Luxurious outback station retreat in Central NSW committed to environmental sustainability
Stretching across 12,000 acres of Lachlan River Country, Burrawang West Station’s fully operational sheep stud and cattle station is playing its part to preserve the environment.
With the help of the Lachlan River Catchment Authority a large section of the Yarrabandai billabong and creek has been fenced off creating a livestock-free wetland reserve.
Burrawang West Station owner Graham Pickles says the decision to create the nature reserve was an easy one.
“It’s beautiful country out here, but what was missing was a dedicated slice of real Australian bush where native animals and birds could exist in harmony with the station,” said Mr Pickles.
“The creek runs for 8km through the property, so we’ve sectioned off an area that includes about 275 acres,” he said.
“We started the project about 2 years ago, and already we’ve been amazed by the profusion of native flora and fauna.”
“It’s become a haven for native species including water birds, fish, two species of fresh water tortoise, including the broad-shelled tortoise, and countless invertebrates like fresh water mussels.”
“We often see rare bird species including the Superb Parrot, Sacred Kingfisher and Brown Tree Creeper.”
The property is home to a large number of native animals including kangaroos and wallabies, emus, goanna lizards, galas, cockatoos, kookaburras, grass parrots and eagles.
Burrawang West Station is actively involved in pioneering the breeding of Dorper sheep in NSW, a hardy breed of sheep requiring no sheering.
Dorpers are bred for their tender meat. They naturally shed their wool, so require less maintenance than traditional sheep breeds.
“Shedding makes these sheep less susceptible to fly strike and eliminates the need for the controversial practices of crutching and mulesing,” said Mr Pickles.
Other environmentally focused practices on Burrawang West Station include the creation of the property’s own water treatment plant, and the eradication of chemical-based cleaning products throughout the property.
“Burrawang West Station sits on a beautiful slice of Australian outback and, as its current custodian, I am committed to ensuring the land is taken care of for the benefit of future generations,” said Mr Pickles.
Background
Burrawang West Station is a one hour flight from Sydney to Parkes in central NSW or the station’s own private airstrip. It is a five and a half hour drive from Sydney.
It’s luxurious retreat caters for a maximum of 24 guests
The property offers excellent corporate retreat and small meeting facilities
The sumptuously appointed Australian homestead offers traditional elegance, living and dining areas, a billiards rooms, bar and extensive cellar.
Twelve accommodation suites are located within four beautifully appointed and fully equipped air conditioned boutique lodges.
A guest office, two flood lit tennis courts, a 20-metre swimming pool and his ‘n’ hers saunas and spas are designed for comfort.
Burrawang West Station showcases a multi-million dollar private art collection assembled by Melbourne based art critic, John Buckley
Activities
Quad biking
Interaction with working station stockmen
Whip cracking lessons
Sheep and cattle mustering
Aussie yarn spinning
Campfire dining
Taking part in station activities like counting lambs or herding alpaca
Bottle feeding newborn calves or lambs
Learning about agricultural technology
Learning about outback heritage and culture
Learning about indigenous culture of the Kalara River people
Riverside picnics
Native animals including friendly kangaroos, wallabies, emus, goanna lizards
Bird watching including protected and endangered species
Star gazing – a purpose built viewing tower makes reaching for the stars a favourite night time activity
Getting There
Commercial flights are available daily from Sydney to Parkes, where the station’s courtesy bus provides ground transport. Charter flights are readily available to Burrawang’s private airstrip from most domestic airports.
