Australia Tourism has been out of bounds for the international tourists firstly because of devastating Bushfires during 2019/20, and then the Pandemic during 2020/21.
2022 brings hope and recovery, since Australia is now open to welcome international tourists and this presents an opportunity for discerning travellers holding on to their travel plans to visit Australia since past 3 years can now plan to visit the Island destination.
From 21 February 2022, Australia will welcome all fully vaccinated eligible visa holders, enabling the return of leisure visitors. Travellers who are fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine, will not have to quarantine on arrival. However, please note that some states and territories have specific requirements for visitors arriving from overseas so please refer to the latest advice for more details.
There are also several important pre departure requirements for international visitors travelling to Australia, further details of which are available here:
Vaccinated Travellers. https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/vaccinated-travellers
Australia has been able to contain the virus effectively in terms of caseloads and mortalities, as compared to other nations, and with wide open spaces, nature – social distancing comes naturally to Australia.
The Best of Australia in terms of experiences is offered by the Luxury Lodges of Australia, a collection of independent luxury lodges and camps offering unforgettable experiences in Australia’s most extraordinary locations. There are 19 lodges in this stellar collection of the nation’s most celebrated properties. The luxury of experiences and genuine connections to people and place are what set these lodges apart.
You need a month (30 days) to be able to discover, explore the highlight lodges and experiences in Australia. Or you can decide to break down the trip to areas, regions, and activities that interest you the most (but nothing less than 7 days on a single trip).
Key experiences in Australia include Rock, Reef, Wildlife, Mountains, Wine and Rainforest. You always have the iconic Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Cairns/Port Douglas as favorite jaunts on a trip plan or journey to Australia. Below presents the essence of true Australian luxury and its uniqueness.
Rock:
The dual World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park stretches over 311,000 acres and is Australia’s most famous natural landscape and arguably a journey to Australia’s spiritual and geographic heart. Facing majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock), stay at Longitude 131° offers a uniquely personal experience of this Australian icon from 15 luxury tents (canopied suites) with unrivalled private views of the changing colours of Uluru as the sun rises and sets.
Longitude 131°
With views direct to Uluru and across the desert to Kata Tjuta, Longitude 131˚ is Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. Dotted among the red-rust dunes of the Central Desert are 16 tented pavilions, each offering connection with the outback landscape and its heritage as well as a glamorous base from which to explore the incredible Red Centre.
Discover vibrant Aboriginal artworks alongside relics from the region’s explorers, a bar and restaurant offering contemporary Australian dining and friendly staff ready to share a yarn.
Uluru star attraction in the Red Centre, is visible from almost every angle at Longitude 131°, from the end of the bed in guests’ luxury tents, from the Dune House and from the Dune Top lounge, one of the only places in Australia where the views sweep effortlessly from Uluru to Kata Tjuta.
The main airport, Ayers Rock Airport, is three hours’ travel by air from most Australian capital cities. Longitude 131° is located 15 minutes’ drive from Ayers Rock Airport via lodge transfer.
Please click to view/download a suggestive 4 Nights Itinerary:
Rainforest:
The World Heritage listed Daintree National Park is home to one of the oldest living rainforests on the planet.
The diverse landscape of the Daintree region comprises a great variety of vegetation including complex mangroves, coastal heather on sand, widespread Eucalypt woodlands and the most luxuriant tropical rainforest in Australia.
Today the Daintree contains plant life representing some of the earliest land plants such as ancient cycads and conifers from the Jurassic period.
The Daintree is home to a great variety of mammals and birds many of which are not found anywhere else in Australia such as the Southern Cassowary and Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo.
Stay at Silky Oaks Lodge offers an extraordinary experience of Tropical North Queensland where Australia’s celebrated Daintree Rainforest meets the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Luxury, treehouse-style suites, the acclaimed Treehouse Restaurant and the Healing Waters Spa complement an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest.:
Renowned as one of Australia’s enduring luxury resorts, Tropical North Queensland hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge reopened in December 2021 following a multimillion-dollar rebuild by the team at Baillie Lodges, bringing their globally lauded style and sensitivity to a genuinely iconic lodge and location in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.
