Australian Outback: Where to Stay: Setting: Voyages Wrotham Park Lodge

Voyages Wrotham Park Lodge

Considering that Wrotham Park Lodge is set on a 1.5-million-acre working cattle station and never caters to more than twenty guests at a time, it’s safe to say that you won’t feel crowded here. The resort’s ten spacious bungalows, referred to as quarters, are located on a cliff overlooking the Mitchell River, and each comes with a king-size bed, a deep leather armchair and a large wooden deck from which to take in the views. Thoughtful details include binoculars for bird-watching (the park has about sixty different species, including kingfishers, the Australian bustard and the galah). While guests may be tempted to lounge by the lodge’s pool, the great outdoors at Wrotham offer a slew of activities: depending on the season, there’s crocodile spotting, cattle-station touring, nature walks, mustering the approximately 35,000 head of Brahman cattle, hiking, fishing and mountain biking. And for indoor recreation, there are cooking lessons. The property is set up around the Homestead, a large timber-slab house boasting a wraparound veranda, a sunken deck with daybeds and a cozy bar and lounge area where guests can help themselves to cocktails.

Who Should Go: Active travelers who want to get up close and personal with Australia’s cattle and wildlife.

Who Shouldn’t Go: Families with young kids, since children under twelve are not permitted.

Ideal Length of Stay: A three-day weekend.

What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat and sturdy shoes for horseback riding. During the winter months (June through August), pack warm clothing for nights and early mornings.

Indagare Tip: Don’t miss the half-day cattle-station tour and the “country chef” cooking demonstration.

Getting There: The closest major city to Wrotham Park is Cairns, 186 miles away, which is served by Qantas and Virgin Blue airlines. The easiest way to reach the lodge is by chartered aircraft, which can be arranged through the lodge. The drive from Cairns takes about four and a half hours.

The Basics: To avoid the tropical rainy seasons, the lodge is open only from April 1 through December 15. Three-day packages from $1,547 per person, including all meals, beverages and a half-day station tour.