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Heli Tours of North Queensland

Explore North Queensland by air and discover places that many don’t get to see on one of our signature Heli Tours of North Queensland. Each guest is provided with a headset, enabling easy communication between themselves and the pilot. The pilot and guide know this region well and will share stories on the major landmarks throughout the journey.

The fleet can accommodate up to nine passengers on a variety of helicopters:

Robinson R44
Bell 206 Jetranger
Bell 206 Longranger
Bell 407
Bell 205
AS350 (Squirrel)

3 pax
4 pax
6 pax
6 pax
9 pax
6 pax

Below are some suggested day tours however each can be tailored based on the interests of each guest.

Torres Strait Islands private heli tours

Dugong - Image credit: National Geographic
Dugong – Image credit: National Geographic

The Torres Strait Islands are a group of over 270 low lying islands located between the tip of continental Australia (Cape York) and Papua New Guinea. Seldom visited by mainstream tourists, the relatively untouched region is rich in natural, historical and cultural beauty with a unique Melanesian indigenous population. The islands’ clear tropical waters have diverse marine ecosystems with dugongs, saltwater crocodiles and many species of turtles seen amongst the colourful reefs. Activities include fishing, swimming, diving, viewing or buying fabulous indigenous artworks, visiting local markets and seeing original colonial architecture. Highlights include: Great Barrier Reef, Prince of Wales Island, Thursday Island, WW11 remnants and Horn Island. These private day tours depart from Horn Island.

World War II history flight: Fly over Prince of Wales Island and spectacular waterfalls. WWII bunkers, shipwrecks, and gun stations are a highlight of this trip. Circle over Green Hill Fort and Thursday Island before landing on Horn Island.

Icons of the North: Fly over the Torres Strait to the very top of Australia, Cape York to stand on the tip of Australia. A scenic flight over Punsand Bay and the Iconic Possession Island are more highlights before landing at Horn Island.

North Queensland Heli fishing adventure

Private heli tours of Queensland

Enjoy a scenic heli tour of North Queensland combined with a spot of fishing! Highlights include: Cairns, Mitchell River, Fishing and the Mt Mulgrave Homestead. This private day tour departs from Cairns.

Flying west from Cairns we intersect the mighty Mitchell River which starts on the Atherton Tablelands and flows 750km north-west across Cape York to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Along the way, it carves through the rugged highlands of the Great Diving Range.  Tracking the river, we land at a secret fishing spot where we set up on the banks of the Mitchell, before rigging a couple of fishing lines. The river is teaming with Barramundi, not only a great fish to catch, but also fantastic eating as well. Lunch is served on the banks of the Mitchell. We then take you to Mt Mulgrave Homestead, a working cattle farm and family owned for generations. Experience what it is like to run a remote cattle station that has a similar land mass to some countries.  Finally we cross the Great Dividing Range, before making our way back.

For more information about private Heli Tours of North Queensland or to arrange a heli tour elsewhere in Australia, please contact Alquemie.

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Charter a luxury expedition yacht

Amanda on Anda

Amanda here – reporting to you about a fabulous new find in the world of luxury expedition yachts!  Her name is Anda and she is a true expedition vessel with luxury accommodation, all the toys and many comforts.  Anda is not your typical white-boat, she is a luxury expedition yacht available for private charters into Australia’s wild & beautiful waters.  Anda is for exploring, discovering and adventuring.

Currently berthed in Fremantle the Master, Hostess and Chef were happy to show me around the beautifully finished boat.  Anda’s owner is a passionate yachtsman and has no fewer than 12 boats in his personal fleet, however only Anda and a 50 ft game fishing launch, The Fortescue, are available for charter.

  • Some facts about Anda:
  • Length: 42 mtr | 138 ft
  • Built: 1965 in Norway, originally as an ice-breaker.  Rebuilt from 2010 to 2012
  • Cruising Speed: 10 knots
  • Cruise Range:7500 nm
  • Stabilisers: 2 x quantum stabilisers for smooth sailing in seas over 4 mtr
  • Guest Suites: 5 including the spacious master suite, 3 x queen suites and 1 x twin suite all with private en suite bathroom
  • Dining: indoor & outdoor for 10 people
  • Relaxation: sundeck with outdoor spa, large saloon area
  • Transport & fun: 2 x semi-inflatable high speed 7 mtr jet tenders, 2 x Seadoo jetskis
  • Crew: 10 highly experience crew including 2 executive chefs

Price point?  Well to give you an idea, Anda is currently from AU$30,000 per day or $150,000 AUD per week plus GST.  APA is included (advance provisioning allowance).