Silky Oaks Lodge offers guests a stylish escape in the cool calm of the Daintree Rainforest. Set above the gently flowing Mossman River and among the leafy canopy, the airy, open spaces of the main lodge envelope guests in the sights and sounds of an extraordinary natural theatre.
40 luxury treehouses styled with contemporary furnishings and featuring local timbers offer peaceful retreat and views of the Mossman River or the rainforest, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the natural theatre of the surrounds.
Tropical North Queensland is a remarkable region where Australia’s World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. At an estimated 180 million years old, the Daintree Rainforest is regarded as the oldest living rainforest in the world.
Silky Oaks Lodge is centrally located to several of the Daintree’s main attractions, at just 20 minutes’ drive from Port Douglas (22 km) and 60 minutes’ drive north of Cairns Airport (78 km).
Please click to view/download a suggestive 4 Nights Itinerary:
Reef:
The Great Barrier Reef stretches some 1200km along the tropical north Queensland coast and is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and a world heritage listed, natural inspiration. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. Stay at Lizard Island is a beautiful, natural, remote island retreat and the northern-most Great Barrier Reef resort. It offers 24 white powdery sand beaches, five star cuisine, indulgent spa treatments and is an outstanding dive and snorkel destination.
Lizard Island, great barrier reef:
Lizard Island, Australia’s northern-most island beach resort, is truly secluded from the rest of the world. It is uniquely located right on the Great Barrier Reef, 240 kilometres north of Cairns, and has 24 powdery-white beaches, over 1000 hectares of national park, 40 beach luxury suites, the Essentia Day Spa, and the bluest of clear blue ocean views from every angle.
Lizard Island has a stunning choice of private villas, suites, or the Pavilion. In addition to the reef and water activities, are secluded picnics on private beaches, superb food and wine in the open and expansive main lodge area and indulgent spa treatments to complete the Lizard Island experience.
Lizard Island offers an extensive range of Great Barrier Reef activities.
- Motorised dinghies
- Snorkelling equipment and lessons
- Tennis – day and night with all equipment supplied
- Picnic hampers for romantic and secluded beachside lunches
- Paddle ski tours
- Nature slide presentations
- Gymnasium
- Self-guided nature walks
Optional Activities (charges apply):
- Diving and snorkelling trips to the inner or outer Reef
- Diving courses
- Night Diving
- Interpretive glass bottom boat tours
- Full or half day private game fishing, Black Marlin season is from September to December
- Essentia Day Spa treatments
- Research station tours
- Lizard Island dive and fishing charters on MV Fascination
- Champagne sunset cruises
- Sunset Beachside Degustation
Lizard Island is located 60 mins scenic flight from the Cairns Airport.
qualia, Great Barrier Reef:
qualia is situated on the northernmost part of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and with views across the Coral Sea and Whitsundays. An oasis of Australian style, qualia provides exceptional levels of award-winning luxury and intuitive, friendly service.
qualia offers guests the indulgent choice of one-bedroom Windward with private plunge pool or Leeward pavilions, each with breathtaking views which blend harmoniously with the rare, natural beauty of the island and provide an indulgent space to relax and unwind. Or, you have choice of uncompromising luxury and privacy, staying at their two-bedroom Beach House, with its own guest quarters, private lap pool and inspiring views.
Amazing lifetime experiences lie at the heart of qualia. Enjoy a private helicopter Heart Reef tour; go on a memorable Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure; sail to breathtaking Whitehaven Beach and simply swim. Below is the list of experiences:
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays
- Snorkelling and Diving
- Scenic Flights
- Beach Activities
- Boating
- Golf
- Gourmet
- Exploring Hamilton Island
Placed at the heart of the resort and perfectly situated to catch the soft breezes and tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef, Spa qualia is the ideal place for wellness and relaxation.
Nearest Airport: Hamilton Island Airport is the only commercial island airport in the Whitsundays with daily direct flights. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar land here from Australia’s major international gateway airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns and the airport also welcomes guests arriving by private jet.
Mountain:
Located on 8000 acres at the peak of the ridge, with breathtaking views of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is Queensland’s highest mountain lodge retreat. Recently opened, purpose-built Spa Anise, encompasses specially designed treatment rooms and a plunge spa pool on the deck.
