Bamurru Plains
In this landscape of open grassland flooplain, savanna woods and sinuous crocodile-inhabited waterways, you could imagine you’re in an African environment like the Okavango. However, the elephants here are buffalo, the antelope are wallabies, and the zebra are brumby wild horses.
From Darwin, it’s a 40-minute flight to the Bamurru Plains airstrip, or you could opt for the three-hour road trip and be guided in through the buffalo for the last 20 minutes. Flying or driving from adjacent Kakadu National Park are also options.
Accommodation
There are nine ‘standard’ ensuite bungalows, an extra spacious option called the ‘Kingfisher Suite’, and the Jabiru Retreat: a two-bungalow complex with its own deck and plunge pool that’s ideal for groups and families.
The nucleus of the camp is the central timber and bamboo lodge, a place that draws everyone in with a relaxed atmosphere thanks to plentiful sofas, a library, and that most Australian of essentials: an open bar. Outside, there’s a gorgeous infinity pool where you’ll be snapping pictures of the reflection of pandanus palms, grasslands and vast skies.
Refined bush tucker is what you’ll enjoy at the shared chunky timber tables in the dining area. Try the barramundi, fresh from the waters nearby, or enjoy an emu salad. You’ll be rubbing elbows with fellow travellers, swapping safari stories and comparing crocodile sightings.
Experiences
- Up early in the muted palette of dawn, you’ll head out by four-wheel drive or airboat to spot wildlife that includes wallabies, rampaging wild pigs and thousands of magpie geese.
- The neighbouring waterways host the largest concentration of crocodiles on the continent, which makes the local farm’s name – Swim Creek Station – somewhat inappropriate. See if you can spot a five-metre monster.
- Head out on a walking safari with an expert local guide to a nearby billabong while discussing all things buffalo and spotting some of more than 200 local species of bird.
- There’s a hide perched six metres aloft with a stupendous view over the floodplain through the tops of the paperbark trees. Sit up here at night and you’ll hear frogs, barking owls and even the occasional dingo.
- Venture to Kakadu National Park. It’s dual-listed by UNESCO for its natural and cultural heritage, and the guides at Bamurru offer ‘Kakadu in a Day’, if you get up early enough!
In 1990 we encountered Africa and fell in love with its awesome beauty. Ever since, we’ve been exploring the planet, seeking out its treasures; spreading the word and sharing our passion so that you too can experience the best of the wild world.
Over 30 years we have discovered the finest properties and most reliable partners and developed an appreciation for the nuances of each region. Our knowledge and understanding continually evolves through travel and our network of deep relationships.
We want you to share our passion for travel, this means matching your individuality to a unique blend of places and experiences that extend your horizons. When you first contact Journeysmiths you’ll speak with a member of our travel design team, who between them have over 100 years of experience.
This conversation will form the foundations for your itinerary, giving us the chance to get to know you and understand your aspirations for your holiday. We’ll combine this with our extensive knowledge to create your perfect itinerary.
When you book your holiday much of our work is just beginning, your Travel Designer will liaise with our operations and support teams to ensure that every last detail of your holiday runs “like a Swiss clock”.
Our support team also performs the role of a concierge, so if you want to add tours, need assistance with your visas or would like us to make restaurant reservations, we are happy to do so.
It’s rare that we hear from our clients while they are away due to the accuracy of information we provide. However, if you need us, we are here 24 hours a day and act swiftly to resolve any issue in a way that is most convenient to you.
At Journeysmiths we revel in discovering the wonders of the world, those which are well known, but just as importantly those which scarcely anyone has ever seen. We know that marvels can be found in the most unexpected places.
With us there is no ceiling to the degree of exclusivity, no constraint upon what is possible. Whether we take you to the ends of the earth or fly you by private plane into the finest lodges, booked exclusively for you. Everything is devoted to making this your ultimate holiday, by any standards.
The essence of a Journeysmiths holiday is that you can enjoy luxury combined with a real wilderness experience, in seclusion and high comfort. Staying in remote properties on exclusive reserves you are guaranteed maximum privacy at all times.
We appreciate that like our trips, each client is unique. As such, our service focuses on flexibility, so that you can relax and look forward to your holiday in the knowledge that should the unexpected happen, we are here.
You have complete financial security when you book with Journeysmiths. We are fully bonded and licenced under the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme, licence number ATOL 2883. In addition, we maintain a Total Payment Protection Policy with Travel and General Insurance Services, policy number AELI/topp/22/16.
We believe that travel to the world’s fragile places should benefit the habitats, the wildlife and the people who live there. We call this “Travelling Well” and it is a feature of every holiday we arrange.