Luxury Lodges of Australia
Experiential Luxury, Naturally Isolated...
A collection of independently owned and operated luxury lodges and high-end camps located in some of our most inspiring and uniquely Australian regions. Australia’s sun, sand, diverse landscapes and wide-open spaces are luxuries of an increasingly rare kind. Australia’s luxury lodge destinations are exclusive by virtue of their access to these astounding locations and the small number of guests they accommodate at any one time.
Location is key, and the lodge itself, with all the soft luxuries of eat well, drink well and sleep well. But it is the exclusivity of access and connection to place, people, knowledge, craft and bespoke experiences delivered by the lodges that define Australian luxury and showcase Australia's extraordinary diversity.
There’s nothing like Australia for its sheer diversity of natural luxury experiences...
Who We Are
Formed in 2010, Luxury Lodges of Australia is a membership association offering a collective voice for Australia's best lodges and camps. It is a central point of reference for anyone searching for high-end Australian travel experiences. The lodges in this collection are independently owned and operated. But this is no ordinary hotel ‘group’. This is a collection of like-minded entrepreneurs and operators, each passionate enough about a unique region of Australia to invest deeply in creating the kind of upscale but intimate lodging and bespoke experiences that they know sophisticated global travellers seek. The lodges are so much more than just a place to stay.
Our Luxury
Our luxury is deeply connected to exclusivity of access to Australia's extraordinary locations, experiences and people. These are places that express Australia's natural diversity, culture, character and way of life. Each lodge has developed signature experiences to share the outstanding aspects of its region with guests; precious natural landscapes and wildlife, both land and marine, partnerships with First Nations cultures, rich and diverse food and beverage scenes and more. The lodges collectively deliver more than 350 individual experiences, partnering with 4,000+ other local Australian businesses, including makers, guides, artists, producers, local experts and characters – reaching deep into the regions they are located in, providing a genuine connection to place. Collectively, they represent the very best of our distinctively Australian style of luxury.
Our Why
The lodges are all about delivering a sense of place and connecting guests to their region. It is not about how similar the lodges are, but how different, and how they reflect the diversity and authenticity of the Australian experience – whether it be wilderness, coastal, desert, reef, or island – and includes wilderness lodges, luxe outback camps, vineyard retreats and culinary destinations. Hand in hand with this goes the protection of the environments and communities the lodges operate in. Purpose is core to the DNA of the lodges, be it wildlife conservation, landscape protection and regeneration, community collaboration and engagement and much more. Each lodge has a legacy story for guests to engage with as they wish. To learn more about these stories visit: luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/sustainability
Arkaba
An ancient and grand-scale landscape moulded by some 600 million years of geological activity, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges represent some of Australia’s most striking outback scenery.
Arkaba’s former sheep station turned thriving wildlife conservancy is now a sanctuary for native species, home to an extraordinary variety of birds and mammals. The real luxury lies in sharing this spectacular 60,000-acre private conservancy with just 10 guests and a handful of expert guides.
The restored 1850s homestead pays homage to Arkaba’s rich pastoral heritage in a rustically chic style. Its five guest rooms offer an oasis of comfort amidst a rugged landscape, where guests enjoy fully hosted, expertly guided Wild Bush Luxury experiences and generous country hospitality.
Bushwalks take you through timeworn creek beds anchored by ancient river red gums. Safari drives reveal craggy bluffs and the towering beauty of prehistoric ranges. Track native wildlife alongside Arkaba’s Conservation Officer, or contribute directly to the rewilding effort by helping plant native species that will shape the next generation of habitat.
Connect to Country with a local Adnyamathanha storyteller whose ancestral ties date back 50,000 years. Soar over Wilpena Pound or the vast expanse of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, and toast the day with sundowners on a private ridge as the Elder Range glows in the setting sun. After dark, look up to a sky ablaze with stars — a natural spectacle half a billion years in the making.
On Adnyamathanha Country
Why come here
Be one of 10 guests sharing 60,000 outback acres and supporting an important private wildlife conservancy while taking a safari-style journey through this rugged 600 million-year-old landscape.
Insider tips
• Leave the heels. 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
Capacity: 5 guestrooms
Welcomes guests with children 12 years and over
Arkaba
Ikara-Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Contact: +61 (0)2 9030 6312 or book@wildbushluxury.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/arkaba/
arkabaconservancy
arkabaconservancy
WildBushLuxury
“Tucked below Australia’s ancient Flinders Ranges and consumed by outback wilderness, there’s no escaping conservation at Arkaba’s sensitively converted homestead… Arkaba can prove that tourism and conservation can better local livelihoods and wildlife populations.”
Holly Tuppen for The Long Run and Four Magazine.
Bamurru Plains
Bamurru Plains on the Mary River floodplain 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 cultures. 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 lead 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.
Safari Bungalows scattered along the edge of the floodplain are designed to keep guests connected to the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. Guests 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. As the sun draws close to the horizon, it is time to sit back with a drink and enjoy the soft Wild Bush Luxury touches. The safari lodge and 300 square kilometres of surrounding country are exclusively accessed by lodge 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. With just 10 safari suites blending seamlessly into the surrounding bush, and limited wifi, it is easy to forget there is an outside world.
On Limilngan Country
Why come here
Exclusive access to 300 square kilometres of mesmerising 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 spares 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.
• If travelling with friends, or a family with older children, experience the Jabiru Retreat, a private 'camp within a camp' with 2 bungalows and private wet-edge plunge pool.
Nearest domestic and international airport: Darwin
Time to lodge: 3-hour drive or 30-minute scenic flight by light aircraft or helicopter
Capacity: 12 safari bungalows including Jabiru Retreat (2 connected bungalows)
Welcomes guests with children 8 years and over
Bamurru Plains
Top End, Northern Territory
Contact: +61 (0)2 9030 6313 or book@wildbushluxury.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ bamurru-plains/
bamurruplains
bamurruplains
WildBushLuxury
“… about as close to a true safari as it gets in Australia… There’s a pool, convivial dining and lounging areas with reaching views, and expert guides on call. But being all but airborne across the Mary River catchment is the real rush, sort of Florida Everglades meets Crocodile Dundee, until the khaki-clad ranger stops the motor and there’s just reeds rustling, the splashing of a longlegged black-necked stork and egrets and the crescendo shrieks of plumed whistling ducks.”
