If you’re travelling to Exmouth or Ningaloo Reef, make sure to plan a stop at Bullara Station, an authentic outback cattle station that offers a unique and unforgettable stay. Located just 86km south of Exmouth and 65km from Coral Bay, Bullara Station is the perfect place to break up your journey while immersing yourself in a truly Australian experience and meeting many like-minded travellers. Whether you’re camping, caravanning, or staying in one of their charming station accommodations, you’ll find a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that makes Bullara more than just a stopover – it’s a bucket-list destination in itself!
Reasons Why We Love It!
1. The Ultimate Outback Experience
Bullara Station gives visitors a taste of true Australian station life. The red dirt roads, rustic charm, and friendly station staff create an atmosphere that feels both remote and welcoming. This is a place where kids can run free, interact with animals, and experience the magic of country life. Whether you’re travelling in a caravan, campervan, or tent, if you’re not set up for off-grid camping, Bullara Station has spacious campsites suitable for every setup – all with a laid-back bush camping vibe.
2. Family-Friendly Vibes
This is one of the most family-friendly places in WA! Kids love the open spaces, exploring the station, and meeting the resident horses and cows. Bullara offers a fun playground and plenty of opportunities for kids to come together and play.
3. Lava Showers
There’s something so charming about the rustic, roofless showers found at the station. They are ‘donkey showers’, meaning they’re heated by a wood fire. Shower at night for some star gazing – it’s hard to explain in words, but trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
4. Beautiful Walks & Wildlife
There are plenty of walking trails around the station where you can spot kangaroos, emus, and colourful birdlife. There’s also a great 4WD track to Exmouth Gulf.
5. The Burger Night Institution
If you’re passing through on a Friday Burger Night, it’s an experience not to be missed. Watching the staff prepare and serve the burgers is an event in itself. Think home-grown beef patties with fresh salad, shared with hundreds of fellow travellers. When we visited, they pre-sold 400 burgers – the atmosphere was absolutely epic!
HOT TIP: Book your stay and burgers well in advance. Bullara’s Burger Night has become a true bucket list experience.
6. Pet-Friendly
Travelling with a furry friend? Bullara welcomes dogs, making it a fantastic option for those adventuring with pets but struggling to find pet-friendly accommodation near Ningaloo.
7. The Damper Scones!
A visit to Bullara Station isn’t complete without tasting their famous homemade damper scones, served fresh with butter and jam. Pair it with a freshly brewed coffee from the station’s café and start your morning the true outback way.
8. Close to Ningaloo Reef & Coral Bay
If you’re heading to Ningaloo, Bullara is the perfect stop to break up the drive and recharge before diving into the underwater wonders of the reef. It’s also an excellent base to explore Coral Bay, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and incredible marine life.
9. Next-Level Sunsets & Incredible Stargazing
Bullara Station serves up outrageous sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, turning the sky all shades of orange, is pure magic.
Being far from city lights means epic stargazing. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky – a breathtaking moment for both kids and adults to take it all in and reflect.
10. Shop Local
Bullara sells a selection of their home-grown meat at reception – delicious and well-priced! It’s a great way to support local and enjoy a true taste of the station.
Know Before You Go!
Hot Tips for Your Bullara Stay
- Book in Advance – Bullara is extremely popular, especially during peak season (April to October), so secure your spot early. Don’t forget to book your burger night in advance too!
- Be Patient – The iconic outdoor showers are popular, so you might need to wait. Pick quieter times, try one of the other shower blocks, or just embrace the chill vibe.
- Respect the Outback – Follow station rules, drive slowly on dirt tracks, and always be mindful of wildlife.
- Get Involved – Bullara is what you make it. Mingle, explore, and immerse yourself in the experience for the best memories.
- Stay a Few Nights! – One night isn’t enough to soak in the experience. Plan for at least two or three nights to fully enjoy everything Bullara has to offer.
Unfortunately for us, I had just broken my toe when we visited Bullara, so I had a very swollen foot and wasn’t moving fast at all. We had to skip the planned walks and the 4WD adventure to the Gulf, but we still loved every minute of our stay. The kids made instant friends, rode their bikes in the red dirt, and loved the playground. We soaked in the magic of the outdoor showers and laughed with new and old friends as we experienced the best of what burger night had to offer. Oh, and I totally enjoyed a cheeky scone (or two)!
I will say the only downside for us was not finding more room in the freezer to take home a bigger meat haul.
Enjoy your stay!
If you’re heading to Exmouth, Ningaloo, or Broome, check out our other recent blogs.
Address: 1 Burkett Road, Exmouth, Western Australia, 6707.
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