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Teetering on the banks of the Mitchell River in northern Queensland, this is the most persuasive attempt at bringing style and serenity to the outback-cattle-station experience. Architecture and decor take their cues from the vernacular - roofs are corrugated iron, verandahs have 'squatter' chairs with leg-rests that swing out to accommodate feet tired from a day of boots and spurs - but the comfort level is set to maximum. The big deck at the front of the homestead has an infinity-edged swimming pool that mirrors the sky, there's an air-conditioned lounge with a well-stocked open bar, and after every sweaty foray a smiling member of staff appears with an iced towel scented with Wrotham's signature essential oil. Distributed along the river bank, the 10 guest bungalows - or 'quarters' - are smart, minimalist and decorated in chocolate, grey and taupe. The bird life is astonishing. Kites and wedge-tailed eagles hover overhead, sarus cranes stalk across the biscuit-coloured plains and on the lagoon, whistler ducks and magpie geese riot and honk among the water lilies. At the heart of the 600,000-hectare property is a small and largely self-sufficient community of mechanics, cooks, drovers and chopper pilots. They manage 35,000 brahmin cattle and nourish the essential bush skills of horsemanship and hard-edged practicality, and will spin you a stirring yarn at the end of the day.
WHEN TO GO
April-October
ROOM TO BOOK
Views are equal, but the quarters west of the homestead have more trees
CONTACT
Wrotham Park Lodge, Queensland, Australia (00 61 2 8296 8010; fax: 00 61 2 9299 2103; www.wrothampark.com.au). Quarters for two from A$1,600 (about £660) all-inclusive
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