Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

The parking setup was a bit off-putting. It’s away from check-in, so you have to haul your luggage across to your tent, though they do provide a little trolley. Still, this is great glamping, with lovely tents that are really more like cabins, just without air con. The food was fantastic and the staff were nice.

The staff were so lovely, friendly and helpful with tips. One woman suggested wearing socks at some swimming holes because they’re less slippery on the rocks than bare feet. She was right, it worked perfectly. She also advised when to visit echidna chasm and where to stop. We went a little after 11am and waited near the entrance, by the huge boulder in the middle, rather than going all the way to the end. It was worth the wait. The tents look amazing and have everything you need, with good beds and showers. The place is picturesque and calming. Breakfast and tea were good too. It’s close to great sights and makes a good stop along the Gibb, with Bell Gorge nearby and Tunnel Creek too. Incredible place to stay, so worth it.

You can sit around the fireside with other travellers after dinner and hear their stories about the infamous road. In the morning, the birdsong makes a wonderfully melodious alarm clock, and the sunrise over the Precipice Range is amazing from your cabin verandah. Lots of bird species live in this creek-side area, so it feels like a real bush stay, with all the luxury of a million star hotel. The lodge sits at the base of the Precipice Ranges near the Imintji Community, making it a great base for the gorges, waterfalls and other sights along the western Gibb River Road. The staff are friendly and helpful with directions. The food is second to none, and the stunning tented cabins feel more like a classy hotel than glamping. Brilliant place to stay.

The rooms have a really unusual look, with lots of distinctive details, and the location is incredible. We had a relaxing night along the mighty Gibb River Road, and it was well worth it. Great food and service too. I’d recommend it, one of the best places we visited during our month travelling in Australia from Italy.