Airborne Solutions Helicopter Tours, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
Luxury experiences found only in Australia
Discover the extraordinary events, nature, wildlife and experiences you’ll find only in Australia.
Australia is home to a brilliant diversity of wildlife, and when you see how astonishing many of these weird and wonderful creatures are, you won’t be surprised to learn that Aussies are very protective of them. Limited encounters with Australia’s protected animals make an opportunity to engage with them truly privileged and intimate. Take to the Great Barrier Reef with Mike Ball to snorkel with playful dwarf minke whales, or visit World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef to swim beside gentle whale sharks. Add a stay at Sal Salis and relax beneath the stars in a luxury tent that’s tucked between the outback and the reef.
From the outback to the cities, there are incredible opportunities to experience Australia alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the custodians of the world’s oldest living cultures. Nitmiluk National Park in the Northern Territory is famed for being home to a maze of waterways carved into sandstone cliffs, and during an adventure swim tour, you can experience this powerful place alongside local Jawoyn guides. Fly above 13 gorges as you hear the stories and history of the region, before descending to a remote waterfall and rock pool. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, the wukalina Walk in Tasmania invites guests to join local palawa guides for a meaningful, four-day journey on foot through the culturally significant Bay of Fires.
Australia is home to wonderfully unique events, from world-class sport to unmissable festivals. Time a visit to Melbourne in line with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix for an exhilarating celebration of all things racing, complete with a star-studded fan zone. For something a little more low-key, head to Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, a luxurious affair of wining and dining in Queensland’s trendiest beachside hub. You don’t have to be a sailor to attend Hamilton Island Race Week, where you’ll see sailboats compete in a week-long regatta while indulging in sophisticated on-shore events, from beach-side Champagne lunches to stunning fashion showcases.
Make your way to Queensland’s Cape Tribulation to find the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites meet. The Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef are two Australian icons that you can explore in this single location, with magnificent greenery stretching all the way to the clear blue coast. Enjoy calming massages and poolside dining at the luxe Daintree Ecolodge and Spa after days spent snorkelling and hiking. For something even more glamorous, you can explore the vibrant corals and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef from your very own private island.
Australia is brimming with cutting-edge art experiences that push the dial on innovation, and there are exciting chances to delve deeper into the art with time spent behind the scenes. Each year, Opera Australia presents a limited number of opportunities to secure a walk-on role and Star at the Sydney Opera House, allowing you to revel in the spotlight and delights behind the curtain. As one of the world’s most intriguing – and controversial – private collections in the world, Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art is another highlight on Australia’s creative scene. Skip the queues during a Dinner with David, where you’ll enjoy a private museum tour by Mona’s head curator, a stay at the five-star Mona Pavilions and a private dinner with the man behind it all - David Walsh.
With award-winning wines, innovative chefs and rich native ingredients found nowhere else in the world, Australia’s food scene is truly exquisite – and it’s made even better when you’re travelling to a venue by sky. Amid the tropical warmth of Darwin, the best – and most Aussie – way to cool off is with a crisp, cold beer at an iconic outback pub. Take a helicopter there on a heli-pub crawl. Alternatively, in Perth, be sure to check out Swan River Seaplanes, who will fly you along the brilliant western coastline to Margaret River, where you can savour the region’s famous local produce and wines.
