Warrock Homestead, Vic, established in 1843
Explore 10 of Australia’s oldest station stays, offering caravan-friendly camping, heritage buildings and immersive outback experiences across the country.
Australia has a rich and diverse pastoral history, and visiting a working station is one of the best ways to experience it firsthand.
As someone who grew up on an outback NSW fruit farm during the Millennium Drought, surrounded by other properties managing everything from cotton and jojoba through to sheep and cattle, I have a strong appreciation for the hard work, dedication, wonders and heartbreak of the farming lifestyle — and how these properties (both working and long-gone) have shaped this big, beautiful country of ours.
For those of you not fortunate enough to have had stations basically in your backyard, adding one (or more) to your next road trip is a must. So to help you on your way, we’ve rounded up 10 of the oldest and most rewarding station stays across Australia, all offering caravan-friendly camping. And these aren’t just the usual hotspot stations you see everywhere — we focused on properties running for at least 100 years so you can truly experience a piece of living Australian history.
In part one, we visit the first five historic stations, spanning Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. Each offers its own story, heritage buildings and immersive outback experiences — from riverside campsites to working sheep and cattle operations, giving you a taste of life on Australia’s iconic stations.
1. Wooramel River Retreat, WA
Approximately 120km south of Carnarvonon Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Wooramel Station is a fantastic place to experience life on a working outback property — with the added bonus of a relaxing soak in natural artesian waters.
Open from 1 March to 1 December every year, the 356,000-acre cattle, sheep and goat station is just a quick 2km detour off the North West Coastal Highway, but it feels a world away once you arrive.
History
Wooramel’s pastoral lease dates back to the early 1800s, but the station really kicked into gear in the 1920s when the Hall family purchased the property and began drilling for artesian water. Tapping into underground reserves transformed the station, opening up country that had previously been difficult to graze.
In 1987 the Steadman family took over the lease, moving from Dalgety Downs near Gascoyne Junction. Since then, Rachael and Justin Steadman have worked to diversify and regenerate the property, with tourism becoming another important part of station life — inviting visitors to experience the landscape and history of this remote corner of WA.
Camping
Wooramel is a triple threat when it comes to station-stay appeal, blending classic outback atmosphere with riverside camping and a coastal edge. The 1430sq km property stretches all the way to the Indian Ocean, with 60km of coastline bordering the Shark Bay World Heritage area.
The Wooramel River is known as an ‘upside-down river’, typically dry on the surface and only flowing for a few weeks each year after inland rain. Even when dry, its floodplains and towering gum trees create a peaceful setting to set up camp.
The campground is nestled among those river gums, with spacious unpowered sites suitable for caravans and camper trailers. There are private fire pits (with firewood available to purchase), plus toilets, hot showers, Telstra reception and potable water, but you will need to bring your own drinking water.
An added bonus is the Upside Down Cafe near the homestead, which doubles as a cafe with coffee and meals and as a bar — it’s a great place to sit, relax and have a chat with other travellers.
Activities
Hands down, the station’s biggest highlight is its artesian bore baths. Water from the Birdrong Aquifer rises naturally from about 240m underground and flows into open soaking pools at around 33°C — perfect after a day of exploring.
There’s plenty to see around the property too. A 5km walking trail follows the riverbank through the gums, while birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species found across the Gascoyne region.
If you’ve got a 4WD, the 70km self-drive station tour is well worth the trip. The track passes the station’s century-old shearing shed, heads toward the river mouth on the coast and loops back through windmill country before returning to the homestead.
For travellers seeking wide-open spaces, outback hospitality and a memorable station stay, Wooramel River Retreat delivers in spades.
More information
Wooramel River Retreat
Wooramel Station
Carnarvon 6701 WA
P: 0499 425 888
E: info@wooramel.com.au
2. Warrock Homestead, Vic
Just 20 minutes north of Casterton in Victoria’s Glenelg Shire, Warrock Homestead is a living slice of 19th-century pastoral history — and widely considered the birthplace of the Australian kelpie. Steeped in heritage, this working station gives travellers a rare chance to camp among a complex of Gothic-style heritage buildings while exploring one of Victoria’s most unique Western District properties.
