Itinerary Highlights
- Stay at some of Australia’s finest hotels, including eight Luxury Lodges of Australia in incredible settings
- Enjoy unique wildlife encounters with whale sharks, humpback whales, kangaroos, wombats, koalas, emus, and crocodiles
- Witness diverse landscapes, from outback wilderness and red deserts to coral reefs, wetlands, and tropical rainforests
- Experience many cultural and gourmet focused tours throughout with knowledgeable guides
- Best time to travel March - September
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Domestic Flights
- International Flights
26 nights from £21,995 per person
Nicola
Travel Specialist
Australia is blessed with spellbinding scenery, fascinating wildlife, stunning beaches, and some of the world’s most exquisite reefs. A dream for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, you can experience all this and more on our tailor-made ‘Ultimate Australia Landscapes & Wildlife’ tour, staying in the best high-end lodges and camps along the way.
From the outback to the city and the islands in-between, see the best of what Australia has to offer over 27 days, ticking off an array of bucket list destinations and witnessing incredibly diverse landscapes and endemic wildlife.
Visit the coastal cities of Sydney and Perth which contrast with the rugged natural beauty and dusty deserts of the Red Centre. Stay in the ancient tropical tangles of Daintree Rainforest and go on safaris to spot kangaroos and wallabies in Flinders Ranges and Kakadu. Tour lush vineyards in Barossa Valley and marvel at impressive rock formations in the Blue Mountains. You’ll even have time to swim with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef, take a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef and stroll along the impeccable white-sand beaches of the Whitsundays. Whatever piques your interest, we guarantee this will be the trip of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Adelaide
On arrival at Adelaide’s International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the renowned wine growing region of Barossa Valley. There are more than 150 wineries in the Barossa, with over 80 cellar doors offering tours and wine tastings. Tonight, you will be staying at The Louise, a Luxury Lodge of Australia and home to Appellation, one of the finest restaurants in the region.
Day 2 Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley
Enjoy a full day in the beautiful Barossa Valley. You may choose to start your day early, floating over the undulating vineyard-covered landscape in a hot air balloon, or head to a nearby conservation park teeming with native Australian flora and fauna for a sunrise picnic amongst wild kangaroos. Explore the wineries of Barossa Valley on a private personalised wine tour, then in the evening savour a gourmet dinner at Appellation Restaurant.
Staying at
The Louise
Day 3 Barossa Valley to Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Part of today’s adventure is an epic outback road trip to The Flinders Ranges. Your driver will take you through the pretty Clare Valley, a winegrowing region specialising in Riesling. You’ll pass through the gorgeous outback towns of Wilmington and Quorn, with charming heritage buildings and quaint art galleries. Keep a look out for wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and emu. You will be staying at the historic Arkaba Homestead, a former sheep farming homestead built in 1851.
Day 4 Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Start your day with a home-cooked breakfast to set you up for today’s adventure. Your stay at Arkaba includes approximately seven hours of guided daily exploration across the 60,000-acre property. You’ll be immersed in the incredible geological history and wildlife, led by some of Australia’s most knowledgeable field guides. Activities include safari drives in open-top 4WD vehicles in search of kangaroos, yellow-footed rock wallabies and emus. Share stories with fellow guests and guides around the dining table at tonight’s dinner.
Staying at
Arkaba Homestead
Day 5 Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Spend a full day exploring the Arkaba Conservancy; join a walking safari, head down to the wildlife viewing hide or learn about conservation and the challenges Australia face in saving its biodiversity. Scheduled activities may also include visiting The Prairie Hotel to dine on bush tucker from the ‘Flinders Feral Menu’, air safaris over Lake Eyre and the magnificent Wilpena Pound or a helicopter tour to a remote ridge to spend the night under the stars on Arkaba’s ‘Heli Swag’ Experience.
Staying at
Arkaba Homestead
Day 6 Kangaroo Island
This morning travel by road from Flinders Ranges to Adelaide for your short flight over to Kangaroo Island, alternatively upgrade to a private charter flight direct to the island. On arrival, transfer to Southern Ocean Lodge, set along the wildly beautiful clifftops of Kangaroo Island. Here you will experience world-class dining and a personal connection with nature.
Day 7 Kangaroo Island
During each stay at Southern Ocean Lodge, you can enjoy a selection of Signature Experiences which showcase Kangaroo Islands dramatic landscapes and abundance of wildlife. Spend half a day on a small group tour of Flinders Chase National Park with its rugged wilderness, The Remarkable Rocks, Admiral's Arch and spot seals in a natural wave pool. At twilight, visit Grassdale to observe the endemic 'Kangaroo Island Kangaroos' in their natural environment while you enjoy sundowners and delicious snacks.
