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art sites, stunning gorges, and challenging 4×4 tracks throughout the property. The station also boasts abundant birdlife and wildlife, spectacular sunsets, and friendly management who can help guide your exploration of this genuine Kimberley cattle station.

Ellenbrae Station

Set along the famous Gibb River Road, Ellenbrae Station offers one of the ultimate outback escapes in the Kimberley region. The station provides a tranquil retreat in one of Western Australia’s most remote and beautiful landscapes.

Accommodation options include rustic rammed earth cabins, comfortable safari tents, and well-maintained campgrounds for those bringing their own equipment. One of the highlights of the property is their remarkable outdoor bathing experience, featuring private outdoor tubs positioned in the middle of the bush landscape.

The station also boasts breathtaking natural watering holes that provide perfect swimming spots during the warm Kimberley days. Guests can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the outback while enjoying the simple pleasures of station life, including stargazing under the clear night skies.

Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge

Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge, a former cattle station along the Gibb River Road, now serves as the ultimate adventure basecamp for exploring the West Kimberley region. Its strategic location provides unbeatable proximity to attractions such as Horizontal Falls, Twin Flame Falls, and Bell Gorge.

The accommodation options cater to various preferences and budgets, with choices including safari tents, homestead rooms, and aesthetic bell tents. For those preferring to bring their own equipment, camping facilities are also available on the property.

Visitors can enhance their experience by joining helicopter tours to visit isolated gorges and waterfalls, participating in four-wheel-drive tours, or hiking to refreshing rock pools. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the lodge’s bar and restaurant, enjoying quality meals and beverages while sharing stories with fellow travellers.

El Questro

El Questro spans an impressive 700,000 acres in the eastern Kimberley, offering one of Australia’s most unique holiday destinations. This vast property combines rugged wilderness with luxury accommodation options, creating an extraordinary outback experience for visitors.

The accommodation ranges from the luxurious El Questro Homestead with exclusive cliff-top views to eco-tents, budget-friendly rooms, and expansive camping areas. This variety ensures that El Questro can accommodate travellers of all preferences and budgets while delivering an authentic outback experience.

Activities on the property include soaking in natural thermal springs, exploring thundering waterfalls, hiking through ancient gorges, and marvelling at the stunning Emma Gorge. Visitors can choose to participate in guided tours or self-explore the expansive terrain, discovering hidden gems throughout this remarkable property.

Home Valley Station

Home Valley Station is situated near the magnificent Pentecost River and is owned and operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation, serving both as a tourism destination and a training academy for locals in tourism and cattle management. The property gained additional fame as a filming location for the movie “Australia.”

Accommodation options at Home Valley are diverse, ranging from luxury “Grass Castle” lodges to eco-tents, motel-style rooms, and a well-equipped campground. For those seeking more seclusion, riverside swag camping provides an immersive outback experience under the stars.

Activities available to guests include horseback riding, helicopter flights over the spectacular landscape, fishing in the Pentecost River, gorge walks, guided four-wheel-drive tours, and exciting airboat adventure rides. This combination of comfortable accommodations and diverse activities makes Home Valley a complete Kimberley experience.

Drysdale River Station

Drysdale River Station operates as a family-owned, million-acre working cattle station accessible from the Gibb River Road. The property has been maintained and operated by the same family for generations, offering an authentic glimpse into station life in the Kimberley.

The station provides essential services for travellers along the Gibb River Road, including fuel, meals, and various accommodation options. Visitors can choose between comfortable station rooms and spacious camping areas with access to shared facilities.

The remote location of Drysdale River Station makes it an excellent base for exploring the northern Kimberley region, including the Mitchell Falls. Guests can enjoy the peaceful outback atmosphere, interact with the station owners to learn about cattle operations, and experience the genuine hospitality that characterizes the Australian outback.

Birdwood Downs Station

Birdwood Downs Station encompasses 2500 hectares of pastoral land along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region. The station combines traditional pastoral activities with sustainable land management practices, creating a unique environment for visitors.

Accommodation options include basic but comfortable rooms and camping facilities for self-sufficient travellers. The station atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, allowing guests to experience the rhythms of station life at their own pace.

Visitors to Birdwood Downs can participate in property tours to learn about sustainable pastoral practices, enjoy guided nature walks, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. The property’s proximity to Derby and the beginning of the Gibb River Road makes it an ideal first or last stop on a Kimberley adventure.

Balanggara

Balanggara is situated beside the Pentecost River on the iconic Gibb River Road, with magnificent views of the towering Cockburn Ranges. The station’s unique position offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in the eastern Kimberley region.

