Volume 4: The Story of Budgalong – Meet the Founders
Nick - Before it all Started
Growing up on the farm surrounded by the wonders of the Australian outback we came to cherish the untamed wilderness that lay at our doorstep. It was a childhood filled with exploration, where every corner revealed breathtaking views atop rugged mountains, endless encounters with native wildlife, and a sense of freedom that knew no bounds. But as we grew older we realised that this experience, this connection to the land, was something truly special - something that should not be taken for granted. I learned the importance of getting back to nature, being grounded in our thoughts and actions, and appreciating the simple joys of life that only the countryside can offer.
Nick and Madi - A Journey Begins
In 2018, that spark of adventure led Madi and I to the west coast of Australia, where we met while working for Paspaley Pearls. Cruising up and down the coast between farms from Darwin to Broome we witnessed firsthand the raw beauty of the Northern Territory. We worked alongside nature, through tropical cyclones, the blistering heat of the Kimberley, and the rolling tides of the Indian Ocean. It was a year of resilience and respect for the environment around us.
When our time with Paspaley came to an end we packed up our car and set off on a road trip from Broome, winding our way through some of the country’s most untouched landscapes. We camped under the stars, swapping stories with fellow travellers around campfires, sharing meals under wide, open skies. It was there on the road, that the idea first took root. Each night beneath the stars reminded us of home, of the rolling hills of Budgalong, the crisp country air, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature. Although we didn’t know what Budgalong Lodge would look like at first or how we would get there, we always knew why: to create a place where family and friends could come together, unplug from the chaos of modern life, and reconnect with what truly matters.
The Noise of Modern Life
When we returned to reality, life hit hard and fast. We moved to Sydney to study - Animal Science for me and Project Management for Madi. The city was a far cry from the open spaces we were used to. Life was non-stop, a constant hum of noise and movement. Deadlines, traffic, screens everywhere you looked. There was hardly a moment to breathe, to think freely, to simply exist without the pressures of the modern world. We found ourselves craving space, to escape the noise, to breathe deeply, to think clearly, and to simply be.
That’s when the vision for Budgalong Lodge was born. We imagined a luxury tented camp that would embrace the wilderness and celebrate the Australian countryside. A place to escape the hustle, to breathe deeply, to reconnect with nature, and to rejuvenate. We dreamed of creating a space where you could switch off from the world and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Somewhere off-grid and away from the noise, where meaningful connections with family and friends could be rediscovered around a crackling fire under the stars. We quickly learned it truly does take a village to raise a family. During the project there were long days and even longer nights but every setback was met with someone stepping up to help. We learned to ask for help and to lean on the community around us, an experience that deepened our appreciation for the people who call this land home. It is truly amazing what you can achieve when you ask unreasonable questions to reasonable people.
Rob and Mary – The Heart of Budgalong
Established as a working farm in 1959, Budgalong is a third-generation family-owned operation. The farm spans four properties: Budgalong, Bungiebomar, Fairfield, and Mountview, inspiring the names of each camp. Rob, who grew up on the farm, knows every inch of its land. His deep understanding of the landscape comes from a lifetime spent nurturing its soil and caring for its animals. Rob's passion is in building from the ground up, focusing on healthy soils that grow strong plants, which in turn raise healthy livestock. It's a simple philosophy: feed the land and it will feed the world.
Mary, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality brings warmth and a keen eye for detail to Budgalong. Her passion for service ensures that every guest feels at home, welcomed like family. Together, Rob and Mary have developed Budgalong into a thriving operation, running sheep, cattle, and cropping across 7,000 acres of native and improved pastures. Their dedication to sustainable farming practices has not only preserved the land but has set it up for generations to come. Their unwavering support and belief in our vision laid the foundation for what Budgalong Lodge is today: a place built from the heart with a deep respect for the land and a promise to share its beauty with others. We are incredibly grateful for their guidance, hard work, and the lessons they’ve passed down, reminding us that family is not just part of the story; it is the story.
Budgalong Fire Feast
When: 1st November 2025
What: Wood fired paddock to plate long lunch
Where: Budgalong Lodge
Dining at Budgalong offers a real taste of the destination, a celebration of home grown, locally sourced and sustainably produced food. The Paddock-to-Plate experience takes guests on a multi sensory journey through the harmonious and natural landscape and exquisite flavours on the plate.
What to Expect from The Story of Budgalong
In each edition of The Story of Budgalong, we’ll explore different aspects of life at Budgalong Lodge. From the history of our farm and our sustainable farming practices to the local producers we partner with and the events we host, each newsletter will offer a unique perspective on our vision and our community.
We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, seasonal updates from the farm, and exclusive previews of upcoming retreats and paddock-to-plate events. Whether you’ve stayed with us before or are looking forward to visiting for the first time, we hope this newsletter will inspire you to reconnect with nature, family, and friends.