SPICERS PEAK LODGE:
Experience the height of luxury in Queensland High Country; a naturally inspired wilderness region just 2 hours from Brisbane. Perched atop a mountain on 8,000 acres, enveloped by the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and the Great Dividing Range is Spicers Peak Lodge; an exclusive, intimate Australian wilderness lodge experience.
Australia’s highest non alpine lodge retreat. This architecturally designed lodge is an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic design, and has been created with its stunning natural environment in mind.
As part of the all inclusive stay, guests can enjoy a range of experiences tailored to showcase this strikingly pristine landscape including guided nature walks, guided mountain bike adventures, 4WD discovery tours, night nocturnal walks, yoga and local history presentations. There are also four day guided treks of the region ending with a night of luxury at the Lodge from March to October.
With ten eco-systems represented onsite, guests can spot iconic Australian native animals including rare the glossy black cockatoo, bushy tail rock wallaby, kangaroo, dingo and the koala. The property is also renowned for bird watching, with sightings of rare and threatened birds that reside in the region.
The lodge is easily accessible by private car, allowing 2 hours from Brisbane Airport or 2.5 half hours from Gold Coast Airport.
Please click to view/download a suggestive Itinerary:
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Greater Blue Mountains
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a chic conservation retreat, located 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney in the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region. Nestled amongst 7,000-acres of protected wilderness and surrounded by two national parks, the resort immerses you in nature and re-invigorates the soul.
It offers 40 freestanding villas, each one features spacious living areas, along with cosy fireplaces, private pools and picturesque verandas designed to immerse you in the atmospheric Blue Mountains surroundings.
The resort’s unique blend of native wildlife, dramatic landscapes and heritage, can be explored through a range of epic outdoor activities including hiking, four wheel driving, mountain biking and horse riding along hidden trails, sparkling creeks and epic ridgelines.
For those seeking relaxation, the One&Only Spa is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself with a pampering spa treatment or outdoor yoga session. This is Australia at its finest.
Activities are offered at various skill and fitness levels as well as personal interests, and are suitable for older guests, families, and highly active, more adventurous visitors. From enjoying a lunch together in absolute solitude alongside a forest creek; to a father and son late-night BBQ under the stars; or a social sundowner with friends after an afternoon four-wheel drive excursion.
Click on link below for Full Activities Brochure:
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is located approximately 190 kilometres or a 2.5 hour’s drive North-west of Sydney. Alternatively, helicopter transfers take just 45 scenic minutes from Sydney and pass over one of the most dramatic landscapes in Australia, offering superb views of the Blue Mountains landscape before touching down at the resort’s private helipad.
Wildlife:
Stay at Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary safari-style bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s aboriginal culture.
BAMURRU PLAINS:
Bamurru Plains is a safari lodge with exclusive access to 300 km of floodplains and savanna woodland on the Mary River, on the edge of Kakadu National Park. A profusion of bird and wildlife are at the doorstep of this unique bush experience that exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ and brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness.
The true luxury of Bamurru Plains is its location. The area is home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the world, and the annual migration of over one hundred thousand magpie geese is a sight to be seen.
The floodplains and savannah woodland offer one of Australia’s richest wildlife experiences: tens of thousands of Magpie Geese mingle with Whistling Kites, egrets, herons and buffalo on the floodplain, while Blue-winged Kookaburras, parrots, cockatoos and Agile Wallabies inhabit the fringing woodlands.
The 10 room camp safari lodge exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ ensuring that guests are introduced to the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment in style and exclusivity.
It is a scenic 30 minutes light aircraft charter flight from Darwin to Bamurru Plains Airstrip, followed by a 20 minutes road transfer to Bamurru Plains Lodge.
Outback:
A journey into the Australian outback is one you’ll never forget. A staircase to the moon, rock art that comes alive with the help of an Aboriginal ranger, luxury accommodation buried deep underground, and made-by-nature swimming pools are just some of the unbelievable experiences that you’ll find only in outback Australia.
ARKABA, flinders range:
Arkaba Conservancy, a Wild Bush Luxury property in the Flinders Ranges. This remote 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy is dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and birds. Mobs of kangaroos, emus and other abundant wildlife will delight you on safaris through spectacular ancient landscapes, where expert field guides will immerse you in the story of the bush.
