LUXURY LODGES OF AUSTRALIA

An ancient landscape moulded by millions of years of geological activity, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges represents some of Australia’s most striking outback scenery.

Arkaba’s former sheep station turned thriving wildlife conservancy is home to a wondrous variety of birds and wildlife. The real luxury at Arkaba comes in the privilege of sharing this spectacular 60,000 acre private conservancy with just ten guests and a handful of expert guides.

Arkaba’s homestead pays homage to a rich pastoral heritage in a rustically chic style. The homestead’s five rooms provide an oasis of comfort amidst a harsh and rugged landscape, where guests enjoy a taste of classic Australian country hospitality on a fully hosted, expertly guided Wild Bush Luxury experience in the outback.

Bushwalks take you on a visual journey through time among creek beds riveted with seemingly immortal river red gums. Safari drives reveal craggy sandstone bluffs and the beauty of prehistoric mountain ranges. Track native wildlife with one of Arkaba’s conservationists or take a walk with one of the first inhabitants, the Adnyamathanha people, who have a connection with the land that emanates long before any European explorers or settlers appeared. Take a scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound, or Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre, the spine of Arkaba’s rainbow-hued Elder Range never far away. Take sundowner drinks to new heights atop a private mountain as the sun sinks behind one of the world’s most incredible land formations, Wilpena Pound, and don’t forget to venture outside and look up for starstudded evening entertainment half a billion years in the making

Why come here
Be one of ten guests sharing 60,000 outback acres and save wildlife just by being here while you safari through this rugged 600-million-year-old landscape.

Insider tips

• Leave the heels. Instead, pack comfortable walking shoes and follow in the footsteps of Stuart, Mawson and Heysen through some of the best bushwalking and 4WD country in Australia.
• Don’t miss the bloom of spring when wattles, daisies and desert peas dot the outback landscape and wildlife abounds.
• Experience the sheer scale and space of Adnyamathanha Country on a helicopter safari, a privileged vantage point looking down on soaring eagles and ancient river red gum trees.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Port Augusta
? Time to lodge: 75 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Adelaide
? Time to lodge: 5 hour drive or 1 hour private charter flight from Adelaide or 1.5 hours from Kangaroo Island direct
? Number of rooms/suites: 5
? Welcomes guests with children 8 years and over

Arkaba
Ikara-Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Contact: +61 (0)2 9030 6312
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/arkaba/

Bamurru Plains on the Mary River floodplains is Australia’s answer to a safari on the Okavango Delta. These coastal floodplains, savannah woodlands and mangrove riverine are home to prolific birds and wildlife, with almost a third of Australia’s species present, whilst nearby Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartlands of Australia’s Indigenous culture. This is the setting for a mesmerising Wild Bush Luxury experience.

Bamurru Plains offers one of Australia’s richest wildlife experiences: tens of thousands of magpie geese mingle with kites, egrets, herons and buffalo on the floodplain and kookaburras, parrots, cockatoos and wallabies inhabit the fringing woodlands. Bamurru’s expert guides offer exhilarating airboat trips on the floodplains, safaris by open-top 4WD vehicles, fishing trips, quad bike safaris, guided wilderness walks, crocodile-spotting river cruises and excursions to ancient rock art galleries in Kakadu.

From the comfort of your Safari Bungalow, designed to keep guests connected to the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush, wake to the call of magpie geese and watch the parade of wildlife emerge into the day. Spot wildlife from six metres high in the treetops from the ‘hide’, or from the cool of the infinity-edge pool, sit back with a drink and enjoy the soft Wild Bush Luxury touches. The safari lodge and 300 square kilometres of the surrounding country are exclusively accessed by in-house guests, assuring a quiet, privileged outback experience.

Bamurru’s team of passionate field guides focus on immersing guests in the story of the bush while the lodge provides a haven from which to closely connect with a unique Top End wilderness and with just ten safari suites blending seamlessly into the surrounding bush, you’ll forget there is an outside world.

Why come here
Exclusive access to 300km² of floodplain landscape on the edge of Kakadu National Park and one of Australia’s most prolific wildlife experiences.

Insider tips

• Visit in the green season (March or April) to witness Top End environmental rebirth – magpie geese, Bamurru’s namesake, nesting in staggering numbers across the wetlands.
• Leave your tech gadgets at home – Wild Bush Luxury unapologetically spare your Safari Bungalow from televisions and the world wide web. Instead, reconnect with nature and the expansive Top End views.
• Keep the ever-growing species checklist and lodge binoculars with you so you don’t miss a thing.

✈️ Nearest domestic and international airport: Darwin
? Time to lodge: 3 hour drive or 30 minute scenic flight by light aircraft or helicopter
? Number of Safari Bungalows: 10
? Welcomes guests with children 6 years and over

Bamurru Plains
Top End, Northern Territory
Contact: +61 (0)2 9030 6313
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/bamurru/

Refreshingly off the radar, Capella Lodge, the first lodge in the Baillie Lodges portfolio, is World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island’s luxury lodge and muchloved retreat. A short flight from Australia’s east coast transports visitors to a real ‘treasure island’, a paradise lost in time and perfectly preserved.

Gently blending modern design into glorious natural surroundings, Capella’s underplayed raw-teak-and-white-linen aesthetic lets the true star shine: clear views of the ocean and the jaw-droppingly dramatic Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. A feeling of relaxed sophistication flows throughout with beach-chic furnishings, island themed artworks and kentia palm-fringed decks creating an easy ambience and sense of barefoot luxury. Refined and relaxed dining is a signature of Baillie Lodges and the innovative Capella Lodge menu showcases a bounty of local seafood and locally grown island produce.

