THE FACTS ABOUT WROTHAM PARK LODGE

Australia

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