Red Sky Delight

The sunset says it all. Taken from the comfort of my luxury cabin perched on the banks of the Mitchell River at Voyages' Wrotham Park Lodge. Outback and laid back on this sprawling working station - over half a million hectares, 70,000 handsome white Brahman cattle, and plenty of wildlife - all mixed with fine F&B and 5-star comfort. Why am I only staying 3 days?

Wild Horses

Lotus-eating wild horses seem appropriate. These beauties were spotted contently chomping on water lilies in the big dam near the station's entrance. I'm now on the property but another 33ks to go to get to the lodge. Yep, I think enough space for me ...

Website: Wrotham Park Lodge

Birds & Crocs

These are from a wonderful safari style lodge opened in last couple of years on the floodplains near Kakadu in NT. Called Bamarru Plains, an innovative tourism pioneer has created an open Aussie feel with the cabins which still manage to provide top quality comfort in the middle of nowhere.

The draw for me was the fabulous birdlife - thousands of nesting Magpie Geese on the floodplain, along with the buffalo and the crocs. The only time I've gone on an afternoon cruise with a gun-totting female guide in case any crocs gave us trouble.

The place to be if you want to escape the city, chill out, and see Top End nature at its best. I helicoptered in which was spectacular, and took a light plane back to Darwin.

Website: Bamurru Plains

Left: Elizabeth Rich, all armed for fun

• Photos courtesy of the writer