Arkaba offers some of Australia’s most spectacular outback scenery. It is recognised one of the most beautiful outback properties in the country.
The homestead’s 5 ensuite bedrooms have been tastefully restored in tune with the property’s pioneering history and, in tune with Wild Bush Luxury’s understated yet cleverly up-cycled Australian style, a stay is more like staying with friends in the country than a typical luxury hotel.
They offer all-inclusive rates which feature daily activities such as bush walking, 4WD safaris, tracking native wildlife, visiting ancient Aboriginal sites or just soaking up the sights and sounds of the Australian bush.
Private charter flights can be arranged from Adelaide with a flight time of 90 minutes. Charter flights arrive to Hawker airstrip and guests are greeted by Arkaba hosts for the short drive to Arkaba Homestead.
Another option using commercial flights is Port Augusta which is the closest airport located approximately 75 minutes away by road.
mount mulligan lodge
For a quintessential Aussie experience, head into Queensland’s outback. A 3.5 hour drive from Cairns, you’ll find Mount Mulligan Lodge, an outback station that brings together luxury and rugged adventure.
Located on an entirely private 28,000 hectare outback property 160km north-west of Cairns, Mt Mulligan Lodge accommodates just 20 indulged guests at any one time, ensuring a rugged and intimate escape.
It offers an all-inclusive luxury accommodation in the shadow of majestic Mount Mulligan, the lodge features four different accommodation types, a beautifully designed main pavilion for guest meals and relaxation, an infinity pool and sunset bar.
A range of experiences have been designed to make the most of the rugged outback territory. Mt Mulligan Lodge offers guided tours of the goldfields including a sighting of Australia’s oldest operating gold stamper at Tyrconnell, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, ATV adventures discovering the history and beauty of the region, chef-prepared gourmet picnic hampers, wildlife spotting, sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, stargazing, hikes around the southern face of Mount Mulligan, barramundi fishing in the weir, scenic helicopter flights and the chance to experience the day-to-day operations of a working cattle station.
Mt Mulligan Lodge is a 35-minute scenic helicopter journey from Cairns or a 2.5 – 3 hour 4WD road journey from Cairns. During the wet season (January to March), it is recommended booking a helicopter charter as road closures may occur.
You also have option for a daily scheduled commercial flight Cairns to Mt Mulligan, duration 35 mins.
Please click to view/download a suggestive Itinerary:
Outback & Reef:
Where the Outback meets the reef, Ningaloo Reef is one of Australia’s great undiscovered treasures. Home to luxe coastal Camp Sal Salis, this is regarded as the best place in the world to swim with whale sharks and manta rays. Ningaloo Reef offers over 500 species of fish, 250 species of coral, and 600 species of molluses. It is also a major breeding area for hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles, which are seen daily in the waters in front of the camp.
CAMP SAL SALIS:
Where the outback meets the reef… With 15 wilderness tents and 1 honeymoon tent hidden amongst the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best kept natural secrets.
The attraction lies in the coral reef, just a few metres off shore, and its colourful corals and marine residents. Ningaloo is also acknowledged as the best place in the world to swim with the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark, as these gentle giants migrate through every year. From the month of August, swimming with humpback whales is also a highlight for guests at Sal Salis. The coastal dunes and gorges in the Cape Range National Park provide a prolific terrestrial wildlife experience with red kangaroo, euros, echidnas, emus and more seen in and around the camp.
Sal Salis brings a touch of style to a remote and spectacularly beautiful wilderness region, but the true luxury of Sal Salis is the chance to reconnect with nature and escape from the everyday. Sal Salis does not offer traditional luxury, rather the luxury is in the experience.
You can choose to fill your days at Sal Salis however you like, from whale shark experiences, to snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, stargazing, and guided gorge walks.
Sal Salis is closed from mid-November to mid-March.
The nearest commercial airport to Sal Salis is Exmouth’s Learmonth Airport. Qantas flies to Exmouth daily from Perth. The drive from Learmonth Airport to Sal Salis takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
It is possible to charter a scenic flight from Exmouth airport to reach Sal Salis with Nor West Airworks. You land at the historical Yardie Creek Homestead Airstrip where you will be met and transferred to Sal Salis (approx 20 minutes).
