These private, exclusive, and extraordinary must-do experiences go beyond the country’s kangaroo and Outback stereotypes. Instead, they reveal Australia’s outside-the-box luxury destinations, from the Kimberley Coast and Tasmania, to Uluru and the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
1. Dive and Snorkel in Ningaloo Reef at Sal Salis
All nine luxury oceanfront tents of Sal Salis are mere footsteps from the turquoise UNESCO waters of Ningaloo Reef. Indeed, this serves as a haven of puffer fish, wobbegong, black tip reef sharks, giant schools of barracuda, and a snuggly 600-pound grouper lovingly known as the “BFG”.
2. Cruise through The Kimberley
Embark on a luxury Australia cruise in search of The Kimberley’s maritime treasures aboard the Coral Discover. While on board, a resident marine biologist and fleet of Xplorer Zodiac boats allow for up-close encounters with the coast’s stunning natural wonders.
3. Go On Safari in Arnhem Land
Up north, Arnhem Land promises a spontaneous yet luxurious outback experience amid Mt. Borradaile. Encounter dazzling wildlife, culturally significant landscapes, and rock art galleries documenting 50,000 years of cultural evolution among Aboriginal Australians.
4. Dine under the stars at Table 131°
Arrive to the sound of the didgeridoo and take your coveted seat at Table 131°, a unique dining experience hosted by Longitude 131°. Here, an a la carte menu and wine pairing accompanies the ever-changing colors of Uluru as the desert stars emerge above.
5. Experience Uncaged Wildlife on Kangaroo Island
The beachfront Southern Ocean Lodge commands incredible views of the infinite waters and the pristine “zoo without fences” wilderness of Kangaroo Island. Indeed, this island is known as “Australia’s Galapagos” for its diverse populations of sea lions, fur seals, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypus, birds, and whales.
6. Stay at a 19th Century Homestead
A refurbished 1850s homestead with an intriguing pastoral history and working sheep station, Arkaba Station offers laid-back countryside stays and interactive bush walks into the rugged Flinders Ranges in the South Australian bush.
7. Visit Mona in Hobart
Any stay in Hobart offers an opportunity to engage directly with Tasmania’s artistic heritage. This of course includes an exciting day spent at David Walsh's Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), Australia’s largest privately funded museum.
8. Hike in Freycinet National Park
Set in the pristine Freycinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania, the relatively undiscovered hiking trails around Saffire Freycinet lodge lead to secluded bird-filled lagoons, white sandy beaches, and the pink granite peaks of Hazards Mountains towering over Great Oyster Bay and the Tasman Sea.
9. Snorkel and Sail the Whitsunday Islands
Escape to an island paradise resort offering one-of-a-kind over- and under-water adventures through the Whitsundays and the iconic Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
10. Ring in the New Year in Sydney
As one of the first places in the world to watch the calendar change, Sydney always celebrates the New Year with a bang. Consider starting the New Year at Park Hyatt Sydney, taking in the spectacular views of the fireworks display over Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House.
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