These outback station stays will show you a whole new side to Queensland

Make your way to dinosaur country and immerse yourself in the true outback story of what earth was like millions of years ago - but in 21st century style and comfort.

Home to six luxuriously appointed tents, Rangelands Outback Camp is an adults-only retreat perched on a mesa on Rangelands Station, a working cattle station a few clicks north of Winton. Each tent features a king size bed with top designer comforts along with a rustic bathroom and spectacular outback views from the rainshower. But it's the experiences here that make it truly special, from gourmet dining and happy hours overlooking the escarpment, to the range of bespoke tours ready to introduce you to an unrivaled outback experience.

Shandonvale Station, near Barcaldine

If you harbour a penchant for luxury abodes, Shandonvale Station is right up your alley. The working outback station sits a 45 minute drive north of Barcaldine, or one and a half hours from Longreach, a century-old property that offers a glimpse of rural life with all the creature comforts of the city.

Spend your days heli-mustering, fishing for yabbies in waterholes, or learning to butcher and shoot. Sunsets are best enjoyed at the boat-shed with a glass of sparkling and a soak in the mineral-rish waters of the artesian treetop bath. Nights belong around the campfire or relaxing in the original shearing quarters, fully restored to past grandeur and comfortably accommodating up to eight.

Moble Homestead, near Quilpie

A village of sorts will greet you on arrival to the Moble Homestead in Quilpie. Run by the fifth generation of the Rutledge family, this proudly wool-producing station now welcomes guests regularly, housing them in a series of renovated abodes including two huts, a homestead garden room, and a Governess’ quarters-come-cottage perched above a waterhole.

But try to remember to time your visit to coincide with the Quilpie Diggers Races next time they're on, or book your stay when the crew hosts one of their special experiences like overnight treks, ironwork school or cooking classes.

Gilberton Outback Retreat, near Einasleigh

Around six hours' drive from either Cairns or Townsville - or a much shorter heli ride or chartered flight - you could be enjoying one of the best outback station accommodations in Queensland at Gilberton Outback Retreat. Your home will be unlike any other - a revamped tin shed turned guest house on a 7th generation working cattle station in the stunning goldfields country of far northern Queensland, that stretches a staggering 88,000 square kilometres.

Established back in 1869, the farm is today a favourite in outback station accommodation in Queensland where guests can involve themselves in station life, as well as fossick for gold and explore local indigenous rock art.

It's an all-inclusive luxury outback experience, from your welcome platter to the deep bathtub looking overlooking the bush, paddock to plate dining using locally sourced ingredients, and all tours. 

Wallaroo Outback Retreat, near Carnarvon

Grab some friends or family and make your way to Carnarvon National Park, where nearby sits Wallaroo Outback Retreat. This 72,000 acre property among towering eucalypts houses up to 24 guests total in luxe tipi tents (with real crisp linen and comfy beds) for the best night's sleep among the sounds of the Aussie bush. Your days exploring Carnarvon Gorge meet nights around the fire pits, swapping stories and watching the sky wrap you in a blanket of stars. 

Herbertvale Station

Make your way to Cunnamulla, where Charlotte Plains Farm Stay is within arm’s reach. The family-owned and operated property is no longer just a sheep station, but now a regional getaway complete with campsite and shearer’s quarters.

After a day exploring the historic farm, pour yourself a bath in the outdoor porcelain tub, soaking in the artesian hot water plucked straight from the earth.

Kilcowera Station, near Bulloo

Options are the specialty when it comes to Kilcowera Station. Sitting halfway between Thargomindah and Hungerford is the 49,000-hectare working cattle station. This is an outback station accommodation option with plenty of variety on hand - choose to spend the night at the Shearers Quarters, where linen and beds are supplied, or take to one of three separate campgrounds, complete with BBQ’s, fireplaces stocked with wood, picnic tables and a basic camp kitchen set amongst green lawns and shady trees.

Corella Creek Country Farm Stay, near Julia Creek

Set on the red plains of Julia Creek, about 2-hours drive from Cloncurry, Corella Creek Country Farm Stay is the place to relax in the outback. This campground and eco-village boasts a thermal spa, small onsite gallery, cafe and behind-the-scenes farm tours, so you can do as little or as much as you like. There's even pet-friendly accommodation too. 

Mount Louis Station, near Bloomfield

On your way up to the bi-annual Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival at Laura or a road trip to Cooktown, drop in to Mount Louis Station. Situated in picturesque Bloomfield, just north of the Daintree, this outback station hosts a collection of red dirt, rainforest, rich Indigenous history and even a slice of the Great Barrier Reef. After days spent exploring the 3000-acre landscape, grab some rest in the self-contained holiday house house hosting between two and eight guests.

Merluna Station, Cape York

Merluna Station is located an hour and a half from Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula. The vast property is an outstanding 416,000-acres in size, which is 1.5 times the size of Hong Kong, though houses around only 100 people, including owners Cameron and Michelle MacLean.

The former stockman’s quarters are now a comfortable outback station stay, comprising 3 cabins, a family unit, 8 twin share donga rooms, and 15 single donga rooms, as well as a shaded campground with amenities.

Need a station stay a bit closer to the coast?

Spicers Hidden Vale, near Ipswich

Short on time? Plan a weekend away on the 12,000-acre cattle farm in South East Queensland just an hour’s drive from Brisbane that is Spicers Hidden Vale. Its central abode is an impressive 1920s homestead boasting 31 rooms and suites with views of the surrounding Lockyer Valley.

The stay is a luxury one, also offering guests access to Homage restaurant, horse-riding, bushwalking, mountain biking, archery, swimming, tennis, croquet and a spa.

Mount Mulligan Lodge, near Cairns

Splurge on a luxury take on an outback station stay at Mount Mulligan Lodge. You’ll find this 28,000-hectare outback cattle property 170 kilometres west of Cairns, perhaps expectedly sitting in the shadow of Mount Mulligan.

This suave rural escape comes with plenty of credentials - after all it comes courtesy of the group behind Daintree Eco Lodge and Orpheus Island Lodge. Choose from one of eight villas, each joined by a personal ATV to explore the property, and so many activities that help you take in the surroundings in unique ways.

Woodleigh Station, near Atherton Tablelands

Five generations have loved and cared for the land on Woodleigh Station, and you can be a part of their story. This outback experience lies close to Atherton Tablelands, where you can choose to camp or rent a cabin or bunkhouse - or simply take a day tour. Once you've had a taste of the quiet life, this is a good base to explore Undara lava tubes, Innot Hot Springs and the crater of Mount Hypipamee. 

Ready for your outback adventure? Here's more ways to explore with a luxurious touch, or make your way to an outback station stay via one of these road trips.