Food and Wine:
The two simply go hand in hand. Australia’s reputation as a premium wine-producing country is undisputed. Wine lovers from around the world are drawn to the ‘home’ of the wines they have tried, savoured and loved. Stay at The Louise Barossa Valley, Cape Lodge Margaret River, and Southern Ocean Lodge (reopening in 2023) on Kangaroo Island offer an entree to these prestigious and emerging wine regions, and very often, a personal connection with the winemakers and characters who live there.
The Louise, Barossa Valley
Ideally located in the heart of Barossa wine country in South Australia, you’ll find absolute luxury and inspired design with private spaces, generous ensuites and breathtaking vineyard views.
The Barossa is the undisputed wine capital of Australia, home to more than 600 grape growers and 100 or more wineries. Barossa Shiraz red wines and nearby Eden Valley crisp white rieslings are perennial international world gold medal winners. The winemaking experience may be shared up close and personal at five dozen cellar doors within a few minutes walk, bike ride or drive from The Louise.
The Louise offers just 15 luxuriously appointed suites, each with its own terrace, are sited to provide guests with complete privacy. The look is soft contemporary, with inspired design and artworks a focus in every suite.
The Louise offers two of the Barossa’s best restaurant locales; inspired, regional dining at Appellation and three75 bar + kitchen for comfort food and cocktails that don’t hold back on flavour.
Experiences at The Louise offer a float over ancient vineyards and natural landscapes, enjoy a sunrise picnic breakfast with kangaroos in native bushland, tour the undulating valley in a vintage car, walk or cycle bush tracks amongst native flowers, birds and wildlife.
Other enjoyable diversions during your stay include hot air ballooning, scenic helicopter rides, hiking, a relaxing massage, and visit to the acclaimed Barossa Farmers’ Market.
Just over one hour drive from Adelaide, The Louise is the food + wine + luxury accommodation destination for discerning travellers to Australia’s most highly regarded wine region.
The Cape Lodge, Margaret River:
Located in Western Australia offering luxury accommodation in the Margaret River wine region, Cape Lodge is surrounded by its own vineyard and is likened to staying at a private country estate, yet with all the trappings and facilities of a world class private boutique hotel.
Cape Lodge attracts those who are seeking a private, stylish and sophisticated retreat, and those with a yearning to discover outstanding food and wine. Cape Lodge neighbours include the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Pierro and Cullen.
The lodge has 22 romantically secluded rooms and a magnificent 5 bedroom private luxury Residence. The superb Cape Lodge Restaurant- long one of the great dining rooms in Western Australia offers classically prepared French-influenced country fare showcasing the best of Margaret River’s produce sourced from local farms, the kitchen garden and the freshest of seafood from nearby pristine oceans.
Cape Lodge also offers a Gourmet Retreat and Cooking School designed for culinary enthusiasts.
Cape Lodge sits on 40 acres of manicured parkland and ornamental lakes and has its own 8 acre vineyard producing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz exclusively for guests of the hotel.
During your stay at Cape Lodge, you can choose one of the magnificent white sandy beaches to swim in the crystal waters of a nearby white sandy beach, hike through unspoilt forest or idle away the day wine tasting at the forty neighbouring wineries.
The surrounding region is rich with inspired works of art created by the many artists and crafts people who have found Margaret River’s spirit of place inspirational. The list of internationally and nationally acclaimed photographers, jewellers, painters, glass blowers and wood and metal working craftsmen is endless and days can be easily spent wandering the artisan trail.
Cape Lodge is just a 3 hour drive or a one hour flight from Perth.
Southern Ocean Lodge, kangaroo island:
Southern Ocean Lodge was destroyed in the bushfires that spread across the western end of Kangaroo Island in January 2020 and the property is now closed. The management are immediately committed to rebuilding the lodge, and to taking a leading role in whatever ways they can to help rebuild the tourism industry on Kangaroo Island.
Meanwhile, the Southern Ocean Lodge site has been cleared in preparation for its next incarnation, ‘SOL 2.0’! They are working with architect Max Pritchard who designed the original for the future design and anticipate the new lodge will reopen in mid 2023.
