Naomi Hills Cattle Station

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Backpackers wanting a taste of the Australian outback can head to a boot-scootin' farmstay! Crack that whip!

Namoi Hills is a commercial beef farm supporting 3000 head of cattle. It is also a successful farmstay, welcoming mostly backpackers wanting a taste of the Australian outback.

The property is 18,000ha in size and has three homesteads — Namoi, Sanders and Longdale. It is all run by Scott and Sally Park. Scott's grandparents went to Dingo in the 1920s and they added to the property as they prospered.

When Scott and Sally moved into Namoi Hills homestead in 1984 it had been vacant for 20 years. But after renovation and the addition of three children, it is again a real home.

Visitors from among Sally's family and friends from Scotland got the Parks thinking about opening up a tourist spot, and this idea has helped them stay afloat. They may not have survived the 1990s drought period without backpacker tours paying the bills.

Activities on offer include a tour of the station and learning to throw a boomerang and crack a whip. You can make your own didgeridoo, ride horses and quad bikes, try your hand at line-dancing and maybe take a flight in a helicopter. You can also dig for sapphires — no-one ever comes away empty-handed. Overnight campouts include sleeping in a swag.

Bunkhouse accommodation with double beds, plus cabins with double beds and ensuite facilities are also available.

And there's always a barbecue, fireside chats and cold beer available for those who wish to partake.

Location

Dingo, 150km west of Rockhampton in Queensland.

Cost

Namoi Hills Cattle Station packages include one night's accommodation, dinner, breakfast and cattle tour for $39.50 per person. Helicopter flights cost $55 for 10 minutes and bush campouts are $85. Bunkhouse dorm beds are $19 per person and cabins with double beds and ensuites are $48 per room.
Please note prices are valid at time of transmission and to the best of our knowledge are inclusive of GST.