At Australia’s luxurious lodges, you’re guaranteed stunning scenery, warm Aussie hospitality, and some of Australia’s finest dining. But to truly immerse yourself in the surrounding landscape, jump out of this postcard view to explore world heritage wonders, make friends with the wildlife, and join the locals for an unbeatable “nothing like Australia” experience. Here’s a guide to the natural wonders, adventure, art, culture and cuisine waiting at the doorstep of Australia’s iconic lodges:
This sleepy coastal town is known for more than vibrant sunsets and beachside camel treks. It’s also the gateway to the towering canyons and red rock gorges of The Kimberley: Australia’s last frontier. Take a cruise to hidden waterfalls and pockets of paradise on specially designed yachts, opt for a four wheel drive adventure to this undiscovered corner of Australia, or have a helicopter deliver you to the base of the Bungle Bungle’s striped domes.
The 24 white sand beaches and champagne picnics might tempt you to lounge the day away, but this island is also a gateway to adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Arrive in style on a scenic reef view flight and take a diving excursion to the Outer Reef. Grab a kayak and discover your own secluded cove, or snorkel right off the beach. Some pavilions include private paths to their own beaches, making island exploration more luxurious than anywhere else.
Enter the cliff-top lobby at Southern Ocean lodge and be blown away by the crashing waves and dramatic coastline just across the room. Here on Australia’s Galapagos, days are spent wandering coastal paths to meet colonies of sea lions, spotting koalas grazing in the gum trees, bushwalking amongst grazing kangaroos after a coastal picnic, and spotting nearly all of Australia’s wildlife icons in this seaside zoo without fences. End the day overlooking the sea with sunset canapés.
Uluru is the spiritual heart of Australia, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in authentic Australia than to indulge in a true Outback experience. Learn about the ancient Australians’ connection with the land through a painting lesson, hear the stories of the Dreamtime from an indigenous guide, and spend the night gazing at the starry southern sky. Don’t forget to watch this famous monolith glow with the sunset at the Sounds of Silence dinner.
Use the Wildman Wilderness Lodge as your gateway to Kakadu National Park. Visit Rock Art sites created by indigenous Australians over 50,000 years ago. From the thundering Jim Jim Falls (accessible with a 4WD in the dry season), to wildlife encounters on the Yellow Waters billabong home, Kakadu offers a classic take on Australian adventure. Get even further off the beaten track with a trip to the isolated coastline and remote islands of Arnhem Land. This traditional indigenous land is home to not only art sites, but was also where the digeridoo originated. Whether cruising the wetlands or exploring the remote coast, Wildman is your base to one of the world's last regions of unspolit nature.
Twenty-five percent of Tasmania’s wilderness is world heritage listed, meaning that untouched landscapes lie just outside the panoramic windows of this eco lodge. Perched on the perfectly curved Wineglass Bay, get acquainted with Tasmania’s natural beauty on a short bushwalk up the nearby panoramic lookout. Spend the day cruising the Freycinet peninsula on Saffire’s yacht, and watch the mountainous Hazards grow pink as the sun sets. In Tasmania, make sure to keep an eye out for the Tasmanian Devil: one of the most famous locals on this rural island.
The spirit of Melbourne, Australia’s thriving art capital, is best discovered in its wandering laneways. Designed on a grid system, the laneways showcase Melbourne’s vibrant street art, hidden cafes, and local boutiques. After wandering seaside at St. Kilda or eclectic Fitzroy, end your day at one of Australia’s most renowned restaurants, sipping a glass of local Yarra Valley wine.
A limited number of visitors are permitted on Lord Howe Island at any given time in order to preserve this world heritage island. Take in this island paradise’s spectacular views while digging your toes in the sand, sail out to sea on a deep sea fishing excursion, or snorkel on the southernmost coral reef in the world. Don't forget to stop by Ned's Beach for a famous fish feeding.
An easy helicopter ride from Sydney, find the towering canyons, eucalyptus forests, and sandstone playgrounds of the Blue Mountains. Nestled in this world heritage region’s grassy glades, Wolgan Valley is your gateway to waterfall-side picnics, wildlife spotting, horseback riding, and an overall introduction to the peaceful side of life in natural Australia.
At the shores of the reef, step into the oldest living rainforest on earth. It’s claimed that after walking through just 4 acres of this primeval landscape visitors encounter more species of trees than in all of Europe or North America. Immerse yourself in the land with a Kuku Yulangi guide, horseback ride Cape Tribulation, and stand at the only spot on earth where two world heritage wonders meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Resources and Links
Check out the articles below to learn more about Australia's amazing journeys, people and wildlife:
