Australia Dreamtime

This luxury itinerary, selected by National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime, takes you places deep within the “island” nation and lets you explore cultures and regions that no one else can offer. Discover the Robinson Crusoe in you as you escape to Haggerstone Island, and experience the Aboriginal culture as you enter sacred lands accessible by invitation only.

Suggested Itinerary-at-a-glance:

• Day 1: Arrive Sydney / Park Hyatt Sydney
• Day 2: Sydney / Park Hyatt Sydney (B,L)
• Day 3: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,D)
• Day 4: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,L,D)
• Day 5: Kangaroo Island / Southern Ocean Lodge (B,L,D)
• Day 6: Uluru/Ayers Rock / Longitude 131° (B,L,D)
• Day 7: Uluru/Ayers Rock / Longitude 131° (B,L,D)
• Day 8: Kakadu National Park / Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (B,L,D)
• Day 9: Kakadu National Park / Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (B,L,D)
• Day 10: Kakadu National Park / Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (B,L,D)
• Day 11: Mary River Floodplains / Bamurru Plains (B,L,D)
• Day 12: Bullo River / Bullo River Station (B,L,D)
• Day 13: Bullo River / Bullo River Station (B,L,D)
• Day 14: Bullo River / Bullo River Station (B,L,D)
• Day 15: Darwin / Mantra on the Esplanade (B)
• Day 16: Haggerstone Island / Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)
• Day 17: Haggerstone Island / Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)
• Day 18: Haggerstone Island / Haggerstone Island (B,L,D)
• Day 19: Sydney / Park Hyatt Sydney (B)
• Day 20: Sydney / Departure (B)

Itinerary Description:

This 19-night itinerary, named one of the 50 Tours of a Lifetime in 2008 by National Geographic Traveler, is perfect for the luxury adventure traveler.

Your journey begins in Sydney, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Sydney Harbor and the Opera House from your room at the Park Hyatt Sydney. You will visit the magnificent Blue Mountains, learning about the ancient Aboriginal sites and unusual rock formations, flora, and fauna of the area.

Spend three days exploring Kangaroo Island from the Southern Ocean Lodge’s dramatic cliff top location. Professional guides will delight in educating you about the “Australian Galápagos”, with its distinctive wildlife and beautiful beaches.

Head to the stunning desert of Red Center and Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Your accommodations are at Longitude 131°, a stunning luxury tented camp where you can discover the magic of Uluru and the Kata Tjutas. Explore the magnificent landscape, walk in the gorges, and see Uluru both at sunrise and sunset, a truly spiritual experience. You can also visit an Aboriginal art gallery and tour the local town to discover more about the traditional culture of this region.

Continue your journey to Kakadu National Park where you will journey to the heart of the crocodile quite literally while spending three nights at the uniquely-shaped Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn. You will tour this amazing area with Sab Lord’s team of dedicated and knowledgeable guides and visit areas few travelers are allowed to see.

Enjoy a night in the Mary River Floodplains at Bamurru Plains in an area teeming with an amazing assortment of wildlife, reptiles, and birds. Then journey to Bullo River Station, made famous by author Sara Henderson’s novels, and learn about life on a working Australian ranch, while enjoying some of the best fishing in the Northern Territory. A helicopter flight is included at the ranch so that you can catch the action from a bird’s eye view.

Spend one night in Darwin at the luxurious Mantra on the Esplanade, overlooking the beauty of Darwin Bay, and travel to Cairns for your charter flight to the amazing Haggerstone Island. This cast away paradise is uninhabited but for the small lodge, and you will be able to relax in true seclusion while exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Wrap up your journey with one more night in Sydney before returning home from your unforgettable adventure.