Susan Kurosawa for The Australian
Bullo River Station
Set on 400,000 acres of privately owned outback country at the convergence of the Bullo and Victoria rivers in the East Kimberley, Bullo River Station is a working cattle station in the Northern Territory near the West Australian border.
Bullo’s ethos is underpinned by the balance between best-practice pastoral work and a commitment to sustainability and conservation. The prime pastoral land is managed with equal care and respect for the pristine and extraordinary beauty of the outback station. Conservation projects are managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy in an Australian-first conservation and pastoral partnership.
The Station’s landscape is carved with gorges and waterfalls, making it one of Australia’s most breathtakingly beautiful properties. Surrounded by rugged hills inscribed with Aboriginal rock art, the salt and fresh waters meet to create a diversity of ecosystems. It is home to a stunning variety of local fauna species including wallabies, dingoes, myriad native and migratory birds, fish and the omnipresent crocodiles, as well as around 2,000 Brahman-cross cattle.
Twelve generous and comfortable rooms, delicious, wholesome meals and cool drinks revive guests who have spent the day exploring and engaging in Bullo’s many activities. Days here are spent exploring the remote and stunning landscapes and waterfalls, and discovering the exhilarating life of a working cattle station. Activities include swimming in remote waterholes, barramundi fishing, wildlife sighting and discovering Aboriginal rock art.
The Bullo experience is distinctively Australian, raw yet refined, vast yet intimate, and understated yet luxurious by virtue of access to the land and the genuine hospitality of the hosts.
On Miriwoong and Gajirrawoong Country
Why come here
Courtesy of private guides, connect with Australia’s rugged outback and cattle station life, as well as a breathtaking landscape and incredible biodiversity where salt and fresh waters meet.
Insider tips
• Dine under the stars with a dinner that pays tribute to the stockmen of old.
• Guests are welcome to watch the action in the cattle yards during the seasonal muster. Or, head out on a 4WD station tour to learn about life on a working cattle station.
• Take a scenic helicopter flight for a secluded swim at a remote waterfall.
• Bullo is a nature lovers’ paradise. Since 2018, Australian Wildlife Conservancy has been compiling an inventory of species confirmed at the Station. To date, 222 bird, 47 mammal, 93 reptile, and 33 amphibian species have been sighted on the property.
Nearest domestic airport: Kununurra
Time to lodge: 30-minute charter flight to private airstrip
Nearest international airport: Darwin
Time to lodge: 90-minute charter flight to private airstrip
Capacity: 12 rooms/suites
Welcomes guests of all ages but suited to 10 years and older
Bullo River Station
East Kimberley, Northern Territory
Contact: +61 (0)455 815 167 or stay@bulloriver.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ bullo-river-station/
bulloriverstation
bulloriverstation
“Bullo is bewitching, the ultimate ‘big country’. Epic in its sweep and grandeur, where steep chasms filled with palm trees slice through high escarpments, mysterious paperbark forests tiptoe through the marshes and wild rivers rage during the wet. Dotted here and there beside rivers and creeks is the enigmatic boab.” Christine McCabe, Travel & Luxury
Capella Lodge
Refreshingly off the radar, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s much-loved luxury retreat. A short flight from Australia’s east coast, this is a paradise lost in time, a remote island escape. Set at the foot of the towering Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, Capella welcomes spectacular views of the mountains, ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures.
Contemporary design channels the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house, while a high cantilevered roof and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the outside in. Nine island-style guest suites offer a barefoot luxury vibe designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment. A feeling of relaxed sophistication flows throughout with custom furnishings, island-themed artworks and kentia palm-fringed decks creating an easy ambience. Refined dining is a hallmark and the innovative daily-inspired menu showcases superb local and regional produce and an abundance of fresh, line-caught fish.
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 swimming at Old Settlement Beach. The verdant island is home to hundreds of rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. Walking tracks scope subtropical forests and remote coves teeming with magnificent birdlife whilst a guided-only trek up Mt Gower is a must for avid hikers. 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.
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 track to a grassy picnic area and onto the tiny beach at Lovers Bay, a private slice of paradise. Take a kayak or snorkel to explore the reef straight from the beach.
• Reserve the coveted corner banquette in the restaurant where diners can take in the action at the bar, the cuisine arriving at the table and mesmerising views of the mountain twins, rising out of the sea.
• Barbecuing is popular on Lord Howe and there are wood-fired grills situated in some of the best locations around the island, free for guest use. Make it delicious with freshly caught fish, salad greens from the kitchen garden and a local craft beer, all provided 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
Capacity: 9 suites
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
Capella Lodge
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355 or reserve@beckons.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ capella-lodge/
capellalodge
capellalodge
“Capella ranks as one of Australia’s finest accommodations on one of the world’s most singularly spectacular and remarkable islands.”
Anthony Dennis, Fairfax Traveller
El Questro Homestead
A stay at El Questro Homestead is a quintessentially Australian 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 secluded oasis, is sited cliffside on Wilinggin Country, 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’s offering and includes guided 4WD adventures, 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 emulate the local wallaby population and lounge in the shade. The Homestead is renowned for serving superb cuisine and wine in a variety of settings taking advantage of the spectacular location, from a private clifftop table for two to the Homestead's spacious verandahs for shared stories of the day's adventures.
The Homestead is an easy 90-minute drive from the nearest town of Kununurra, or may be accessed via private airstrip. It offers 10 rooms and suites, hosting a maximum of 20 guests at any time.
On Wilinggin Country
Why come here
From rugged ranges to rainforest pockets, thermal springs, gorges and waterfalls, El Questro Homestead is a piece of heaven in the heart of the Kimberley.
Insider tips
• Take a helicopter trip to Miri Miri Falls, one of El Questro's most secluded locations. Enjoy a cool dip in nature followed by a gourmet picnic.
