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5 great films for Australian scenery

There is no doubt that Australia has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Our red sand deserts are well known, as is the iconic Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef and Uluru (Ayres Rock). But you can discover many more by watching TV and film (or even David Bowie video clips!).

Here are 5 of our favourite.

Crocodile Dundee (of course!)
Where? Kakadu in the Northern Territory and McKinlay in Queensland

Red Dog
Where? Dampier, Pilbara, Karratha in Western Australia, parts of South Australia

The Man from Snowy River
Where? Merijig & Mansfield, Central Victoria

Tracks
Where? Flinders Ranges, South Australia

The Adventures of Priscilla – The Queen of the Desert

Where? Sydney & Broken Hill in New South Wales, Kings Canyon & Alice Springs in the Northern Territory,  Cooper Pedy, South Australia

Ultimate Kakadu Experience with Bamurru Plains

Immerse yourself in the stone country of awe-inspiring World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park – one of Australia’s greatest strongholds of Aboriginal rock art and culture. The Ultimate Kakadu Experience is the latest addition at Bamurru Plains and is available with a 3 or 4 night stay. After fantastic rain in the Top End, the floodplains of Bamurru are looking incredible, with vivid colours and clouds putting on a show. In addition, the abundance of wildlife that has already returned is a sign for a fabulous season ahead in 2017 so a visit to Kakadu is the icing on the cake.

Bamurru Plains - Melaleuca Forest Airboat
Bamurru Plains – Melaleuca Forest

Kakadu covers an amazing 20,000 square-kilometres and is recognised for its incredible natural beauty and also its cultural significance to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited the area for over 50,000 years. Experience ancient rock art, beautiful rocky escarpment country and a diverse ecosystem, with about one third of all Australia’s bird species in the park!

Kakadu - Image credit: Peter Boer
Kakadu – Image credit: Peter Boer

The experience

Just a short hop from Bamurru Plains by light aircraft across the river systems that separate Bamurru Plains from Kakadu brings you to the heart of this country. Rock art galleries reveal stories of Aboriginal people and their ancient culture. Textures of colours, vistas across savannah woodlands and floodplains provide a sense of the spirituality of this ancient landscape.

From rock overhangs and caves at Ubirr Rock (think classic scenes from Crocodile Dundee) to the meandering waters of the East Alligator River that drains from the stone country of Arnhem Land and marks the boundary between Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, this day will expose the senses to country that is rich in Aboriginal culture, flora and fauna.

Aboriginal Rock Art - Ubirr - Image credit: Peter Boer
Aboriginal Rock Art at Ubirr in Kakadu – Image credit: Peter Boer

Travelling with Wild Bush Luxury’s field guides in our custom built vehicle, your day will include a bush picnic lunch and the chance to spend time with an Aboriginal guide on the waters of the East Alligator River before returning overland, with a stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, returning in time for sundowner drinks, canapes and the comfort of the safari lodge as the sun sets over Bamurru Plains.

Your Kakadu Day Trip is available to be booked as a shared excursion with other Bamurru Plains guests on a Tuesday or Friday or a private option on all other days of the week.

 

Not just your average Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is one of Sydney’s must-dos. Head up the iconic ‘coat hanger’ for stunning 360 degree views as far as the eye can see and the thrill of watching Sydney’s traffic zoom by far beneath your feet. You can climb from dawn to dusk and far into the night depending on whether you’re an early-bird or night owl and you can do it in private or join a group – whatever takes your fancy.

Services for high-profile clients

BridgeClimb has hosted many high-profile clients and climbs can be tailor-made to meet their needs. There are private changing rooms and toilets, a VIP car entry plus pre and post climb enhancements..…think helicopter fly-overs, sky-writing, fireworks, canapés at the summit, karaoke, yoga, musicians, and the list goes on!

The experience is a bucket-list item for good reason, but if the idea of the usual Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, isn’t exciting enough by itself, then allow us to bedazzle it for you with some novel ideas.

Have a disco party!

Dance the night away (almost) amongst the clouds. With the tunes pumping and a disco dance floor, it doesn’t get much more fun!

