Amazing Australia | Adventures Down Under Welcome to Australia! Australia is a wild and beau ful place, a land whose color pale e of red outback sands and Technicolor reefs frames sophis cated ci es and soulful Indigenous stories. Most Australians live along the coast, and most of these folks live in ci es – 89% of Australians, in fact. It follows that ci es here are a lot of fun. Sydney is the glamorous poster child with world-class beaches and an otherwise glorious se ng. Melbourne is all arts, alleyways and a stellar food scene. Brisbane is a subtropical town on the way up, Adelaide has fes ve grace and pubby poise. Boomtown Perth breathes West Coast op mism and Canberra showcases so many cultural treasures, while the tropical northern fron er town of Darwin, and the chilly southern sandstone city of Hobart, couldn't be more different. Australia is an extraordinarily beau ful place, as rich in rainforest (from Far North Queensland to far-south Tasmania) as it is in remote rocky outcrops like Uluru, Kakadu and the Kimberleys. The coastline, too, beset as it is with islands and deserted shores, is wild and wonderful. Anima ng these splendid places is wildlife like nowhere else on the planet, a place of kangaroos and crocodiles, of wombats and wallabies, platypus, crocodiles, dingoes and so much more. Tracking these, and Australia's 700-plus bird species, is enough to unearth your inner David A enborough, even if you didn't un l now know you had one. Australia plates up a mul cultural fusion of European techniques and fresh Pacific-rim ingredients – aka 'Mod Oz' (Modern Australian). Seafood plays a starring role − from succulent Moreton Bay bugs to delicate King George whi ng. Of course, beer in hand, you'll s ll find beef, lamb and chicken at Aussie barbecues. Don't drink beer? Australian wines are world-beaters: punchy Barossa Valley shiraz, Hunter Valley semillon and cool-climate Tasmanian sauvignon blanc. Tasmania produces outstanding whisky too. Need a caffeine hit? You'll find cafes everywhere, coffee machines in petrol sta ons, and baristas in downtown coffee carts. Sydney Experience:
• Surf Lessons at Bondi Beach • Ascend to the top of the iconic Sydney harbor Bridge • Helicopter Flight for a day of food and wine in the Hunter Valley • Sunset Yach ng along the Sydney harbor • Hike along a 19th Century Rail line and into the original Rocks District to uncover Sydney’s colorful history. • Play a round at Long Reef Golf Club • Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens
Bondi Beach
Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens
Stay Here: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney: Located two blocks from the historic Rocks district and offering spectacular views of Sydney’s most Sydney Opera House and Central Business District famous icons. It is a short walk from Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House. Ameni es include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness room and an Asian-themed spa. There's also an all-day cafe, plus a fine-dining restaurant and a cocktail lounge with panoramic city views.
Blue Mountains Melbourne Experience:
• Drive along the Great Ocean Road • Scenic Helicopter flip over the Twelve Apostles • Go behind the scenes at the Queen Victoria Food Market • Explore secret lanes, cozy cafes, hidden wine bars and eye popping street art to gain a locals perspec ve on life in the city. • Visit the Yarra Valley Vineyards
Twelve Apostles
Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens Stay Here:
Park Hya Melbourne offers a dis nc ve loca on in Melbourne’s CBD. Offering the city’s largest guest-rooms, with walk Queen Victoria Food Market in closets, Italian marble bathrooms and Julie e style balconies. Dine in the award-winning restaurant, radii restaurant & bar, with an open kitchen, or indulge during High Tea in The Lounge & Garden. Pamper yourself at Park Club Health & Day Spa with a 25m indoor pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis court and private sun deck. Park Hya Melbourne provides an unforge able des na on coupled with unparalleled experiences of elegant contemporary luxury, in the world’s most livable city.
Yarra Valley Vineyards Adelaide and South Australia Experience:
• Savor the most sought-a er Australian wines In the Barossa Valley • Plan a visit during Adelaide Fes val Season. More than 900 events are staged in pop-up venues in laneways, warehouses and parks, celebra ng everything from theater, music, and dance to cabaret, comedy, and circus. • Discover iconic Australian wildlife on Kangaroo Island • Get adventurous in the remote Eyre Peninsula, where you can taste to most delicious seafood, swim with dolphins, and sharks, If you dare!
Kangaroo Island
Barossa Valley Vineyards Eyre Peninsula
Stay Here:
Southern Ocean Lodge: Australia’s mul award winning luxury lodge experience, regarded amongst the finest in the world. 21 organic luxe suites feature lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounge, glass-walled terrace, each with breathtaking views to the great Southern Ocean. Guided adventures invite guests to experience the pris ne landscapes and abundant wildlife on Australia’s own Galapagos. A walk amongst sea lions or a close encounter with a kangaroo. The secluded Southern Spa features signature treatments with Kangaroo Island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate.
Shark Diving, South Australia Northern Territory Experience:
• Hike to Uluru, the worlds largest single monolith • Hear ancient stories from the original tribal owners of this sacred land • En ce all your senses with a one of a kind dining experience under the stars • Discover aboriginal culture, and music
Kakadu National Park
Katherine River Hot Springs
Uluru, Alice Springs
Stay Here:
Longitude 131 offers immersion in the Australian outback, a true sense of s llness and beauty in this desert landscape. Luxury tented pavilions float over rust-red dunes where classic touches meld with aboriginal textures. A private glass wall yields unparalleled views of fabled icon Uluru (Ayers Rock). Stylish new balconies feature modern day beds, armchairs and EcoSmart fireplaces, crea ng a contemporary outdoor living area. Swags for the balcony are offered in which guests are served port, Cognac and other diges fs by firelight.
Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin Western Australia Experience:
• Explore quaint pubs and welcoming parks in Perth, boas ng more sunny days than any other Australian city. • Encounter unique wildlife at Ro nest Island • Spend a weekend en cing your culinary senses In Margaret River • Swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef • Sunset Camel ride along Broome's famed Cable Beach • Take a a scenic flight to explore Cape Laveque and discover Western Australia's world-class Pearling Industry
Cape Laveque
Whale Tour, Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef Stay Here: Sal Salis: Where the outback meets the reef... With just fi een eco-luxe wilderness tents, situated on raised wooden pla orms and hidden amongst the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast. Safari guides are on hand to provide an immersive wilderness experience, and the ritual of sundowners is a me of laughter, sharing of excep onal local knowledge and wonder at the inimitability of Ningaloo. The resident chef ensures this is supported by the very best of Australian bush cuisine and a selec on of fine Western Australian wines. Margaret River Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef Experience:
• Swim, dive, snorkel or sail along the world-famous Great Barrier Reef • Explore the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and Kuranda Village • Get adventurous in Brisbane, home to the best surf breaks, theme parks, and adrenaline-fueled adventures • Play a round at the RACV Royal Pines Course • Delve into Aboriginal Culture along the Bama Way – learn spear throwing, hun ng and gathering bush tucker amongst the mangroves
Daintree Rainforest
The Great Barrier Reef Gold Coast, Brisbane Stay Here:
Silky Oaks Lodge: Located in a stunning riverside loca on adjoining one of the oldest living rainforests the World Heritage listed Daintree Na onal Park, Silky Oaks is an ideal base from which to explore Far North Queensland. The advanced eco lodge comprises the renowned open sided Treehouse restaurant offering fine dining, contemporary accommoda on encompassing both custom designed and furnished Billabong, River and Treehouses., and the highly lauded Healing Waters Spa. The Lodge has elegantly furnished interiors and spacious open lounge areas. All retreats have floor to ceiling windows leading to spacious balconies with lush garden, rainforest or river panoramas.
Port Douglas