With increasing numbers of grey nomads heading out into rural Australia, more and more drought-affected properties are offering station stays as a way of diversifying their income streams.
In Western Australia’s Gascoyne area, many of the region’s beef, sheep and goat stations have been forced to reduce stock numbers … and that’s in spite of the Gascoyne River flowing three times in the past few months.
With their income hit hard, some stations have turned to outback tourism as a new business venture.
Gascoyne Food Council chairman Michael Nixon told the Midwest Times newspaper that station stays were an affordable Australian holiday option that also helped a struggling industry.
“Not only do they offer people a unique experience, but they help keep our farmers in business and ensure that local meat production can be sustained over the long term,” he said.
In the Gascoyne there are 80 pastoral stations that are on average about 150,000ha in size. According to the Gascoyne Food Council there are 10 working stations that also offer holiday accommodation, from Mount Augustus to Ningaloo.
In 2010, Bullara Station, between Coral Bay and Exmouth, opened its doors to visitors. Station co-owner Edwina Shallcross told the Midwest Times that welcoming tourists to their station had been a positive experience.
“Drought and recent bushfires have greatly reduced the feed availability for the cattle,” she said. “As a result we have had to reduce our stock numbers. The tourism side of our business is something that we really enjoy and it offers people something different from the usual caravan parks, plus the added benefits for our guests of a digital detox.”
Just off the North West Coastal Highway is Wooramel Station, which stocks cattle and goats.
Station co-owner Rachel Steadman said they established the Wooramel River Retreat four years ago to provide extra income.
“Diversifying into the tourism business gives us the means to continue to work the land in a sustainable way and stay on the property,” she said.
Have been to Bullara several times, love it and are planning to stay again this year. Have friends who stay at Wooramel and love it there.
Have tried several station stays. WA and Queensland. All been great experiences. Friendly hosts. Most have good basic toilets etc and water. Travellers should always clean up after themselves and respect others nearby who may be there for the quiet outback experience and not the ACDC experience. There is usually room for all tastes to spread out and relax in their own way without imposing on others. This type of accomodation along with small town showgrounds and rec reserves can only bring much wanted income to communities. There is always the caravan park option if one is available.
We are staying a Bullara station now and it is so much better than the over crowded campgrounds around this area. Private beach,sunsets from the red sand dunes even campfire damper. Oh and can’t forget the amazing bathrooms! Thank you Bullara!
how much is this a night please?????
$14 per night per adult unpowered, $38 dollars a night powered, look up Bullara staion on net for more info
$38 per night for powered site? You’re kidding. Is that per person? Thought it sounded nice but you have got to be joking.
Any station stays enroute to Darwin from Adelaide?
Banka banka stn about 100 k north of 3 ways and mount Bundy stn at Adelaide river. We stayed at these stns last June on our big trip totally enjoyedthe stay.Management at mount bundy looked after our dog while we into the national park
I agree with Bob $38 a night is a bit rich ,I thought they wanted us to help them out.Get some pretty good park sites for that.Stevo.
Camped at Mount Buddy Right now,sitting at the Bull Bar, $13 per night unpowered,Beers $4 ,bloke on a guitar singing country and Country rock. Top spot. Wood fired pizzas too.