Luxury at Bamurru Plains Whenever I am feeling a little stressed I conjure up the image of the ‘Waterlily Place’ – and all is well! by Marlene Nolan

The directions provided by the property were excellent. We followed the mostly unsealed road from just after the Bark Hut Inn, past Wildman River, past Shady Camp and past Pt Stuart turnoffs. Parts of the road had been washed out from the recent flooding, however we had no difficulty and did not need to engage 4WD. We were met at the entrance to the property by a guide and left our vehicle there overnight. The journey from the front gate to the property was approx 20 minutes and would be difficult to find your own way to the lodge without a guide!

The property is situated on a working water buffalo station with a lease back arrangement to operate Bamurru. The lodge is built African safari style with 9 individual timber & corrugated iron villas raised off the ground, completely mosquito proofed with mesh that can been seen out of, but not into during the day. The decor is straight out of Africa! The beds are made up in swag covers with luxury percale sateen sheets, and a choice of pillows. The villas are air conditioned and also with ceiling fan. The bathroom has the most wonderful shower, slate base with a tree trunk that the taps are attached to, together with holders for the home made soaps, shampoo & conditioner – just lovely!

We were met on arrival by all staff with a cold hand towel and provided refreshments and afternoon tea out on the deck. Our group split into 2 - one group went on a bush tucker safari on the property, collecting bush plums, eating wild grapes, viewing buffalo and brumbies. The other group took the 2 hour airboat tour on the wetlands, viewing crocodiles, hundreds & thousands of magpie geese, and the most beautiful melaleuca billabong with a sea of waterlilies. We stopped for a lovely morning tea in the middle of the waterlilies, enjoying the silence and beauty. Since this trip, whenever I am feeling a little stressed – I conjure up the image of the ‘Waterlily Place’ – and all is well!

The meals & beverages are included in the price and we ate extremely well. The chef catered for all the various meal requirements. For dinner there were 2 options of whole baked fish, various side dishes of mediterranean cous cous, and salads, then a choice of dessert of either grilled pineapple & dragon fruit or bananas baked in a gorgeous sauce with a side of lemon cream. We were awoken in the morning with fresh plunger coffee and a breakfast of orange & poppy seed muffins whilst out on tour. Lunch was a gorgeous spread of BBQ’d prawn skewers, vegetable kebabs, home made bread, BBQ'd corn on the cob (check out the photo!) Sunset drinks & nibbles were a highlight also, oysters, wine, and a selection of hors dourves.

The photos tell it all!!

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I experienced this in October 2007

Marlene Nolan | Business Development Manager – QLD & North NSW