This is the Australia of our imagination, a five-million-star experience against the backdrop of an extraordinary landscape. Here, Australia's newest outback encounter offers eco luxe to complement the breathtaking legacy of the natural history.

Rawnsley Park Station's Eco Villas are watched over by the spectacular ramparts of Wilpena Pound, which blushes in shades of vermillion on the rising and setting of the sun. These architect designed straw-bale embrace villas echo the infinite space of the desert beyond with a generous open-plan lounge, dining and gourmet kitchen. The bathrooms are divine, with soaking tubs and organic toiletries. Blonde timbers and soft furnishings mirror the colours of the landscape. But the ultimate gesture is the retractable canopy ceiling above the bed, revealing a sea of stars – truly romantic.

From the station, air tours, four-wheel-drive tours, walking and horse-riding adventures in and around the Pound are available, all with the prospect of another spectacular sunset followed by a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant.

Location: 400km or 51/4 hours north of Adelaide. RA 65 C10. UBD 317 E1.
Facilities: One- and two-bedroom villas: retractable canopy ceiling over king beds, bathroom, open-plan lounge/dining (TV, DVD, CD), kitchen, RC AC. Laundry. BBQ. Restaurant. 4WD, horseback and air tours. Pool, general store. Breakfast provisions provided. Visit this property's website