Birdwood Downs Station is the first in a series covering station stays along the Gibb River Road—real places, real people, and what you can actually expect on the ground. This is the ideal place to start planning your epic Gibb River Road Experience. There’s a Planning guide at the end.
Just twenty kilometres from Derby, with the sealed road’s dust still on your windscreen, Birdwood Downs Station shifts your idea of station stays. It’s more than the first stop on the famous Gibb River Road.
Ancient boab trees stand here, white peacocks stroll by your campfire, and the Burton family turns sustainable ranching into grass-fed beef packed with flavour.
What you’ll find at Birdwood Downs is rare: authentic, hands-on station life, affordable comfort, and a sustainable ethos.
Use it as your last chance to check supplies, stretch out, and settle in before heading into the heart of the Kimberley, where supermarkets and mechanics are few and far between. Derby is only a quick drive away if you’ve forgotten something.
This is the functional pause many travellers overlook—and regret.
Coming the other way? Birdwood is the perfect place to decompress. After hundreds of kilometres of red dirt, river crossings, and rocky tracks, it offers peace, comfort, and space to reflect before rolling into Broome.
Birdwood Downs is A Working Station with a Purpose
Don’t underestimate Birdwood Downs, it’s not just any stopover—it’s the result of decades of purposeful work.
In 1978, the Institute of Ecotechnics took on a bold challenge: to regenerate a badly overgrazed, compacted stretch of Kimberley land that most had written off. With invasive scrub choking out native species and fragile soils damaged by decades of stock movement, the task wasn’t easy.
But they got to work—by hand.
They removed wattles, trialled native and improved grasses, built shaded spaces, installed solar power long before it was mainstream, and designed wastewater gardens to turn runoff into food-producing orchards. It was a station run with one question in mind: how do we live better with the land?
Four decades later, that question still shapes what you see.
In 2019, the Burton family—known for Mt Elizabeth Station—took the reins and brought Birdwood into their Burton Beef network. But instead of rewriting the playbook, they doubled down on the original mission: work the land, regenerate it, and prove that sustainability and production can coexist.
Today, Birdwood remains a functioning cattle station that’s also a living example of what regenerative land management looks like. You walk past healthy frogs and shaded grasses not because someone landscaped for aesthetics, but because someone made smart, long-term decisions years ago.
Evening campfires, white peacocks, and Burton Beef on the BBQ aren’t just experiences—they’re the outcome of that work.
And now, you’re part of the story.
The Burton Family Connection
The Burton family’s station legacy began in the early 1990s, when a young Jack Burton and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Vicki bought Kilto Station—the Kimberley’s smallest pastoral lease—east of Broome. They were 25 and 24, respectively. At the time, stations were changing hands for a fraction of today’s prices, and the Burtons seized the opportunity.
That one property became the foundation of a much larger vision. Over the decades, they’ve expanded into a vertically integrated cattle operation—Burton Beef—which now includes Mt Elizabeth, Carson River, and Birdwood Downs.
When they acquired Birdwood in 2019, it wasn’t a blank slate. The property had a reputation for regeneration, sustainability, and ecological trial work. Rather than erase that, the Burtons chose to continue it—blending their production expertise with Birdwood’s environmental ethos.
For travellers, that means more than just paddocks and cattle. You’re staying on land that produces beef you can actually buy at reception. You’re seeing sustainable station life in action. And every night around the fire, you’re part of a story that started with two people and a big leap.
Indigenous Background
Birdwood lies on the traditional lands of the Nyikina people, who have long cared for the Fitzroy River and surrounding areas. Visitors are encouraged to travel with respect, learn local stories, and acknowledge the deep cultural connections embedded in this land.
Accommodation Options at Birdwood Downs Station
Bush Camping
Birdwood’s bush campground offers large, shaded sites with flushing toilets, solar-heated hot showers, washing machines, and a well-equipped camp kitchen. Generators are permitted only during the day, to maintain peace at night.
