It’s 32 degrees and the infinity-edged plunge pool at the newly opened retreat at Bamurru Plains safari lodge in the Northern Territory is the ideal place to cool off with a glass of bubbles.

We are luxuriating in complete privacy about 100 metres from a freshwater floodplain overflowing with bird species under a clear blue sky. On the edge of the floodplain are water buffalo lounging in the mud and agile wallabies nibbling grass.