Under the management of Balanggara Traditional Custodians, this station provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the eastern Kimberley. Accommodation options include camping facilities for self-sufficient travellers and well-appointed riverside suites for those seeking more comfort.

Guests at Balanggara can explore the surrounding natural attractions, learn about the property’s cultural significance, and witness some of the Kimberley’s most stunning sunrises and sunsets with the Cockburn Ranges as a backdrop. The station offers a blend of comfort, culture, and natural beauty that epitomizes the Kimberley experience.

Pilbara

Cheela Plains Station

Cheela Plains Station is a family-owned and managed working cattle station situated in the semi-arid rangelands of the Pilbara in northern Western Australia. The station spans the Beasley River Gorge with ancient rock formations that can be traced to the origins of the range in Karijini National Park.

The station stay serves as a welcome stop for travellers on the Nanutarra-Munjina Road between the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and Karijini National Park. Accommodation options include comfortable rooms, powered campground sites, and secluded wilderness camping, all accessible by 2WD vehicles. The property also features the Red Plains Café, which is open daily for barista coffee, their renowned carrot cake, and snacks.

Visitors to Cheela Plains can enjoy self-guided 4WD tours to discover gorges that are only accessible to station guests. Hiking enthusiasts can explore designated walking trails through the working cattle station, and wildlife spotting opportunities abound throughout the property. The station is so vast that guests rarely see evidence of the 3,500 head of cattle that graze across the 188,000-hectare property.

Pardoo Station

Pardoo Station is located approximately 160 kilometres northeast of Port Hedland and boasts a rich heritage dating back to the 1860s. The property features Traditional Owners who share stories of days gone by, offering visitors insights into both the pastoral and indigenous history of the region.

The station’s remote setting makes it a paradise for anglers, birdwatchers, and those seeking an escape from everyday life. Accommodation options include homestead rooms and camping facilities with access to essential amenities for a comfortable outback stay.

Guests at Pardoo can enjoy leisurely fishing by the creek, explore the vast property through designated tracks, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. The station’s position between the coast and the inland Pilbara creates a unique environment where visitors can experience diverse landscapes and ecosystems within a single property.

Peedamulla Campground

Peedamulla Campground is a newly developed facility located just off the North West Coastal Highway in the Pilbara region. The campground is situated on a working station, providing visitors with a taste of pastoral life while enjoying modern camping amenities.

The facilities include well-maintained camping areas with access to essential services such as water and bathroom facilities. The campground’s design respects the natural environment while providing comfort for travellers exploring the Pilbara region.

Visitors to Peedamulla can use the campground as a base for exploring the surrounding Pilbara landscapes, including coastal areas and inland features. The campground’s strategic location makes it convenient for travellers moving between major destinations in the northwest of Western Australia.

Gascoyne and Murchison

Bullara Station

Bullara Station is a working cattle station strategically located between Coral Bay and Exmouth in the Gascoyne region. This popular station stay has become synonymous with visits to Western Australia’s north, known for its warm hospitality and authentic outback experience.

The station offers various accommodation options, from charming cottages with bush views to well-equipped camping sites. Distinctive features include Instagram-worthy outdoor bush showers and regular communal activities like daily damper tastings and Friday night burgers with the Bullara team around the campfire.

Visitors to Bullara can enjoy farm animal feeding, hiking trails, and stargazing under clear night skies. The station’s location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the Ningaloo Reef, with easy access to snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks in season. Many guests highlight the station’s fresh homemade scones, barista coffee, and the social atmosphere as highlights of their stay.

Wooleen Station

Wooleen Station is a working cattle station in the heart of the Murchison region dedicated to landscape regeneration and conservation. Spanning vast acreage with picturesque outback scenery, the station is managed by David and Frances Pollock, who are passionate about sustainable pastoral practices and preserving the unique ecology of the area.

Accommodation options include the National Trust-listed homestead offering a luxurious outback experience with delicious home-style cooking and an extensive cellar of Western Australian wines. Alternatively, guests can stay in comfortable self-contained rammed earth cottages or opt for remote bush camping spots by the Murchison River.

Visitors can participate in guided sunset tours to learn about landscape regeneration, experience the Dingo Encounter to understand these misunderstood predators, or explore the network of walking and hiking trails across the property. The station also offers mountain bikes for hire and showcases Wooleen Lake with its heritage-listed wetlands full of wildlife, creating a complete outback experience that combines comfort, education, and natural beauty.