• 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 cliffside. The Homestead is renowned for serving gourmet cuisine in dramatic outback locations.
Nearest domestic airport: Kununurra
Time to lodge: 30-minute charter flight or 90-minute drive
Nearest international airport: Darwin
Time to lodge: 1 hour flight to Kununurra + 90-minute drive or 1.5 hour charter flight direct to property
Capacity: 10 suites
Welcomes guests 18 years and over
El Questro Homestead
Gibb River Road, East Kimberley, Western Australia
Contact: +61 (0)8 7210 9622 or reservations@gdaygroup.com.au luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ el-questro-homestead/
elquestro
elquestro
“El Questro Homestead is certainly the most covetable getaway in the Kimberley. A stay here is all you need to provide you with an awe-inspiring life experience.”
Elisabeth Knowles, Australian Traveller Magazine
Lake House & Dairy Flat Lodge
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 a deep respect for provenance is a hallmark of Lake House, long regarded as having one of the best (and most awarded) restaurants in Australia.
With the addition of Dairy Flat Farm and Lodge to the Lake House stable, the team is working to constantly raise the benchmark for sustainable luxury. Dairy Flat is a 38-acre regenerative farm featuring an extensive and productive vegetable garden, vineyard, olive grove, formal gardens and bake house.
Dairy Flat features a six-suite lodge with concierge and is ideal for small group and family gatherings. This is a special place to gather the tribe and immerse in the best of country living, albeit with the lodge concierge on hand to coordinate activities, light the firepit, mix a good negroni and prepare breakfast.
The chic studios, suites and villas at Lake House meld into six acres of country gardens extending down to Lake Daylesford. Each space at both Lake House and Dairy Flat Lodge boasts artwork by acclaimed artist and co-founder Allan Wolf-Tasker.
Daylesford is the Southern Hemisphere's epicentre for mineral springs. Guests can visit The Spa which 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.
Nearest domestic and international airport: Melbourne
Time to Lodge: 75-minute drive
Capacity: 33 suites + Dairy Flat Lodge (6 suites)
Welcomes guests with children of all ages
On Dja Dja Wurrung Country
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 bake house.
• Visit The Spa which features signature ‘farm to spa’ style treatments utilising the healing power of herbs and botanicals as well as the regions famed mineral waters in hydrotherapy soaks.
Lake House
4 King Street, Daylesford, Victoria
Contact: +61 (0)3 5348 3329 or reservations@lakehouse.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ lake-house/
LakeHouseDaylesford
lakehousedaylesford
“What matters here is space, fresh air and sunlight, elements in abundance that encourage vitality and health in ways that many countries could only dream of.”
Billionaire Magazine
Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm
Lizard /sland & The House
Lizard Island, Australia’s northernmost island beach resort, is uniquely located right on the Great Barrier Reef, 240 kilometres north of Cairns. It is accessible only by a onehour 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 one resort on the island, home to just 40 rooms and suites and a day spa, there is a palpable sense of exclusivity as the tranquillity and natural beauty of the island wash over arriving guests. In addition, there is The House, a supremely private villa with adjoining cottage sleeping up to eight people.
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 and sea turtles 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 a multitude of 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 a wide choice of activities offered 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.
On
Dingaal Country
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 packed with gourmet treats and drinks for sustenance. Don’t miss the south side of the island, Blue Lagoon, with its stunning azure water gently lapping at the white sand.
• A short snorkel off the beach in Watsons Bay, discover the Clam Gardens, home to a colony of giant clams and amazing reef life.
• A visit to the Australian Museum’s Marine Research Station to witness research vital to our understanding and protection of the reef.
• 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
Capacity: 40 rooms/suites + The House (3-suite residence + 1 bedroom cottage)
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
Lizard Island
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Contact: Toll free (AUS) 1800 867 169 Landline (US) +1 716 276 0104 or luxury-aus@delawarenorth.com luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ lizard-island/
lizardisland
lizardisland
“We recognise the privilege of our location and the opportunities it presents for helping to protect, nurture and conserve the natural values of Lizard Island and the greater surrounding reef.”
Phillipa Coates, Australian Financial Review.
Longitude 131°
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 tented pavilions, offers an essential experience of Australia’s spiritual heartland, a true sense of stillness and beauty in the desert landscape, rich in culture and heritage.
In the spirit of the original pioneers, safari-style tents are recreated for the modern traveller and seem to float over the rust-red dunes, blending style with sustainability. Unparalleled views of Uluru’s changing colours play out from the end of the bed, or on balconies from the warmth of a swag unfurled in the cool night air. Contemporary furnishings, Aboriginal artworks and a well-stocked bar 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 First Nations Anangu.
The basecamp fans out from the Dune House with its panoramic views and cantilevered roof. This is the site for lounging, gazing at the changing hues of Uluru and enjoying 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 an Indigenous-inspired treatment at Spa Kinara or drink in the sunset on the Dune Top with jaw-dropping views to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
On Anangu Country
Why come here
Connect with the world’s oldest living culture and the wonder of the World Heritage-listed natural icons of Australia’s Red Centre.
Insider tips
• Encounter the desert landscape and the stunning silhouettes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a guided walk at sunrise.
• Take a dip in the Dune Top’s 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 under the stars at Table 131°, guests return to luxury tents where a swag is waiting on the verandah’s daybed, set with 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 tiny lizards includes head-totoe camo and the ability to drink with its skin.
Nearest domestic airport: Yulara (Ayers Rock (Uluru))
Time to lodge: 15-minute drive
Nearest international airport with direct flights: Sydney or Melbourne
Time to lodge: 3-hour flight + 15-minute drive
Capacity: 16 pavilions including Dune Pavilion (2-bedroom suite)
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
Longitude 131°
Uluru, Northern Territory
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355 or reserve@beckons.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ longitude-131/
longitude131
longitude131
“At Longitude 131° in the Northern Territory, dual views from the Dune Pavilion are of Uluru straight ahead and Kata Tjuta to the near right. I can’t recall a more nourishing or timeless sight, as if all the reds of the world were on show against ever-changing light, the spirits of rufous hare wallabies swishing about in the spinifex. Beam me back.”