By day, the simple pleasure of a long and lazy barbecue lunch enjoyed alfresco is a favourite Lord Howe tradition, as is fish feeding at Ned’s Beach and a snorkel to see turtles at Settlement Beach. On land, a verdant paradise of rainforests, reefs and beaches is home to hundreds of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. Walking tracks scope subtropical forests and remote coves alive with magnificent birdlife. Below the water’s surface, the world’s southernmost coral reef is ablaze with kaleidoscopic colour and a riot of fish, perfect to discover by snorkel, a dive or glass bottom-boat. Inspired by the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house, Capella Lodge brings a luxury castaway escape to life.

Why come here
World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is a subtropical ‘treasure island’ preserved in time and home to the world’s southernmost coral reef.

Insider tips

• Follow a little track down to a grassy picnic area beneath two pine trees and onto the sand of Lover’s Bay, a private slice of paradise. Perfect for sunset drinks, maybe even a skinny dip. Absolute secluded bliss.
• Reserve the coveted corner banquette where diners can take everything in with one glorious head swivel – the action at the bar, the cuisine appearing on the table and mesmerising views of the mountain twins, rising out of the sea.
• Barbecuing is a ‘thing’ on Lord Howe and there are wood-fired grills scattered across the island in pristine locations. Make it delicious with freshly caught fish, salad greens from the heritage farm down the road and a local craft beer, all the good stuff found in Capella’s barbeque lunch pack.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Lord Howe Island
? Time to lodge: 5 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Sydney
? Time to lodge: 2 hour flight + 5 minute drive
? Number of suites: 9
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over

Capella Lodge
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/capellalodge/

Cape Lodge, situated on a forty-acre property with a pristine vineyard, manicured gardens and native bushland, is the perfect destination for guests seeking a luxury base from which to explore one of the world’s finest wine regions.

A tranquil home away from home, guests are invited to while away the days with a book under the shade of a peppermint tree or by the pool with a glass of wine in hand. For those with an energetic inclination, there is tennis and a walking trail on-site.

The lodge is located in the heart of the Margaret River region, an adventure seeker’s paradise with over 160 kilometres of breathtaking coastline, forests and caves, offering endless opportunities for hiking, golf, surfing and abseiling. For those looking to explore the region’s delicious delicacies, Cape Lodge is at the epicentre of world-class vineyards, boutique breweries and artisanal chocolate makers as well as a rich array of art galleries.

Dining at the coveted Cape Lodge restaurant is guaranteed to be a highlight of every guest’s itinerary. The innovative menu is curated daily by Executive Chef Tony Howell, utilising the finest local produce from the kitchen garden as well as the fruits of the Western Australia sea and local farms.

This private country estate is home to twenty-two secluded rooms and suites, a four-bedroom private residence and its own eight-acre vineyard, producing some of Margaret River’s finest handcrafted sauvignon blanc and shiraz.

Why come here
World-class wineries share space with the pristine Indian Ocean and some of the most magnificent forests in the world.

Insider tips

• Harness your culinary skills with a signature Cape Lodge cooking class or indulge the senses with one of the lodge’s sought-after wine dinners or musical experiences
• Discover the diversity of Margaret River, from an exclusive behind-the-scenes cellar door tour to a breathtaking coastline hike or a snorkel in nature’s aquarium
• Connect to Country with a mesmerising private Twilight Didgeridoo and Cave Tour to learn about the Dreaming Spirits and bush food of the Traditional Owners, the Wardandi people.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Busselton
? Time to lodge: 40 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Perth
? Time to lodge: 3.5 hour drive
? Number of rooms/suites: 22 + 4 bedroom residence
? Welcomes guests with children 12 years and over (see policy)

Cape Lodge
Caves Road, Margaret River,
Western Australia
Contact: +61 (0)8 9755 6311
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/capelodge/

A stay at El Questro Homestead is an outstanding experience blending remote regional hospitality and the exploration of the beautiful and vast outback wilderness landscape of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. El Questro is almost 700,000 acres in size and one of the world’s last true frontiers, with rugged sandstone ranges, gorges, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

The Homestead, a remote oasis, is sited cliffside, with bird’s-eye views of the Chamberlain River and Gorge. It is private, understated and exclusive. An extensive menu of experiences is key to The Homestead offering and includes guided 4WD drives, bush, culture and nature tours, birdwatching, gorge hikes, swimming at pristine waterfalls and rock pools, scenic flights and remote picnics.

After exploring this dramatic land, guests may soak in the thermal Zebedee Springs, curl up under an ancient boab tree with a book, swim in the pool overlooking the Chamberlain Gorge or simply join the local wallaby population and lounge in the shade. The Homestead is renowned for serving premium cuisine and wine in a variety of settings taking advantage of the spectacular location, from a secluded cliff top table for two to The Homestead’s spacious verandahs for shared stories of the day’s adventures.

The Homestead is an easy ninety minute drive from the nearest town of Kununurra, or may be accessed via private airstrip. It offers ten rooms and suites, hosting a maximum of twenty guests at any time.

Why come here
From rugged ranges to rainforest pockets, thermal springs, gorges and waterfalls, El Questro is a piece of heaven in the heart of the Kimberley

Insider tips

• Take a helicopter tour to The Lost City and Miri Miri Falls to explore with an El Questro Homestead ranger, followed by a cool dip in the pristine Miri Miri Falls while you enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.
• Spend an afternoon among the lush livistona palms at the Zebedee Thermal Springs and relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
• Request a private dinner beneath the stars, or a table set on the cliff side. The Homestead is renowned for serving gourmet cuisine in dramatic outback locations.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Kununurra
? Time to lodge: 30 minute charter flight or 2 hour drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Darwin
? Time to lodge: : 1 hour flight + 2 hour drive or 1.5 hour charter flight
? Number of suites: 10
? Welcomes guests with children 16 years and over

El Questro Homestead
Gibb River Road, East Kimberley,
Western Australia
Contact: +61 (0)8 7210 9600 or
[email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/elquestro/

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is an ultra-luxury retreat, located 2.5 hours northwest of Sydney in the majestic World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains region. Set on 7,000 acres of carbon-neutral conservation and wildlife reserve, the resort blends absolute luxury and seclusion with a quintessentially Australian bush experience.

