Connect with outback station stays in Western Australia
Feature by Carolyn Beasley
In Western Australia, sprawling cattle and sheep stations cover over 800,000 square kilometres of leasehold land, an area more than three times the size of the United Kingdom. Stations are found north and north-east of Perth (Boorloo) and many are diversifying into tourism. For visitors, station stays provide a connection to outback Australia, and authentic experiences far removed from suburban life.
The West Australian Station Stay Collective is helping to connect visitors with station owners. Around the state, station stays present wonderous and diverse offerings from campfire cooking to stargazing nights, providing exciting destinations or stopovers for visitors to regional areas.
A member of the Station Stay Collective, Frances Pollock of Wooleen Station (temporarily closed)says that many travellers are attracted to station stays through a need to explore, and to get off-grid in a safe environment. She explains that every station stay is unique.
“In terms of why people visit Wooleen, I think it's to experience the deep connection to the land, whilst understanding how we can sustainability produce food in a way that respects all parties involved,” Frances says. “Wooleen is definitely an environmental experience, whilst indulging in the good things too! Human connection is what ties our experience together, and experiencing the joy of nature in the outback.”
Get a taste of the outback on your next West Australian road trip by visiting some of these unique station stays.
Wooleen Station
In the heart of Murchison red dirt country, David and Frances Pollock offer hosted accommodation in the National Trust-listed homestead, cosy cottages or remote camping by the Murchison River. Don’t miss the sunset tour to learn why regeneration of this beautiful landscape matters. The Dingo Experience introduces Australia’s most misunderstood predator, and explains their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem balance.
Dirk Hartog Island
Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana) is extraordinary for many reasons. Off Shark Bay, it’s Australia’s most westerly point, Western Australia’s largest island, and in 1616 became the first place that Europeans left evidence of landing. Formerly a sheep station, Dirk Hartog Island is now a haven for nature, destocked of feral animals. The Wardle family, third generation owners, now host guests in their eco-chic Dirk Hartog Island Lodge, private villas and campsites. Visit on a day trip by boat, or load your four-wheel-drive onto the barge. Guided tours include clifftop walks and Australia’s last sunset.
Dirk Hartog Island, near Denham
Wooramel Station
A convenient stopover between Shark Bay (Gutharraguda Gathaagudu) and Ningaloo Reef, the river retreat at Wooramel Station sprawls along the mostly dry Wooramel River, with eco-tent cabins, family rooms and campsites with fireplaces. Don’t miss a soak in the naturally heated and therapeutic artesian baths, bliss after a day behind the wheel. Explore the self-guided driving or walking trails, or check out the quirky junkyard sculptures. Share stories with fellow travellers under the stars at the delicious Upside Down Café.
Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge
For those driving the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, or seeking a deluxe helicopter adventure from Broome, Mount Hart Wilderness Lodge might be just the oasis you crave. A former cattle station, Mount Hart offers ensuite safari tents, homestead accommodation, aesthetic bell tents, or camping. Splurge on a helicopter tour, visiting isolated gorges and waterfalls. Join a four-wheel-drive tour, or hike to a cooling rock pool. Finish the day unwinding at Uncle Tony’s Jungle Bar and Pippa’s Corner Restaurant.
Mount Hart, The Kimberley
Melangata Station
Just an hour north of the historic town of Yalgoo, Melangata Station is a working sheep station that intersects with history. The grand, heritage-listed homestead was designed by priest and architect, Monsignor John Hawes in 1916, a man who designed many churches throughout the region. Book a homestead room with dinner, bed and breakfast, sleep in an elegant bell tent, or simply camp under a vibrant night sky. It’s a wildflower hotspot in spring, and don’t miss the tag-along four-wheel-drive tours.
Cheela Plains
In the semi-arid Pilbara region, Cheela Plains is a family-run, working cattle station. A perfect stopover between Ningaloo Reef and the red gorges of Karijini National Park, Cheela Plains offers comfortable rooms, tent accommodation, or powered camping sites. Book in for dinner at the Red Plains Café, and learn about the rest-based grazing system that rehabilitates the land. For those with four-wheel-drives, try wilderness camping in the ancient Beasley Gorge.
Cheela Plains Station Stay
Quobba Station
Just a one hour drive north of Carnarvon, Quobba Station is a family-run sheep station flanking 80 kilometres of wild coastline. At Quobba Homestead, accommodation ranges from ocean-view chalets to rooms in rustic station buildings, plus campsites. Visit Point Quobba Blowholes, snorkel the southern tail of Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) or cast a line from the cliffs for outstanding land-based game fishing. In winter, spot migrating humpback whales from the cliffs. For adventure lovers, Red Bluff is a place of legendary surf and breathtaking sunsets, offering campsites, safari tents, a kiosk and even a day spa.
Visit WA Station Stays for a full list of stations that are involved in the Collective.
Red Bluff, Quobba Station
Published January 2025.