As COVID-19 impacts our world in rapid and unforgiving ways, we all face new challenges and need to think laterally. In order to weather the accumulating storm and emerge to reopen and reconnect you with the Top End landscape, Wild Bush Luxury has taken the difficult decision to temporarily close their safari lodge at Bamurru Plains for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Typical of Top End seasonality, Bamurru Plains usually runs between March and October annually. This will not be the case for 2020. They will resume operations on 01 March 2021 when the Magpie Geese are preparing to nest and barramundi are on the bite and will continue to share Wild Bush Luxury experiences through until 31 October 2021. 

Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. The Top End of the Northern Territory experiences some of the greatest climatic extremes (wet and dry particularly) of any region of Australia. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s aboriginal culture. This ecologically sensitive luxury camp focuses on environmental sustainability and key luxury standards offering the highest levels of comfort.

As a business whose destiny is inextricably linked with the environment, the team at Bamurru is always working to the parameters that mother nature provides in the Top End, where so many seasons come in the space of a year. 

Bamurru’s team of passionate field guides offer a variety of activities from the lodge, including cruises on the Sampan River to spot crocodiles, fishing trips, four-wheel drive safaris, scenic helicopter flights over the floodplains and coastline, and tours to the rock art galleries of Arnhem Land.

The floodplains and savannah woodland offer one of Australia’s richest wildlife experiences:  tens of thousands of Magpie Geese mingle with Whistling Kites, egrets, herons, and buffalo on the floodplain, while Blue-winged Kookaburras, parrots, cockatoos, and Agile Wallabies inhabit the fringing woodlands.

In the evening, you’ll sit back with a sundowner drink and canapés and enjoy the soft ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ touches that are the Bamurru trademark.  There is also an open bar, a small swimming pool, and nature reference library.  Bamurru Plains, its facilities, and 300 km² of the country are exclusively for the use of its guests – a quiet, privileged outback experience.

ACCOMMODATION

Each of the ten en suite safari bungalows is designed to expose guests to the sights and sounds of the bush around them and ceiling to floor screening allows guests to look out across the floodplains at sunrise from the comfort of their bed.  As such, there is no mini bar, TV, telephone, or other electronic appliances to distract from the wilderness experience outside of the room.

Each room has powerpoints for recharging cameras, laptops, etc.  Binoculars, torch, bird, and plant reference books are provided.

Linen is 100% organic cotton with 500 thread-count. Each guest has a choice of three pillows. Each bathroom has a high-pressure shower with solar hot water.

Three bungalows have bi-fold doors to allow the room to be air-conditioned, however, this does seal the room from the sounds of the surrounding bush. 

Three rooms can be air-conditioned.  These 3 rooms also have extended verandahs that allow additional swag bedding for one adult or two children. (A swag is Wild Bush Luxury’s version of a rollaway bed. Swags are the Australian bedroll that has been used by generations of Australian pioneers.  It is a mattress that is inside a canvas cover and made up of quality sheets & pillows. They are custom made, comfortable, and are suitable for children only). The remaining six have overhead fans and mesh screen walls that allow the coastal breezes to cool them. 

Five rooms have twin bed configurations with king singles, with joinable bed frames. Four rooms have king beds.

The Kingfisher Suite is ideal for families. It is three times the size, featuring a king-size bed and deluxe swags for the children. It offers private dining and there are oodles of space to relax while the wildlife comes to you.

Each safari suite is ensuite and raised on a timber platform, with space for sitting out the heat of the day with a good book or watching the local wildlife.

With expansive floodplain views through Bamurru’s trademark ceiling to floor mesh walls, it really does feel as if you are right amongst it with an intimate sense of connection to the wildlife and wilderness outside.

The communal guest lounge and dining area is the heart of the camp and a great place to meet fellow guests.

FOOD & WINE

Meals are designed to fit around the schedule of safari activities and the atmosphere of a camp setting.  A pre-dawn wake-up call is followed by a continental breakfast and mug of hot tea or coffee before heading out with the guides for an airboat trip on the floodplains to make the most of the morning light and the best time of day to be viewing wildlife.  A morning tea stop is taken amongst the hauntingly beautiful fringing paperbark forest on the edge of the floodplain or on other secluded spots in the bush, with tea, coffee, and homemade bread and pastries being served amongst the sounds of the bird and fish life.

Lunch is a casual meal in camp, usually served by the pool.  A couple of favorite dishes are Australian game bbq accompanied by fresh, seasonal salads and home-made damper; and top-end barramundi fillet dusted in lemon myrtle and served with house cut chips and lime buerre blanc.

