Bond Springs Station is a 1500 square kilometre working cattle station 20 minutes drive north of Alice Springs and about 45 minutes from the Alice Springs Airport. The Station is owned by the Heaslip family , a family with long traditions in the outback South Australian and Northern Territory pastoral industry, and Poll Hereford cattle are bred for local and international beef markets.
For the past three years Jan Heaslip has opened her homestead to guests wanting to experience a little of life on an Australian outback station and to share with her the natural beauty of this unique place. Jan had experienced, as a guest, farmstays in the United States while travelling there and was convinced her home Bond Springs was ideally suited to offer a similar experience with an Australian flavour.
Situated on the banks of a tree lined creek, a tributary of the normally dry Todd River within the majestic MacDonnell ranges, the homestead has fully renovated and restored guest accommodation furnished in the style of "early Australiana", appropriate to the historic significance of the house, and the airconditioned and heated guest room has a small lounge area opening into the garden, an en suite bathroom, a mini bar.
The Witchetty Bush Suite is a two bedroom suite, each room with a queen size bed, and sharing a very large bathroom. The shady enclosed verandah is used as a lounge area that is ideal for morning coffee or a pre-dinner get-together, and in turn, opens onto the garden.
For guests seeking even more private luxury there is the beautifully restored Corkwood Cottage situated a short walk from the homestead, and originally built for the Station's head stockman and his family. Corkwood Cottage is a fully self-contained residence with three bedrooms, lounge, dining area, kitchen and bathroom, and is air conditioned and heated in winter. A mini bar is included.
Our newly restored cottage - "The Wurlie" - is elegant and very private. Only 3 minutes walk from the main homestead, it has a king size bedroom and a queen size bedroom separated by a very large lounge dining area, and its own bathroom.
Don't be surprised if a kangaroo hops through the garden, or a dingo howls in the distance. At night you'll be far enough away from extraneous light to fully appreciate the wonder of the southern night sky, a truly remarkable spectacle. The full moon rising over the MacDonnell ranges is a sight you'll never forget.
In the tradition of station life meals are served in the homestead kitchen where everyone - guests, family and station hands - are seated around the long table. Jan's homestead cooking is renowned and sometimes even Grant, the Boss, gets into the action to carve the roast! Fine selected Australian table wines and soft drinks are served with the meal. As can be imagined with a group of diners with such diverse backgrounds the dinner conversation is never lagging and always stimulating. No TV meals here! Dining at Bond Springs Homestead is a memorable experience and only possible in such a setting.
Alternatively the evening meal may be served around the swimming pool as the traditional bush barbecue cooked by the Boss. No-one barbecues Bond Beef with more expertise than Grant! A less formal occasion but no less an opportunity to explore the lifestyle of the locals.
For the budget conscious guest the old stockman's quarters sited under a large pepper tree have been renovated to provide two double and two single rooms which share bathroom facilities. Again the building has the traditional shady verandah and has been airconditioned and heated for your comfort.
All guests are invited to use the gardens, tennis court and swimming pool and to generally make themselves at home around the Station Homestead.
Bond Springs Outback Retreat, Alice Springs, Australia
Lowest Rate Guarantee
Good Hotels Guide - Northern Territory
Your guide to accommodation worldwide