Where to?  Pretty much wherever you want!  Australia has nearly 60,000km of coastline but my recommendations would be the Kimberley Coast, Rowley Shoals, the Cape York Peninsula and the Great Barrier Reef.

So yes I am excited … Anda really offers stylish luxury, a sense of freedom and extraordinary Australian adventures!!

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Cape Lodge – Margaret River

Cape Lodge – Reviewed

As we turned into Cape Lodge, my travelling friend and I both felt a sense of calm, of tranquillity.  There are rows of grape vines in the distance, some grand old trees in the gardens and a scattering of elegant buildings that sit comfortably in the lovely, relaxed grounds – nothing jars!   Our two night stay was about discovering more of the Margaret River region but I was excited to be staying in the recently refurbished Lake View Suites and dining in the refurbished restaurant – such a treat!

The Cape Lodge team are always welcoming and we were shown to our rooms after a cup of tea in the lounge and a chance to pick Veronique’s brain about where we should have lunch the next day.   With beautiful views across the lake, the spacious suites are fabulous.   The décor is warm with touches of vibrant grape-green, the bathrooms are open plan and yet provide for modesty if required.  The beds are huge and comfortable, a sofa is positioned to enjoy the view and the carpet is the type that makes you wiggle your toes.   Plush, rich, relaxed, serene … these are the words that spring to mind.

We wandered over to the restaurant for dinner and gone are the dark plums of its past!  The restaurant and bar have new life, again a new colour palate, this time cool & fresh colours that allow the focus to be where it should be – on the stunning cuisine that is thoughtfully and artfully plated up.  We opted for the 5 course tasting menu and loved the delicious flavours, sensible portion sizes and impeccable wine pairing.   On our second night we enjoyed a shared platter in the bar – after a full day of wine touring and eating this was more than enough and is a really smart offering.

We can report that we would happily go back there again every weekend – Cape Lodge offers a regional experience that has just the right amount of relaxed friendly style, sophisticated cuisine and beautiful surrounds.   Well done on the refurb, Cape Lodge you’re looking great!

 

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Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

How to visit the Great Ocean Road

We are often asked about the Great Ocean Road – 243 kms of rocky coastline, west of Melbourne and considered one of Australia’s greatest road-trip destinations.  It boasts awe-inspiring coastal views, deserted white sandy beaches, beautiful rainforest scenery and beautiful national parks that are home to koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife.

Beach, Gibson Steps, Vic

The most scenic portion begins in Torquay, a town well known as a surfing hot-spot and ends in the whale-watching town of Warrnambool; in between are several picturesque coastal towns, a number of gourmet restaurants and a couple of boutique accommodation options. One of the most popular stops along the way is the world-famous 12 Apostles, magnificent natural rock structures that are more than 20 million years old, which rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean.

Great Ocean Road
Image: Tourism Australia

So, how best to experience all of this…

Many travellers opt for a longer stay in one of Melbourne’s excellent hotels and just zoot out to explore the Great Ocean Road on a day trip. However, be aware that a full day road trip is up to 12 hours with as much as 9 hours spent in the vehicle.  Along the way there will be great views of coastal cliffs, long sandy beaches, rural landscapes, the 12 Apostles and other ocean carved ‘architecture’.   There will be a stop for lunch and perhaps a walk in the rainforest & fern gullies of the Otway National Park and usually the option of a helicopter scenic flight.

Great Ocean Road
Image: Tourism Australia

Ultimate Great Ocean Road tour

Budget permitting our Ultimate Great Ocean Road tour showcases the iconic coastline by luxury touring vehicle before a 75 minute scenic, private helicopter flight back to Melbourne.  The day includes a gourmet lunch of local produce and fresh seafood served within sight of sandy beaches.  As you travel, our passionate local guide shares insight into Australia’s surfing culture, stories of the shipwrecks that line this coast and, with luck, will point out kangaroos or koalas.

Great Ocean Road
Image: Tourism Australia

The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

The active traveller may prefer The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk: Operating between September and May and graded moderate, this 3 night / 4 day eco-lodge based walk is a great way to experience the coast and see Australian wildlife as the trail is alive with native flora and fauna including fur seals, wallabies and koalas.  Learn about the land through the eyes of the first Australians and the British convicts transported here on ships over 200 years ago. The coast is littered with shipwrecks from this time, and the tales of survival and loss are part of the fabric of the Great Ocean Walk.