Kangaroo Island: Widely acclaimed as Australia’s Galapagos, it is home to an abundance of native wildlife and spectacular natural attractions. Guests wander among sea lions lolling on the beach, walk the Remarkable Rocks or see fur seals frolicking in the Southern Ocean.
Southern Ocean Lodge is located at Hanson Bay on the island’s south-west coast, a 50-minute drive from the airport. Flights from Adelaide (ADL) to Kangaroo Island Airport (KGC) take 30 minutes.
Please click to view/download a suggestive 4 Nights Itinerary:
AUSTRALIA’S Best Kept Secrets:
Tasmania:
Tasmania’s natural beauty is captivating, its cultural experiences are diverse, and its food and drink offering is enviable. Get a true taste of Tasmania in its fresh apple cider, cheeses, wine and oysters, and experience a dose of its serenity with its powder-white beaches and laid-back luxury.
Stay at Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania, an iconic coastal sanctuary, discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire blends mankind and nature with breathtaking beauty. Staying at Saffire is an experience designed to enrich and uplift, giving a new perspective on this environment of pure air, pure light and pure water.
Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania:
Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated and intimate style and an inspirational experience – it’s Tasmania’s luxury resort.
Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet blends mankind and nature with breathtaking beauty.
It offers 20 luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar, this new experience is a celebration of the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Saffire Freycinet is one of Australia’s most spellbinding natural wonders – luxury accommodation where you can truly relax; restore your wellbeing; indulge and be inspired.
Saffire Freycinet has the Freycinet National Park on the doorstep, whcih offers a world of deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches to explore. Saffire has developed a range of activities to suit all ages and interests, from bushwalks to gourmet picnics in remote locations and quad biking through the national park.
Included in all Saffire Freycinet accommodation bookings is a broad range of activities offering innovative options for all styles of travellers and moods. From 1 hour to 3 hours, these activities offer the opportunity for guests to engage and connect with this stunning location.
Saffire Freycinet is located mid-way along Tasmania’s beautiful East Coast, just 2.5 hours’ scenic drive from Hobart and 2 hours’ drive from Launceston. Hobart and Launceston are a 60-minute flight from Melbourne or 105 minutes from Sydney. Australia’s major airlines conduct daily flights into Hobart and Launceston from most capital cities.
Lord Howe Island:
The lush natural paradise of Lord Howe Island is less than 2 hours by plane from Sydney and Brisbane but you will feel worlds away. With only 400 tourists permitted on the island at any one time, you can soak up the solitude or mingle with friendly locals, peppering your stay with indulging spa treatments, incredible food and wine and adventures in the stunning natural landscape. With nothing but clean air and lush mountainous terrain surrounding you, you’re in for a relaxing, nature-filled escape.
Often referred to as the ‘Last Paradise’, the tiny island is an intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests and sheer volcanic peaks, including Mount Gower rated as one of Australia’s best day walks. Below the surface, the world’s southern-most coral reef is home to an abundance of marine life. This is barefoot luxury at its best.
Inspired by the Australian beach-house, stay at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island in New South Wales, is celebrated as a haven of understated luxury and Lord Howe’s premium retreat.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island:
Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s premium luxury retreat, offering the ultimate island castaway escape. Nestled at the foot of the towering Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, Capella welcomes spectacular views of the ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures.
It offers 9 island-style guest suites offer a relaxed, barefoot luxury vibe designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment.
Cuisine at Capella Lodge is designed to promote the pure taste of superb local and regional produce. A surprising harvest springs from this tiny, pristine island blessed with rich soils, bountiful waters and from Capella’s own kitchen garden.
Lord Howe Island is a sub-tropical ‘treasure island’ preserved in time. An intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, rich pastures, lush rainforests and sheer volcanic peaks rising from the reef, Lord Howe is a sanctuary for rare plants, sea birds and marine life.
With Capella as a luxe base camp, you can explore rainforest walking tracks and remote rocky coves alive with magnificent birdlife or valleys brimming with ancient plants. You can climb to the summit of Mt Gower, rated as one of the world’s best day walks or Dive in to the clear, warm waters and discover a vibrant submarine world where a riot of fish cruise among the corals.
You can also explore the island’s many white-sanded beaches, walk through ancient subtropical rainforests and rock-hop on the world’s southern-most coral reef which reveals its submarine treasures at low tide.
