Bamurru Plains Wild Bush luxury with Sunny Heart Travel

Surrounded by an exotic landscape of wild pandanus and twisting trees, Bamurru Plains is the perfect spot from which to explore the mysteries and magnificence of this ancient land.
The ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ concept brings a uniquely Australian style to your stay – a down to earth yet attentive level of service; an appreciation of the finer details; and above all a team of hosts and guides who are passionate about the area and its wildlife.

Proudly without wifi or even mobile phone reception, a stay here allows you to focus on nature’s stage show.

Bamurru is built amongst the savannah bush fringing the floodplains to provide a high level of comfort whilst giving guests unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands and their teeming populations of birds and animals.

The main lodge provides an oasis of tropical calm in the midst of a noisy wildlife spectacle; comfortable wicker sofas; a well stocked library offers a collection of reference books on the Top End and Australia’s natural heritage. During the heat of the day the cooling waters of the infinity pool beckon and later the lodge deck is the ideal place to watch wildlife graze through the camp. An expert chef conjures up delicious meals, peppered with local ingredients. Anytime of the day you can help yourself to a cold drink from the bar – be it a crisp white wine, a gin and tonic or sparkling water – best enjoyed with one of Bamurru’s spectacular sunsets.

ULTIMATE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE PACKAGE

ULTIMATE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE PACKAGE
Ultimate Wilderness Experience rates are valid from 1 March 2021 to 31 October 2021 and 1-31 March
2022.
INCLUSIONS: Safari Bungalow or Kingfisher Suite accommodation, chef prepared meals, beverages
from a select open bar and daily guided wilderness safaris which may include airboat safaris, quad bike
adventures, open-top safari drives, crocodile spotting river cruises and guided wilderness walks.
A barramundi fishing experience may be available during March and April for interested guests

SAFARI BUNGALOW
Per Person Per Night 1 Mar – 30 Jun and 1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $1140, Single $1710 , Children under 16 Twin Share $1025 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $570

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $1255, Single $1880 , Children under 16 Twin Share $1128 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $627

Minimum 2 Nights Gross

Minimum 2 Nights
* Swags are the Australian bedroll that have been used by generations of Australian pioneers. It is a
mattress that is inside a canvas cover and made up with quality sheets & pillows. They are custom made,
comfortable and are suitable for children only.

KINGFISHER SUITE
Per Person Per Night 1 Mar – 30 Jun and 1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $1490, Single $2235, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $570

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $1640, Single $2460, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $627

Minimum 2 Nights Gross

*At and additional $120 per night air conditioning is available in three safari bungalows and must be requested at time of booking, no airconditioning is available in the Kingfisher suite

Accomodation Choices

SAFARI BUNGALOWS
Supremely comfortable beds
Mesh on 3 sides
Spacious and cool, each of the nine safari bungalows are built on stilts overlooking the floodplains frequented by a myriad of bird and animal life. Mesh screens serve as your walls on three sides of your Safari Bungalow. Being surrounded by semi-transparent screens provides an experience in which you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness around you. The alarm clock in the morning is the call of Magpie Geese, after whom the camp is named, as the orange light of dawn spreads across the floodplain, all is audible and visible without having to leave your bed!

The focus is on a supremely comfortable bed (organic cotton linen, pillow menu) and a spacious ensuite bathroom with high pressure showers. In addition to corrugated iron and lantern lighting, the bungalow décor reflects the region’s earlier indigenous, hunting and pastoral history with buffalo horns, explorer’s maps, Aboriginal art work and fish traps as well as old photos providing a sense of the human heritage of the area. Each room has a cold water thermos, local flora and fauna reading materials and species list.

You won’t find a television, CD player, mini bar or even mobile phone reception here – a true escape to your immediate environment. At night, the only sound is the meanderings of marsupials in the foliage and the croak of frogs.

Ensuite bathrooms with high pressure showers

KINGFISHER SUITE
The largest safari bungalow is the Kingfisher Suite with expansive floodplain views through Bamurru’s trademark ceiling to floor mesh walls. It really does feel as if you are right amongst it with an intimate sense of connection to the wildlife and wilderness outside.