Susan Kurosawa, The Australian
Mt Mulligan Lodge
With the backdrop of its majestic 18-kilometre-long sandstone namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers laid-back luxury in the rugged environment of northern outback 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 rushes, 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 everchanging moods of Ngarrabullgan (Mount Mulligan).
A range of experiences have 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, 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 retreat to an outdoor bath on their verandah, indulge in a massage or facial in the tented day spa and mineral pool or unwind with a book in the main pavilion or by the pool. As the day draws to a close watch the Ngarrabullgan escarpment light up in fiery oranges from the Sunset Bar, champagne in hand, prior to savouring a daily changing menu that reimagines outback dining. Finish the day with loved ones around the crackling fire pit as the night sky comes alive with glittering stars.
On Djungan Country
Why come here
Connect with the Queensland outback on a secluded 28,000-hectare cattle station in the shadow of the majestic Ngarrabullgan (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 an eye out – you may be lucky enough to sight a platypus.
• Before dinner take a stroll up the hill towards the sunset bar and sip on sundowners as the landscape changes colour from dusk to darkness.
• Keep an eye out for the Australian bustard bird, our very own road runner.
Nearest domestic and international airport: Cairns
Time to lodge: 35-minute helicopter flight or a 2.5-hour 4WD adventure
Capacity: 10 rooms/suites with 2 and 3-bedroom configurations available
Welcomes children of all ages
Mt Mulligan Lodge
Mount Mulligan, Queensland
Contact: +61 (0)7 4777 7377 or reservations@morrisescapes.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ mt-mulligan-lodge/
MountMulliganLodge
mountmulliganlodge
“When the first sunrays strike Mount Mulligan shortly after dawn it glows red, as though on fire, and casts a rosy tint over the Queensland outback. At the foot of this vast monolith – at 18 kilometres long it’s ten times larger than Uluru yet virtually unknown – a tranquil weir mirrors its surroundings: the weeping paperbarks, the fiery rock face and, if you’re lucky, Kevin the wallaby splashing in the shallows. The scene from my deck is so enchanting it makes me want to whip out an easel and watercolours to capture it on canvas.”
Kendall Hill, Qantas Travel Insider
On Board
Explore the most remote corners of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness on an intimate, exclusive expedition cruise. On Board’s purpose-built boutique vessel, Odalisque III, was built and launched in Tasmania in 2023. Adventures on the new expedition catamaran feature exclusive access to wilderness areas, with daily walks and adventure boat excursions with expert local guides via bespoke itineraries.
On Board's signature five-day experience on Odalisque III is in Port Davey, a vast, fragile and spectacular harbour in Southwest Tasmania, inaccessible by road. A protected marine reserve, national park and UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, brushed by the westerly winds of the Roaring Forties, it is one of the world’s last places of raw, untamed beauty.
The Tasmanian-owned family-operated experience begins and ends in Hobart with a 40-minute scenic seaplane transfer to Odalisque III, the floating lodge in the wilderness. The flight sets the scene for an epic adventure to come with bird’s-eye views over wild green valleys and wave-battered coastlines.
Once in the Southwest National Park, guests spend their days adventuring across the calm, reflective waters of Bathurst Harbour and its surrounding ancient rainforests, buttongrass plains, and quartzite mountain peaks. Beyond Port Davey’s entrance, explore the untracked sands of wild Southern Ocean beaches and the islands that protect the harbour, the last land contact between Tasmania and Antarctica. Along the way, spy rare and endangered wildlife, and learn of Tasmania’s Aboriginal people at a significant cultural living site.
Back on board, the reward for the day’s adventure includes a feast of Tasmania’s finest seafood, wines, and whiskies under a thousand stars. Lodgings feature all the soft luxuries, with expansive, ever-changing views of untouched waterways, peaks and forests through large windows.
On Needwonnee and Ninene Country
Why come here
Privileged access to rarely visited corners of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area via bespoke, immersive itineraries crafted by expert local guides.
Insider tips
• Pause to feel the tranquillity of true wilderness. Port Davey is a natural outpost on the outer rim of Australia. Next stop Antarctica. There are no roads, no towns, no phone reception, and most of the time, no humans.
• Spy critically endangered orange-bellied parrots during the breeding season from December to March. Fewer than 100 adult birds remain in the wild.
• Take an exhilarating ride on the vessel’s tender through the Breaksea Islands’ kelp-lined sea caves with On Board skipper and founder, Tasmanian mariner Pieter van der Woude.
Nearest domestic airport: Hobart
Nearest international airport: Hobart or Melbourne
Time to lodge: Port Davey departures –40-minutes (flights provided).
Capacity: 7 cabins
Welcomes guests with children of all ages (see policy)
On Board
Odalisque III, Southwest Tasmania Contact: +61 (0)477 100 119 or hello@onboardexpeditions.com.au luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ on-board/
OnBoardExpeditions
onboardexpeditions
“This is Tasmania showcasing the best of what it does, from this untamed wilderness to great wines, from leading-edge marine technology to nightly feasts of lobster.”
John Borthwick, The Weekend Australian
Orpheus /sland Lodge & Pelorus Private /sland
Orpheus and Pelorus Islands are part of the Great Palm archipelago, some 1,200km north of Brisbane and 200km south of Cairns. Both offer guests the timeless rhythm of island life surrounded by the beauty of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Orpheus Island spans more than 1,000 hectares of national park and is surrounded by healthy fringing reefs. Orpheus Island Lodge welcomes up to 28 guests, while a short boat trip away, Pelorus Private Island is a private sanctuary reserved for just one party at a time of up to 11 guests. It is set on the sheltered point of a 400-hectare island with a white sand beachfront that flows into coral gardens and fringing reef. Both welcome guests of any age.