Sundowner drinks are regularly taken at a break in the afternoon wildlife drive on the floodplain or by one of the billabongs on the property before heading back into camp for canapés on the pool deck and then joining other camp guests in the lodge building for a three-course hosted dinner around the camp table.  The mud crab ravioli is a seasonal special and service at dinner is varied between served and banquet style.

A selection of premium Australian wines is available at all times.  The ‘down to earth’ style of the camp means that guests can help themselves to drinks from the open bar at any time of day.

EXPERIENCES

On the edge of the Timor and Arafura Seas and closer to the islands of Indonesia than much of Australia, the ‘Top End’ is a region of climatic extremes (wet and dry particularly), of spectacular storm skies, and an annual cycle of environmental rebirth.

Each year the freshwater swamps are replenished by the floodwaters that emanate from the escarpment country of Arnhem Land.  The big rivers swell and break their banks, the water, and the crocodiles spread across the plains; Barramundi moves from the mangroves to the creeks, and water lilies flower, covering the billabongs with a carpet of color.  As the year progresses the waters retreat and the vast plains come into view once again, the grasses mellow to gold and the red dust contrasts with the brilliant blue of the sky.

Built amongst the fringing woodland on the edge of the Mary River floodplain, Bamurru Plains is the perfect spot from which to explore this country. The day breaks to the tune of thousands of Magpie Geese, the whistling of the kites, and the thumping of Agile Wallabies hopping by your bungalow.

A short distance away, the ancient ravines and escarpments of Arnhem Land are the stronghold of Australia’s aboriginal culture.  Rock art galleries record 50,000 years of Aboriginal occupation and reveal a depth of history and culture often hidden in modern Australia.

A scenic flight over Kakadu and the escarpment in the early months of the year is an awe-inspiring experience as the waterfalls cascade from the plateau into the floodplains below.

Skimming across the floodplains on an airboat is one of the best ways to see the birdlife that congregates here. On guided walks and drives search for brumbies, buffalo, dingos, and wallabies or pause to look at an intriguing reptile or insect.

For guests looking for a sense of adventure, don’t forget the treetop ‘Hide’ which is perched at canopy level on the edge of the floodplain and offers the chance to immerse in the sounds of the bush in complete seclusion.  

As a business whose destiny is inextricably linked with the environment, the team at Bamurru is always working to the parameters that mother nature provides in the Top End, where so many seasons come in the space of a year.  

When the drier than normal seasons occur, the expert Bamurru guides replace the water-based experiences with a swag of land-based activities to explore Bamurru’s beautiful riverine, paperbark, and savannah woodland habitats. While drier seasons mean airboat activities can not take place, it does mean the country provides different opportunities to explore the landscape:- 

• Walking is arguably the best way to take in the sights and sounds of the Australian bush.

• Guided safari drives to the more remote edges of the property and to spot birds and wildlife in the paperbark forests that surround the floodplains.

• More time is spent on the river, where crocodile densities are likely to be higher than usual as some individuals move off the floodplain.

• Early morning drives to the mouth of the Sampan River and the coastline on the edge of Van Diemen’s Gulf will provide the chance to spot plains reptile and birdlife as well as crocodiles. 

• Bamurru’s chefs have the opportunity to display their skills in creating some fabulous bush breakfasts out on the property.

• Guests have the freedom to venture on to the pool deck after dinner for a stargazing extravaganza without fear of mosquito attack.

The ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ concept brings a uniquely Australian style to your stay – a ‘down to earth’ yet attentive level of service; an appreciation of the finer details; and above all a team of hosts and guides who are passionate about the area and its wildlife.

Along with this, we are immensely aware of our dependence on the environment and we make a firm commitment to the principles of sustainability and conservation.

Through interactive guiding and personalized hosting, we aim to provide guests with an innovative natural experience that inspires a greater awareness of Australia’s unique and specialized environment.

GETTING THERE

From the sensation of lift-off to the excitement of soaring above the twists and turns of the Adelaide River, your charter flight to Bamurru Plains is a unique and spectacular 30-minute experience landing at an all-weather strip on the property. You will be greeted by a Bamurru Plains guide and transferred 20 minutes’ onwards to the safari lodge. Flight bookings can be made with reservations and single, twin and turboprop aircraft options are available.

Driving 200km east from Darwin will take approximately 3 hours to the property entrance. Self-driving from Kakadu will take approximately 2.5 hours. Private vehicles cannot be driven through the property so guests will be met by staff at the main gate and vehicles will be left safely parked just inside the entrance gate. For self-drivers, directions will be provided on confirmation of the booking with reservations. It is also possible to arrange for a road transfer from Darwin airport or your hotel.