Nestled between two national parks, the resort offers a unique blend of native wildlife, dramatic natural beauty, conservation and heritage combined with deeply luxurious facilities and the finest food and wine.

Occupying just one per cent of the total land area, the resort features forty elegantly appointed, free-standing villas, each with its own heated pool, double-sided fireplace and private verandah with stunning views of Wolgan Valley and its rugged sandstone escarpments. At the centre of the resort sits the Main Homestead with several dining locations featuring modern Australian flavours and celebrating an authentic garden-to-table philosophy. There is also a heritage precinct, and the One&Only Spa – a sanctuary of wellbeing, collaborating with Sodashi, Australia’s finest 100% chemical-free spa range.

The resort’s impressive range and abundant native wildlife, dramatic landscapes and pastoral heritage can be explored through a range of epic outdoor activities including wildlife safaris, nature walks, heritage tours, mountain biking and horse riding. Guests are also invited to take part in the daily conservation activity, working alongside passionate field guides to help preserve this distinctive and spectacular environment for the future.

Why come here
Conservation-based Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley’s resort provides a unique blend of luxury, impeccable service, wildlife and heritage allowing a perfect experience for a short getaway or for the ultimate long stay hideaway. This is Australia at its finest.

Insider tips

• In winter, pull up in front of an open fire in the Valley Bar & Terrace and sample the aromatic spirit, 1832 Wolgan Gin. A complex craft gin with true provenance that reflects the scenic landscape and native botanicals distinct to the region.
• Explore Wolgan Valley by horseback, 4WD, mountain bike, or on foot on the many trails across the valley and surrounding escarpment.
• At night, get outdoors – with or without a nightcap – to gaze at the vast canopy of the starry Wolgan sky.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Sydney
? Time to lodge: : 2.5 hour drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Sydney
? Time to lodge: 2.5 hour drive
? Number of villas: 40
? Welcomes guests with children of all ages

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
2600 Wolgan Road,
Wolgan Valley, New South Wales
Contact: +61 (0)2 9199 1811 or
[email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/wolganvalley/

Culinary excellence, art, natural beauty and world class service. Welcome to Lake House, Daylesford. Good food and wine are consuming passions here. A team of talented hospitality professionals with industry legend Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM at the helm, deliver beautiful cutting-edge menus and wines from the acclaimed cellar.

Constant innovation and creativity paired with deep respect for provenance is a hallmark of Lake House. Long regarded as one of the best restaurants in Australia, the Lake House restaurant has two Chef Hats.

With the addition of Dairy Flat Farm to the Lake House stable, the team is working to constantly raise the benchmark for sustainable luxury. The herb and vegetable gardens supply most of the raw ingredients for the Lake House kitchens, along with an heirloom orchard, olive grove and vineyard. Lake House guests are invited for an exclusive tour of the farm during their stay.

The hotel’s chic studios, suites and villas meld into six acres of country gardens extending down to Lake Daylesford. Each boasts artwork from acclaimed artist and co-owner Allan Wolf-Tasker, who is often found hard at work in his onsite studio.

Daylesford is the Southern Hemisphere’s epicentre for mineral springs. Guests can visit The Spa which also draws inspiration from the ‘farm to spa’ philosophy. They can also play tennis, unwind by the infinity pool, explore lake paths meandering past mineral springs into the Wombat State Forest, and enjoy the walkable proximity of the charming village of Daylesford.

As the sun sets over the far shore of the lake, the Argyle Library Bar or the Lagoon Deck are popular places to gather with fellow guests to share tales of the day’s adventures.

Why come here
To experience the legendary Lake House hospitality that feeds your soul. Where wellness lives in all the details.

Insider tips

• Join an exclusive tour of Dairy Flat Farm which produces much of the raw ingredients for the Lake House menus.
• Head out for the day with a local guide and meet the farmers, producers and winemakers who passionately connect the ‘paddock to plate’. There are organic and biodynamic producers, rare breed farmers, producers of goat and sheep’s milk cheese, cider, beer and winemakers, bakers and more. Don’t miss the slow fermented sourdough and viennoiserie baked by Lake House’s exclusive bakery.
• Visit the Private Treetop Mineral Spa – set in a magical location, private circular spa tubs sit in secluded tree top cabins and look out through the waterfront willow trees.

✈️ Nearest domestic and international airport: Melbourne
? Time to lodge: 75 minute drive
? Number of suites: 33
? Welcomes guests with children of all ages

Lake House
4 King Street, Daylesford, Victoria
Contact: +61 (0)3 5348 3329
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lakehouse/

Lizard Island, Australia’s northernmost island beach resort, is uniquely located right on the Great Barrier Reef, 240 kilometres north of Cairns, accessible only by a one hour scenic flight over the reef and turquoise waters.

The island has 24 powdery-white sand beaches, more than 1,000 hectares of national park and the bluest of clear blue ocean views from every angle. With just one resort on the island, and only forty rooms and suites and day spa – there is a palpable sense of exclusivity as the tranquillity and natural beauty of the island wash over arriving guests.

The beaches are undisturbed but for occasional footprints. Coral reef gardens fringe the island shimmering beneath crystal clear water. Giant clams laze on the seabed as nosy potato cod keep watch. Here, the marine life is renowned the world over.

