Wild Bush Luxury opens new Jabiru Retreat at Bamurru Plains safari lodge

(May 2023) Wild Bush Luxury, the Australian tourism company specialising in immersive nature experiences, has opened its newest accommodation offering – Jabiru Retreat at Bamurru Plains safari lodge, located on the spectacular Mary River wetlands in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

Jabiru Retreat is a private, ‘luxe camp within a camp’ experience featuring two safari-style bungalows connected via a raised walkway leading to an exclusive-use plunge pool. Alongside is an alfresco lounge and dining space with a view overlooking the lush plains that attract abundant wildlife including buffalo, agile wallabies, brumbies and an incredible variety of birdlife including Magpie Geese and the retreat’s namesake, the Jabiru.

Jabiru Retreat accommodates four adults, and up to an additional two children upon request in swag bed sleeping, catering to six guests in total. It is the ideal space for either two couples travelling together, a family with older children, multi-generational families or small groups of friends wanting their own space.

Photo courtesy Wild Bush

John O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of Experience Co, owner of Wild Bush Luxury, said “Jabiru Retreat has been purposefully designed for experiential travel opportunities that connect guests with the natural environment. It will offer all the comforts of Bamurru Plains – where the landscape is hero – but with the added luxury of more space and exclusivity for small groups looking for their own private retreat.”

Designed by Darwin-based Rossi Architects, Jabiru Retreat will have the look and feel of a safari camp with sustainable and ethically sourced furniture throughout the bungalows using natural materials including teak, rattan and seagrass. To extend this look to the exteriors, Wild Bush Luxury worked
with Inartisan – an Australian company founded by artist Emily Heysen, great-granddaughter of renowned Australian landscape painter, Sir Hans Heysen – who sourced the teak furniture for the expansive decks.

Each of the two spacious bungalows at Jabiru Retreat offers king-size split beds, an ensuite bathroom and a generous outdoor lounge area. The safari bungalows are built on stilts to minimise impact on the environment. Overhead fans and ceiling-to-floor mesh walls on three sides allow breezes to naturally cool the interior and expose guests to the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush.

Jabiru Retreat will complement the existing accommodation at Bamurru Plains which includes ten safari bungalows and one larger Kingfisher Suite overlooking the floodplains. The Retreat will offer complete privacy while still including all the signature Wild Bush Luxury services, including fully catered dining and daily wilderness safari experiences – such as airboat
safaris, open-top safari drives, crocodile-spotting river cruises, guided walks and more.

Photo credit: Helen Orr

Prices for Jabiru Retreat are based on four people and start from $6,160 a night from 1 May to 30 June and 1 September to 31 October, and from $6,800 a night fully inclusive in the peak months of July and August.

The price includes accommodation, a fully catered experience including hosted lodge dinners, all beverages including wines and spirits, along with twice-daily shared safari experiences.

To book, go to www.bamurruplains.com