With 81m2 space in the bedroom alone, the suite features a king size bed, generous lounge area and space to accommodate a family of five in comfort. For honeymooners looking for a sense of privacy, the size of the Kingfisher Suite allows for an intimate in-room candlelit dinner with only the sounds of the bush as company.

The bathroom features twin basins and showers, within a décor of rustic chic timber and recycled corrugated walls, utterly in tune with the environment and pastoral heritage of the area. For maximum exposure (and only the local Agile Wallabies as company) the suite also offers a shower with full ceiling to floor views across the floodplain and surrounding paperbark forests.

Plenty of space
The Kingfisher Suite has 81 metres squared in the bedroom alone.

Private dining
The Kingfisher Suite allows for an intimate in-room candlelit dinner

Family friendly
Deluxe swags are provided for children.

Food and Wine

Bamurru’s philosophy to provoke, inspire and reconnect guests to the bush is reflected in every aspect of your stay at Bamurru Plains, including your dining experience.
Bamurru’s chefs incorporate native and locally sourced produce to provide a gourmet experience integrating authentic, yet contemporary Australian recipes, from kangaroo skewers to crispy barramundi with finger lime salsa and quandong ice-cream.

Dining is enjoyed with fellow guests, where the day’s stories are recounted and new friends are made.

DAILY DELIGHTS OF NATIVE AND LOCAL AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE
After you’ve woken to the laugh of a blue-winged kookaburra, the soundtrack of the corellas’ cacophony and the chorus of thousands of magpie geese, enjoy a light breakfast such as freshly baked wild berry & wattle seed muffins, ‘bush eggs’ any style on sourdough with bacon, tomato, warrigal green & kutjera relish or house blend bircher museli with Manuka honey, bush apple and a dollop of vanilla bean yoghurt.

Lunch is generally served on the wildlife observation deck overlooking the floodplains, where you might enjoy citrus and fennel warm chicken salad with roasted macadamia nuts while watching a changing cast of birds, brumbies, buffalo and wallabies.

Canapés and sundowners are enjoyed out in the wilderness during your afternoon activity or on the lodge deck just before dinner.

Nightly, a three-course dinner hosted by one of your field guides is served at the long timber dining table as frogs break into a croaky serenade. The menu features Australian bush-inspired recipes. Watch our chef create his favourite bush spiced duck confit in the open kitchen from the dinner table.

Guests can help themselves to drinks at any time from the self-service bar offering a variety of refreshments, including an after dinner tipple for those so inclined.

Bamurru Plains

SIESTA LUNCH RETREAT AT THE HIDE
The most exclusive way of enjoying lunch in the bush at one of Australia’s most exclusive bush properties is at The Hide – designed in true Wild Bush Luxury style. With a gourmet picnic hamper, a selection of premium wines, a bird book, set of binoculars and a two way radio to stay in touch, let one of Bamurru’s field guides drop you at The Hide to enjoy a romantic lunch and afternoon siesta with just the sounds and sights of the floodplain to keep you company.

$95 per person for two hours including a private safari drive or airboat to The Hide with a chef-prepared picnic lunch and premium wine.

NB: There is a minimum of 2, maximum of 6 for the Siesta Lunch Retreat

Getting There

Private scenic air transfer ex Darwin
(per single engine Cessna 210 one-way, up to 4 guests)
$650.00 per Aircraft

Private scenic air transfer ex Darwin
(per twin engine Cessna 310 one-way aircraft, up to 5 guests) Approx
450kg payload. Please provide approx. body weights at time of booking.
$900.00 Per Aircraft

(per turbo-prop single engine Cessna 208 Caravan one-way aircraft,
up to 12 guests). Note: Approx 1,100kg payload limits guest count 8-12
body/luggage weight dependant
$2300.00 Per Aircraft
Charter flights include a shared meet & greet service at Darwin Airport
with transfer to General Aviation area for air transfer connection.
Fee for transfer from/to Darwin city hotel
$25 per person for guests 1-3 for a minimum $75 charge
$20 per person for 4 guests or more

