An ombre tapestry of verdant grazing lands morphing into remnant paperbark forests and coastal mangroves describes the spectacular landscape of Top End Australia’s newest luxury experience, Finniss River Lodge, which has welcomed its first guests.

Located within the 200 square kilometre working cattle property of Finniss River Station, just 90 minutes drive south-west of Darwin, the opening of Finniss River Lodge realises a long-held dream for graziers, the Venturin family, whose penchant is to share with nature seekers, their truly special part of Australia.

Owner Robert Venturin said that while Finniss River Station has operated since 1987 as a grazing property for Brahman cattle, it has always been impossible to ignore the landscape’s surreal brilliance and beaty which constantly changes throughout the day, culminating in fiery sunsets that are so intense, they must be seen to be believed.

Ready to welcome its first arrivals after three years in the making, Finniss River Lodge promises relaxation, adventure, and an intimate dalliance with nature from its luxurious, six suite accommodation complete with wide verandas and wet-edge swimming pool with station views as far as the eye can see.

“After what has been a couple of tough years for travel and tourism we feel honoured to be part of Australia’s renewal phase and with Finniss River Lodge’s allure of supreme quietude and relaxation or a spirited raft of adventurous activities it is the Northern Territory’s time to shine,” Mr Venturin said.

Taking a careful, understated approach to the design, so as not to overwhelm but accentuate the surroundings, the lodge’s architecture relies predominantly on natural timbers, floor to ceiling picture windows and doors for a light-filled, ‘bush character meets contemporary elegance’ aesthetic whereby the indoors and outdoors integrate seamlessly.

“Be it the discerning traveller seeking a bespoke experience to families in a quest for adventure, we just know our guests are going love being here,” he said.

According to Matthew Hurley of Hurley Hospitality Creative, Director of Operations of the new wilderness escape, Finniss River Lodge’s premium level of luxury accommodation for 12 indulged guests is all-inclusive promising inspired dining and a daily menu of dishes cooked to preference by one of Australia’s ground-breaking chefs, Travis Crane.

“Our service is ‘real’ and ‘genuine’, combining 5-star style with country hospitality. Our guests will get to meet personalities both from the working station and the local area. One of our signature events will be ‘Cows & Canapes’ where guests will enjoy amazing canapes and drinks, while meeting some of the station team and their bovine friends.

“From a nature-seekers perspective, Finniss River Lodge supports a plethora of wildlife – flocks of magpie geese and brolgas in their thousands, native and introduced species as well as the iconic saltwater crocodile,” Mr Hurley said.

“There is no doubt that Finniss River Lodge will be a birdwatcher’s paradise and for camera enthusiasts, the photogenic early morning mists, spectacular sunsets and natural fauna will be out of this world,” he said.

Added to this, there is the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in station life, participate in wild adventures, airboat rides, barramundi fishing, or learn about and discover Indigenous culture in nearby Litchfield National Park.

“We want our guests to have immersive and unforgettable experiences and that means providing a range of extraordinary activities with exceptional guides.  Learning bush survival skills and hunter gathering dinner ingredients will be all part of our Finniss River Lodge story.”

Finniss River Lodge highlights include:

• Six exclusive rooms with luxury appointments and generous en-suites
• Daily range of engaging, guided activities for children and adults alike
• Experienced and highly trained guides to facilitate safe, albeit memory-making adventures.
• A unique wilderness location just 25-minutes by charter flight or  90-min drive from Darwin
• An opportunity to connect with Finniss River cattle station’s passionate third generation owners, the Venturin family
• Locally inspired cuisine cooked to guest specification by resident chef
• Wi-fi and cellular signal
• Multi-generational, family appeal, with the property welcoming children from 6 years

Prices for Finniss River Station will begin at AU$1,200.00 per person inclusive of all meals, selected beverages, and activities, per day based on twin share accommodation.

Finniss River Lodge is now open. For more information and to book, visit Finniss River Lodge at www.finnissriverlodge.com.au or email bookings@finnissriverlodge.com.au.

SOURCE: Finniss River Lodge