Melangata Station

Melangata Station is a working sheep station situated approximately 70 kilometres north of Yalgoo. The property has historically run Merino sheep until the early 2000s and now raises Damara and Dorper cross meat sheep, offering visitors insights into different aspects of sheep farming in Western Australia.

The centrepiece of the station is its heritage-listed homestead, famously designed and built by priest-architect Monsignor John Hawes in 1917. This historic building is the only private residence constructed by Hawes and features unique elements including an internal chapel and turret. The property offers hosted and catered rooms in the homestead, as well as a campground for those bringing their own camping equipment.

Guests at Melangata can participate in escorted self-drive tag-along tours, historic homestead tours, or camp oven cooking classes with host Jo Clews, known as the ‘camp oven queen’ who has published a cookbook on Australian camp oven cooking. The station is also known for its diverse birdlife, marsupials, and spectacular wildflower displays in season.

Landor Station

Landor Station encompasses approximately one million acres as a family-owned and operated cattle station situated in the Gascoyne region. The vast property offers visitors a chance to experience genuine outback life while enjoying the natural beauty of this remote area.

The station provides a tranquil environment where visitors can soak up peace and quiet away from urban distractions. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets, appreciate clear night skies while gathered around a campfire, and experience the authentic rhythms of station life.

Landor Station is also known for hosting the historic Landor Races, an iconic outback horse racing event that has been bringing the pastoral community together for generations. This event offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness and participate in a true outback tradition that showcases the spirit of the Gascoyne region.

Mount Augustus Tourist Park

Mount Augustus Tourist Park is located in the heart of the Upper Gascoyne Region, adjacent to both the spectacular Mount Augustus National Park and Mount Augustus cattle station. The tourist park provides an ideal base for exploring what is often referred to as “the world’s biggest rock,” which dwarfs Uluru in size.

Accommodation options include comfortable rooms and well-maintained campsites set among lawns and shade trees. The tourist park offers essential services including barbecue areas, laundry facilities, hot showers, and supplies of fuel and gas for travelers in this remote region.

Visitors can explore the Mount Augustus loop drive, visit numerous lookouts, observe ancient Gnamma holes (water sources), and enjoy bush walking trails throughout the area. The tourist park also hosts the “Australia’s Biggest BBQ” event, allowing guests to feast while taking in the uninterrupted spectacular views and enjoying the shade or starlit skies by their campfire.

Nallan Station

Nallan Station covers 98,886 hectares as a working cattle station located just 12 kilometers north of Cue. The property provides visitors with ample opportunities to explore or simply relax in an authentic outback setting.

Accommodation at Nallan includes recently renovated Shearers’ Quarters equipped with kitchen facilities, as well as camping and caravan sites. The station stretches across the Miners Pathway and Milly Soak, offering historic significance alongside natural beauty.

Guests can experience their natural surroundings through birdwatching, exploring geological wonders, or enjoying the vast uninterrupted vista of the night sky. The Gascoyne-Murchison region is dubbed a ‘radio quiet zone’ by astronomers, making Nallan an excellent location for stargazing enthusiasts. The station’s proximity to Cue also allows for easy exploration of nearby historic gold rush sites.

Gabyon Station Stay

Gabyon Station Stay offers visitors a chance to experience life on a real working sheep station. Located approximately two hours’ drive from Geraldton and only 40 minutes from the historical mining town of Yalgoo, the station provides a convenient yet authentic outback experience.

Accommodation options at Gabyon include homestead rooms and shearers’ quarters, providing comfortable lodging with historical character. The station also offers caravan and camping sites for self-sufficient travellers who prefer to bring their own equipment.

Activities available to guests include horse and motorbike trail rides, self-drive adventures on the windmill tracks, wildflower viewing in season, birdwatching, and exploring historic relics throughout the property. The station provides a communal outback BBQ area and fire pit where guests can gather in the evening to share stories under the stars.

Murchison House Station

Murchison House Station is one of the oldest pastoral stations in Western Australia, boasting a rich family history that spans generations. Located just 12 kilometres from the coastal town of Kalbarri, this working station offers a rare combination of river, bush, and ocean environments.

The property features over 60 kilometres of rugged Indian Ocean shoreline and more than 30 kilometres of Murchison River floodplains. This unique geographical situation creates abundant wildlife and birdlife habitats, with plentiful water from permanent soaks and springs throughout the station.