ULTIMATE KAKADU EXPERIENCE THREE NIGHTS

ULTIMATE KAKADU EXPERIENCE
Ultimate Kakadu Experience rates are valid from 1 May 2021 to 31 October 2021.
INCLUSIONS: Safari Bungalow or Kingfisher Suite accommodation, chef prepared meals, beverages
from a select open bar and daily guided wilderness safaris which may include airboat safaris, quad bike
adventures, open-top safari drives, crocodile spotting river cruises and guided wilderness walks.
One full-day shared Kakadu experience exploring Aboriginal rock art and culture is also included on this
package on a Tuesday or Friday only. This Kakadu experience is limited to 15 Bamurru Plains’ guests and
must be pre-booked. Travel to Kakadu is by scenic charter flight from the airstrip at Bamurru Plains to
Jabiru, returning overland. Includes Kakadu National Park entry fee, cruise on the East Alligator River,
Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr, Bowali Visitor Centre, lunch & refreshments.

SAFARI BUNGALOW
Per Person for three nights 1 May – 30 Jun

Twin Share $3710, Single $5190 , Children under 16 Twin Share $3412 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $2230

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $4008, Single $5632 , Children under 16 Twin Share $3679 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $2378

1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $2970, Single $4081 , Children under 16 Twin Share $2749 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $1861

KINGFISHER SUITE
Per Person for three nights

1 May- 30 Jun

Twin Share $4755, Single $6758, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $2230

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $5158, Single $7362, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $2378

1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $3755, Single $5256, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $1861

Wild Bush Fishing Adventures

WILD BUSH FISHING AT BAMURRU PLAINS IS A WILD BUSH LUXURY EXPERIENCE
The Top End of Australia is renowned for its spectacular coastal floodplains, billabongs and mangrove
fringed tidal rivers that empty into the Arafura Sea. Each year in the ‘wet season’, the floodplains are
replenished with the monsoonal rains and the flora, fauna and fish of the Top End spring to life. The
mighty Barramundi is Northern Australia’s prized sports fish, inhabiting the freshwater floodplains and
saltwater estuaries of the Top End and challenging even the most experienced fishermen with its size
and fighting strength! From February to April anglers at Bamurru Plains have the opportunity to take to
the Mary River Floodplains by airboat and the Sampan Creek by riverboat in pursuit of this legendary
fish. Based out of northern Australia’s most exclusive fishing lodge and accompanied by a specialist
fishing guide, if your plan is to catch a prized metre long barramundi, there is no better place to do it!

RATES
Fishing season rates are valid from 1 March – 30 April 2021. All rates are in Australian dollars and
inclusive of GST (Goods and Services Tax).
River & Floodplain Fishing Package – 3 Anglers Per Boat (Packages also available based on 2 anglers per boat)

2 night 2 day fishing packagers per Angler from $2755 per person based on 3 Anglers per boat

Through to

6 Night 6 day fishing packages per Angler to $6755 based on 3 anglers per boat

Airboats
The airboat fleet at Bamurru Plains has been built to specifications that comply with the ‘Marine Park Damage Rules’ with the aim to achieve a minimal environmental footprint. The environmental friendly features include no fuel emissions in the water, a low bank-wash and the noise issue, which has been addressed with Prop & Exhaust attenuation. The three airboats have aptly been named after their manufacturers.

Tornado is a 5.5 metre flat-bottomed vessel (designed and built in Australia) with a small block Chevrolet engine which delivers 350 hp. at about 45-50 km/hr. For the fishing season the seating is configured for only three anglers plus the skipper/guide.

Panther is a six metre flat bottomed airboat imported from the manufacturers in Florida USA. Powered by a 502 ‘big block’ Chevrolet engine with counter rotating props, delivering 400 hp. at about 70 km/hr. For the fishing season the seating is configured for three anglers plus the skipper/guide, the front row seats have been removed, which allows maximum space at the front of the boat to be used as a casting deck.

Trailboss is a seven metre airboat designed and built by Marshland Marine in Baytown, Texas. Powered by a 450 ‘big block’ Chevrolet engine delivering 380 hp. at about 50 to 60 km/hr. For the fishing season the seating is configured for only four anglers plus the skipper/guide, the front row of seats have been removed, which allows maximum space at the front of the boat to be used as a casting deck.

