Our family’s focus has always been on environmental sustainability with looking after the land an absolute priority. 

The Martell family ventured to Gilberton in 1869 as teamsters, bringing goods into the gold-fields of Gilberton. They quickly saw the opportunity and opened up a butcher shop. Soon after they bought a pub in partnership with Dixon, that they called the Rising Sun. 

They also took up the crown land and Gilberton Station was established.

Now seven generations later, members of the extended family are still the custodians. They are looking after country – country they love and cherish.

Experience the pastoral history of the French family’s 150 years on Gilberton. Having four generations still on the land working together is a truly amazing adventure.

Due to ongoing drought in the early 2000’s the family decided to diversify into tourism. They were wanting to develop an authentic, luxurious and intimate experience. One that showcases the unique blend of a multi-generational working cattle station and nature reserve.  

We also want to help educate people about life on the land and the paddock to plate concept.

Our aim is to make your stay the opportunity of a lifetime. A holiday where you get to experience life in the outback staying in 5 star luxury. 

All you have to do is choose your outback adventure.  We look after the rest! 

Your exclusive accommodation at Gilberton Outback Retreat

Perched on top of a bluff above the Gilbert River, the retreat is built from local stone and timber. It hosts a pillow-topped king bed and luxurious bathtub with uninterrupted panoramic views. 

Step into this unique piece of Gilberton, and enjoy a welcome platter and bottle of champagne on arrival.  Appreciate the luxurious robes, waffle slippers, bathroom products and little treats scattered throughout. 

The retreat is designed to captivate the beauty of this rugged landscape. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in harmony with nature’s beauty in understated luxury.

The retreat has a fully self-contained kitchen. In it you can enjoy your breakfast hamper, tea, coffee and snacks at any time of the day.

There are no phones, television or internet available allowing you to truly escape, relax and digital detox.

There is plenty to see and do at Gilberton if your heart so desires.

Gilberton Airstrip

Contact: (07) 4062 5329

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Gilberton Outback Retreat Airstrip is located 5 kms from the Retreat, in far North Queensland. The retreat is set on the banks of the Gilbert River. We are the 7th generation of our family to occupy Gilberton Station.

Gilberton Outback Retreat is a small family run business, welcoming guests to experience the outback way of life on an 88,000 acre 7th generation family working cattle station. 

Rob and Lyn French are the current landholders and your hosts.  We take time to understand our guests and love to tailor your stay to meet your needs. 

We take the approach that you will ‘come as a guest and leave as a friend’. 

Special Procedures and Comments: CTAF
Slope: slight downhill slope to North
300′ tower on Eastern side of strip
Airstrip is used by RFDS

Click here to learn more about Gilberton Outback Retreat

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The post Accommodation in Barcaldine appeared first on Country Airstrips Australia.

Barcaldine in Queensland has an interesting and famous history.  The name Barcaldine originates from the Oban region in Scotland and is pronounced bar-call-din.

Beginnings of the Australia Labour Party

Barcaldine is a hugely important and symbolic destination for visitors and travellers. If you are interested in the history of working people in Australia, you will find this fascinating. It was here in 1891 that shearers, confronted with lower pay, went on strike, joined together in a camp. They held meetings under “The Tree of Knowledge” – all played an important role in the formation of the Australian Labor Party.

Today the town celebrates its historic radicalism with:

• a Workers Heritage Centre,
• a Heritage Listed Shearers’ Strike Camp Site and
• a beautifully re-created ‘Tree of Knowledge’.

The History of the Tree of Knowledge

The Tree grew outside the Railway Station for about 180 years until 2006. It was when sadly, it was poisoned by an unknown culprit. The famous tree has been preserved and placed under an award winning structure. The structure gives the illusion of a canopy over the Tree. The best view of the Tree and the memorial is at night when it is beautifully lit by special lighting. A visit at night will be a highlight of your trip.

The town is central to the 53,677 square kilometres Barcaldine Regional Council. The Council includes the towns of Alpha, Jericho, Aramac, and Muttaburra.

Barcaldine is a great place to spend a few days experiencing, exploring and relaxing. Its rich history is on full display at the Barcaldine and District Historical Museum and the Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre.  The main street reflects the love of arts and culture by community members with murals, musical instruments, beautiful gardens and the windmill.

Take a stroll along Lagoon Creek or the Botanical Walk and be mesmerised by the native fauna and flora.

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Sweers Island QLD has miles of golden beaches, blue waters, a wealth of history, and a huge variety of bird life. Although it is a fisherman’s paradise, it offers enjoyment for the whole family.

Sweers is located in Australia’s southern Gulf of Carpentaria approximately 30 km off the coast, directly north of Burketown. The island is surrounded by acres of rock reef, with some coral, much of which has never seen a fishing line. You can fly-fish off the beach or troll from the boat. We cater for keen fishing groups and families.

Special Procedures and Comments: CTAF 126.7

About the Island

Sweers is famous for fishing, but also offers enjoyment for the whole family, with miles of golden beaches, forests, mangroves and rocky cliffs to explore, which provide homes to a myriad of wildlife including Dolphins, Turtles, Dugongs and over one hundred bird species.

You can also become immersed in the rich history of the island and walk in the footsteps of the traditional owners, the Kaiadilt people, as well as Matthew Flinders, John Lort Stokes and William Landsborough. From relaxation to action-packed fishing adventures, you are sure to enjoy your time here at Sweers Island Resort.

