Overview
Bamurru Plains is located on Swim Creek Station, a 303 sq km coastal buffalo pastoral property near Point Stuart in the Mary River Region. The property encompasses a variety of habitat including vast river frontage, coastal floodplains, savannah woodland, and paperbark swamps. The station is 10 kms from Kakadu National Park's western boundary (100kms from Jabiru in Kakadu) and just over 100 kms east of Darwin.
A style of accommodation more akin to some of the safari camps in Africa, Bamurru Plains' attraction lies in the birdlife and wildlife of the surrounding floodplains and savannah woodland. As with the African camps we believe that a stylish wilderness experience does not need to be 5 star in the traditional sense; however there are key elements that are crucial to an exclusive stay in the bush: a supremely comfortable bed and quality linen (100% cotton, a choice of 3 pillows), great bathrooms, good food & wine and excellent guiding. Bamurru does not purport to be a 5 star room in the bush but the style of experience is utterly exclusive, rustically chic and totally in tune with the surrounding country.
The camp has nine safari bungalows built amongst the pandanus vegetation on the edge of the wetlands. Each of them has been built with privacy uppermost in mind and to take advantage of the spectacular views across the wetlands. Each bedroom has views towards the floodplains. Rooms are available in twin and king double configurations and extra bedding is available in the form of a deluxe swag.
En suite bathrooms wrap around one side and/or the rear of each safari bungalow with high pressure showers and hot water. All rooms have ceiling fans for the dry months of winter (April to October) and air conditioning can be provided in 3 rooms during the wet season months. As most of the power is solar generated, air-conditioning requires additional generator capacity and a surcharge applies.
Please note that Bamurru Plains is a 'camp' and as such exposes guests to the sights and sounds of the bush around them. In keeping with this, the safari bungalows do not have televisions, CD players, mini-bars, telephones, internet access. Hair dryers are available on request.
As we have an early start in the mornings to observe the wildlife we offer a light breakfast to start the day. There is a selection of cereals, fruit, juices and freshly baked bread. The first major meal is lunch served at approx. 12:30pm. Snacks and drinks are provided when out on activities. A three course dinner (first course is often canapés on the front deck) is served at approximately 7:30 every evening and dinner is hosted by the camp manager or one of the guides. Meals are shared with other guests around the dining room table. Food is based on contemporary Australian cuisine with a hint of native produce. A select open bar (wines, beers and soft drinks) is included in the tariff and this is generally accessed on a self-service basis. There will be a range of premium wines and spirits available for purchase.
Our activities focus on early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife and the light are at their best. Guests can participate in a number of activities such as: a river cruise spotting birds and crocodiles on the Sampan River (tidal conditions permitting), four wheel drives in open top safari vehicles, an airboat trip on the floodplains and a bush walk in the savannah woodlands that fringe the floodplains (seasonal).
Optional activities that can be arranged include: fishing (barramundi), scenic flights, or taking a privately guided day trip to Kakadu National Park or Arnhem Land. These activities are an additional cost.
- Scenic Flights - It is possible to arrange scenic flights over Kakadu by single-engine aircraft. This excursion can be arranged prior to your stay or whilst at the lodge, subject to availability.
- Fishing - The best time is during the 'run off' in February-April. Bamurru is an excellent location for the dedicated fisherman seeking some comfort. Fishing is predominantly tidal saltwater fishing and requires a specialist fishing guide to be arranged. The main species to be fished here is Barramundi. It is recommended that this is booked in advance.
- Kakadu National Park & Arnhem Land - Private day tours can be arranged from Bamurru Plains to either Kakadu National Park or Arnhem Land. A short flight makes the escarpment country of Kakadu an easy day trip from the camp and opens up a range of Aboriginal cultural sites. Jabiru is a 20 minute flight away and a private guide will be arranged for the day.
