Frequently Asked Questions

No you don’t. My in-laws lived their entire lives in this area and predominantly drove a Holden Ute! The unsealed roads are usually in fair order (though of course they can also be corrugated and in need of a grade!) and it’s just a matter of just taking your time and driving to the conditions of the road. Having said that we definitely DO NOT recommend any vehicle that has low profile tyres and is lowered. We are 125km from Bourke, of which about 60km is unsealed. Cobar is 160km with about 60km unsealed and Wilcannia is 200km – all unsealed. The road from Louth to Trilby station is recently all sealed, but it’s then unsealed the rest of the way down the Darling River Run.

It’s always a good idea but not a requirement of course … just in case we’re closed, out the back paddock when you arrive or already fully booked. We only have 16 secluded river side campspots, (some large enough for big groups) and 9 on the amazing billabong, and never squeeze more in. Call or text me on 0419447938 or use our contact form to reserve your spot on the river.

Definitely, but please bear in mind that we are only accessible by unsealed roads in all directions. Your van doesn’t need to be an off-road type but we definitely recommend at least a semi off-road van … just drive to the conditions.

Yes, we do – 4. Our powered sites are approx 200 metres from the river and adjacent to the Shearer’s Bunkhouse. Facilities include bathrooms, laundry, a camp kitchen (fridge, freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster and sink), gazebo, paved campfire area, and water ( bore water from your tap, rainwater for drinking only and not to be filled into vans).

Absolutely! The pool is open during daylight hours for all guests on the station. It is situated in the homestead gardens, beside the Overseer’s and Jillaroo’s Cottages. We ask that children are supervised by an adult at all times.

Yabby nets are available to borrow from the homestead and if you don’t have any ‘bait’ I can usually find you something to get you started.

A 4WD vehicle isn’t necessary as you will only be driving on well graded station tracks. You will only be given the Mud Maps once you intend to head out on your drive. This way I can carefully explain the instructions, go over the trip notes and sign you out. You are then required to sign back in at the Office once you return. NOTE – we do not allow RV registered vehicles ( such as side by sides) on the station, nor unregistered motor bikes.

Yes – Telstra 4G around the homestead, cottages, bunkhouse and amenities. Some but not all campsites get reception. We have free WIFI at the pool area.
Please note: Cheaper plans/sims such as Aldi and Belong don’t work on this network. So many assume they have Telstra coverage, but don’t for remote areas.

The weather is probably the only thing I can’t predict or guarantee (OK, so maybe the fishing as well) and road closures with rain are a fact of life in the outback. Roads are closed until they dry, which may only be half a day, a day, two days….. all dependent on the amount of rain received.

A mobile phone contact for whilst you are travelling is required when you book, so that I have a means of contacting you IF we have had significant rain immediately prior to your arrival. There is no charge for a forfeited booking when roads are closed to Trilby.

Consequently, if you are here and we receive rain then you may have to extend your stay until roads are dry and reopened. If a rain event is predicted I warn people of the risk of having to stay a little longer when they call or arrive at the station. The decision is then yours as to whether you will enjoy our station or leave it for another time.

Yes, we do welcome pets for guests staying in our campsites or powered sites. Being a working station we do request that your dog be on a leash at all times. 

Our cottages and the Shearer’s Bunkhouse are not pet friendly, so please don’t ask as refusal may offend. 

Your campsite is supplied with a starter pack of firewood. If you require more you can gather dead wood in from around your camp OR purchase from us. We sell good quality local firewood at $20 for a 15kg bag, and $5 of this is donated to the Royal Flying Dr Service.

Both Louth (25km) and Tilpa (70km) sell diesel and unleaded fuels, though it’s a good idea to fuel up at your last major town before heading out to Trilby as occasionally the local pubs have run out of a particular fuel and are waiting for the next fuel tanker to replenish supplies. Fuel is also more costly at these small isolated villages.

Shindy’s Inn at Louth (25km away) and Tilpa Pub (69km away) both do fantastic counter meals but neither sell groceries other than maybe frozen bread and UHT milk.

There is no shop here at Trilby Station, though we do sell bagged ice. Meals are only available when pre-booked in advance.

No, sorry. Our recreational vehicle/motorbike guest policy is as follows:

For the safety of our guests, staff, livestock and property, we do not permit station stay guests to bring or operate off-road buggies, side-by-sides, quad bikes, unregisterd or recreational registered motor bikes or similar recreational vehicles on the station. Our station is an active working property with livestock, farm operations, uneven terrain and other hazards that can create additional risks when these types of vehicles are used for recreational purposes. We also want to ensure that all guests can enjoy their stay without the noise, traffic and potential disruption associated with recreational vehicle use. We appreciate guests respecting this policy and leaving these vehicles at home when visiting the station. This policy also applies to children’s small motorbikes.

Booking confirmation:

• Overseer’s Cottage, Jillaroo’s cottage, Mitch’s Hut and Shearer’s Bunkhouse: A 50% deposit or one night’s tariff is required to confirm your booking. Payment of this deposit is via EFT or Credit Card. Balance payable on arrival via cash or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Eftpos)
• Powered Sites: Credit card details required for guarantee.
• Louth Races week: All accommodation and camping attracts a premium for the week of Louth Races. Payment is required in full to confirm any booking. We do not refund cancelled bookings made for race week, other than if the roads to Trilby Station are closed with wet weather.
• Total Solar Eclipse, July 22, 2028. All accommodation and camping will attract a premium from July 20^th – 23^rd 2028. A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking with the balance payable 90 days in advance. We do not refund cancelled bookings made for the Eclipse once final payment has been made, other than if the roads to Trilby Station are closed with wet weather.

Checking in and out

• Check in is from 2pm and departure time is 10am for all bed accommodation and from 12 noon for caravan and camping sites.
• An additional cleaning fee of $100 (per cottage/bunkhouse) will be incurred if cottages/bunkhouse are not left in a clean and tidy state.  Guests should ensure dishes are washed, dried, and put away and rubbish is in the outside bins provided. If you’ve used the BBQ it needs to be cleaned please.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Cancellations made 7 days or less prior to arrival – deposit will be forfeited. This relates only to cottage and bunkhouse accommodation. Not applicable to bookings for race week except in the event of road closures.
• Where cancellation of your booking occurs due to weather conditions locally that are beyond our control (i.e., roads closed to Trilby Station) we are happy to renegotiate your booking, or you may cancel without any loss to you.