Day 8 Kangaroo Island
A highlight of any visit to Kangaroo Island is to safely walk amongst Australia's third largest colony of Australian Sea Lions at Seal Bay. The area has been protected area for sea lions since 1954, established as a South Australia Conservation Park in 2002 and home to around 1000 animals. Other signature experiences included in your Southern Ocean Lodge stay include a scenic clifftop walk right on the lodge's doorstep and a nocturnal experience at Hanson Bay Sanctuary to experience the sights and sounds of Kangaroo Island after dark.
Staying at
Southern Ocean Lodge
Day 9 Sydney
Depart Southern Ocean Lodge for your flight from Kangaroo Island to Sydney (normally via Adelaide). On arrival in Sydney, take a private transfer to your hotel where the rest of the day is at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a performance at Sydney Opera House or join a private guided food walking tour in Potts Point or Surry Hills, experiencing a different restaurant for each course.
Day 10 Sydney
Explore Sydney at your leisure or allow us to organise a day of experiences. Take a guided walking tour through The Rocks Historic District or a cruise on Sydney’s harbour, passing the iconic sights of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Head out to the coastal neighbourhoods – the Coogee to Bondi Coastal Path offers spectacular scenery. Finish at Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi, where we recommend dinner at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room & Bar for delicious food and spectacular views.
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Upgrade to
Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 11 Sydney
Spend a full day exploring Sydney further, or travel north to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales’ premier wine-growing region. There are various small group or privately guided tours, visiting the finest wineries and cellar doors in the region to learn the art of winemaking. Most tours include wine tasting and lunch at one of Hunter Valley’s finest restaurants. If you’re looking for a different view of Sydney’s cityscape, how about a night-time climb of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge?
Staying at
Capella Sydney
Upgrade to
Park Hyatt Sydney
Day 12 Uluru
Depart via a chauffeur-driven transfer to Sydney Airport, where a direct flight takes you to Ayers Rock Airport for your Australian Red-Centre experience. Transfer to Longitude 131°, Australia’s most celebrated luxury camp. This remarkable luxury tented camp offers direct views to Uluru and across the desert to the domes of Kata Tjuta. During your stay, you can join inclusive Signature Experiences such as Uluru Sunset, Bruce Munro’s artistic Field of Light and outdoor dining under the stars at Table 131°.
Day 13 Uluru
Rise early for a sunrise expedition to the remarkable 36 red rock domes of Kata Tjuta. Your Longitude 131° guide will share stories of the local Aboriginal people, offering a more personal understanding of this sacred site. This afternoon, you may choose to relax on the private deck of your luxury pavilion or join a walk of other sacred sites at the base of Uluru, before enjoying canapés and sundowners at the Longitude 131° pop-up bar.
Staying at
Longitude 131
Day 14 Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island, Queensland
A day of extreme landscapes; travel from extraordinary desert plains and weathered mountain ranges, to the tropical forest-clad islands of the Whitsundays with turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Check-in to your luxury pavilion at qualia set on the northernmost part of Hamilton Island, with views of the surrounding bush, Coral Sea, and Whitsunday Islands. As a guest of qualia, you’ll have access to all island amenities such as watersports at Catseye Beach and golf on neighbouring Dent Island.
Day 15 Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island, Queensland
Explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef by boat or air. Exclusive to Hamilton Island guests is ‘Journey to Heart’, the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure where you can fly over the reef by helicopter and land on the exclusive Heart Island floating pontoon. Snorkel with tropical fish in the lagoon and cruise over the reef by glass bottom boat. In the evening, dine at one of the island’s casual restaurants or feast on the six-course degustation menu at qualia’s Long Pavilion.
Staying at
qualia
Day 16 Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island, Queensland
Enjoy the luxury surroundings of qualia, lazing by the pool or being pampered at the tranquil spa. Those that wish to discover more of the Whitsundays can cruise the islands by scheduled sailing tours or by private charter boat from qualia, with a gourmet picnic provided. A visit to The Whitsundays isn’t complete without walking on the soft sands of Whitehaven Beach, reached by boat, helicopter or seaplane.
