The lowdown
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What:
This is an epic exploration of Australia's western, northern and eastern highlights. We'd recommend at least three weeks but speak to us about tailoring it precisely to your requirements.
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Best For
This is a trip of a lifetime and probably not best suited to young children because of long journey times.
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When To Go:
Australia is a year round destination really. Our winters are warmer than the average UK summer and subject to where you go, you would travel at different times of year.!
This is an intrepid trip that takes it all in: the rugged outback, the world’s oldest living culture, historical rock art, unique wildlife, wetlands and reef. You’ll see some of the most remote and sparsely populated parts of this huge country – get ready to be bowled over by Australia.
Highlights
- Swim with whale sharks in the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef
- Spend time at Australia’s spiritual heart: Uluru
- Discover the Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest
- Experience the majesty of Kimberly’s wilderness
- Enjoy the wildlife-rich and rewilded wetlands in the Northern Territory
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Rolling Dunes
Start in Western Australia, the country’s largest yet least populous state, beside the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. A stay among the dunes at safari camp Sal Salis offers the rare opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, which gather in huge numbers at Ningaloo Reef from mid-March to late July, along with turtles, dolphins, rays and other wildlife.
It’s not just the water that’s full of life either. The dunes and gorges of the Cape Range National Park are teeming with red kangaroos, emus and echidnas. Trekking through this wilderness with a safari guide is not to be missed.
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Last Frontier
In the Kimberley, experience the majesty of one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Sparsely populated, it’s here that you’ll find deserts, a wild and rugged coastline, crashing waterfalls, iconic boab trees, and strong Aboriginal culture.
Discover the silence and emptiness of the wilderness at luxury El Questro Homestead in the outback, where views stretch for thousands of miles. El Questro’s enthusiastic rangers will tailor an itinerary to suit your individual tastes. Head out on an adventure on horseback or by foot, and find bubbling hot springs, tumbling waterfalls and untouched gorges.
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Wetlands Adventure
Continuing clockwise around the north of Australia, your next stop is in the Northern Territory where you will stay at Bullo River Station, a working cattle farm. Completely off the beaten track, be immersed in the wilds in 400,000 acres of the farm’s land. What makes Bullo stand out is its commitment to nature. By scaling back the herds of cows, they’re working on an ambitious re-wilding project, which means visitors enjoy an authentic stay where wildlife teems with over 200 species of birds, wallabies, crocodiles and reptiles.
There’s also a dedication to showcasing Australia’s aboriginal history and original spirit – you’ll see Aboriginal art displayed and you can even visit ancient rock art hidden in crevices of the red-rust cliffs. Also, on your adventures on the land, you can catch and release barramundi, swim in natural pools, cruise the mangroves or star-gaze the Milky Way at night.
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Spiritual Heart
The first glimpse of Uluru on your flight south is bound to leave a lasting impression. Best of all, you’ll be staying at the luxury desert camp, Longitude 131, in striking distance of Australia’s spiritual heart. Explore the UNESCO-protected monolith at both dawn and sunset or simply admire it from the hot tub on your private terrace.
We also recommend walking to Kantju Gorge to witness the rock walls ablaze with the setting sun, and a visit to the peaceful Mutitjulu waterhole to see aboriginal cave paintings. In the evenings, savour the best of Australian food and wine beneath the clear night skies of the outback.
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Rainforest & Reef
Swap Australia’s red centre for the verdant greens of the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree, with a magical stay at Silky Oaks Lodge. Immerse yourself in rainforest life by kayaking on the Mossman River, which also has a number of excellent freshwater swimming spots. Follow rainforest hiking trails to hidden picnic spots, or join the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people offer tours of the forest at nearby Mossman Gorge.
For a grand finale, end your tour on the northernmost of Australia’s island resorts, Lizard Island, where 24 private, powder-white beaches slope down to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling here means gliding alongside manta rays, barracudas and the huge potato cod. There’s also more than just underwater adventures. Start your day with morning yoga on the beach. Spend an afternoon paddleboarding or kayaking the calm waters of Anchor Bay. Or hike to the top of Cook’s Lookout, the island’s highest point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic ocean views. Enjoy your last few days in paradise before you begin your journey home, filled with memories from your epic trip around Australia.
