Bond Springs Outback Retreat

Description:

• This working 1,515-sq.-km (591-sq.-mile) cattle ranch is a great place to get a taste of Outback life with a real Aussie family. Ben Heaslip and Laura Hunter welcome guests to the homestead where Ben grew up, accommodating them in two appealing cottages. The first is Corkwood Cottage, which was originally built for the station's head stockman and his family. The main bedroom features a queen-size bed, and two other bedrooms have twin beds and a single bed. There's a comfortable lounge and dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor barbecue. The second cottage, the "Wurlie," has a main bedroom with a queen-size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds. There's a lounge and dining room, which includes a kitchenette. Gourmet breakfasts are delivered to both cottages, but other meals are not provided, so you'll have to ensure you buy provisions in Alice Springs. No smoking indoors.

  Note: All but the last 6km (3 3/4 miles) of the road to the ranch is paved. Car-rental companies do not allow driving on unpaved roads, but they may permit it here; check with your company. Try to ensure you arrive before dark.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010