Image: Tourism Australia

Self-drive The Great Ocean Road – 2 to 10 nights

For the independent traveller a self-drive discovery of the Great Ocean Road is a great option: However don’t rush!  Whilst the Great Ocean Road spans a relatively small distance if you whizz along it you will probably be disappointed.  There are three itineraries we recommend and they range from 2 to 5 nights but certainly a journey of even 10 days would be time well spent.

When travelling independently it is important to go slowly, allowing time to chat to the locals, make discoveries and explore.   Allow time for walks, poking about weekend markets, visiting points of interest and taking up local tours such as kayaking on Lake Elizabeth in search of Platypus.

Some of our favourite hotels in this area are:

  • Oscar’s Waterfront Boutique Hotel – a charming small hotel, an exceptional bed & breakfast
  • Drift House – modern conversion of a heritage building in the pretty town of Port Fairy
  • Great Ocean Ecolodge – a small guest house operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre
  • Royal Mail at Dunkeld – an award winning restaurant with lovely accommodation attached
  • Meringa Springs – a small, luxury lodge offering stunning views of the Grampians
  • Big Blue Backyard – three delightful guest rooms on the Mornington Peninsula

Tailor-made Great Ocean Road

But the best way to do the Great Ocean Road: If budget and time permit then a multi-day road trip hosted by an expert passionate guide in a comfortable vehicle with tailor-made activities, from Aboriginal experiences to whales at Warrnambool, can be designed to be pure Alquemie!

 

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Bennelong at Sydney Opera House

Bennelong Reborn

As one of the most iconic landmarks in Australia, the Sydney Opera House is hard to miss. Housed in one of the heritage sails is Bennelong restaurant that opened a few months ago with much fanfare. Peter Gilmore is the man behind it all, with a loyal following and several restaurants (Quay is right across the water), he is considered one of Australia’s best chefs.

Gilmore’s goal was to create dining spaces that are a little more casual than the Bennelong restaurant that occupied the same space previously under a different chef. The result is rather impressive with the cathedral like space renovated to allow various dining areas. On the top level there is a private dining space along with a more casual eating section. The middle level is home to the ‘cured and cultured’ bar serving a variety of raw and cold produce (picture a glass of bubbly with a few oysters). The flagship restaurant is on the main floor serving refined Australian cuisine on a three course a la carte menu.

Bennelong restaurant at Sydney Opera House
Bennelong restaurant at Sydney Opera House

The food is stunning and showcases fine Australian produce prepared perfectly to highlight its quality. Everything is of the highest standard from the super fresh oysters, to the tender beef, to the perfectly prepared single carrot that sits on your plate like an artwork. The wine list boats a great selection of Australia producers, and again re-inforces Gilmore’s desire to create a dining experience that is utterly Australian.

With panoramic views of the city this is a dining experience you won’t forget anytime soon. Get in touch with us to book your next exquisite dinning experience in Sydney.

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Lizard Island

Lizard Island is back!

We are very excited to have Lizard Island, one of our favourite tropical islands on the Great Barrier Reef is back after a full refurbishment. We absolutely love this resort as it boasts some of the most impressive coastal scenery, located right on the reef, and paired with quintessentially laid back Australian luxury – a truly magical destination!

Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island is located off the coast of North Queensland, accessible by charter or scheduled flights from Cairns. The resort has been closed for some time while it has undergone a full refurbishment – including all suites and public areas. We have had our first few clients stay and the feedback is as wonderful as ever. The chic new rooms are fitting with the surrounding environment, and the common areas retain their relaxed atmosphere.

Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

As lovely as the rooms are, the focus is most definitely on the reef. Lizard is quite unique in that the island has an impressive reef in a protected lagoon just around from the resort. Guests have access to reserve a motorised dinghie for the day where they can roam as they please. Swim amongst turtles, giant clams, and abundant marine life before picking a secluded private beach to settle down with a gourmet picnic lunch. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef
Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef

For guests that are interested in diving there are various outer reef sites within easy reach of the resort, and arguably some of the best in North Queensland. Those wanting to stay put needn’t worry – the spa, fabulous food and wine selection, and stunning accommodation will ensure guests can relax in style! Welcome back Lizard – we are excited…

A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

 

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