Tucked away in ancient rainforests, in the heart of the outback, amidst vineyards or sand dunes, overlooking the ocean, or on islands fringed by UNESCO-listed coral reefs, the 20 independently owned and operated Luxury Lodges of Australia are among our favourite recommendations for truly immersing yourself in this miraculous country.
As well as actual lodges, these sustainably minded stays include characterful bush camps, private wildlife conservancies, and even a luxury expedition cruiser. In the rugged Kimberley landscape of Western Australia, the clifftop El Questro Homestead offers tours of the nearly million-acre private wilderness park and invites you to soak in thermal springs, hike or cruise through gorges, and take a scenic flight to the Bungle Bungle Range. Also in the Kimberley, True North is an 18-cabin adventure cruise ship that will take you to discover gorges, waterfalls, and ancient Aboriginal rock art using its onboard helicopter and six expedition boats.
A few steps from Western Australia’s World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis is a great spot for snorkelling or swimming near turtles, manta rays, tropical fish, whale sharks, and humpback whales. Its 15 luxurious wilderness tents are hidden among the dunes of this remote area, making it the perfect place to escape.
In the Northern Territory, on the Mary River Floodplain, Bamurru Plains is a ten-bungalow wilderness camp next to Kakadu National Park, with airboat safaris, crocodile-spotting, fishing, 4x4 safaris, helicopter flights, and tours of rock art galleries all on offer. You can even see wildlife right from your bed. Overlooking iconic Uluru, Longitude 131° has 16 canopied pavilion suites, starlit desert dining, and excursions to discover the authentic outback and its Aboriginal culture.
In South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Arkaba’s 1850s Homestead in its vast wildlife conservancy offers scenic flights over Wilpena Pound and safari drives. Meanwhile, Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge has wild ocean views, gourmet food, and spa treatments inspired by First Nations wisdom. In the Barossa Valley, The Louise is centred on its award-winning restaurant designed around the wines of the Barossa; here you can sign up for private winemaker introductions, create your own blend in a winemaker’s lab, and enjoy breakfast with kangaroos in a conservation park.
In Queensland, on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island sits on a coral cay, so you can step right off the beach into the ocean for epic snorkelling experiences over reefs and the giant clam garden. For divers, there’s the world-famous Cod Hole to explore and on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands, qualia has a serene spa, out-of-this-world dining, and snorkelling available for guests. Other Queensland options include Silky Oaks Lodge in a rainforest bordering the Daintree National Park, which offers luxury treehouses, guided hikes, indigenous tours of the nearby Mossman Gorge, and more.
On the Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is Queensland’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, set on private conservation land surrounded by the Main Range National Park and hosting bushwalking and mountain biking, including four-day overnighters in luxury eco camps. And in the Northern Outback of Queensland, Mt Mulligan Lodge is an off-grid getaway where you can fish for barramundi along still rivers and explore an abandoned township.
For more information on any of these lodges and to book your Australia holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Winter sports enthusiasts, rejoice! Europe's stunning ski resorts offer more than just snow-capped peaks and thrilling runs. Whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting out, these popular ski destinations promise an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
One of the best things about late November and December is getting into the festive spirit, and we can’t think of a better way to embrace the season than shopping for unique Christmas gifts on a European city break, somewhere with a fabulous festive market. We’ve chosen our must-visit Europe Christmas markets for 2023, with some continuing into early January if you want to keep the festive feels going.
Finnish Lapland in winter offers something that’s hard to find elsewhere: long stretches of snow, quiet surroundings, and a pace of life that encourages people to slow down. It’s a place where the days can feel calm and steady, even when temperatures drop well below freezing. It’s a place where winter isn’t just a backdrop but part of everyday life, and here’s what you can expect when you experience it for yourself.