How to experience Outback Queensland in luxury

Sitting on 28,000 hectares of heritage land just west of the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Mulligan Lodge is maybe the ultimate luxury escape in outback Queensland. With only 16 guests on site at any time, luxury and privacy go hand in hand here, giving you unparalleled access to the property’s exceptional outback location.

From guided tours of the old goldfields, chef-prepared picnics overlooking Hodgkinson Valley, stargazing (with a decadent cheese board to ward off hunger), hiking, fishing, even take a helicopter across the property, or splurge on a seven-course degustation under the stars. Like a luxury ‘build-your-own adventure’.

The imposing lodge strike the perfect balance between traditional outback lodgings and 5-star digs, each palatial suite stealing views out onto the eucalypt-fringed weir and Mount Mulligan, which you’ll enjoy from the comfort of your private veranda. The outdoor bath, meanwhile, is made to soak up those views. Little luxuries like the all-inclusive mini bar don’t go amiss, either.

Shandonvale Station

A working station with a rich history, Shandonvale Station still retains the grandeur of its 100-year-old shearing quarters, having been lovingly restored as  a luxury outback escape. Residing on the clay pans of Aramac Creek in Barcaldine, just east of Longreach, everything out this way is super-sized; from the paddocks to the lakes to those big outback skies - the landscape here is breathtaking.

Only eight guests are ever on the property at a time, meaning you truly have the place to yourself. Take a tour of the property, go fishing or canoeing in the waterholes, help muster the property’s cattle and hand-feed the animals, or sit back by the campfire after a day’s relaxation in the converted bath house, wine in hand.

Shandonvale also offers guests the opportunity to experience a three-day, two-night helicopter adventure of a lifetime, dropping in on some of the more remote areas of western Queensland.

Red dirt rejuvenation

Gilberton Outback Retreat

Gilberton Outback Retreat defines Outback Queensland luxury; unique and luxurious accommodation immersed in dramatic – and jaw-droppingly beautiful – landscapes.

 A seventh generation working cattle station sitting on the goldfields of the far north, the property is completely disconnected from the outside world; no phone, no tv and no internet means you can unwind completely.

Built from local timber and stone, the property’s retreat feels homely, intimate, and to the highest spec. Your four-poster king bed and standalone bathtub each have panoramic views of the Gilbert River and the surrounding bushland.

All activities and meals are included in your stay, giving you a taste of outback life. Go four-wheel driving near Mt Veteran and Lake Fred, SUP or kayak along the homestead’s dam – maybe even take a dip – or join a guided tour of the station. You could even just relax in your luxury retreat, run a bath and drink up those views.

Saltbush Retreat

In the heart of Longreach, Saltbush Retreat offers a unique take on outback luxury and makes a perfect base for an outback holiday in Queensland. The boutique, luxury accommodation oozes rustic charm; from the old wooden beams of the lodgings to the alfresco claw-foot baths surrounded by gardens, the attention to detail makes all the difference.

The Homestead Stable rooms at Saltbush are rustic in style but have all the luxurious trimmings; king size bed with original old gate bedhead, custom-design copper trough basins and wooden outdoor terrace where stargazing is must.

Wallaroo Outback Retreat

Set on a vast 72,000 acres in the Carnarvon Ranges, Wallaroo Outback Retreat should be on any camper’s wish-list – blessed with Mother Nature right on its doorstep. The property’s ten luxurious glamping tents are nestled amongst the property’s soaring eucalypt forests, each befit with king beds, sumptuous linens, and outdoor deck to take in your lush surrounds.

The site’s original wooden lodge has a slew of amenities to ensure your camping experience is elevated.

As well as bushwalking, fishing, and stargazing, Wallaroo encourages visitors to immerse themselves in their surrounds, with camp oven cooking facilities on site – in case the mood strikes for a spot of damper with tea. To see the extent of this incredible part of the world, take a private helicopter flight over Carnarvon Gorge, the Dawson River and the property’s boundary edge – a breathtaking 40 -kilometer-long sandstone cliff formation.

Mitchell Grass Retreat

A luxury, eco-friendly glamping retreat located just outside of Longreach, Mitchell Grass Retreat offers absolute tranquility and understated luxury in the middle of the outback.

Each of the property’s 15 glamping tents, with their king size bed, private deck and ensuite with standalone bathtub, steal views out across the desert plains.

The property’s saltwater pool is perfect for a dip after a long, hot outback day and the grand fire pit is a great place to share stories with your fellow travellers, share a glass of wine and look up at the stars.

Outback adventures in style

Trek West 

A hiking holiday filled with all the luxuries of a five star destination, Trek West is no ordinary hiking tour guide; this is the ultimate in luxurious outback camping. Completely tailored to your holiday wish-list, Trek West is a bespoke tour guide combining unprecedented access to some of the most remote areas of the Queensland outback with the knowledge of its expert guides.

As well as offering two regular hikes between May and August (‘Stockcamp’ Hike and ‘Big Loop’ Hike – both in the Mount Isa region), Trek West also offer a completely bespoke option, creating a hiking holiday just for you. Each multi-day hike includes luxurious glamping accommodation at each location, all meals (plus dinner under a blanket of stars) each day, plus unprecedented access to the outback wilderness. The luxury of experiencing a holiday unlike any other.

Go all out

Ask anyone the best way to experience the majesty, the sheer scale, of Outback Queensland and they’ll say from the skies. And, as far as luxurious experiences to be had out here, travel by helicopter or by plane is hard to beat.

Soar over the immense landscapes of the Gulf Savannah with Cobbold Gorge Heli Tour. With a number of helicopter tours available, you could choose to take to the skies over Cobbold Gorge and soak up the majesty of the sandstone escarpments or arrange a flight to a remote section of the Gulf Savannah for a romantic picnic, even charter a helicopter to Fish Hole to experience sky fishing.

Outback from Above in the heart of Matilda Country brings a touch of luxury to the outback town of Winton. Their sunrise helicopter flight offers a view of the sun rising over Winton’s expansive plains and fossil fields, while their multi-day outback pub crawl adventure charters a private heli to some of the country’s most famous outback pubs.

Affectionately known as Australia’s ‘little Grand Canyon’, get unparalleled views of Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains National Park with Fox Helicopters in Hughenden. Much of this region remains largely unexplored, making this one very special luxury outback experience.

Lady Elliot Island Outback to Reef tour

Combining some of the most iconic outback landscapes – deep blue oceans, golden coastline, and deep red earth stretching for mile upon mile – the three-day outback adventure tour by Seair Pacific takes luxury outback experiences next-level.

Start your air adventure on the Gold Coast before travelling over 2,000 kms, encompassing the remote outback locations of Charleville, Longreach, and Birdsville before heading east to the Lady Elliot Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.