Visitors can camp at the Homestead Campground, which provides basic facilities in a scenic setting. Those equipped with four-wheel-drive vehicles can access more remote bush camping areas on the north side of the Murchison River. Activities include fishing, swimming, kayaking, exploring 4WD tracks, taking self-guided homestead walks, and seasonal wildflower tours.

Hamelin Station Stay

Hamelin Station Stay is situated within a vast nature conservation reserve rich in wildlife and native flora. The station is now owned by Bush Heritage Australia, an organization dedicated to preserving Australia’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.

The property offers a relaxed outback experience with accommodation options including unpowered camping sites amid beautiful semi-arid landscape and renovated Shearers’ Quarters with various room configurations. Facilities include communal modern bathrooms with hot showers, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and a barbecue area for guests to enjoy.

From Hamelin Station, visitors can easily access nearby attractions such as Hamelin Pool with its ancient stromatolites, Shark Bay, and Steep Point. The station itself features iconic red soil and stone formations, a serene lake, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and a self-guided tour through the historic shearing shed. The property is also known as an excellent location for spotting Western Australian wildflowers in season.

Wooramel River Retreat

Wooramel River Retreat operates as a working cattle and sheep station located 120 kilometres south of Carnarvon. The station campground is uniquely situated under majestic 100-year-old gum trees on the bank of the Wooramel River, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.

The main attraction at Wooramel River Retreat is the naturally heated therapeutic artesian bore baths fed by the Birdrong aquifer. These warm mineral pools allow guests to relax under the stars while enjoying the clear night skies, creating a natural spa experience in the outback.

The retreat caters primarily to self-sufficient campers and caravanners, providing essential amenities in a natural setting. The property’s location makes it a convenient stopover for travellers exploring the Coral Coast region, and the peaceful riverside environment encourages guests to unwind and connect with nature.

Dirk Hartog Island

Dirk Hartog Island (Western Australia’s largest island) sits at the westernmost point of Australia and was formerly operated as a sheep station until it was converted into a national park in 2009. The 63,000-hectare island has significant historical importance as the first place that Europeans left evidence of landing in Australia in 1616.

Since the removal of the last sheep in 2016, the island has become a haven for nature conservation, with numerous native threatened and endangered species being reintroduced to the environment. Visitors can access the island by taking a barge from Shark Bay with their four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Accommodation options include oceanside camping on communal or private sites, staying in comfortable eco villas, or enjoying the rustic luxury of the eco-lodge in ensuite rooms. Activities available to guests include exploring secluded beaches, fishing in pristine waters, witnessing Australia’s last sunset, joining guided walks, snorkelling, participating in marine safaris, and embarking on self-drive or guided four-wheel-drive adventures.

Nalbarra Station

Nalbarra Station covers 161,000 hectares near Mount Magnet and serves as an excellent holiday destination for travellers using the Great Northern Highway. The property operates as a working station, providing visitors with insights into pastoral operations while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Accommodation options include homestead rooms for those seeking more comfort and well-maintained campgrounds for self-sufficient travellers. The station’s facilities cater to the needs of outback explorers while maintaining the authentic character of a working property.

Visitors to Nalbarra can enjoy the wide-open spaces, spectacular sunsets, and star-filled night skies that characterize the Australian outback. The station’s location also makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region, including historic mining sites and natural attractions.

Goldfields

Fraser Range Station

Fraser Range Station is located 100 kilometres east of Norseman and stands as one of the Goldfields region’s oldest and most iconic pastoral stations. Rather than merely being a place to rest after exploring, the station itself is considered a destination worth visiting.

Accommodation options include refurbished shearers’ quarters that retain their historical character while providing comfortable amenities for modern travellers. The station also accommodates those bringing their own camping equipment with suitable facilities.

Visitors to Fraser Range can experience both the historical aspects of pastoral life and the natural beauty of the Goldfields landscape. The property is managed by knowledgeable staff who can enhance guests’ understanding of the region’s pastoral history and natural features.

Carnegie Station

Carnegie Station is a working cattle station that spans over 1 million acres in the Goldfields region, offering an impressive scale that showcases the vastness of Australian pastoral properties. The station provides visitors with opportunities to spot native wildlife including dingoes, kangaroos, and abundant birdlife.

Accommodation options include homestead cabins that provide comfortable shelter in this remote location. The station also offers camping options for self-sufficient travellers bringing their own equipment, with access to kitchen facilities and hot showers.

The property features a visitor centre where guests can learn about the history and operations of this extensive station. Carnegie’s remote location creates an authentic outback experience where travellers can disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in the rhythms of the station, experiencing clear night skies and expansive landscapes that characterize Australia’s interior.