Staying at
qualia
Day 17 Daintree Rainforest
Daintree National Park
Travel to tropical North Queensland where the Daintree Rainforest – the world’s oldest living rainforest – meets the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be staying at Silky Oaks Lodge, surrounded by tropical rainforest home to 74 mammals, 150 species of reptiles and 330 species of birds. A list of Signature Experiences is included in your stay, allowing you to learn more about the lodge’s natural surroundings and environment. These include river explorations, biking trails, and self-guided walks in Daintree National Park.
Day 18 Daintree Rainforest
Daintree National Park
Spend a day relaxing at Silky Oaks Lodge listening to the sounds of the rainforest or take the complimentary shuttle to Port Douglas to explore the shops on Macrossan Street and stroll along Four Mile Beach. Small group and private tours are available to those that wish to explore more of Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, including Daintree River cruises, boat trips at Cooper Creek in search of estuarine crocodiles and barbeques next to waterholes.
Staying at
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest
Day 19 Daintree Rainforest
Daintree National Park
Enjoy the pool, spa and surroundings at Silky Oaks Lodge or take the opportunity to learn about the ancient culture of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people. Tours of the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge are led by indigenous guides who share an introduction to their culture and connection to the land. Other activities available include Aboriginal art workshops, culinary journeys, reef expeditions and helicopter flights over the rainforest, reef, and private sand cays.
Day 20 Kakadu
Kakadu
Fly to Darwin, then take a 30-minute scenic flight to Bamurru Plains, an Australian style safari lodge. Watch wildlife from your window as you fly over the blue Arafura Sea, Australia’s very own Okavango Delta! Touch down at Bamurru Plains’ private airstrip where you’ll be met by one of the lodge’s guides for your 20-minute drive through savannah bush to the lodge, set amongst 300-square-kilometres of private wilderness home to a plethora of wildlife.
Day 21 Kakadu
Kakadu
Wake in your luxury tented suite to the sounds of the wilderness. Expert guides will showcase Bamurru’s wild secrets with a variety of inclusive experiences as you explore via airboat, open-top safari vehicle, guided walks, and quad bike. Fly over vast floodplains on a thrilling airboat ride across open grasslands to lagoons surrounded by peeling paperbark trees. Spot Magpie Geese, Egrets and other birds take flight as you zip across the water, keeping a watchful eye out for crocodiles.
Staying at
Bamurru Plains
Day 22 Perth
It’s time for a final activity at Bamurru Plains, perhaps a quad bike or walking safari before your flight to Darwin, then onto Perth to stay at the city’s finest hotel, COMO The Treasury. Dine in at The Post serving contemporary Italian in the old franking room of Perth’s original Post Office or take in sweeping views of the Swan River at Wildflower Restaurant. Prefer to dine out? The waterfront restaurants at Elizabeth Quay are only a five-minute walk away.
Day 23 Perth
Explore Perth at your own pace; stroll through Kings Park and take in the sweeping views of Perth’s cityscape. Hop on a cruise along the Swan River to a riverside vineyard for lunch and wine tasting. Take to the skies in a seaplane and fly across to Rottnest Island for beach time and to meet the friendly quokkas, or to Margaret River to visit boutique vineyards and enjoy mouth-watering lunches.
Staying at
COMO The Treasury
Day 24 Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef
Fly to Exmouth on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, then transfer to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. This remote eco-luxury tented camp is set in a magical beach location just a few strokes from the world’s longest fringing reef, the 260-kilometre Ningaloo Reef. The camp is backed by the striking Cape Range National Park, bursting with unique Australian flora and fauna, including red kangaroos and rock wallabies. Enjoy the sounds of the sea and nature while lazing on your private deck.
Day 25 Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef
A selection of inclusive activities focus on the reef and pristine natural surrounds of Sal Salis. Try sea kayaking over the reef to see huge schools of fish, coral formations, and reef sharks. You can drift snorkel a few metres offshore or join a guided walk at Mandu Mandu Gorge for wildlife and bird spotting. Additional activities are available at a charge and include swimming with Whale Sharks between March and July, or with Humpback Whales from August to October.
Staying at
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Day 26 Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef
By now you should feel completely disconnected from the outside world as there is no mobile or internet access available at Sal Salis. Take this time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region by relaxing on your deck or in a hammock, snorkelling over the colourful Ningaloo Reef or heading out on a unique boat excursion to swim with magnificent sea creatures. After dinner, look up and marvel at the starry sky and Milky Way.
Staying at
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Day 27 Depart Australia
Transfer to Exmouth for your flight to Perth and connecting flight home.
Nicola
Travel Specialist
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Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
26 nights from £21,995 per person
