Experience the real Coral Coast at one of these stunning Station Stays
WA’s Coral Coast Highway is described as one the world’s greatest road trips.
This 1,250 kilometre stretch of highway between Perth and Exmouth is an unforgettable drive offering rugged, scenic, and authentic outback experiences.
And when you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on this truly unique journey, there’s no better way to experience all that the Coral Coast has to offer than immersing yourself in some Station Stays along the way.
Below you’ll find eight of the best, and head to Australia’s Coral Coast for more road trip inspo:
Nambung Station Stay
Situated on the eastern edge of this national landmark is Nambung Station Stay, a working cattle station that offers a glimpse into life in the Australian bush. This perfectly positioned stay beckons adventurers to settle for an evening (or two) and set themselves up at what is an undeniably unique and immersive vantage point. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options, ranging from cosy cottages to spacious camping grounds, each providing a comfortable retreat before, or after, a day of exploration – be it a short trip west to experience the natural wonders of the Pinnacles Desert or slightly further north-west to visit the snow-white beaches of Cervantes.
Open year round, Nambung Station Stay is an excellent getaway especially if you can time it during WA’s spectacular wildflower season, you’ll experience the landscape come to life in an abundance of colourful flora.
Murchison House Station
Further north and just 12km east of Kalbarri, Murchison House Station is one of the oldest pastoral stations in WA, open from April to October each year. This 350,000-acre, 150-year-old working station boasts a rich family and local history that is set amidst stunning natural surroundings. The station offers two camping options, 2 wheel drivers can camp at the homestead or those with a 4WD can cross the Murchison River to set themselves up in a secluded location and build a campfire under the stars. There are plenty of unique inhabitants on the station including roaming emus, or take the opportunity to get up close and personal with their famous wild goat population.
The best way to experience the station is through one of their guided tours, from homestead walks with morning tea, to quad bike and canoe tours. If you’re venturing out for the day, this stay is situated right at the edge of Kalbarri National Park, it’s only a short drive west into town and just over 30 minutes drive to reach the unmissable Kalbarri Skywalk and Nature’s Window.
Wooleen Station Stay
Slightly further inland you’ll find Wooleen Station nestled in Australia’s Golden Outback at the heart of the dramatic Murchison region. This sprawling cattle station spans over a quarter of a million acres of truly breathtaking landscape and within this vast expanse lies the Wooleen Station Homestead, a grand colonial masterpiece listed by the Australian National Trust. The homestead offers patrons a luxurious and intimate rustic respite all-the-while with the rugged outback right at its doorstep. Here you will be treated to home-style cooking and top shelf Western Australian wines in the opulence of a magnificent formal dining room, after dinner unwind with a game of billiards on the full-size table.
This stay offers a glimpse into the region’s storied past with a multitude of experiences on offer, from colonial and Aboriginal heritage based tourism, to exploring the pristine beauty of Wooleen Lake and its heritage-listed Wetlands tours. Wooleen station is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the unique opportunity to encounter Eulalia and Steven, the station’s resident dingos, on one of the many walking tours offered at Wooleen.
Wooramel River Retreat
120km south of Carnarvon you can experience the charm of Wooramel River Retreat, a working cattle and goat station that is open from March 1-December 1. This retreat is a truly unique outback campground set under majestic 100-year-old gum trees on the banks of the Wooramel River. An absolute must-do is the station’s main attraction, the naturally heated artesian bore baths fed from the Birdrong aquifer. Here you can soak under the clear unpolluted night skies of this picturesque remote location, making for a truly relaxing stay. You’re invited to enjoy a meal at the local cafe, take in the abundant bird and wildlife, gather with friends and family by your private campfire, indulge in a little stargazing, and absorb the friendly local outback atmosphere.
Dirk Hartog Island
Take your journey right off the beaten track and across a short divide of ocean to embark on an adventure at Dirk Hartog Island, nestled within the UNESCO Shark Bay World Heritage Area and open to tourists from March to October. Witness Australia’s last sunset at the westernmost point of the country on top of 600ft high cliffs, explore the island’s many four-wheel-driving adventures, or take to the ocean for some of the world’s best fishing, snorkelling, diving, and marine life including dugongs, turtles, humpback whales and rays.
Indulge with a stay at the eco-luxe Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge or camp at Homestead Bay, with National Park campsites also available for those seeking a closer connection to nature. Delve into the island’s rich colonial history and take in the rare and endangered wildlife of this unforgettable island sanctuary.
Quobba Station
Quobba Station is a working pastoral station situated about 80km north of Carnarvon along the edge of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, where the red desert meets the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean. Guests can indulge in spectacular views, world-class game fishing, thrilling surfing adventures, and mesmerising snorkelling experiences, making sure to keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and majestic Humpback whales (migrating from May to October). The station offers several accommodation options including chalets situated on top of picturesque sand dunes overlooking the ocean and cottages for larger groups.
Warroora Station Stay
Escape to the outback-meets-sea paradise of Warroora Station Stay. Situated along the stunning Ningaloo Reef coastline, Warroora is a family-operated cattle station providing eco-friendly wilderness bush campsites and authentic Station Stay Accommodation. Conveniently located just an hour south of Coral Bay, the station’s unique campground boasts a warm outback ambiance positioned a mere 1500m from the beach.
For those craving a more comfortable stay, there’s a range of alternative accommodations, including the historic Station Homestead, Dudley Hill Ocean View Villa, self-contained Cottage, and Stockmen’s Rooms. With the world-renowned Ningaloo Reef right at your doorstep, it’s the perfect spot to roll out of bed and onto the beach to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, fishing, and self-guided tours.
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Bullara Station
Situated between Coral Bay and Exmouth, Bullara Station Stay offers a true taste of northern rural Australia. Here, amidst the red dirt and rugged landscapes, travellers will find themselves enveloped in an authentic and environmentally sustainable experience unlike any other. From the aroma of freshly baked scones and sausage rolls to the tantalising scent of the sizzling grill during their Friday night burger extravaganzas, Bullara Station Stay embodies the spirit of hospitality and warmth.
Open from April through to mid-October, the accommodation options are as diverse as the landscape itself, with converted shearer’s quarters, spacious campsites, and the allure of glamping tents, affectionately known as safari huts. These safari huts, nestled amidst the wilderness, offer a luxurious escape with the added charm of wood-fired open-air Lava Tree Showers. These Insta-famous amenities let you enjoy a hot-water bask under clear blue or starry night skies – you won’t find a more refreshing rinse along the whole Coral Coast!
Head to Australia’s Coral Coast for more station stay inspiration and to start planning your next Coral Coast adventure.
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