Bird’s eye view over Warrock Homestead, Vic (Image: Warrock Homestead)
History
Warrock Homestead was established in 1843 by Scottish cabinet maker George Robertson, who arrived in Victoria via Tasmania with timber from Van Diemen’s Land in tow, ready to build a station of his own. Drawing on self-taught knowledge in agriculture, architecture and horticulture — plus experience at his cousin’s Wando Vale property — Robertson set about creating more than just a homestead on the 11,696-acre sheep and cattle station.
From a one-room hut (now part of the homestead), he gradually built a self-sufficient village of 57 timber buildings, including workers’ quarters, stables, a woolshed, dairy, dog kennels and even a glasshouse for his formal gardens. Rainwater was stored underground in 15 brick-lined tanks, and ornamental touches like a wooden sundial and carefully planned gardens reflected Robertson’s vision of a practical yet elegant station.
After George and his wife Mary passed, the property remained in the Robertson-Patterson-Flanders family for five generations until 1992, when it was taken over by the Larkins. In 2016, the Farquharson family — a local farming family — purchased Warrock and have been restoring its buildings and gardens, reopening the site to the public while preserving its extraordinary heritage. Along the way, Warrock became famous as the birthplace of the Australian kelpie, bred from Scottish collie stock brought by Robertson — a legacy that lives on today.
Warrock Homestead is the birthplace of the Australian kelpie (Images: Warrock Homestead)
Camping
Warrock offers self-contained camping suitable for caravans and camper trailers, letting visitors fully immerse themselves in the pastoral setting. The unpowered sites are simple but spacious, with grass and some shade available. Bring everything you need, and remember the site is volunteer-run — leave it as you found it.
Camping is capped at three nights, with a small nightly fee that goes towards restoring the buildings. Entry to the historic homestead complex is separate.
Activities
Unlike some other station stays we’ll feature in this series, Warrock’s appeal isn’t about experiencing the working side of the station — it’s about stepping back in time into a beautifully restored one-of-a-kind 1800s property.
There is an entry fee to access the homestead complex (groups by appointment; cash only), but once inside, wander the shearing sheds, stables, blacksmith shop and other heritage buildings while imagining 19th-century station life. History buffs will love the Gothic-style architecture, surviving gardens and the stories of George and Mary Robertson — whose ghosts are said to linger around the homestead.
Explore the complex of beautiful timber heritage buildings
The surrounding landscape of gently rolling hills and wide-open paddocks provides a perfect backdrop for a peaceful camp under the stars. Every dollar spent helps support the ongoing restoration of this remarkable piece of Victoria’s pastoral history.
More information
Warrock Homestead
826 Warrock Road
Warrock Vic 3312
Open: Thurs–Sun, 10am–4pm
P: 0491 979 347
E: info@warrockhomestead.com.au
3. Bindara Station, NSW
Just an hour from Menindee, Bindara Station is a historic outback stay where visitors can experience station life on the Darling River. Originally part of the vast Netley Station, established in 1849, Bindara has roots stretching back to the earliest pastoral settlement in the region. Today it’s a smaller, more intimate property, perfect for exploring river flats, spotting wildlife and getting a taste of station life. It’s roughly a three-hour drive from Broken Hill or Mildura, making it an ideal stop for travellers exploring far-west NSW.
History
Netley Station was first settled by the Rankin family in 1849, though harsh conditions forced them to abandon it after a few years. By the 1850s, river trade on the Darling was growing, with paddle steamers proving the river’s navigability and attracting more settlers. Explorer John McKinlay took up runs in the area, including the property that would become Bindara, and sold it to Joseph Dunne in 1857.
Dunne expanded the station over the next decade, building Bindara’s red-brick homestead around 1870 with locally fired bricks and materials brought up the river. At its peak, Netley covered almost a million acres, running more than 100,000 sheep, hundreds of cattle and horses, and supporting fruit and vegetable gardens to feed its 200-strong workforce. Paddle steamers regularly called in, connecting the station to the wider Murray-Darling trade network. Burke and Wills camped here in 1860 as they prepared for their journey north.
Through the 20th century, the property was divided, and the riverfront section containing the homestead was renamed Bindara when the Packer family acquired it in 1936. The current owners purchased it in 1981 and have restored the homestead, outbuildings and gardens while keeping it a working station with goats, a bio-organic garden and off-grid solar and wind power.
Camping
Bindara offers a mix of options for staying on the river. A limited number of caravan-friendly campsites are available along the Darling, with toilets, showers and fire pits (bring your own firewood and drinking water).