- $38/night for two adults (2025)
- Extra adult: $16 | Kids 5–12: $8 | Under 5s: Free
- No bookings needed outside peak season (June–August)
Savannah Huts
For travellers who prefer a solid roof, the Savannah Huts offer:
- Double bed with linen
- Fridge, tea & coffee facilities
- Shared bathrooms
- $150/night (2025)
Upgrades and downgrades are usually possible depending on availability. Ideal for those who want more comfort without losing the station experience.
Things To Do at Birdwood Downs
The Boab Walk
Step off the beaten path and explore ancient boab trees scattered across the station. These aren’t manicured photo stops—they’re working trees, integrated into the land and daily life for generations.
Unique to Australia’s northwest, boabs are slow-growing giants known for their swollen trunks and immense longevity. Some in the Kimberley are believed to be over 1,500 years old. For Aboriginal people, the boab holds deep cultural and medicinal significance, and the trees often feature in songlines, stories, and seasonal knowledge.
They also carry darker stories. Some large hollow boabs were used as temporary lockups for Aboriginal prisoners during the colonial era—dark chapters that are still remembered today. These trees stand as both icons of the north and witnesses to its complex past.
At Birdwood, the boabs are part of the living landscape. You won’t find fences or interpretive signs—just the freedom to walk, observe, and connect with these remarkable trees in their natural setting.
Campfires & Community
Evenings at Birdwood revolve around the communal campfire. Travellers swap stories, share drinks, and get the inside word on road conditions and hidden gems from station staff and seasoned nomads.
Birdwood Downs Burgers (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Campfire nights often feature Burton Beef burgers, made with beef raised right on the station. These nights are informal, communal, and unforgettable. Grab a takeaway BBQ pack if you’d rather cook on your own.
Horse Rides
Take a trail ride through regenerated pastures and bush. Sunset rides are particularly popular. Horses are well-trained, and beginners are welcome. Book ahead—station work takes priority.
Wildlife & Photography
Expect to see geckos, tree frogs, and native birds. The famous white peacocks—leucistic, not albino—are a highlight. Morning light on red dirt and boabs makes for stunning photos.
Solar energy powers the station. Wastewater gardens irrigate food-producing orchards. Shaded campgrounds and healthy paddocks reflect a decades-long investment in the land. It’s not a marketing angle—it’s a mindset.
The Burtons didn’t just maintain this ethos—they scaled it. With their resources and operational knowledge from Mt Elizabeth and beyond, they’ve expanded sustainable practices across Birdwood without compromising its integrity.
As a visitor, you’ll see these values in action. From the healthy frogs in the bathrooms to the restored pastures under your boots, everything here is connected to the land’s recovery.
Birdwood isn’t just sustainable—it’s actively healing the country.
They pioneered sustainable systems ahead of their time—installing solar power, building wastewater gardens that fed orchards, and proving that damaged land could recover with patience and the right approach.
In 2019, the Burton family—well-known for Mt Elizabeth Station—acquired Birdwood and brought it into their Burton Beef operation, alongside Kilto Station near Broome and Carson River Station in the far north. They scaled up these regenerative practices to commercial levels without compromising the core vision.
What this means for you as a visitor is simple: You’re staying on a station that works with the land, not against it. The sausages sizzling at the fire? Raised right here. The shady trees by your tent? Part of a decades-long plan to restore soil health.
You’re not just seeing the outback—you’re staying in a place that’s actively healing it.
These aren’t buzzwords—they’re the backbone of how Birdwood operates, proving that productivity and regeneration can go hand in hand.
A Safe Option for Solo Female Travellers
Birdwood Downs is known for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The campground attracts a mix of travellers—families, grey nomads, solo explorers—and the shared spaces naturally foster community. Staff live on site and keep a casual but attentive presence. It’s quiet, social, and feels safe. Caroline was in the office when I was pulling up. She was lovely, welcoming and gave me pointers on what to do at Birdwood Downs Station.