BridgeClimb at Vivid 2016
BridgeClimb during Vivid 2016

 

Get hitched!

While bridge-top proposals are nothing new, they are still incredibly romantic – especially at sunrise or sunset, and especially if it’s an unexpected surprise. Already engaged? Then why-not consider getting hitched 134 metres above the sea. Whilst you might need to forgo the white dress and tux, there’s nothing to stop you getting married.

A magical sunset proposal on BridgeClimb
A magical sunset proposal

 

Make a meal of it

If dining in the sky is something you’d like to try then we can arrange for a celebrity chef to whip up a dish.

Dining in the sky with BridgeClimb
Dining in the sky

Host a children’s party

Lucky kids can experience a special kind of birthday party with themed celebrations.

A Mad Hatter Tea Party on Bridgeclimb
A Mad Hatter Tea Party

 

Find your inner yogi

Salute to the sun from on top of the world with a a sunrise session of yoga from atop the bridge.

Find your inner yogi up high
Bend and strech

 

To discuss unique ideas for your BridgeClimb please contact us.

 

Seven Peaks Walk – a Great Walk of Australia

Imagine a 6 night / 5 day walk in a region of Australia with wildlife to rival the Galapagos Islands. Well it exists. The stunning Seven Peaks Walk on UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island showcases not only magnificent vistas but also the island’s unique biodiversity.

Lord Howe’s isolation (despite being only 2 hours flight from Sydney), the variety of terrain, combined with submarine volcanic activity has resulted in rare and endemic flora and fauna. The island has recorded 241 species of indigenous plants of which 113 (47%) are found nowhere else in the world, 207 different bird species and more than 1,600 terrestrial insect species, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world. (source: Destination NSW)

The Seven Peaks Walk traverses rugged sea-cliffs

 

The Seven Peaks Walk is based out of Pinetrees Lodge on the sheltered Western side of the island, with glorious views and a tropical lagoon perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Each day the walk showcases something new and is topped off in the evening with a sumptuous 4 or 5 course dinner back at the lodge.

Seven Peaks Walk - Pinetrees Lodge
Accommodation on the Seven Peaks Walk is at Pinetrees Lodge

The walk itself is moderate to challenging with a maximum of 12 guests. It traverses 45 kilometres and along the way guests will see sheltered swimming coves (with swimming opportunities), subtropical palm forests, freshwater creeks, rugged sea cliffs and volcanic peaks. There’s an optional last day climb to the peak of Mount Gower almost 900 metres above sea-level which will get even the fittest of hearts racing.

The walk is moderate to challenging with some exciting narrow ledges

ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
North Bay – starting the day with a glass bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. Depending on conditions, walkers replace one climb with a trip to the Herring Pools from the Gulch, which is an amazing place, but only available on the low tide without swell. Guests then walk over Dawson Point to Old Settlement Beach and back to Pinetrees along the Lagoon foreshore.

DAY TWO
Malabar – climb to Kims Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Neds Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. Then walk to Middle Beach and climb Transit Hill before returning to Pinetrees. This is a moderate trail with steps and rough ground. It offers spectacular views of the island.

DAY THREE
East Coast – walkers head to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run, and then climb to Goathouse on Mt Lidgbird – an optional walk which is steep, uses ropes and provides the most rewarding views of the island. Walkers then descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform (funded by Dick Smith). Walkers return to Pinetrees via Blinky Beach.

DAY FOUR
Water day (and rest day) – snorkelling trip on the outer reef (or an offshore snorkel adventure to the Admiralty Islands) followed by a kayak trip on the Lagoon. All optional – guests can choose their own adventure. Can be used as a weather day if earlier days are not favourable for walking.

DAY FIVE
Mt Gower – this is the optional day for the advanced walker to climb Mt Gower at 867m. Stunning views await and a chance to experience the unique mist forest and bird rookery at the summit of this extinct volcano. Variations of this day are offered depending on the group ability. If people aren’t up to the summit of Gower (and many won’t be) then there is the option of the stunning Erskine Valley or an off-track adventure to some secret spots on Mt Lidgbird. All options take people along the Lower Road, which is one of the most spectacular 400m walking tracks in Australia.

