AS FAR FROM ORDINARY AS YOU CAN POSSIBLY TRAVEL
Australia in Autumn
Autumn – March to May, is a wonderful time to visit Australia. Autumn is marked by the changing of the leaves and our mountains and national parks are awash with a sea of vivid colour. Spectacular waterfalls are at their peak putting on a show of immense proportion. Our unique wildlife is out and about and Whale Sharks are migrating. Clear skies make way for star gazing, hiking and a multitude of outdoor gastronomic experiences and festivals dotting the calendar.
Swim with the Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef
Location: Western Australia
A bucket list experience not to be missed! Every year between mid-March to mid-July these majestic whale sharks migrate past the peaceful waters of Ningaloo Reef. This remarkable eco-system is one of the only places in the world where these gentle giants of the sea appear regularly in large numbers, attracted by its abundance of plankton and krill.
Our hand-picked guides will have you gliding alongside the world’s largest fish, an incredibly rare an intoxicating experience, surrounded by a tropical oasis of coloured marine life, coral and stunning white beaches. Finish the day with a glass of wine in your hammock at your luxury stay at the exclusive beach safari camp Sal Salis on a deserted stretch of beach near Ningaloo Reef. Fall asleep to the sounds of waves lapping on the sandy white beach under a blanket of stars.
Airboat Safari Bamurru Plains
Location: On the edge of Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
This stunning wilderness area showcases Australia at its best! Bamurru Plains is a truly unique experience nestled on the edge of the Mary River floodplains near Kakadu, in 300km of magnificent wilderness habitats shared only by 20 guests! Inspired by luxury African safaris, this remote lodge is a true outback experience to behold. Encompassing four habitats; floodplains, wetlands, melaleuca forests and savannah woodland brimming with all kinds of wildlife right on your doorstep – from birds to brumbies, buffalo, dingoes, wallabies, crocodiles and more!
Airboat Safaris are a signature experience at Bamurru, and autumn has perfect conditions for this action-packed, exhilarating journey. Zip through wide-open grasslands to lagoons and rivers home to thousands of species of wildlife at every turn.
Opera on Sydney Harbour
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Dates: Madama Butterfly 24 March to 23 April 2023
Take your seat at one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor performances, the critically acclaimed Madama Butterfly as it returns to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in March and April 2023.
Under a blanket of stars you’ll be mesmorised by this lavish, breath-taking performance on Sydney’s picture-perfect harbour, complete with the twinkling Harbour Bridge and the illuminated sails of the Opera House lighting up the iconic skyline. Just when you thought things couldn’t get much more extravagant, you’ll be showered with a dazzling fireworks display at the conclusion of each nightly performance.
Field of Light
Location: Uluru, Northern Territory
Autumn sees warm days and cooler nights in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This World Heritage listed site is home to ancient wisdom, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.
After sipping champagne at a phenomenal Uluru sunset, the Field of Light takes centre stage. Wander among this outback fairyland with 50,000 stems of frosted glass and watch the desert come to life after dark. The fun does not stop here! Transported to a secret location set among the red desert dunes under a starlit sky awaits your unique dinging experience at Table 131°. Here you will be treated to a decadent four-course dinner with matched wines – an Australian experience not to be missed!
All this and more included with your stay at the acclaimed Longitude 131° – a Luxury Lodges of Australia property. Marvel at the direct views to Uluru from the comfort of your very own hot tub in the luxurious Dune Pavilion!
Luxury Kimberley Waterfalls Cruise
Location: The Kimberley, Western Australia
Duration: 10 Nights. Multiple departures from the 15th March to the 10th April 2023
The end of the wet season is the perfect time to experience the Kimberley’s thundering waterfalls, swollen billabongs, spectacular lightning shows and extraordinary wildlife. Setting the benchmark in luxury cruising for over 30 years, the True North will not disappoint. With only 36 passengers guests can be assured of an intimate, first-class experience providing an up-close and personal view of this awe-inspiring region.
The purpose built True North vessel provides extensive access to the many shallow river systems and iconic landmarks in the region which other larger vessels can’t reach. Compete with helicopter and adventure boats for the ultimate experience taking passengers to ancient rock art sites, the extraordinary Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef, the legendary King George and Twin falls are among some of the many famous landmarks captured on this voyage of a lifetime.
Oyster Shucking in Freycinet National Park
Location: Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Don a pair of waders and immerse yourself in this internationally renowned paddock-to-plate experience in the crisp waters of Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm. During your visit to this working oyster farm, you will learn how to harvest oysters straight off the rack then enjoy your pickings paired with Tasmania’s finest sparkling wine. Learn about the surrounding marine ecology from our experienced guides while you take in the breathtaking backdrop of pink granite mountains, secluded bays and white sandy beaches abundant with wildlife.
Return each night to Saffire Freycinet, your award-winning luxury lodge, where a relaxed atmosphere is accompanied by delicious meals using the best Tasmanian produce and the very best wines of the region.
Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia
For nature enthusiasts a trip to Mt Lofty’s Botanic Gardens is spectacular during the Autumn months with the gardens awash with a panorama of stunning shades of yellow and rust coloured leaves. Pack your cameras and walking shoes and get ready to explore! Situated on 100 hectares in Adelaide Hills, the gardens feature a range of walking trails varying in difficulty form a leisurely stroll to a vigorous hike. The garden is dedicated to the cultivation and display of the world’s cool-climate plants. Make sure to visit the quaint German contemporary village of Hahndoft on your visit boasting German-style architecture and artisanal food.
Combine your trip with a pampering at Sequoia Lodge. Tucked into the wilderness of Mt Lofty, Sequoia is set high among the vineyards of Mt Lofty Estate and is only footsteps from the Botanic Gardens and home to the largest surviving koala population. Take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey with dinner at the 3-hatted restaurant and four world-class wine regions with a 50km radius.
Canyoning - Blue Mountains
Location: Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Vivid Festival - Sydney
Location: Sydney, New South Wales Dates: 26 May - 17 June 2023
Witness the phenomenal Vivid Sydney, an annual festival of light, music and ideas showcasing a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour displayed throughout the city. Marvel at spectacular 3D light projections bursting across the Opera House sails and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Get up close and personal to the many ingenious art installations scattered through the city, from the harbour to Taronga Zoo.
Enjoy a selection of free and ticketed music events in unexpected spaces featuring renowned local and international artists followed by nightly fireworks. For a different perspective, jump aboard a luxury vessel and cruise your way around the twinkling waterways.
Complete your stay with a night at the Park Hyatt. In prime position, perched on the harbour foreshore in the historic Rocks region, with unrivalled views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Ready to tick some experiences off your bucket list?
Reach out to our team for more information on any of the featured experiences.
un-Googleable! ‘Never-had-before, never-to-be-repeated-again’ experiences.
Written by Kristi Gomm