Practical Details
- Caravan storage: $10/night (ideal for Gibb side trips)
- Water: Safe to drink
- Firewood: Available on site
- Reception: Open 7am–6pm | Phone: 08 9191 1275 | Email: bookings@birdwooddowns.com
Why Start (or End) Here at Birdwood Downs Station
Whether you’re just about to hit the red dirt or you’ve made it through the Gibb’s dust and rivers, Birdwood Downs is more than a stop—it’s a moment to pause.
Before you dive into the deep Kimberley, this is where you check your setup, stock your fridge, and sit around a fire with travellers who’ve just come out the other side. Swap notes. Pick up hot tips. Learn what’s open, what’s flowing, and what to avoid. It’s like getting a personal briefing—only it happens with a beer in hand and a sausage on the grill.
Take the Boab Walk through ancient trees. See the land that’s not just surviving, but healing. Talk to station staff about sustainable grazing, or just enjoy the birds and the quiet.
And when you roll out the next morning, it won’t just feel like the trip has started. You’ll feel ready for it.
My Thoughts on this Station Stay
Birdwood Downs Station Stay – Functional, No-Frills Stop Near Derby
Birdwood Downs Station is a basic, back-to-earth option for those looking for a quiet stopover near Derby on the Gibb River Road. It’s not luxury, and it doesn’t pretend to be. The buildings are dated, the shared kitchen is practical but bare-bones, and the bungalows have definitely seen better days. But for the right traveller, it ticks a few important boxes.
What Works:
- Peaceful Campsites: Many visitors appreciate the shady, grassy campgrounds. If you’re tenting or caravanning, it’s quiet and pleasant—especially under the trees. Several of the camps, including freedom camps, are really noisy along the Gibb. Quiet is bliss.
- Eco-Friendly Setup: Birdwood runs on solar power and focuses on sustainability. That’s a plus for environmentally-minded travellers. Sustainable travellers should keep this place in mind.
- Location: Just outside Derby and right on the Gibb River Road, it’s a handy base to kick off or wind down your Kimberley adventure.
- Staff: A few reviewers mention warm, helpful service from staff and management. The lovely Carolyn was behind the desk when I was checking in and she couldn’t have been more helpful.
What Doesn’t:
- Tired Facilities: The bungalows and shared amenities are overdue for an upgrade. Reviews flag maintenance issues and a general sense of wear and tear.
- Cleanliness: Complaints about dirty bathrooms and unkempt spaces come up more than once. In my stay, the facilities are dated but clean.
- Value for Money: Some guests feel the price doesn’t reflect the quality of the accommodation. This isn’t Hollywood; you are at the gateway to the Kimberleys.
Birdwood Downs isn’t aiming for resort-level polish. It’s a functional place to rest, maybe recharge, but don’t expect modern comforts or spotless facilities. It’s best suited for self-sufficient campers who prioritize location and low-impact living over creature comforts.
👉 See full reviews on TripAdvisor
Plan Your Gibb River Road Journey
Birdwood Downs is just the beginning.
This is the first in my series covering station stays along the Gibb River Road—real places, real stories, and what to expect on the ground. If you’re planning the full route (or even just sections), these practical guides will help you do it right.
- 🧭 Highlights of the Gibb River Road – Must-see gorges, side trips, and standout stops
- 🛠 Permits and Passes Required for the Gibb – What you need, where to get them
- 🏕 Accommodation Options on the Gibb – Station stays, campgrounds, and what’s actually open
- 💎 Luxury Gibb River Road – Where comfort meets wilderness
- 🌿 Sustainable & Indigenous-Led Stays – Travel with respect, and learn from Country
- 🏞 Mitchell Falls Guide – Walk notes, tips, and what to expect
- ❓ Mitchell Falls FAQs – Permits, access, gear, and timeframes
New posts coming soon as I cover every station stay along the Gibb—from iconic stops to hidden gems.