River Boats
The river boat fleet at Bamurru Plains is made up of two custom aluminium fishing vessels measuring six metres and 6.5 metres respectively. Powered by 4-stroke outboard motors, both vessels feature raised casing decks, cushioned swivel seats, fold down canopies, quality electronics and ample deck space to fish comfortably.

FLOODPLAIN CHILL OUT PACKAGE

FLOODPLAIN CHILL OUT PACKAGE
Floodplain Chill Out rates are valid from 1 May 2021 to 31 October 2021.
INCLUSIONS: Safari Bungalow accommodation, chef prepared meals and beverages (including alcohol)
from a select open bar. Guided wilderness safaris are not included in this package but can be booked and
paid for locally, subject to availability and weather conditions.

SAFARI BUNGALOW
Per Person per night minimum 2 nights 1 May – 30 Jun & 1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $680, Single $1020 , Children under 16 Twin Share $612 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $340

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $748, Single $1122 , Children under 16 Twin Share $673 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $374

KINGFISHER SUITE

Per Person per night minimum 2 nights 1 May – 30 Jun & 1 Sep – 31 Oct

Twin Share $1025, Single $1538, Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $340

1 Jul – 31 Aug

Twin Share $1128, Single $1692 , Swag Bedding Customers under 18 sharing $374

ATIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS

ASK US ABOUT

ON-SITE EXPERIENCES
Mary River Flood Plains NT
AIRBOAT SAFARIS
Bamurru’s signature experience is a thrilling ride across the floodplains by airboat. This wildlife-packed journey takes you from wide open grasslands to a lagoon surrounded by peeling paper bark trees. Feel the rush as you skim the surface at speed then float in silence listening to the sound of nothing but the bush.

BIRDING
The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. For serious birders we can arrange for private experiences with ornithologists who specialise in this region of Australia.

RIVER CRUISES
Our relaxing river cruise takes you for a meander along the Sampan Creek, home to countless crocodiles and even more birds. This riverine habitat showcases different scenery and wildlife to elsewhere on the property, with mangroves lining the banks of the creek and the occasional barra leaping out of the water.

OPEN TOP GAME DRIVES
One of the best ways to see the variety of wildlife that teems here is on an open-top game drive, more akin to an African safari across the savannah. You’ll see agile wallabies, estuarine crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo’s and some of the 236 bird species on the property.

GUIDED WALKS
A guided walking safari at Bamurru is the perfect antidote to a busy life. You’re compelled to slow down and absorb the sights and sounds of the bush, understanding how every element has its place. At this pace, nature has a way of showing you what’s important.

The Hide at Bamurru Plains
THE HIDE
Raised six metres above the ground in the tree canopy overlooking the Mary River floodplain, The Hide is the ultimate eyrie from which birdlife and other wildlife can be observed undisturbed in their natural habitat. The Hide gives guests a unique perspective on this fragile environment.

QUAD BIKE TOURS
Criss-crossing between floodplain savannah, monsoonal forests and dry, open areas dotted with termite mounds alongside buffalo and brumbies, explore Bamurru from the wheel of your own quad bike.

DISCONNECT
While technically not a real activity, some of our guests prefer to do absolutely nothing. The best bit is that the wildlife will come to you. Watch hundreds of birds take flight from around the infinity-edge pool, see buffalo roam and Agile wallabies hop past your bungalow as you wake to sounds of thousands of Magpie Geese. If all you want to do is switch off, chill out and get away from the hustle and bustle of life then Bamurru is one of the best places in the world to do it.

OTHER EXPERIENCES

KAKADU DAY EXCURSION
Just a short hop by light aircraft across the river systems that separate Bamurru Plains from Kakadu brings you to the heart of this country. Rock art galleries reveal stories of Aboriginal people and their ancient culture. Textures of colours, vistas across savannah woodlands and floodplains provide a sense of the spirituality of this ancient landscape.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Bamurru’s abundance of bird and wildlife, sweeping vistas and stunning sunrises and sunsets offer both the novice and experienced photographers first-class opportunities to take magical photographs. At certain times of the year we run specific photography courses.

BARRAMUNDI FISHING
In the wet, the Mary River floodplains are full of water and Barra, as are the creeks of the Mary River System which adjoin Bamurru Plains. The highlight for any fisherman at Bamurru however, is fishing out on the floodplains by airboat.