At Orpheus, every moment is unhurried, every wish anticipated. Guests wake to the tranquillity of the Coral Sea, paddle, sail or kayak across its glassy waters, or swim straight from the beach. An abundance of activities is included in every stay connecting guests to the natural beauty of the region. Discover vibrant marine life and corals on guided snorkelling tours, catch the sea breeze with a sunset cruise, embark on scenic island hikes with expert guides, or take a dinghy to a secluded beach for a peaceful, private picnic.
Private charters can be arranged to explore nearby Hinchinbrook Island, with its rainforest-clad trails, tranquil waterfalls and swimming spots, or to the outer reef to snorkel, dive or fish.
Just 15 minutes by boat from Orpheus Island is the secluded luxe island ‘villa’: Pelorus Private Island. An airy and spacious residence with five luxurious suites designed for families and groups of friends. With discreet service by a designated in-house team, it blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, with high-ceilinged, open-plan entertaining areas capturing the island breezes and endless views.
On Manbarra Country
Why come here
For exclusive access to secluded private island lodges on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, delivered with exceptional understated hospitality.
Insider tips
• At Orpheus, book the private Dining with the Tides experience on the jetty. Perfectly timed with the island’s stunning sunset turning into starlit skies over the Coral Sea.
• Take a boat charter to explore the rugged coastline of Australia’s largest national park island – Hinchinbrook Island. Walk along rainforest-clad trails to the famous Zoe Falls.
• Explore the tidal flats of Orpheus Island at low tide with a marine biologist to discover a frequently unseen side of the ecosystem.
• Arrange a guided snorkel or dive with an experienced guide to access and learn about this distinct part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Nearest domestic airport: Townsville
Nearest international airport: Cairns or Brisbane
Time to lodge: 30-minute scenic helicopter flight from Townsville or 1.5 hour helicopter journey from Cairns. Alternatively, a private yacht transfer can be arranged.
Orpheus Island Lodge capacity: 14 rooms/suites
Pelorus Private Island capacity: 5-bedroom residence
Welcomes guests with children of all ages
Orpheus Island Lodge & Pelorus Private Island
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland Contact: +61 (0)7 4777 7377 or reservations@morrisescapes.com.au luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ orpheus-island-lodge/ OrpheusIslandLodge orpheusisland
PelorusPrivateIsland
pelorusprivateisland
“One of the country’s most exclusive getaways. Secluded, small, all-inclusive, the only dress code is to wear your swimwear and stay in it. This is laid-back luxury at its best.”
Signature Luxury Travel & Style.
Pretty Beach House
Pretty Beach House is Australia's most exclusive lodge and the epitome of relaxed luxury. The lodge is located in Bouddi National Park, a 90-minute drive or short 20-minute seaplane flight from Sydney. With just four impeccably appointed pavilions, the lodge houses four couples (maximum of eight guests) at any one time. It is exclusive, intimate, sophisticated yet friendly, with personalised service offering a quintessential 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. The lodge is a private haven to reconnect, rest and relax, or to use as a luxury base for adventure and exploration. The onsite Bouddi Spa is a retreat within a retreat for guests to de-stress with spa treatments that have been thoughtfully designed to rebalance the synergy between mind, body and soul.
Secluded golden beaches and bays are easily accessible via hiking trails from the doorstep, along spectacular coastal sandstone cliffs. Other adventure activities include cultural tours through the Bouddi National Park with Traditional Owners, pearl farm tours, boating and sailing, water sports, mountain biking and tennis. An Indigenous welcome ceremony* can be arranged for guests with 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.
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 the freshest of local seafood and sustainably sourced produce, often incorporating bush and native foods too. All dining and beverages are included along with pavilion mini-bar, unlimited wi-fi, movies and mountain bikes. An exclusive cellar list* is well worth exploring. (*Not included in tariff).
On Darkinjung Country
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.
• The Chef's Table Dining Experience offers an intimate yet informative culinary experience sitting ringside with your own private chef, wine glass in hand, 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 a 20-minute flight by seaplane
Capacity: 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 stay@prettybeachhouse.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ pretty-beach-house/
prettybeachhouse
prettybeachhouse
“This place is a dream. Nature, nurture and luxury - it's all here...”
Julia Ashwood, The Vista
qualia
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 worldclass 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 60 individual pavilions, many of which feature a private plunge pool where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views across the 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 Beach, Heart Reef, Hill Inlet 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 beach drop off service – a rare opportunity to indulge in a gourmet picnic for two on an idyllic secluded beach.
On
Ngaro Country
Why come here
qualia is a private world of secluded luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. An oasis of Australian style, with exceptional levels of awardwinning luxury and intuitive, friendly service.
Insider tips
• Experience unprecedented access via helicopter on the ‘Journey to the Heart’ experience 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 (also Sydney & Melbourne direct)
Time to lodge: 1 hour 40-minute flight + 5-minute drive
Capacity: 60 pavilions + Beach House (2-bedroom pavilion) The Residence (3-bedroom pavilion)
Welcomes guests with children 16 years and over
qualia
Hamilton Island, Queensland Contact: +61 (0)2 9433 0444 or reservations@qualia.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/qualia/
qualia
qualiaresort
qualia
“qualia – ranked among the world's best –occupies its own peninsula on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, itself at the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, about half-way down the Great Barrier Reef. It's a peerless destination for exceptional island escapes.”
James
Litston, The Telegraph – Luxury
Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast, characterised by sophisticated, personalised service and an inspirational connection to place.
Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire blends seamlessly into the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.
Featuring 20 luxurious suites, an exclusive day spa, Palate restaurant, and an elegant guest lounge and bar, Saffire is a celebration of the art of service, complete wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.
A wide selection of signature experiences have been carefully curated to connect guests with place. These include a Connection to Country walk with a local Indigenous guide, discovery of the world of bees with Saffire’s resident beekeeper, or sampling oysters straight from the water at the nearby marine farm. Excursions aboard the Saffire vessel have been designed exclusively for guests to deepen their east coast discovery along the sparkling Freycinet coastline. There’s a world of deserted islands teeming with wildlife and secluded beaches to explore.
The Tasmanian Devil Experience offers guests an opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural sanctuary on the property, and to participate in the quest to save this iconic but endangered species from extinction.
