Driving up to the Lodge, down the long dirt driveway our guide pointed out kangaroos and a wallaby that were quite at home on the rugged landscape, which was a fun introduction to the place. I stayed there one night as part of Bunyip's three day tour (so I can't comment on cost, as it was included in the tour price), and enjoyed it immensely.
The lodge (which had couches, pool tables, and a bar) and the outdoor kitchen and eating area were basic, as a hunting or camping lodge would be expected to be. The sleeping arrangements consisted of a number of bunkroom cabins, each their own porches to sit out on and enjoy the outback. The bathrooms are a bit old fashioned, but that added to the charm for me, reminding me of fishing trips with my dad. The place felt comfortable and cozy.
The lodge was also a flight strip for bush pilots and a four-wheeler course on the property. (I did not participate in the four-wheel experience, but my two tour-mates who did said they quite enjoyed it.)
My tour-mates and I wandered out to the flight strip (each of us well-dowsed in mosquito repellent) and set up chairs to watch the sunset with no other buildings or people in sight. Later that night, we went out and looked up at a sky brightly lit with stars, in which the Milky Way was a clearly visible streak across the sky. I also had the Southern Cross constellation pointed out to me, something I was looking forward to seeing on the trip. The experience was wonderful. read more