For those looking for simple indoor accommodation, there’s the Boundary Riders Cottage with double rooms and kitchen facilities, or the Jillaroo Units, ideal for families, featuring ensuites and basic tea-making facilities. It’s not five-star luxury — the draw is the authentic outback experience, with great chats around the fire and a warm welcome from your hosts.
Activities
Bindara Station offers a mix of river, bush and history to explore. Highlights include:
Enjoy the river: fishing (including Murray cod and golden perch [yellowbelly]), yabbying, canoeing and paddling
Spot wildlife: kangaroos, emus, echidnas and a variety of birds along 8km of riverfront trails
See wildflowers: visit in spring or after rain for colourful displays of native flowers and grasses
Explore history: the historic 1870s homestead, outbuildings and old station cemetery with headstones from 1877
Visit nearby parks: UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park and Kinchega National Park are within easy reach for cultural tours, bushwalking and more wildlife spotting
Whether you’re into wildlife, history or outback adventure, there’s plenty to do at Bindara while taking in the peaceful Darling River setting.
More information
Bindara Station
9150 Old Pooncarie Road, Via Pooncarie
Menindee NSW 2648
P: 08 8091 7412 / 0429 917 412
E: bindarastation@bigpond.com
4. Moolooloo Station, SA
Deep in the Flinders Ranges, Moolooloo Station is a rare outback experience where history, culture and nature come together. First stocked with Merino sheep in 1851, the property is now owned by Reece and Tarina Warren, farmers from the Yorke Peninsula, who also run Moorillah Station. While continuing the tradition of producing Merino sheep and wool, they’ve also opened up this remote slice of South Australia for travellers seeking exclusive, private camping in spectacular surroundings.
Explore Moolooloo Station in the Flinders Ranges — established in 1851 and still running merino sheep (Image: Moolooloo Station)
History
Moolooloo carries layers of history for both settlers and the local Adnyamathanha people. The name ‘Moolooloo’ means ‘slippery, rocky slopes’, a nod to the shale covering many of the hills, while ancient rock carvings and paintings are scattered across the property, including near Orantunga Creek. From 2026, visitors can join cultural tours with local Adnyamathanha woman Rohanna Coulthard, learning about bush tucker, medicine plants, spiritual sites and hidden rock art through Yura Artu Tours.
Originally part of the vast Orantunga run, Moolooloo was established in 1851 by John McKinley and his brother. They built a stone hut at Howannigan (Hannigan’s Gap), the original homestead site, which was later relocated after fire destroyed the early buildings in the late 1850s.
In 1853 the run was sold to James and John Chambers, who engaged explorer John McDouall Stuart to survey the land. Stuart prepared here for his 1861 expedition — the first successful European south-to-north crossing of Australia, paving the way for the Overland Telegraph. Copper discoveries in 1857 led to the establishment of the nearby Oratunga and Nuccaleena mines. The well-preserved ruins of Nuccaleena Mine remain a highlight for visitors today.
Nuccaleena Copper Mine (Image: Greg Deutscher)
Over the following decades, the station passed through several families. The Rounsevells fenced and subdivided the property by 1878 and are believed to have built the original stone homestead, shearers’ quarters and woolshed (all still standing). By 1902, under the Lindo family, it had reduced to its current size of 60,000 hectares. The Sinclair family (1922–1962) built the present homestead, followed by four generations of the Slade family, who expanded into eco-tourism before the Warrens took over in 2021.
Camping
Moolooloo offers a range of stunning campsites, from secluded bush sites to creekside settings suited to caravanning setups ready for some time off the beaten track. Some sites are 4WD-access only, so it’s worth checking ahead.
All camps are unpowered with limited or no facilities, so you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient. The upside? Each site is booked to one group at a time, ensuring a peaceful, uninterrupted stay.
Options include Third Water, Willigon Green and Witchies — each with eco-toilets and privacy shelters — as well as more remote 4WD bush camps set in spectacular Flinders Ranges surroundings. If you’re unsure which site suits your setup, the station team is happy to help.
Moolooloo Station in South Australia’s stunning Flinders Ranges (Image: Damian Wyer Landscape Photography)
Activities
Explore Moolooloo at your own pace with maps and guidance from the station team. Highlights include:
Ferguson Gorge: a 1.5km walk through stunning scenery where, if you’re lucky, you might spot yellow-footed rock wallabies
The historic Nuccaleena Mine ruins
Knob Hill and Sunset Boulevard lookouts
Scenic drives across the station
High-clearance 4WD is required for some tracks, and dogs are welcome — just be responsible and don’t let them wander.