Lizard Island seduces with a multitude of reef and water activities from sensational diving, including the famous Cod Hole, or snorkelling straight from the beach to experience coral gardens and brightly coloured tropical fish. The nearby Ribbon Reefs are renowned for some of the best big game fishing in the world.

There are complimentary motorised dinghies available to discover private beaches and enjoy a specially packed selection of gourmet treats and drinks, and a wide choice of activities including a visit to the Australian Museum’s Marine Research Station, a hike to the highest point on the island, Cook’s Look, a day spa treatment and sunset aperitif cruises.

The food philosophy is simple and delicious, embracing the local, fresh produce of the region. Menus change daily at Saltwater Restaurant; guests can also enjoy gourmet picnic lunches on secluded beaches and beachside degustation dining for two at sunset.

Why come here
An exclusive island retreat set amongst the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef providing an elixir for the soul and senses.

Insider tips

• A motorised dinghy allows guests private access to Lizard Island’s secluded beaches. Take a picnic hamper so you can spend hours exploring. Don’t miss the south side of the island, Blue Lagoon, with its stunning azure water gently lapping at white sand.
• Just around the corner from Anchor Bay and only a short snorkel off the beach in Watsons Bay, discover the Clam Gardens, home to a colony of giant clams and amazing reef life.
• As evening draws in, join the resident expert mixologist for a tastebud thrilling gin-tasting session at Driftwood Bar.

✈️ Nearest domestic and international airport: Cairns
? Time to lodge: 1 hour scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
? Number of rooms/suites: 40
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over

Lizard Island
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Contact: Toll free (AUS) 1800 837 204
Landline (US) +1 716 276 0104
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lizardisland/

Timeless and enriching, Longitude 131° overlooks the World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s vast Red Centre.

Longitude 131°, a gathering of luxury pavilions, offers an essential experience of Australia’s spiritual heartland, a true sense of stillness and beauty in the desert landscape, rich in culture, heritage and history.

In the spirit of the original pioneers, safari-style tented pavilions are recreated for the modern traveller to float over the rust-red dunes, blending style with sustainability. Unparalleled views of Uluru’s changing lights play out from the end of the bed, or on balconies from the warmth of a cosy swag unfurled in the cool night air. Contemporary furnishings, artworks by Indigenous artists and a generous in-suite bar filled with gourmet treats dispel any illusion of roughing it. Central to a stay at Longitude 131° is a discovery of Uluru-Kata Tjuta, explored on the lodge’s personally guided adventures. These experiences connect guests with the backstory of the desert icons and provide a chance to discover the natural heritage as well as the ancient creation stories of the Anangu people, the Traditional Custodians of the land.

The luxury desert basecamp fans out from the Dune House, the heart of Longitude 131° with its panoramic views and cantilevered roof. This is the site for lounging, cocktails and gazing at the changing colours of Uluru. Guests dine overlooking the nation’s spiritual heart whilst savouring fine cuisine combining native ingredients and food and wine sourced from the nation’s premium producers. Wrap up a day’s adventures in the outback with a retreat to Spa Kinara for an Indigenous-inspired treatment or drink in the sunset on the Dune Top with jaw-dropping views to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Why come here
Connect with the world’s oldest living culture and discover the mercurial World Heritage listed natural icons of Australia’s Red Centre.

Insider tips

• Connect with Country and the iconic Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the desert landscape on a sunrise guided base walk around the rock
• Take a dip in the Dune Top’s heated plunge pool as the sun slips below the horizon, bathing the desert in ethereal light as the Belt of Venus rises in the evening sky.
• After dinner, return to your luxury tent and from the warmth of a custom swag, sip on a nightcap under the dazzling southern sky.
• Look out for a thorny devil scurrying up the red sand dunes around the lodge. The survival tactics of these lizards includes head-to-toe camo and the ability to drink with its skin.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Uluru
? Time to lodge: 15 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Sydney
? Time to lodge: 3 hour flight + 15 minute drive
? Number of suites: 16
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over

Longitude 131°
Uluru, Northern Territory
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/longitude131/

With the backdrop of its majestic 18 kilometre long sandstone namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers laid-back luxury in the rugged outback environment of Queensland.

Located 160 kilometres northwest of Cairns, on a 28,000 hectare working cattle station that bears the marks and stories of the historic gold and coal rush, Mt Mulligan Lodge invites guests to experience the spirit of the outback through a captivating landscape that’s steeped in Indigenous significance.

The lodge accommodates just 20 guests in spacious guest pavilions that complement the landscape and offer a luxurious and charming take on pastoral living. Each pavilion is a sanctuary overlooking a eucalyptus-fringed freshwater weir and views of the ever-changing moods of Mount Mulligan.

A range of experiences has been designed to make the most of this outback location and its fascinating history. These include guided tours of the goldfields, including a demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures, chef-prepared picnic hampers, barramundi fishing, scenic helicopter flights, guided nature walks and the chance to experience the operations of a working cattle station.

After a day of adventure, guests can soak in an outdoor bath on their verandah, watch the changing colours of the outback sky from the Sunset Bar, relax with a book in the main pavilion or pool deck, dine on a daily changing menu that puts a flavoursome twist on outback living, or sit by the crackling fire pit as the night sky fills with glittering stars.

Why come here
Set in the Queensland Outback on a secluded 28,000 hectare cattle station in the shadow of the majestic Mount Mulligan.