In Palate restaurant, Saffire's highly experienced team has ensured innovative dining elevates the true flavours of the very best of Tasmanian produce. Dining is fully inclusive from breakfast through to a gourmet degustation or à la carte dinner with menus changing daily to showcase the freshest local fare.
Guests can restore their wellbeing, soothe the busy mind and refresh the soul, in the sanctuary of Spa Saffire and on-site gym.
On Oyster Bay Nation Country
Why come here
Surrounded by native coastal bushland overlooking the Freycinet National Park, Saffire connects guests with the natural splendour and pure air, light and water of east coast Tasmania.
Insider tips
• Take a guided hike which traverses Wineglass Bay and the isthmus with the ever-changing colours of the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains anchoring your views along the peninsula.
• Experience close-up marine wildlife interactions aboard the Saffire vessel. Visit Australian fur seal colonies, spot white-bellied sea eagles and cruise beside pods of dolphins. Keep an eye out for migrating whales from May – November.
• Tasmania is renowned globally for premium produce and world-class wines and spirits. Ask the team for a private tasting from the extensive Tasmanian collection of gins and whiskies onsite.
• The 'Ancient Stone Massage' at Spa Saffire harnesses the healing powers of the local region with stones handcrafted from the pink granite of the Hazard Mountains.
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. Or take a short helicopter or seaplane transfer direct from Hobart airport.
Capacity: 20 suites
Welcomes guests with children of all ages
Saffire Freycinet
Coles Bay, Tasmania
Contact: +61 (0)3 6256 7888 or stay@saffire-freycinet.com.au luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ saffire-freycinet/
SaffireTasmania
saffirefreycinet
SaffireTasmania
“Dangling at the edge of the world, Tasmania feels remote. Even more so when you arrive at Saffire Freycinet, set amid the dramatic hills, sandy beaches and turquoise bays of a rugged peninsula. This is the ultimate in Oz luxury: a clutch of window-lined suites gaze out to water, while a spectacular restaurant dishes up abalone and island wines.” Sunday Times Travel Magazine
Sal Salis
Where Australia’s outback meets the reef... Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is an all-inclusive, eco-luxury tented camp located in the Cape Range National Park overlooking Ningaloo Reef – both UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites.
With 15 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 its 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.
Each safari 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.
In this pristine and beautiful wilderness region Sal Salis takes great care to protect the fragile ecosystem. 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 guests can lie out on the beach to stare up at the Milky Way and a canopy of stars stretching across the southern hemisphere night skies.
On Yinikutira Country
Why come here
Explore the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site of Ningaloo Reef, just a few metres offshore and a few steps from the camp.
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
+ a 1.5 hour drive
Capacity: 16 wilderness tents
(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 info@salsalis.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/sal-salis/
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
salsalisningaloo
“Ningaloo Reef is 260km long, making it Australia's largest fringing coral reef, with 250 species of corals and more than 520 species of fish. It is also famous for whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs and turtles. Amazingly, the marine life is easily accessible to snorkellers in the crystal-clear water, and from the main lodge at Sal Salis I even occasionally spot humpback whales in the distance.” Angie Raphael, Perth Now
Silky Oaks Lodge
Set amongst a leafy rainforest canopy, Silky Oaks Lodge looks over the gently flowing Mossman River and adjoins the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.
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 40 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 in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, creating an extraordinary backdrop for enjoying fine cuisine in contemporary Australian style.
Included signature experiences at Silky Oaks Lodge comprise yoga, self-guided walks and swimming in the Mossman River. A range of bespoke experiences include guided adventures with the First Nations 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 alkeme skincare range and is inspired by ancient Indigenous beliefs that water is a renewing and life-giving force, evidenced by the mineral-rich healing waters of the Mossman River flowing gently by.
On Kuku Yalanji Country
Why come here
Experience the tranquillity and cool, green spirit of the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest refugial rainforest on the planet.
Insider tips
• Discover 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, guests can book local tours to explore 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 locally distilled gin, or a ginger mojito made with Mt Uncle Iridium rum.
Nearest domestic and international airport: Cairns
Time to lodge: 1-hour drive
Capacity: 40 suites including Daintree Pavilion (2-bedroom suite)
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
Silky Oaks Lodge
423 Finlayvale Road, Mossman QLD 4873
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355 or reserve@beckons.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ silky-oaks-lodge/
silkyoakslodge
silkyoakslodge
"There is no question of being impervious to the environment here. The lodge borders the Daintree National Park, home to 74 species of mammals, twice as many types of reptiles and amphibians, and 330 kinds of birds... It's a companionable destination of appropriate luxury and lots of creature comforts…"
Susan Kurosawa, Wish
Magazine
Southern Ocean Lodge
Globally celebrated and multi-award winning, Southern Ocean Lodge sits lightly on the wildly beautiful southwest coast of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
With contemporary architectural design, organic finishes and signature curved lines making the most of the dramatic oceanfront location, Southern Ocean Lodge blends effortlessly with its surroundings of coastal heath. Floor-to-ceiling windows extend panoramic views of white-sand beaches and rolling wilderness, with the everchanging Southern Ocean stretching to the horizon below.
Twenty-three luxurious suites ease along the coastline, while the ultra-premium Baillie Pavilion offers an additional four-bedroom owner’s residence or two separate two-bedroom suites, the ultimate hideaway for families and friends travelling together.
The Great Room takes centre stage on the island’s limestone cliffs, home to the restaurant, bar and lounge as well as an outdoor terrace for dining, lounging and with a wet-edge pool. The Southern Spa opens to a restful wilderness vista and features three treatment rooms, a gym, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools.
Designed for a new generation of travel to Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge sets new benchmarks for environmental sustainability in the tourism industry. Clever design employs cutting-edge technologies including boosted rainwater harvesting and solar power generation, smart building materials and a remotecontrolled sprinkler system. An ongoing commitment to the reinvigoration of the natural environment includes some 45,000 biodiverse native plants propagated on-site and planted in a natural buffer from the wilderness.
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.
