Experience the real outback lifestyle

With news that the Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive will return to South Australia in 2010 due to the expected popularity of the soon-to-be released movie “Australia” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, South Australia (southaustralia.com) is highlighting its impressive collection of Outback station properties.

Station properties have been the backbone of the Australian Outback for generations, boasting a proud pioneering history set against stunning, pristine backdrops. These oases of luxurious hospitality provide the ideal antidote to city living as well as the offering visitors the opportunity to sample genuine Australian Outback culture.

Imagine waking up to the hustle and bustle of a working station with the awe-inspiring view of the ancient mountain ranges of the Flinders Ranges or the mighty Murray from the bedroom. Stations in the Flinders Ranges are mostly small sheep properties and range from a heritage-listed homestead to luxury eco-villas, and stations that offer exclusivity by only accepting one booking at a time. Options include:

• ANGORICHINA STATION – storytelling, riverside BBQs & great home cooking
• ARKABA STATION – a historic station dating back to 1856
• NORTH BUNDALEER – a World Heritage Listed homestead
• RAWNSLEY PARK STATION – award-winning luxury eco-villas & bush camping
• NILPENA STATION – a salt lake location on the edge of Lake Torrens
• PORTEE STATION – a historic homestead on the banks of the Murray River
• POLTALLOCH STATION – lakeside cottages at this 1839 established station
• BUNGAREE STATION – wine region heritage cottages and stable accommodation

Accommodation options range from modest shearer quarters, lakeside heritage cottages or a room in an elegant homestead. Guests also have the option to cater for themselves or join a host family who will share their home and provide authentic Aussie home cooked food that totally adds to the whole experience.

Activities range from riding a motorbike around a property to walking the iconic Heysen Trail; taking a 4WD adventure to explore the region and find secret station lookouts, to swimming, sailing and canoeing or simply relaxing, having a massage and making the most of the tranquillity. Each station offers something different!

Wildlife viewing opportunities include spotting emus, kangaroos, yellow tailed rock wallabies and native birds. Meanwhile scenic flights over Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills are a must, as well as drives along iconic outback routes such as Oodnadatta, Strezlecki and Birdsville Tracks.

Below are a selection of unique station stays in the Flinders Ranges plus the rest of South Australia:

ANGORICHINA STATION, based in the Flinders Ranges 515kms. north of Adelaide, this station only accepts one booking at a time ensuring guests have peace and quiet and the luxury of having the place to themselves. Run by Ian Fargher and his wife Di, the station has been in their family for four generations. Two double rooms in either the converted schoolroom or in the main homestead are available, whilst for single groups up to eight people can be accommodated.

ARKABA STATION enjoys an enviable location overlooking the spectacular Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges. The station, home to 8,000 merino sheep and 150 Hereford cattle, is hosted by Dean and Lizzie Rasheed. Their luxurious accommodation can be sampled in a private wing of the homestead on a bed and breakfast or full board basis or in a two-bedroom self-contained cottage or the one-bedroom Coach House.

NORTH BUNDALEER homestead, bases in the southern Flinders Ranges 190kms north of Adelaide, offers a rich architectural heritage of formal rooms and indulgent hosted accommodation in grand surroundings. Voted by Conde Nast Traveller (USA) as one of the ‘80 Best Hotels in the World – Hot List’ hosts Malcolm and Marianne Booth offer four beautifully appointed bedrooms and a real sense of occasion in this historic homestead.

RAWNSLEY PARK STATION, a working sheep station next to Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound, appeal to all budgets by offering four luxury eco-villas, 25 deluxe units, a caravan park and bush camping. Activities include sheep shearing, bushwalking, mountain biking and horse riding.

NILPENA STATION, featured in Outback films and TV adverts, is a well-known station in the Flinders Ranges located on the edge of Lake Torrens 540kms. north of Adelaide. Accommodation is both in traditional shearers quarters or in the two-bedroom Nilpena Cottage. In addition to an authentic Outback experience, which includes “A Day In The Saddle”, there is the chance to explore Lake Torrens’ private 4WD tracks and to view relics of Aboriginal and pastoral heritage.

PORTEE STATION, a sheep station offering luxurious historic homestead accommodation, is 130 kms. from Adelaide. The eight gorgeous guestrooms are beautifully appointed and a stay can be fully hosted or with just bed and breakfast. Activities include hot air ballooning, massages, river cruises and Barossa Valley winery tours.

POLTALLOCH STATION, situated 127kms. southeast of Adelaide, is nestled on the shores of Australia’s largest freshwater lake. Boasting 22 historic buildings, this country estate includes a jetty house, shearing shed, stables, lighthouse and magnificent Victorian homestead. Guests can stay in heritage lakeside cottages with sunny verandas and wood fires in the winter. Activities include swimming, canoeing, sailing and bush walking, not to mention the peace, quiet and tranquillity of this superb property.

BUNGAREE STATION is the ideal base for wine lovers who wish to explore the Clare Valley’s 24 wineries just 140kms. north of Adelaide. The station is like a small rural village with its own church, station store, school and homestead, and has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. Accommodation is offered in ten self-contained cottages and stable conversions and can be catered or self-catered. Guest can participate in daily farm activities, use the swimming pool or spot fallow deer and kangaroos bush walking in the nearby hills.

For further information on South Australia, log on to Southaustralia.com.

AUDLEY TRAVEL (audleytravel.com) can create bespoke luxury Outback and adventure itineraries to South Australia. A sample two-week trip including return economy flights from London, car hire, character accommodation in addition to three nights at Portee Station costs from £2,795 per person.