Insider tips

• Find your inner Mad Max and navigate outback tracks in an ATV.
• After the wet season, join the Gorge-ous Hike. Not for the faint hearted, the hike takes you scrambling up and down boulders bound by the towering escarpment and through lush vegetation to a picturesque gorge. A refreshing waterhole beckons you to take a dip as a reward for your efforts.
• Whilst taking in the scenery on the weir on your stand-up paddle board, keep your eye out. You may be lucky enough to sight a platypus.
• After dinner take a stroll up the hill (towards the Sunset Bar) and have a nightcap whilst exploring the glittering southern night sky.
• Keep an eye out for the Australian bustard bird; our very own road runner.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Cairns
? 35 minute helicopter flight or 2.5 hour 4WD adventure
? Number of rooms/suites: 10
? Welcomes children of all ages

Mt Mulligan Lodge
Mount Mulligan, Queensland
Contact: +61(0)7 4777 7377
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/mtmulliganlodge/

Pretty Beach House is the epitome of relaxed luxury. The lodge is a ninety minute drive or short seaplane flight from the centre of Sydney. With just four beautifully appointed pavilions, it is intimate and laid-back, sophisticated and friendly, with personalised service offering a quintessential luxe Australian coastal experience.

Perched high on the escarpment at Pretty Beach, the lodge is enveloped by an ancient angophora forest with views over the glistening waters of Broken Bay. Pretty Beach House offers guests the opportunity to completely restore or explore – a private haven and base for adventure, romance, rejuvenation or exploration.

Golden beaches and bays are easily accessible via hiking trails along coastal sandstone cliffs. Other adventure activities include cultural tours through the national park with Traditional Owners, pearl farm tours, boating and sailing, water sports, mountain biking and tennis. An Indigenous welcome ceremony is offered to guests (additional) with song, dance and Dreamtime stories told by an Elder making for a truly unforgettable experience. This ceremony is performed near Aboriginal rock art created by the local Darkinjung tribe dating back almost 2,000 years.

With four impeccably appointed pavilions, the lodge houses up to eight guests at one time. Dining is a highlight at Pretty Beach House with daily seasonal menus tailored to each guest’s needs and prepared by highly talented chefs incorporating bush and native foods along with fresh local seafood and produce. All dining and beverages are included (an exclusive cellar list well worth exploring is additional) along with pavilion mini-bar, unlimited wi-fi and movies and mountain bikes.

Why come here
Privileged access within a national park, to one of the most unique, immersive bush, bay and beach experiences you can have at an Australian luxury hotel, just outside of Sydney.

Insider tips

• A leisurely 20 minute stroll through untouched native flora to the tip of the Aboriginal Dreaming sacred site of Box Head is breathtaking, with stunning 180 degree views of the five surrounding waterways including Broken Bay to Palm Beach and the Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
• Navigate the local waterways on the immersive Broken Bay Pearl Farm Tour and choose your favourite pearls to take home.
• A real highlight and not to be missed, the Chef’s Table Dining Experience offers an intimate yet informative dining experience with your very own chef, by sitting up close and personal with them at the kitchen pass.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Sydney or Newcastle
? Time to lodge: 90 minute drive from Sydney or Newcastle, 20 minutes by seaplane (from Sydney only)
✈️ Nearest international airport: Sydney
? Time to lodge: 90 minute drive or 20 minute flight by seaplane
? Number of suites: 4 pavilions
? Welcomes guests with children 13 years and over

Pretty Beach House
83 Highview Road, Pretty Beach,
New South Wales
Contact: +61 (0)2 4360 1933
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/prettybeachhouse/

Located on the secluded northernmost tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, qualia is a unique expression of world-class luxury and outstanding modern design. Every detail here has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses.

qualia’s sun-drenched northern aspect provides the ideal setting to appreciate the passing beauty of each day, with a choice of sixty individual pavilions, many of which feature a private plunge pool where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views across Whitsunday Passage.

Within the resort, qualia offers two exclusive restaurants and the alluring Spa qualia which offers an authentic Australian spa menu, incorporating a comprehensive range of invigorating treatments designed to rebalance the synergy between mind and body.

In addition to easy access to the Whitsunday region’s most desirable attractions including Whitehaven and numerous other deserted island beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, guests of qualia can take advantage of priority tee off at Hamilton Island’s very own championship golf course. This picturesque course is the only 18-hole golf course in Australia located on its very own island, and provides challenging play for novice and professional golfers alike.

If time spent together is the ultimate goal, qualia staff can arrange a complimentary beach drop off service – a rare opportunity to indulge in a gourmet picnic for two on an idyllic secluded beach.

Why come here
qualia is a private world of secluded luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. An oasis of Australian style, qualia provides exceptional levels of award-winning luxury and intuitive, friendly service.

Insider tips

• Experience unprecedented access to the iconic ‘Heart Island’ lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef.
• Private beach drop-off. Take a private transfer to one of the many local secluded beaches, with a gourmet picnic. Swim, snorkel and soak in the Whitsunday sunshine.
• Indulge in a slice of Japanese culture with the Sake and Sashimi tastings. Journey through one of Japan’s oldest and most famous culinary traditions as some of the finest sake is individually matched with Australia’s highest quality, sashimi-grade fish.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island
? Time to lodge: 5 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Cairns & Brisbane
? Time to lodge: 1 hour 40 minute flight + 5 minute drive
? Number of suites: 60 private pavilions, some with private pools
? Welcomes guests with children 16 years and over

qualia
Hamilton Island, Queensland
Contact: +61 (0)2 9433 0444
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/qualia/

Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast, characterised by its sophisticated, personalised service style and an inspirational connection to place.

Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire blends humankind and nature with breathtaking beauty.

Featuring twenty luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar, Saffire is a celebration of the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.

