As a confirmed city person, I always thought that romantic ambience was relegated to sleek skyscraper hotels of minimalist stainless steel and glass, candlelit dinner served by a celebrity chef or a black-tie opening night. Imagine my surprise at finding the dreamiest destinations for love in the Outback.
Hot encounters off the beaten track
As a confirmed city person, I always thought that romantic ambience was relegated to sleek skyscraper hotels of minimalist stainless steel and glass, candlelit dinner served by a celebrity chef or a black-tie opening night. Imagine my surprise at finding the dreamiest destinations for love in the Outback.
Hollywood fairytales at home
In Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia, the romance between Nicole Kidman's character, Lady Sarah Ashley, and Hugh Jackman's, known only as "the Drover", takes place about as far from a deluxe suite at Claridges as one can get. The two are forced to steer 2000 head of cattle across some of the country's harshest landscape, and manage a passionate plotline against the odds. So in the spirit of the film, let's have a look at some of the most amazing spots where you can experience a bit of Outback spark and sizzle.
Bullo River Romance
Start out in the north-western corner of the NT, near the Western Australia border, at achingly beautiful Bullo River Station. A half million acres of bush, pastures and hills surround the remote working station, which is bordered by the Bullo and Victoria Rivers. The ranch doesn't boast private butlers or a liveried concierge, but rather an incomparably warm ambience conveyed by station owners Marlee and Franz Ranacher.
There are any number of outback activities on offer at Bullo, from cattle mustering on horseback to competing with the crocs for a fresh barramundi in the muddy waters. But to set off the Hollywood bells and whistles, ask Franz to arrange a night for two at the Cascades. There are not many places in the world as breathtaking as this cliff-side convergence of waterfalls and freshwater pools, and the fact that they can only be accessed by Franz's personal chopper ensure unrivalled intimacy. After he drops you off with a swag, a picnic and a bottle of champagne, you're sure to experience the amorous outback like never before. This date will set the benchmark, so be forewarned: you will never be able to top an evening in the Cascades for wow-factor!
You won't miss the outside world for a second at Bullo River Station, but if you are too "plugged in" to consider seclusion sexy, never fear; Bullo has wireless.
Romance on the Rock
If you really can't leave the amenities of a five-star property and "go bush" at Bullo (bush with free-flowing bubbles and an expert in-house chef, that is), consider Longitude 131 in the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With only 15 rooms and a "no children under 12" policy, the stage is set for va-va-voom with views of Australia's most iconic natural landscape.
Explore Uluru by camel, chopper and Harley (oh, my!), and take in the natural wonder of sunrise and sunset. In between explorations, make use of the hotel's facilities for romps of a different nature. Ayer's Rock 'n' romance makes for an incredible break from big-city bustle.
"Suite as" safari
Air-conditioning subject to availability. No CD players. And definitely no plasmas. Instead, ludicrously comfortable beds. A wake-up call arranged by blue-winged kookaburras. And some of the country's top barra fishing.
If you're still reading, then Bamuruu Plains might be your ideal place for a hot and heavy holiday.
Defining the term "wild bush luxury", Bamuruu is an evocative destination for couples looking to explore their wild side. Expect 4WD safaris accompanied by the locals (crocs, buffalo, wallabies and wallaroos, just to name a few), fishing in the Sampan River and offshore reefs, and hundreds of varieties of birds. The Mary River floodplains serve as your base, and with only nine safari suites on site, you can be assured the natural wonder is all served up just for you.
The lodge is just a short flight from Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park, so supplement your stay in posh, albeit back-to-basics accommodation (yes, there is such a thing!) with a visit to the surrounding caves to see Aboriginal artwork from tens of thousands of years ago.
Prepare for 360-degree views of jaw-dropping scenery similar to that made legendary in Australia, and you'll know why Luhrmann set his tale of love and landscape in the northern part of the country.
Big city? Blasé
So follow Nic and Hugh's lead and find passion far away from the muck of the metropolitan everyday. Your partner will be pleased by the intimacy the Outback offers, and you don't have to sacrifice all of the creature comforts associated with luxury travel. Keep the good bits, and supplement them with the sunsets and scenery that magic movie moments are made of.
More information on Australia locations ... visit travelaustralia.ninemsn.com.au
Want to find out more about anything to do with travel in and around Australia ... visit www.australia.com