240 volt power is available for shavers, phone chargers etc. Mobile phone reception (Telstra only) is available at the bar, however it is intermittent, being most reliable at night. There is a Filleting Table facility located on the beach for processing and freezing your catch. As well as fishing, there are sandy beaches and bush tracks to explore. Birdlife and marine life are plentiful and the island has a wealth of history. 

Accommodation at Sweers Island QLD

Accommodation ranges from 2-bed cabins to 6-bed family rooms, all within easy walking distance of the dining and bar area. The amenities block with bathrooms and laundry facilities is located behind the cabins.

In 2017 we constructed new shower facilities. These individual-style units house a shower, toilet and washbasin, are fully tiled and connected to both solar and gas-backup hot water, with a pressure pump to ensure there is always plenty of pressure for a good hot shower at the end of the day! 

Dining at Sweers

The open-air dining and bar facility is comfortable, friendly and looks across Investigator Roads towards Bentinck Island. Please feel free to help yourself to tea and coffee in the dining area at any time.

A cooked breakfast, buffet lunch, and three-course dinner are provided; and lunches can be packed for those who wish to stay out fishing. Please let us know if you have any allergies or specific food requirements when you make your booking.

The lodge has a licensed bar with a good range of beers, spirits, and wines available.

Address: PMB 1 KARUMBA, QLD   
Phone: 07 4748 5544

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Charlotte Plains QLD is an authentic working sheep and cattle station (half the size of Singapore!) 54 km east of Cunnamulla in south-west Queensland.

By offering you a camping site on a working station, they hope to bridge the gap between the country and the city folk and let you have a glimpse of life in the bush. 

Accommodation at Charlotte Plains

Charlotte Plains has rooms and campsites available to choose from.

Rooms – Double, Single and Group

Stay in our basic shearers accommodation located an easy 8.5km drive from the hot artesian baths. Explore the surrounds of the sheep yards and wool shed. It can be a bit more lively here if stock work is going on.

Campsites

Traveling and camping is all about experiences. Not only do you have a great camp site, where you may have your own campfire, but the beautiful Artesian Bore is there for you to enjoy, and wonder about all the free flowing mineral water from deep below the earth’s surface. It’s a real attraction.

At the Bore Site it is very peaceful as there is plenty of space so you are not all cramped together. Remember no power, only drop loos and the beautiful clear water. We also have powered sites and accommodation further away near the wool shed.

This property has been in the family over 90 years, so the owners are passionate about the history. They do tours of the Wool Shed, the Home of Memorabilia – Museum, and the old station cemetery.

Address: 1993 Charlotte Plains Road, Cunnamulla QLD
Phone:  0746 554 923

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Looking for accommodation in the Northern Peninsula?

Located just 40km south of the tip of Cape York Peninsula is the island community of Seisia, the most northern community on mainland Australia. Seisia Holiday Park is the ideal spot to relax after your overland journey through the Cape. It’s also a great place to base yourself for exploring the Tip of Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands

The park is situated on beachfront, and has stunning views of Red Island to the west and the Torres Strait Islands to the northwest. With a well stocked supermarket, service station, meat works and mechanic all within walking distance, this is the perfect place to restock supplies or carry out repairs.The Seisia jetty is right next door, and is where you board the ferry to Thursday Island. It also boast the best jetty fishing in Australia.

Whether you crave:

• 4WD adventure,
• the serenity and beauty of the natural environment,
• exciting fishing experiences,
• an understanding of local history and culture or
  appreciation of the colourful and diverse wild life,

Seisia Holiday Park is the ideal base for your journey into paradise.

Seisia Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation and camping options. Visit the kiosk for a range of dine-in and take-away meals as well as ice creams, soft drinks and snacks. The “Seisia Kiosk” is open for dinner during the dry season, and offers affordable family meals and a venue for special occasions.

Address: Koraba Road, Seisia Queensland
Phone: (07) 4203 0992

Cape York Peninsula Lodge

Accommodation in the Northern Peninsula doesn’t get much better than the Cape York Peninsula Lodge.

Situated in the township of Bamaga, the Lodge offers a range of short or long-term accommodation options to suit you, all set among lush tropical gardens complete with an a la carte restaurant and outdoor pool. Our fully equipped property is the perfect base for exploring the wonders and culture of the northern most point of Australia.

Room Facilities

Each of our rooms is designed to ensure you have a relaxing and comfortable stay, and include the following facilities and services.

• Daily housekeeping
• Quality bathroom amenities
• Air conditioning
• Bar fridge
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Outdoor setting

We have a variety of affordable accommodation to suit everyone, from couples to families with young kids. Each room features a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, bar fridge and more (excludes cabins). So, when considering accommodation in the Northern Peninsula contact us and make your booking.

Address: Lui St & Adidi St, Bamaga QLD
Phone: (07) 4069 3050

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Northern Peninsula Airport in QLD is an airport serving Bamaga, a town near the northern tip of the Cape York Peninsula. It is located 5 nautical miles southeast of Injinoo.

The airstrip is also used for local charters from Weipa, Horn Island and the Torres Strait as well as by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and periodically by the Royal Australian Air Force.

Special Procedures and Comments: CTAF. 126.5
NOTE: Limited Mobile phone coverage.
No alchohol
Bird Hazards

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Agnes Water Airstrip in Queensland is a small airstrip that services the community and the nearby resort.

Special Procedures and Comments: CTAF 126.7
Trees and high terrain at both ends of strip.
Animal hazards.

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