Insider tips
• Often regarded as a micro version of Australia, Kangaroo Island boasts a thriving sample of the nation’s diverse native landscapes, flora and fauna. Guests can expect to see kangaroos and koalas, echidnas and goannas, sealions and long-nosed fur seals living in their natural environment, just as nature intended.
• Kangaroo Island is renowned as a rich food bowl with small-scale producers delivering fresh, seasonal produce right to the lodge’s kitchen door for the daily changing menus. South Australia’s fine wines are showcased in the walk-in cellar, ready to be enjoyed overlooking the Southern Ocean.
• Artworks commissioned by local and First Nations artists include paintings, glassworks and found object installations which are seen throughout the lounge areas and guest suites.
• Southern Ocean Lodge offers all-inclusive luxury and a very ‘at home’ feel, with all dining, drinks and an itinerary of signature experiences of Kangaroo Island provided for guests.
Nearest domestic airport: Kingscote
Time to lodge: 50-minute drive
Nearest international airport: Adelaide
Time to lodge: 30-minute flight + 50-minute drive
Capacity: 25 suites including the Remarkable Suite (2-bedroom suite) and Baillie Pavilion (4-bedroom residence configurable to two 2-bedroom suites)
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
Southern Ocean Lodge
Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Contact: +61 (0)2 9918 4355 or reserve@beckons.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ southern-ocean-lodge/
southernoceanlodge
southernoceanlodge
“Southern Ocean Lodge topped international “best of” lists when it opened in 2008 and still sits in the pantheon of remote wilderness properties worldwide that have pioneered meaningful sustainability and conservation initiatives while offering food, wine, service and creature comforts on a par with anything in the country’s urban capitals. And it is an avatar of Australianism, at once low-key and world-class, the object of national pride and affection.”
Maria Shollenbarger, Financial Times
Spicers Peak Lodge
Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge takes relaxed luxury to another level, quite literally. Arriving at Spicers Peak Lodge, 1,100 metres above sea level and surrounded by 8,000 acres of Gidhabal Country, feels like stepping into another realm. The mountain air, combined with endless views set the stage for an unforgettable experience. It's a place where guests can unwind in style, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The array of experiences at Spicers Peak Lodge allows a bespoke itinerary to suit any mood: relaxation, immersion in nature, or exhilarating adventures. For nature enthusiasts, guided rainforest walks, scenic viewpoint picnics, and e-mountain biking trails fully immerse guests in the awe-inspiring beauty of the wilderness. For those craving adventure, experiences such as helicopter journeys to private cliff-top lunches and ATV tours to hidden corners of the property offer excitement and discovery.
The design of the Lodge accentuates the mountain aesthetic. Crafted from bluestone (formerly used as ballast in ships from Scotland) and with enormous timber beams, the high pitched ceilings bring the outside in. There are 10 rooms in the main lodge and two private escarpment lodges. Art installations and the onsite Scottish Highland cattle bring genuine character and warmth to the experience. The onsite day spa and picturesque fireside sessions offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and savour the tranquillity of the surroundings while enjoying fine wine and captivating sunsets.
The culinary experience at The Peak restaurant is a highlight. Daily changing tasting menus showcase the finest Australian produce. Attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every dish. Paired with selections from the global wine list, guests are treated to a symphony of flavours that elevate the dining experience to new heights.
Designed as an all-inclusive experience – from award-winning cuisine and curated wines to guided walks, use of the lodge’s stunning infinity pool, and personalised service - each stay exemplifies refined, relaxed luxury in a superb mountain setting.
Nearest domestic and international airport: Brisbane
Time to lodge: 2-hour drive from Brisbane, 2.5-hour drive from the Gold Coast
Capacity: 10 suites + 2 private lodges (including one 2-bedroom lodge)
Welcomes guests with children 10 years and over
On Gidhabal Country
Why come here
Set on 8,000 acres with a backdrop of a World Heritage-listed national park, Spicers Peak Lodge is Australia's highest non-alpine lodge and provides access to the dramatic volcanic scenery of the fertile Scenic Rim.
Insider tips
• Arrive at one of the several picturesque lookouts and enjoy a gourmet picnic with the backdrop of the breathtaking Scenic Rim views.
• Take to the sky over the majestic Great Dividing Range on a scenic helicopter flight and land atop a private mountain clearing –Mount Mistake. Be captivated by the sheer beauty of the expansive views.
• Enjoy stunning sunsets around the crackling campfire with canapés and drinks to whet the appetite for a sensational dinner ahead.
Spicers Peak Lodge
Wilkinsons Road, Maryvale, Scenic Rim, Queensland Contact: +61 (0)7 4666 1083 or peaklodge@spicersretreats.com luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ spicers-peak-lodge/
SpicersPeakLodge
spicerspeaklodge
“Only a two-hour drive from Brisbane – or, as many guests prefer, about 30 minutes via helicopter. But there’s a glorious sense of solitude, courtesy of the stillness here at 1,100 metres above sea level and the surrounding World Heritage region, that makes it feel much more remote.”
Fiona Harari, The Weekend Australian Magazine
The Louise
Set among gently rolling vineyards and a patchwork of small farms, The Louise is located in the heart of South Australia's world-renowned Barossa Valley. Fifteen suites boast lounging spaces with open fires and gourmet-stocked bars, shaded courtyards and marble-clad ensuites, each with its own private terrace and views over the surrounding vineyards.
Guests dine and relax in the main lodge hub, where sweeping curved walls reflect the lines of the landscape outside. Lounging spaces feature works commissioned by local artists, the walk-in cellar or ‘wine lantern’ is filled with wines and other beverages reflecting the best of the Barossa, both old and new. Both art and cellar create a real sense of the place and its people.
Integral to a stay at The Louise is dining at Appellation where the culinary team works with the rhythms of the seasons, harvesting from the kitchen garden and sourcing the vast majority of produce from the community’s growers and farmers. An extensive award-winning wine list showcases the best of the Barossa, South 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 an exclusive private winemaker introduction made by the team at The Louise. There's much more to the region than great things to eat and drink; guests can meet the local growers at the Barossa Farmers Market, enjoy nearby art galleries, float over the landscape in a hot air balloon, enjoy a sunrise picnic breakfast with kangaroos, walk or cycle bush tracks, or partake in cooking lessons, perfume making or gin blending sessions.