More than twenty beautifully detailed experiences have been created to connect guests with place. From a Connection to Country walk with a Traditional Owner, to discovering the world of bees with the local beekeeper, or sampling oysters at the nearby marine farm. The Schouten Island Signature Experience has been designed exclusively for guests to deepen their east coast discovery. There’s a world of deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches to explore.

The Tasmanian Devil Experience offers guests the rare opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural protected setting, and to participate in the quest to save this endangered species from extinction.

In Palate restaurant, Saffire’s highly experienced team has ensured innovative dining elevates the true flavours of the freshest local produce. Fully inclusive dining from breakfast through to a gourmet degustation or à la carte dinner. All guests can restore their wellbeing, soothe the busy mind and refresh the soul, in the sanctuary of Saffire’s Spa and onsite gym.

Why come here
Completely surrounded by native coastal bushland near the Freycinet National Park, it’s easy to forget about the outside world.

Insider tips

• Walk to Wineglass Bay and head across the isthmus with the Hazards Mountains anchoring your views along the peninsula.
• Watch a spectacular sunrise at Cape Tourville Lighthouse and enjoy the stunning vista and watch out for whales in the summer months.
• Experience close-up marine wildlife interactions on the Schouten Island Signature Experience. Visit Australian fur seal colonies, spot white-bellied sea eagles and cruise beside pods of dolphins.
• Hike up Mount Amos in the early morning for the best views over Freycinet National Park.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Hobart or Launceston
? Time to lodge: 2.5 hour drive from either airport
✈️ Nearest international airport: Hobart and Melbourne
? Time to lodge: 1 hour flight to Hobart or Launceston + 2.5 hour drive
? Number of suites: 20
? Welcomes guests with children of all ages

Saffire
Freycinet, Tasmania
Contact: +61 (0)3 6256 7888
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/saffire/

Where Australia’s outback meets the reef… Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is an eco-luxe tented camp located in the Cape Range National Park and overlooking Ningaloo Reef – both UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.

With fifteen spacious wilderness tents and one honeymoon tent sitting lightly and discreetly amongst the dunes overlooking the reef, Sal Salis provides a genuinely privileged place from which to explore Western Australia’s Coral Coast and reconnect with nature at her best.

The attraction lies in the coral reef, just a few metres offshore, and its colourful corals and prolific marine life. 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 along the coast every year. Swimming with humpback whales is also a highlight. The coastal dunes and gorges in the Cape Range National Park provide a terrestrial wildlife experience with red kangaroo, euros, echidnas, emus and more seen in and around the camp.

In this pristine and beautiful wilderness region Sal Salis takes great care to protect the fragile ecosystem. Each wilderness tent has an ensuite bathroom with an eco-friendly toilet and hot water shower as well as supremely comfortable beds and views of the Indian Ocean.

The social heart of the camp includes lounge, bar and library areas. Chef-prepared meals are served communally.

The luxury here is in the wilderness experience and the opportunity to reconnect with nature and the environment. A team of passionate and knowledgeable guides is on hand to host guided snorkelling, kayak expeditions and gorge walks in the ranges.

At night lie out on the beach to stare up at the Milky Way and a canopy of stars stretching across the southern night skies.

Why come here
To step from your tent and explore the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ningaloo Coast.

Insider tips

• Look closely – snorkelling amongst the staghorn and bommie corals you can sometimes find soft corals housing anemone fish, cleverly camouflaged octopus and colourful nudibranchs.
• Watch for turtle heads bobbing up to the surface and listen as they take in a gasp of air before jetting off again.
• While Ningaloo Reef may be the main drawcard, Sal Salis also immerses guests in remarkable land-based scenery including the very special Mandu Mandu Gorge with its resident and rare black-footed rock wallabies as well as red kangaroos, wallaroos, fairy wrens, kestrels and zebra finches.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Exmouth (Learmonth Airport)
? Time to lodge: 1.5 hour drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Perth
? Time to lodge: 2 hour flight to Exmouth + 1.5 hour drive
? Number of suites: 15 Wilderness Tents & 1 Honeymoon Tent
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and older

Sal Salis
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Contact: +61 (0)8 9949 1776
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/salsalis/

Set among a leafy rainforest canopy, Silky Oaks Lodge looks over the gently flowing Mossman River and adjoins the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park.

Long regarded as Tropical North Queensland’s luxury bolt-hole, a new-look Silky Oaks Lodge launched in December 2021 following a multi-million dollar rebuild by the team at Baillie Lodges, bringing their globally lauded style and sensitivity to a genuinely iconic lodge and location.

The lodge is ideally located for access to the region’s spectacular natural attractions, including the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation. It’s also an easy transfer to the stylish restaurant and shopping precinct at nearby Port Douglas.

With views over the crystal-clear Mossman River and enveloped by the lush rainforest, guests relax in one of forty private treehouse suites, each a luxurious retreat complete with generous balcony and hammock ready to sway in the afternoon breeze.

Dining in the open-air Treehouse Restaurant welcomes the sights and sounds of the rainforest, creating an extraordinary backdrop for enjoying fine cuisine in a contemporary Australian style.

Included signature experiences at Silky Oaks Lodge include yoga, selfguided walks and drift-snorkelling in the Mossman River. A range of bespoke experiences includes driving safaris, guided walks with the Indigenous Kuku Yalanji – the region’s Traditional Owners, helicopter tours and snorkelling and diving the Great Barrier Reef.

The popular Healing Waters Spa offers a range of treatments that feature the natural Australian-made Sodashi skincare range and is inspired by ancient beliefs that water is a renewing and life-giving force.

Why come here
Experience the tranquillity and cool, green spirit of the Daintree Rainforest boasting a World Heritage listing and an age trumping that of the Amazon.