Every visit helps support this beautiful and historic station, so leave your camp as you found it and respect the land and station rules.
Nuccaleena Mine stack (Image: Moolooloo Station)
Ferguson Gorge (Image: Damian Wyer Landscape Photography)
More information
Moolooloo Station
636 Moolooloo Road, Moolooloo SA 5730
P: 0417 828 722
E: moolooloo@moolooloo.com.au
5. Holowiliena Station, SA
Set on the eastern edge of Flinders Ranges, 50km from Cradock, Holowiliena Station offers an authentic outback experience steeped in heritage. This working Merino sheep station has remained in the same family since 1852, and today visitors can camp or stay in historic buildings while taking in the wide-open landscapes of South Australia.
After excellent rainfall, the Flinders Ranges will be looking amazing this year, and the Holowiliena team let us know the creeks are already flowing in their part of the outback!
Pine and pug settlers cottage at Holowiliena Station (Image: Holowiliena Station)
History
Holowiliena was established by Scottish immigrants William and Jennett Warwick, who arrived in South Australia in 1839. After working at Canowie Station in the mid-north, William ventured north with his growing family in 1852 and secured land under an Annual Occupational Licence. By 1855, with 12 children, the Warwicks had built the homestead that remains the heart of the property today.
Over time, the family added outbuildings crafted from local stone, timber and lime, many of which have been preserved or restored using traditional materials and methods — including burning limestone in the original station kiln. Historic diaries, tools, books and equipment dating back to 1864 offer a fascinating window into life on a Flinders pastoral lease over the past 170 years.
Remarkably, Holowiliena is the only South Australian pastoral lease still held by descendants of the original lessees. Today, multiple generations of the Warwick family, including Frances (née Warwick) and Luke Frahn, manage both the wool enterprise and the tourism side of the station, keeping its traditions and heritage alive.
Holowiliena Station cellar preserves (Image: Holowiliena Station)
Old station store (Image: Holowiliena Station)
Camping
Holowiliena is open to campers in the cooler months, generally from April to October, with limited sites — so bookings are essential. Access is via a 50km dirt road from Cradock, usually suitable for 2WD in good conditions.
Campsites are simple, private and unpowered, designed for self-sufficient caravans and camping setups. There are no facilities available, but there is a fire pit at every camp and dogs are welcome with responsible care. And, of course, stunning views are guaranteed.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in station life, then there’s the historic Shearers Quarters for a self-contained farmstay experience (great for groups), while the Cottage provides singles or couples a cozy bed-and-breakfast style option. Both retain rustic charm while offering kitchens and bathrooms.
Activities
A stay at Holowiliena is about slowing down, stepping into station life and exploring landscapes and buildings true to their heritage. Enjoy long walks, spotting birds and other wildlife, campfires, star-filled skies and time unplugged to truly enjoy the beauty of the Flinders Ranges.
The fully guided Holowiliena Station History Tour is a standout experience, led by a station family member who shares the property’s stories, introduces visitors to the heritage buildings and brings the past vividly to life. The tour availability is dependent on farm work, so always call ahead before booking.
You might luck out and see the Outback Blacksmith at work! (Image: Holowiliena Station)
If you like getting some dirt under your tyres, there are two self-drive station tracks to explore. Neither are hardcore four-wheel driving experiences, but you will need a 4WD with good clearance to drive them safely.
Wilpena Pound, the Flinders Ranges’ famous natural amphitheatre, is also only a two-hour drive away, making for an easy daytrip.
With next to no mobile coverage and only limited wi-fi at the homestead, Holowiliena provides the perfect chance to disconnect, experience history and enjoy the slow rhythm of the outback.
More information
Holowiliena Station
Holowiliena Station, via Cradock
Flinders Ranges SA 5432
P: 08 8648 4868
E: holowiliena@gmail.com
Keep the station-stay adventure going
That’s the first five in our historic station-stay wrap-up — but there’s more to come. In part two, we’ll round out the list with five more unforgettable stays dating back to the late 1800s across WA, Queensland, NSW and the NT, each offering its own unique take on outback life.
THE NEXT STEP
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