Outback station stays aren’t a big thing where I’m from (yep, I’m a NSW kid). But after experiencing one for the first time in rural Western Australia, I finally understand the hype. There's a type of magic here that makes people drive thousands of kilometres to sleep under a sky full of stars, far from just about everything. Among WA’s many outback stays, Bullara Station is one of the most famous. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most spectacular places to camp or glamp across the country.
Bullara’s remote location is one of its biggest drawcards, located 1,170 kilometres from Perth and 90 kilometres from Exmouth. One minute you could be swimming with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef, the next you’re at camp, eating burgers with fellow travellers while watching one of the most surreal sunsets you’ll ever see.
To beat the scorching summer heat, Bullara only opens from early April to mid-October. During the season, you’re bound to cross paths with all sorts of true-blue travellers – from those road tripping along the coast to folks doing a great big lap of Australia. Pair this with some of the warmest outback hospitality and food that seriously slaps (we’re talking contenders for Australia’s best beef burger), and you’ll never want to leave.
What is the camping like at Bullara Station Stay?
Camping is where the Bullara story began, and remains the heart and soul of the station stay experience. There are more than 150 powered and non-powered sites spread across this quarter-million-acre cattle station, with space to fit everything from tents to family-sized RVs. It’s one of the most authentic bush camping experiences in Australia you can have, with communal fire pits, camp kitchens, wood barbecues and ‘alfresco’ toilet blocks where you can shower under a sky full of stars.
If you’re new to outback life (or just not keen on pitching a tent), Bullara’s got you covered with a handful of comfy stays, including two three-bedroom cottages – Cappock Cottage and Hale Hut – or the larger Shearer’s Lodge that sleeps up to 16. Hidden in the wilderness away from the campsite, there are also two glamping Bell Tents and two Safari Huts.
We stayed in the secluded Bower Bird Safari Hut, which you can think of as a more elevated version of camping – both for the fact that it’s raised above the dusty red dirt and is a more premium offering, featuring a small kitchenette, lounge area, air conditioning and toilet with a hot shower. That said, it’s not premium premium, so I still felt like I was toughing it in the outback (well, by Sydney standards).
You can hide away inside, drinking cups of tea under the fairy lights, or snuggle up on one of two comfy beds – there’s a queen and a cute double bed nook that kids will love. My favourite part was soaking in the stellar sunset from our private verandah, complete with a barbecue and fire pit perfect for toasting s’mores. I also loved that we were just a short drive from the main campground, so we could still mingle with other travellers around the communal fire and join the famous Friday burger nights.
What is the food like at Bullara Station Stay?
Even if you’re not staying the night, you should make a pit stop at Bullara for the food alone. Friday burger nights are famous here, with ‘locals’ driving more than an hour for a juicy beef patty cooked over fire on a swinging grill. The team flips hundreds of burgers in a single night, while a conga line of hungry campers builds their stack with coleslaw, cheese, onion, beetroot, pickles and sauce. It’s a BYO chair, plate and beverage situation, and everyone sits under the stars swapping stories and listening to live acoustic tunes.
Bullara’s grass-fed droughtmaster beef is also available to buy at reception from 8.30am daily. But don’t sleep in – queues start forming at 7.30am, and the snags and beef patties disappear fast.
Almost as legendary as Bullara’s burger nights are the scones. Baked fresh each morning at the on-site Woolshed Café, these beauties are big, fluffy and served the proper way: with a slather of strawberry jam and a very generous dollop of cream. Take my word, they live up to the hype. The café also serves barista-made coffee, sausage rolls, pies, chia pudding, a seasonal salad and other homemade baked goods.
If you’re over two-minute noodles and sausage sizzles, we suggest treating yourself to a rustic fine dining experience at The Table. Michelin-trained chefs Toby and Maree Fisher curate seasonal menus that change monthly, offering a set menu of up to three courses every Saturday to Wednesday nights. Expect everything from hearty roast dinners and pit-fired steaks from the station, to the freshest seafood sourced from the Exmouth Guft. Bookings are essential, and if you dine on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday night, you’ll get to enjoy one of Maree’s famous desserts.
What is the service like at Bullara Station Stay?
It’s rare to find hosts as welcoming and passionate as Tim and Edwina Shallcross and their three daughters. After inheriting the cattle station from Tim’s parents, the pair expanded operations, allowing guests to stay and experience outback life.
Chances are you’ll bump into Tim and Edwina during your stay — whether it’s Edwina greeting you at check-in or sharing a yarn with Tim by the fire pit. Their dedicated team is equally passionate about farm life and gave me great tips on what to do in the area.
What’s the area like around Bullara Station Stay?
Bullara is located 1,170 kilometres (a 12-hour drive) north of Perth in Western Australia. It’s a popular stopover spot between Coral Bay (70 kilometres or a 45-minute drive) and Exmouth (90 kilometres or a one-hour drive).
From Bullara, you can take a 90-minute drive north to Cape Range National Park to explore its beautiful beaches and walking trails. Or use Exmouth as a launchpad for exploring the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, including a bucket-list swim with whale sharks.
Due to its remote location, reception is limited on the farm and there’s no WiFi. Enjoy the time offline exploring Bullara's tranquil walking trails, spotting the quirky farm animals and being mesmerised by the cosmic wonders of the clear outback skies.
Why should you book a stay at Bullara Station Stay?
Whether you’re road-tripping with mates, doing a full lap of Australia with the fam or on a retiree getaway with your partner, Bullara Station is a stay for the memory books. It offers an authentic outback experience, where you can observe rural farm life with station animals, fire-fuelled feasts and alfresco showers under the stars. Take our word for it: time your trip with the legendary Friday burger nights.
Address: Burkett Rd, Exmouth Gulf, WA, 6707
Open: April 6 to October 11
Price per night: Campsite from $40, Bell Tent from $180, Safari Hut from $450
Closest transport link: 35-minute drive from Learmonth Airport
Book now: https://www.bullarastation.com.au/
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