Insider tips

• Immerse in the sights and sounds of the rainforest with a hike along the Fig Tree Rapids trail. Plunge into the freshwater billabong for a feeling of refreshment only Mother Nature can offer.
• Accessed via the nearby town of Port Douglas, enjoy an array of experiences exploring the Great Barrier Reef, from cruising aboard a luxury catamaran to snorkelling and diving among the kaleidoscopic colour of fish and coral.
• Enjoy an evening drink in the cool open-air of the cantilevered jungle perch – perhaps a lychee martini blended with Baillies 9 gin, or a ginger mojito made with local Mt Uncle Iridium rum.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Cairns
? Time to lodge: 1 hour drive
? Number of treehouses: 40
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and older

Silky Oaks Lodge
The Daintree, Queensland
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/
silkyoakslodge

Baillie Lodges’ flagship Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island’s wild south coast was tragically destroyed in the 2020 bushfires. Construction is underway to rebuild the award-winning luxury lodge with a reopening slated for 2023.

The new lodge will sit lightly on the land, in the same footprint as the original, and embrace the many special details that made Southern Ocean Lodge a treasured destination for so many, from fine locally sourced dining and cellar door-only wines to local artworks and artisan-commissioned furnishings and mesmerising views along the Kangaroo Island coast. There will be some inspired innovations in the new property, with Baillie Lodges founders James and Hayley considering it a privilege to be able to rebuild, and see ways to make Southern Ocean Lodge even better.

Just like the original, Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0 will be sensitively designed to blend with Kangaroo Island’s wildly beautiful landscape, appearing to float along its clifftop setting. The Great Room will be at the helm, home to the guest lounge, bar and restaurant, with the same jaw-dropping views of the Southern Ocean, visible for the first time on entry via the lodge’s grand double doors. The warm welcome from the close knit team will be just the same as always, while the panoramic views of white-sanded beaches with the wild Southern Ocean thundering in are just as they always have been.

Why come here
Time slows and the wider world seems to melt away on Kangaroo Island. It’s wildly beautiful, resilient spirit draws visitors back again and again.

Follow our journey

• The regeneration of the landscape – its wildlife and vegetation – is in full swing on Kangaroo Island. For the ancient yakka trees of the Australian bush, fire is needed to generate new life.
• The Southern Ocean Lodge site has been cleared, helped along by small teams of friends and industry colleagues who banded together in a series of working bees led by the property’s intrepid lodge managers.
• A nursery of some 2,500 seedlings and cuttings propagated from local native species have been transplanted by hand to take root and create a living, lowflammable carpet of coastal heath along the undulating clifftops.

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Kingscote
? Time to lodge: 50 minute drive
✈️ Nearest international airport: Adelaide
? Time to lodge: 30 minute flight + 50 minute drive
? Number of suites: 22
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and older

Southern Ocean Lodge
Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island,
South Australia
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/
southernoceanlodge

Spicers Peak Lodge is Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, standing 1,100 metres above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking views of south-east Queensland’s World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Great Dividing Range and the Scenic Rim.

The lodge offers a range of activities designed to give guests an intimate opportunity to experience this strikingly beautiful part of the Australian wilderness including nature walks, 4WD discovery tours, scenic helicopter tours, star gazing, mountain biking adventures and sunset picnics.

Facilities in and around the lodge – a striking building characterised by the use of stone, glass and magnificent timbers – include an infinity edge swimming pool, hot spa, tennis court, guided walking and mountain bike trails, produce gardens, outdoor campfire, secluded picnic areas, guest lounge with library and fireplace, viewing deck with telescope, onsite day spa with heated plunge pool, bar and restaurant.

The multi-award-winning Peak Restaurant onsite offers contemporary Australian dining in style and prides itself on offering the ‘Best of Australia’ on a plate with premium produce from around Australia, matched with seasonal local produce. These values are blended with impeccable technique to yield a culinary style that surprises and pleases guests and food critics alike.

With ten luxurious suites and two private lodges, Spicers Peak Lodge is a unique blend of relaxing accommodation and fine dining at the height of luxury in one of south-east Queensland High Country’s most beautiful and rugged wilderness areas.

Why come here
Set on 8,000 acres with a backdrop of World Heritage listed national park, Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge provides the ultimate location for an all-inclusive luxury getaway

Insider tips

• Arrange for a picnic hamper to be delivered to one of many scenic picnic locations around the 8,000 acre property. A table can be set for guests to arrive at the location, after a bike ride or walk, to chilled champagne and stunning views.
• Take to the sky over the majestic Great Dividing Range on a scenic helicopter flight and land in a clearing atop your private mountain destination – Mount Mistake, overlooking the sheer beauty of the Lockyer Valley with not another soul in sight.
• Constellations by campfire: Learn about the constellations from your guide around an evening campfire as their magnificence spirals across the night sky

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Brisbane
? Time to lodge: 90 minute drive from Brisbane, 2 hour drive from the Gold Coast
? Number of suites: 10 suites, 2 private lodges
? Welcomes guests with children of all ages (see policy)

Spicers Peak Lodge
Wilkinsons Road, Maryvale,
Scenic Rim, Queensland
Contact: +61 (0)7 4666 1083
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/spicerspeak/

Located atop a gently rolling hill, The Louise is surrounded by hundreds of acres of grapevines overlooking South Australia’s world-renowned Barossa Valley region. Just fifteen suites, each with its own private terrace and views over the adjacent vineyards, feature luxurious contemporary design and local artworks.

Integral to a stay at The Louise is dining at Appellation, one of Australia’s finest regional restaurants. Appellation’s culinary team is guided by the rhythms of the seasons, harvesting from their kitchen garden, baking their own breads and butchering and curing their own meats. At The Louise, the team creates a celebration of local wine and food as the most natural of partners. An extensive award-winning wine list showcases the best of the Barossa, Australia and the world.

The Barossa is rightly famed for its wine, and there are dozens of bespoke wine tastings, blendings and experiences available for guests, many with a private winemaker introduction made by the team at The Louise. There’s much more to the Barossa than great things to eat and drink; guests can float over some of Australia’s oldest vineyards in a hot air balloon, enjoy a sunrise picnic breakfast with kangaroos, walk or cycle bush tracks, partake in cooking classes, a perfume or gin blending session, or join Appellation’s chef on an early morning trip to the local farmer’s market for provisions. Guests will discover amazing wines, meet warm local characters and fall in love with some of the world’s most engaging wine country.

The Louise is long regarded as the culinary tourism destination for the world’s discerning travellers.

Why come here
This luxury, culinary retreat in the heart of wine country is the perfect place to disconnect, reconnect, and truly slow down

Insider tips

• Every Saturday morning, the Barossa Farmer’s Market is the bustling centre of the region’s food culture. Stroll among the local producers and farmers, coffee in hand, and collect a few snacks for the day ahead.
• Visit during vintage, the harvest period from late January to late April. With grapes being picked, plucked, and stomped you might find yourself getting caught up in the action.
• Explore by e-bike, cruising by endless rows of vineyards, visiting local wineries, cafés and villages.
• Float over the Barossa Valley floor in a hot air balloon and witness a mosaic of vineyards and orchards bound by the Barossa Ranges rising up to Eden Valley

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: Adelaide
? Time to lodge: 75 minute drive
? Number of suites: 15
? Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over

The Louise Barossa Valley
375 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga,
South Australia
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/thelouise/

An adventure on the True North has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most revered tourism experiences. All itineraries are activity based and designed for discerning travellers who truly want to experience some of Australia’s most remote coastal destinations.

Extended periods at sea are specifically excluded and daily activities can include walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, natural history, cultural events and more. The True North is an Australian registered ship and not required to leave Australian waters during Australian voyages, which means every day onboard the True North is an activity day.

Destinations include The Kimberley, a panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges and majestic waterfalls, and the pristine Rowley Shoals; the still-wild south-west coast of Western Australia featuring the Bremer Canyon and the Margaret River wine region; the intriguing Abrolhos Islands; the world-famous Ningaloo Reef; the Montebello Islands; beautiful Sydney and surrounds, and a seafood safari around South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.

The True North has been designed to go where other ships cannot. Multiple adventure boats explore even further and guests experience wilderness up close. Most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter which adds another dimension to the adventure.

Guest numbers are limited to thirty-six and an Australian crew of twentytwo chaperones every experience. Spacious cabins feature modern décor with ensuites.

Find out why guests disembarking from the True North consistently respond with “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!”.

Why come here
This luxury, culinary retreat in the heart of wine country is the perfect place to disconnect, reconnect, and truly slow down

Insider tips

• Every Saturday morning, the Barossa Farmer’s Market is the bustling centre of the region’s food culture. Stroll among the local producers and farmers, coffee in hand, and collect a few snacks for the day ahead.
• Visit during vintage, the harvest period from late January to late April. With grapes being picked, plucked, and stomped you might find yourself getting caught up in the action.
• Explore by e-bike, cruising by endless rows of vineyards, visiting local wineries, cafés and villages.
• Float over the Barossa Valley floor in a hot air balloon and witness a mosaic of vineyards and orchards bound by the Barossa Ranges rising up to Eden Valley

✈️ Nearest domestic airport: : For Kimberley departures – Broome or Kununurra (depending on direction of travel)
? Time to lodge: Broome – 10 minutes. Kununurra – 1 hour. (Transfers provided)
✈️ Nearest international airport: Perth and Darwin
? Time to lodge: 2 hour flight + road transfer
? Number of cabins: 18
? Welcomes guests with children of all ages (see policy)

True North
Contact: +61 (0)8 9192 1829
or [email protected]
https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/truenorth/

Australian Wildlife Journeys features Australia’s independently owned and operated wildlife tour operators offering unparalleled connection to Australia’s most spectacular natural environments. Iconic and immersive wildlife encounters include birdwatching, whale watching, marsupial spotting and snorkelling.

Cultural Attractions of Australia is an industry led collective of iconic Australian arts and cultural attractions that have joined forces to present the best of Australia’s cultural offering to the world. Each attraction has curated pre-bookable, premium experiences, ensuring unrivalled access and attention for their guests

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collective of inspiring and transformational experiences guided by Aboriginal people who share their Country and bring the landscape to life through their stories. A diverse range of experiences are on offer including quad biking, kayaking, hiking, fishing, mud crabbing, sightseeing, art and food.

Great Fishing Adventures is the catch of Australia’s best fishing operators that have come together to raise the profile of Australia as a world-class fishing destination. As well as providing overviews of each fishing operator, Great Fishing Adventures of Australia spotlights some of Australia’s best fishing experiences including tips on different categories, from saltwater and freshwater fishing to deep sea and fly fishing adventures.

Great Golf Courses of Australia provides access to some of Australia’s leading golf courses including the country’s World Top 100 course listings: Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm, Cape Wickham Links, Kingston Heath, New South Wales, The National and Royal Melbourne (East and West)

Great Walks of Australia offers superb and quintessentially Australian walking experiences that engage walkers in some of the world’s most spectacular terrain. These walks inspire travellers to explore Australia’s diverse landscape by foot, where guests reconnect with nature in small, intimate groups led by expert guides with a deep understanding and appreciation of the environment.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is a collection of premium award-winning wineries in Australia’s most renowned wine regions. These wineries are not just places to sample and purchase wine, but offer a diverse and unique range of cellar door, dining and private touring experiences.

https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/

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