WHEN -

Open from 1st May to 31st October - "The Dry" and the "Build Up". Good things happening throughout this period. So it depends on whether you prefer sunsets, storms, what types of birds you are interested in, wild flowers etc. Weather wise June to August is generally the most pleasant. Best to avoid the humidity.

Click here to help you decide.

14th February to 30th  April it is a Barramundi Fishing Lodge

1st November to 13th February - the lodge is closed due to the weather

Kakadu's Aboriginal owners recognise 6 distinct seasons

STAY -

Bamurru Plains - Wild Bush Luxury

10 Safari style  (rustic chic) bungalows with mesh on 3 sides so you really feel a part of your environment.

The Kingfisher Suite is the largest and will give you plenty of room for a romantic candle lit dinner. 

The showers have full floor to ceiling views of the floodplain and the forest. 

Only 3 of the rooms have air conditioning which carries a $100 surcharge.

ABOUT -

Inspired by the Luxury Game Camps in Africa it is located on the Mary River Floodplain not far from the coast and just west of Kakadu National Park. 

It is a 303 square kilometre working buffalo station called Swim Creek Station. The British introduced the buffalos from Indonesia in the 1820's. They now get exported back to Asia.

It is a 3 hour drive from Darwin or a 30 min spectacular charter flight. 

Spectacular sunsets and storms lead to a night sky lit by millions stars of unhindered by any other light.

It is one of the world's most beautiful wilderness area with a vast diversity of animals and birds. It is often likened to the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

ADD ONS -

Spend a few days in Darwin either side of Bamurru Plains. Have a look at Litchfield National Park, sunset cruise in Darwin Harbour, check out the famous street markets. Take a helicopter flight to a private beach for a romantic dinner. Maybe head down to Katherine and Mataranka.

ROMANCE -

From your bed you can see, hear and almost touch the wildlife - you can see out but they can't see in

No television, cell reception, wifi

A romantic lunch in The Hide six metres above the ground in the tree canopy. Get dropped off with a gourmet picnic hamper and selection of premium wines. You will also get a Bird Watching book some binoculars and a two way radio. After lunch you can enjoy a "siesta".

SUNRISES & SUNSETS -

Sundowners in the bush with canapés, a cool towel and a cold drink.

Sit under the gazebo with canapés and a cold drink watching the animals doing their thing in the fading golden light.

BUDGET -

It's certainly not cheap at between $1,200 to $1,700 per person per night with a minimum of two nights. But it does include everything including gourmet meals and safaris. 

Compared to a luxury safari in Africa it's quite reasonable.

If you stay 3 nights there is a 25 % discount. 

You can book a stay at a cheaper rate that includes food and drink but no safaris. Ask about the Floodplain Chillout Package. You can still go on a safari and pay onsite.

HIGHLIGHTS -

View wildlife meters away while you're in the horizon pool - you can even pat some of them - outdoor deck by the pool

Skimming over the floodplain in an airboat

Off roading on the Quadbikes

RELAXING -

In the pool / on the terrace

VIEWS -

Looking out on to the flood plains

FOOD -

5***** gourmet 3 course dinners in the main pavilion - bush inspired menu featuring dishes like - Kangaroo Skewers, Crispy Barramundi with Finger Limes and Quandong (Wild Peach) Ice Cream. 

Dinner is hosted on the long table by one of your guides.

All meals feature native ingredients. Breakfast can be cooked or freshly baked muffins with wild berries and wattle seed or Bircher Muesli with bush apple , Manuka honey and yoghurt.

Lunch is generally served on the wildlife observation deck where you can watch the wildlife while enjoying a warm salad perhaps.

Daytime snacks are available too

DRINKS -

There is an open bar in the main pavilion. help yourself to Beer, Wines and Spirits. High quality wines and spirits are available for purchase.

SIGHTS -

The migration of 100,00 magpie geese

One of the largest crocodile populations in the world

Brumbies / Buffalo / Dingos / Wallabies

236 species of birds - it is a birdwatchers paradise

ACTIVITIES -

Airboat Safaris - Skim across the flood plains on an airboat - especially good when the Water Lilies are in bloom

Open top Game drives - through the savannah

River cruises / Guided walks / Quad bike tours

Kakadu day tour by light plane

Helicopter scenic flights - extra cost

Astronomy evenings

TIPS -

Children under 8 not allowed

CHEAPER OPTIONS -

There are cheaper lodges and retreats you could stay at in Kakadu National Park. You would need to rent a 4 WD in Darwin and drive it around. It would still be fantastic but a completely different experience to Bamurru Plains.

Another option is hiring a Corrobboree Houseboat. Plenty of privacy.

VISAS -

40 different countries are able to get e-visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations on line. Check with your local Embassy to see what you need to do

TRANSPORT -

Fly in and out of Darwin International Airport (DRW). You will need to connect via another Australian city, Singapore or Bali. All of them would make a good stop over on the way. Have a look in the Countries section.

Check here for flights.

From here you can take a road transfer or air charter. The flight goes over some of the most spectacular wetlands in the world.

The road takes 3 hours and the plane 30 mins.

If you take your own vehicle you will have to leave it at the gate of the property and be transported 20 mins to the lodge.