The Louise is long regarded as the culinary tourism destination for the world's discerning travellers and offers a backstage pass to the Barossa.
On Kaurna Country
Why come here
This luxury retreat in the heart of wine country is the perfect place to discover the depth and multi-layered character of the Barossa offering, traditional and contemporary, vinous, culinary and artistic.
Insider tips
• Every Saturday morning, the Barossa Farmers 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, crushed and stomped you might find yourself getting caught up in the action.
• Explore by e-bike, cruising by endless rows of vines, 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 and international airport: Adelaide
Time to lodge: 75-minute drive
Capacity: 15 suites including Bethany Suite (2-bedroom suite)
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 reserve@beckons.com
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/the-louise/
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“A food and wine venture in one of the most prestigious vineyard regions in the world, The Louise and its acclaimed onsite restaurant, Appellation, play to your every sense while doubling down on pleasure. Guests are tempted out of their suites by a 24-hour cedar sauna, an infinity pool overlooking the vines and olive groves, and an unparalleled dining experience.” Hannah Lott-Schwartz, Travel + Leisure
True North & True North ||
An adventure on the True North has long been regarded as one of Australia’s most revered tourism experiences. All itineraries aboard the two vessels, True North and the more intimate True North II, 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 deliberately excluded; instead, days are packed with activities including fishing, snorkelling, diving, picnics, natural history, walks, cultural events and more depending on the location. Both True North and True North II are Australian registered ships, and not required to leave Australian waters during Australian voyages, which means every day on board 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 southwest 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. True North II also explores the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Both ships have been designed to go where others cannot, each featuring multiple adventure boats allowing guests to explore even further and experience the wilderness up close. Most itineraries feature an onboard helicopter, adding another dimension to the adventure.
Guest numbers are limited to 36 aboard True North and 20 aboard True North II, matched by Australian crews of 22 and 16 who chaperone every experience. Spacious cabins feature modern decor and ensuites.
Guests disembarking from the True North consistently respond with “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!”.
On Yawuru Country (Broome)
Why come here
Adventure cruises with True North are designed to sail off the beaten track and uncover hidden coastal gems, often in hard-to-reach untouched wilderness, in maximum comfort.
Insider tips
• The best thing about being on True North or True North II is being able to choose your own adventure. Every trip is different.
• One of Australia's best kept secrets, the Rowley Shoals, consisting of three shelf atolls, situated about 260 km west of Broome on the northwest Australian coast.
• Privileged access to rarely seen examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art via a guided walk or dedicated helicopter flight.
• A unique heli-picnic is featured on all Kimberley Wilderness itineraries, a mesmerising experience in a stunningly remote location, with picture-perfect waterfall, only accessible by helicopter.
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
Capacity: 18 cabins (True North) and 10 cabins (True North II)
Welcomes guests with children of all ages (see policy)
True North
Contact: +61 (0)8 9192 1829 or cruise@truenorth.com.au
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/lodges/ true-north-adventure-cruises/
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“Stepping back on to the rooftop helipad 15 minutes later, it’s all I can do but pick my jaw off the floor. ‘I told you this is not a cruise’ says Howson (owner of True North), seeing my expression of awe. ‘It really is a true adventure’.”
Natasha Dragun, The Australian
Some of Australia's best…
To assist with creating the kinds of truly immersive Australian itineraries that connect traveller interests and passions with the best of Australia, there are a number of other collaborative ‘collectives’ we recommend. Each of these delivers the best experiences in their respective area of speciality and are a great complement to a Luxury Lodge-based trip.
Visit: signatureexperiences.australia.com/en
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 brings together Australia’s landmark cultural attractions across galleries, museums, historic sites, performing arts, and sporting venues. The collective provides curated behind-the-scenes experiences for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Australian culture in a unique way. These pre-bookable experiences offer visitors unrivalled access to hear Australia's stories with an Australian voice, enriched with history, art, music and performance.
Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collection of inspiring and transformational experiences guided by Aboriginal people who share their Country and bring Australia to life through the eyes and stories of the oldest continuous living culture in the world. A diverse range of experiences are on offer creating truly memorable journeys including an exciting array of experiences for adventure seekers, cultural enthusiasts, foodies and nature lovers.
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 quintessentially Australian multi-day, fully guided 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, prestigious and boutique 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 behind the scenes, culinary and private hands-on touring experiences to encourage visitors to ‘go beyond the cellar door’ and discover the Australian way of wine.
Plan your journey
Australia is a welcoming and accessible place. It is also a vast land with enormous diversity of inspiring travel destinations, so planning the logistics of a trip can be daunting. The Luxury Lodges of Australia website has some great tools for planning trips to the furthest reaches and most special places on the continent.
The lodges combined deliver more than 350 individual experiences, partnering with some 4000+ makers, guides, artists, craftspeople and local characters, reaching deep into the regions they are located in to give travellers a genuine connection to place. These experiences and other trip ideas and preferences may be viewed by destination, experience or by lodge. There is also a great ‘what to do when’ filter which will help sort experiences by time of year and season.
There are itinerary suggestions to make precious time on holiday as seamless as possible. The aim is to minimise time in transit and maximise time experiencing our incredible destinations. Brief information with great tips about getting to or between any of Australia’s luxury lodges is an invaluable guide when planning a trip. Many of the lodges have helipads and close access to landing strips for even greater accessibility by private jet or charter.
Whether you book direct or via your preferred travel specialist, luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au is a great place to start.
One thing is for sure, Australia is much more than a one-trip destination.
Photograph courtesy of Tourism Australia
How big is Australia?
#luxurylodgesofaustralia A COLLECTION OF INDEPENDENT LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS OFFERING UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES IN AUSTRALIA’S MOST INSPIRING AND EXTRAORDINARY LOCATIONS
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