Muloorina Station

Muloorina Station is a remote working cattle station in the Northern Territory's red centre, offering a genuine outback experience far from the tourist crowds. Set on the edge of the Simpson Desert, it's a place where you can soak in the vastness of the Australian interior, learn about station life, and spot wildlife around its permanent waterholes.

Highlights & What to See

• Station Stay & Homestead Tours – Immerse yourself in outback station life with a stay in the shearers' quarters or campground. Join a tour to learn about cattle mustering, the history of the property, and the challenges of living in this harsh environment.
• Muloorina Waterhole – A permanent spring-fed waterhole that attracts a dazzling array of birdlife, including pelicans, ducks, and corellas. It's a perfect spot for a swim or a picnic under the cool shade of river red gums.
• Simpson Desert Fringe – Explore the edge of the world's largest sand dune desert. Guided 4WD trips take you onto the first dunes for staggering views of red sand rippling to the horizon.
• Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and the occasional dingo. At dusk, the waterhole becomes a hub of activity as animals come to drink.
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a spectacle. Lie back and watch the Milky Way stretch across the desert.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly absorb the outback atmosphere, plan at least two nights. This gives you a full day to explore the waterhole, join a station tour, and perhaps take a 4WD trip onto the Simpson Desert dunes. If you're short on time, a day trip from Alice Springs (3.5 hours drive) is possible but rushed – you'll want to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kings Canyon – One of the Northern Territory's most dramatic landscapes, with the famous Rim Walk offering breathtaking views. It's about 2 hours north of Muloorina.
• Watarrka National Park – Home to Kings Canyon, this park also has excellent walking trails and permanent waterholes like Kathleen Springs.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – The iconic red rock monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta are about 4 hours west, making for a classic Red Centre road trip.
• Alice Springs – The gateway to the Red Centre, with cultural attractions, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the historic Telegraph Station.
• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve – A striking sandstone pillar rising from the desert, accessible by 4WD and offering a glimpse into explorer history.

Please check official sources for current details.