Kakadu, Australia
Opened
2006
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Local Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
Wild Bush LuxuryFloodplain safari lodge
The lodge runs as an off-grid bush camp on the floodplains, built around airboat wildlife safaris and shared dinners.
What it’s good at
Notable
Elevated timber bungalows built with corrugated iron and floor-to-ceiling mesh walls.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Each of the nine ‘Safari Suites’ is raised on a platform and built from corrugated iron and timber to survive the monsoon.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The camp borders Kakadu National Park, surrounded by coastal floodplains where saltwater crocodiles and grazing buffalo share the waterways.
1 of 4
The rooms
Bungalows sit on timber stilts, using floor-to-ceiling mesh screens instead of glass to bring in wetland breezes and wildlife calls.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A saltwater wet-edge pool sits on the main lodge deck, looking out across the floodplains toward grazing buffalo.
At the table
Guests and field guides share three-course dinners of regional cooking around a long timber table.
How it began
Charlie Carlow opened the camp in 2006 on Swim Creek Station, adapting African safari lodge traditions to a working buffalo property.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.