Bullo River Station is in the northwestern portion of the Northern Territory near the Western Australian border. The location is in the same region where many of the beautiful outback scenes from the recent "Australia" movie were filmed.
Bullo River Station has been in the Henderson family since the late 50s when Charles Henderson purchased the undeveloped cattle property. Today, Bullo River Station is a half million acre station and is operated by Marlee Henderson and Franz Ranacher. Bullo River Station was made famous by top selling Australian author Sara Henderson (mother of Marlee) with stories of station life in the outback.
The Bullo River meanders for over 50 miles through a spectacular valley on the property. The river goes from the lush fresh water Bullo Gorge to the mighty saltwater Victoria River. The name "Bullo" means butterfly in local Aboriginal and there are many along the river.
Bullo River Station contains rugged hills inscribed with Aboriginal rock art, along with a stunning variety of local fauna species including wallabies, dingoes, wild buffalo, a myriad of native and migratory birds, fish and the omnipresent crocodile. The property has abundant bird life and native fauna because of the natural permanent waters, and some of the best barramundi fishing.
Bullo River Station is managed as a commercial cattle property running 8,000 head of Brahman cross cattle for the export cattle trade. Horses and helicopters are used to muster and handle the stock on a seasonal basis. A helicopter is based full time on Bullo River Station and is highly recommended as the best way to take in this huge expanse.
You will be treated to renowned Top End hospitality by Marlee and Franz and you will feel like family friends rather than tourists. Bullo River Station offers the opportunity to experience cattle station life on a unique and very remote part of Australia.
Insider's Guide:
A guest area consists of twelve rooms each with air-conditioning and en suite bathroom facilities. The simple yet comfortable rooms are located a short distance from the main house. All rooms have sliding door access to the lawns surrounding the homestead. Guests are welcome to enjoy full access to the vast living areas of the homestead plus use of the swimming pool.
Breakfasts are usually served outside on the homestead verandah with dinners in the main dining room. Dinners are informal and the menu relies heavily on the two exceptional products of the property, namely fresh barramundi (hopefully one you have caught yourself) and organic prime beef. Typically guests eat with the station hosts at a table filled with a seemingly endless amount of nicely prepared food.
If you are looking for adventure, you may choose to go fishing, boat cruising in the myriad of rivers, or take advantage of the magnificent photographic opportunities in some of the best scenery in the Northern Territory. Wildlife spotting includes the opportunity to go searching for huge saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, wallaby, bird watching and much more.
The friendly Bullo team will arrange all your activities tailor-made each day to suit your wishes. They will accompany you on river cruises up the spectacular Bullo River Gorge to fish or spot crocodiles, help you interpret local aboriginal rock art, or introduce you to the hundreds of bird species that call Bullo home. You might also like to try cattle mustering or horse riding.
For those keen on fishing, there are great opportunities for river and coastal fishing, with unique chances to access untouched local areas by boat or helicopter.
Cattle Mustering
Cattle Mustering is seasonal, between the winter months of May to October and guests are welcome to watch or participate with the handling of cattle. This is a great way to experience first-hand what it is really like to muster cattle.
Bull Catching
Bull Catching or, more accurately, bulldozing, is a relatively simple and effective method of catching wild bulls with the aid of literally knocking them off their feet with the front end of a specially fitted vehicle. Few are injured and Marlee points out that “This may look rough, but you have got to remember that the Toyota does not weigh much more than the bulls…it is a pretty even contest!”
Horse Riding
Apart from the station stock horses that are the backbone of the Bullo cattle operation, there are horses available for guests to ride.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing in northern Australia can be found at Bullo. The Bullo River flows for 50 miles exclusively on the property providing the opportunity for fresh and tidal salt water fishing (where the Bullo River meets the Victoria River). While Bullo is famous for excellent Barramundi fishing there are also other species including Thread Fin Salmon, Jew Fish, Mangrove Jack and Black Bream.
Bullo River has two boats used for fishing. Barramundi, occasionally topping 50 pounds, are found here and the prospect and success of catching these fish bring back enthusiasts year after year. Fishing by helicopter is an option at Bullo River and although it is an extra cost, it provides ready access to some of the more remote locations.
Helicopter Tours
A helicopter is based at the property for scenic flights offering awesome photographic opportunities, for fishing expeditions or to whisk you off to secret waterfalls and swimming holes otherwise inaccessible by land. The Cascades is a tremendously beautiful cascading set of waterfalls in a remote location that many people consider to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Australia. Spending an afternoon at the Cascades is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Cultural Tours
Visit Aboriginal rock art sites and discover more about this ancient culture. Gain an insight into the significance of their culture through their art and the history of the Aboriginal people in this part of Australia.
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