Please get in touch for more information or to book this walk.

Watch the Seven Peaks Walk video

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

New Year’s Eve in Sydney by luxury yacht – an exclusive cruise for Alquemie clients

There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney is on a luxury yacht where every whim is catered for. Unfortunately this time of year books out far in advance so Alquemie has reserved exclusive use of a 100 foot luxury yacht for clients. The Murcielago, is the private jet of the ocean with room for 12 guests to see in the New Year.

This is an opportunity for your clients to mingle with other Alquemie cliental.

Please contact your Alquemie advisor ASAP to lock this in.

Sydney luxury yacht

Party like it’s 2019 (up to 12 guests)

Guests will be collected from a central Sydney wharf at 7pm where they’ll be welcomed aboard with their favourite beverage and delicious canapés to begin the festivities on the bustling harbour. This is a beautiful time of evening in Sydney as the golden light of the sun reflects upon the city skyscrapers and begins its decent. On a night like New Year’s Eve the Harbour is alive with thousands of boats – all bustling for the best vantage point to see the famous fireworks over the Bridge. These days though, the fireworks explode all across the Harbour and it’s one of the greatest urban spectacles in the world.

The luxurious Murchielago will cruise the Harbour to it’s mooring for the fireworks, passing waterfront suburbs and grand homes as guests dine on a sumptuous three-course meal. At 9pm when the sun has finally set, the children’s fireworks burst overhead in all the colours of the rainbow. After dinner, cocktails will flow and the meandering cruise of the harbour continues until midnight when the sky lights up once again and rains down colour, signalling the start of a new year.

The Captain will have guests back on dry land by 1am to return to their accommodation.

 

 

About the Murchielago

From the sumptuous Owner Room and VIP Stateroom with their en-suite bathrooms, to the two twin-berth cabins, this superyacht can sleep six people as comfortably as any high-end hotel.

Indoor areas include spacious saloons, lounges and decks – one with a retractable sunroof; guests can enjoy seating for up to 10 people and a fantastic barbeque offers outdoor cooking options to impress.

There’s a fully equipped galley with teak flooring, stunning granite bench tops and, naturally, its own espresso machine.

Full catering to restaurant standards for all guests can be prepared by an on-board chef, and a drinks bar can be stocked with every beverage you could ever desire.

Outside are massive sunbeds and a bathing platform, turning every sea into a private pool.

The bathing platform also has a hot shower and a wet bar. Perfect once you have finished your swim or snorkel, or a paddle in on of Murcielago’s three canoes, or a water-skiing/wakeboarding session with Murcielago’s on-board equipment.

Available in Pittwater only, the two Seadoo jet-skis are also capable of 45 knots meaning every other toy on board, like the wakeboard, kneeboard and water skis are built for speed too.

 

Contact Alquemie by August 31st 2017 to lock in this opportunity.

Extraordinary memories captured by a local photographer

When the holiday is over, photos are the ultimate memory. Selfie sticks and camera phones are great but nothing compares to professional shots by a local photographer who knows exactly where to go to capture the best angles.  Our photographers love their city so it’s a chance to explore a local’s hometown in a unique and authentic way. Clients can choose from a 1, 2 or 4 hour package – the longer the experience, the more locations covered and photos provided. When the holiday is over, the photographs are the ultimate souvenir. Samples are available within 48 hours and the full album provided in 7 days post the shoot. All photos provided in an online private gallery to download.

Luxury Australian Itinerary – Best of Bush Luxury

Best of Bush Luxury

8-9 nights (plus a city stop)

Australia’s wild bush doesn’t mean you need to rough it. Discover just how extraordinary our wilderness is; from the floodplains of the Top End at Bamurru, to Arkaba in the spectacular Flinders Ranges of the Southern Outback, to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains, you’ll find that luxury and nature make for a great combination.

This itinerary is just an indicator of what’s on offer in Australia. At Alquemie we tailor make every vacation based on the whims of our guests. