LUXURY LODGES OF AUSTRALIA SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 3 Darwin 1 Exmouth TRUE WILD Alice Springs BUSH LUXURY Ayers Rock (Uluru) 2 Perth TOTAL SUGGESTED NIGHTS: 9 nights Plus a night or two en route if required. Some people refer to it as ‘glamping’ but with a focus on environmental sustainability these three luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic wilderness camps join forces to showcase Australia’s unique style of sophisticated, barefoot, experiential luxury. The aim of the below itinerary is to entice, inspire and connect guests to the bush, reef and desert through available experiences that are exclusive, natural and quintessentially Australian. FROM PERTH TAKE A 2 HR FLIGHT TO EXMOUTH/LEARMOUTH AIRPORT, THEN 1.5 HR HOSTED TRANSFER OR SELF-DRIVE TO SAL SALIS AT NINGALOO REEF. 1 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia (3 Nights) Where the outback meets the reef….Nine luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook Ningaloo Reef. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint. A selection of must do’s • Swim with Whale Sharks (April to July) - Ningaloo Reef is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. • Snorkel Ningaloo Reef, just metres offshore. • Wildlife Viewing - Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould’s Goannas are resident in the park while the birdlife includes Pied Butcherbirds, Fairy Wrens, Kestrels, Zebra Finches, Reef Herons, waders, seabirds and the occasional Emu that strolls through camp. Ningaloo is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp. • Sea Kayaking – Kayaks are the perfect vessel for exploring the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem. Travel by kayak to spots further off shore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel. • Guided Gorge Walks - Two kms behind the camp, a walk up Mandu Mandu gorge is a step back through geological history with fossil bearing limestone formations and spectacular views back to the coast. The history of 30,000 years of human habitation in this area is slowly unfolding from studies of artefacts, middens and rock shelters 1.5 HR HOSTED DRIVE TO EXMOUTH/LEARMONTH AIRPORT, 2 HR FLIGHT TO PERTH AIRPORT, OVERNIGHT IN PERTH, NEXT DAY 2 HR FLIGHT TO AYERS ROCK AIRPORT, 15 MIN HOSTED DRIVE TO LONGITUDE 131 ° . (NOTE: ON MON, WED AND FRI THE PERTH TO AYERS ROCK DIRECT FLIGHT DOES NOT OPERATE. THE ALTERNATIVE IS TO SUBSTITUTE AN OVERNIGHT IN ADELAIDE FOR THE OVERNIGHT IN PERTH.) 2 Longitude 131 ° Ayers Rock (Uluru), Northern Territory (3 Nights) Located in the heart of Australia and facing majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock), Longitude 131° offers a uniquely personal experience, complete with pampering accommodation in 15 luxury tents with private views of the changing colours of Uluru as the sun rises and sets. A selection of must do’s • Uluru Sunrise Guided Base Walk – Experience the remarkable changing colours of the wide desert landscape and the spectacular sight of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at dawn. • Table 131° - Dine out on sumptuous outback fare and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As you arrive to your dinner setting, be greeted by the deep acoustics of the didgeridoo while Indigenous performers welcome guests with a dance. • Sunset Camel Ride - Explore the great Central Australia desert at a slow and relaxed pace, accompanied by an expert guide pointing out wildlife and plant life, and regaling you with colourful anecdotes about life in this remarkable region. • Aboriginal Art - Enjoy a visit to Mulgara Gallery to see authentic Aboriginal art and meet the artist in residence. 15 MIN HOSTED DRIVE TO AYERS ROCK AIRPORT, 45 MIN FIGHT TO ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT, CONNECT TO 2 HR FLIGHT TO DARWIN AIRPORT, PRIVATE 20MIN FLIGHT TO AIRSTRIP, 15 MIN HOSTED DRIVE TO BAMURRU PLAINS (OR 2.5 HR SELF-DRIVE FROM DARWIN). 3 Bamurru Plains Top End, Northern Territory (3 Nights) Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary 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 indigenous culture. *Bamurru Plains is open from 1 May to 31 October. A selection of must do’s • Airboat tour - A trip out on the floodplain wetlands in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to experience this key natural environment. • 4WD safaris - With the recession of the waters in the dry season, the plains become accessible to 4WD vehicles. An afternoon out with one of the guides will provide a unique insight to this fragile yet very important environment. • Aboriginal Culture - Bamurru provides an ideal base from which to visit the rock art galleries of Kakadu National Park and Arhnem Land. • Bird watching - The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The Luxury Lodges of Australia are devoted to connecting their guests with a sense and experience of place. It is their signature experiences that make a visit to any of these Australian regions genuine and memorable. The total number of suggested nights are a guide based on daily available scheduled flights and may vary. Prior to arrival, or upon arrival, at each lodge or camp, a bespoke personalised itinerary can be created with the expertise of an intuitive and knowledgeable team of hosts. Many of the lodges offer a rate that includes accommodation, food and beverages, and importantly, signature experiences to really connect guests with an outstanding Australian region. www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au.