Qantaslink operates regular daily 2-hour flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island.
Kimberley:
The Kimberley is one of Australia’s hidden treasures with an immense and complex landscape that encompasses spectacular gorges, waterfalls and cave systems, pockets of lush rainforest and an astonishing variety of wildlife. Wild and wonderful, the Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.
The Kimberley is home to only 40,000 people meaning that there are fewer people per kilometre than almost any other place on the planet.
The Kimberley region is home to hundreds of thousands of rock art paintings and drawings known as Bradshaw or Wandjina rock art.
El Questro Homestead, Kimberley:
Set amongst 700,000 acres and 100km from the nearest town, the luxury of El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top, with vistas of one of the prettiest locations in The Kimberley.
This 10-suite hideaway is surrounded by avenues of frangipani trees and, once inside, offers chic yet cosy and comfortable interiors where bedrooms are cantilevered over the still and tranquil Chamberlain River.
This is the luxury base for guests to explore the diverse Kimberley landscape – some of it untouched – with personalised and intimate tours. Soak in the Zebedee Thermal Springs, cruise private gorges, rivers and waterfalls, explore from the air, horse-ride or hike the terrain on foot.
The Top 10 MUST DO El Questro Experiences…
- Waterfalls – some accessible only by helicopter, others via an easy walk
- Hikes and treks – ranging in intensity
- Swimming holes and thermal springs
- Ancient gorges – many with lush tropical gardens and waterfalls
- Unique fishing locations
- Majestic lookouts where you will fully appreciate the expanse of the region
- Mighty river systems – three of these run through El Questro
- Wildlife and flora – home to over 100 species of birds
- Accommodation from private camping under the stars to the luxury of the Homestead
Regular flights are available from all major Australian capital cities to Kununurra via Darwin, Broome and Perth with Qantas, Air North or Virgin Australia.
Aeroplane charters are available directly to the El Questro airstrips from Kununurra, Darwin, Broome, Uluru and Alice Springs. Private VIP jet service is also available from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth direct to Kununurra. Helicopter charters and scenic aeroplane flights over the Bungle Bungles are available from Kununurra finishing at the Homestead.
True North, Kimberley Adventure Cruise:
An adventure cruise on the True North has long been regarded as one of Australia’s outstanding and most revered adventure tourism experiences. All itineraries are activity based and designed for the discerning traveller who truly wants to ‘experience the destination’ in some of Australia’s most remote and hard to access coastal regions.
The True North offers ‘flagship’ Kimberley adventure cruises as well as several other Australian adventure cruises.
The “Kimberley Wilderness Cruise” is a 7 or 13 night panorama of spectacular gorges, majestic waterfalls, islands and rugged coastline. Other cruise options include the “West Coast Explorer” which features the Abrolhos Islands, Ningaloo Reef and the Monte Bello Islands; the “Coral Atoll Cruise” to the magnificent Rowley Shoals; “Sydney Rocks”, an opportunity to discover wilderness on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city and the “Southern Safari”, a safari at sea along the stunning South Australian coast including must-see Kangaroo Island.
The True North has been designed to access wilderness, to go where no other ship can go.
Spacious cabins feature modern décor with en-suites. Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, wildflowers, bird and wildlife watching, diving, exploring and much more…
Multiple expedition vessels take guests in small groups to experience wilderness ‘up close’. The luxury of having numerous tenders also means that everyone on-board has greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”.
Most cruise options feature a ship’s helicopter opening-up a range of options from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping adventures.
All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class and River Class staterooms offer king-size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds. True North can sleep 36 guests in her 18 amazing staterooms.
True North Adventure Cruises are located in Broome, Western Australia. The signature Kimberley Wilderness Cruise departs from Broome, or the return leg, from Wyndham with guest pickup in Kununurra.
Other True North Adventure Cruises on the True North depart from several capital cities and regional centres.
ITINERARIES IN AUSTRALIA:
Please click below for few suggestive itineraries showcasing best journeys showcasing life changing experiences by Luxury Lodges of Australia:
how to book:
You can book your once in a lifetime journey to Australia with Delhi based Private Travel Designers – Experiential Travel Journeys Pvt. Ltd. They have the expertise and local connections to curate a private journey as per your preferences and expectations.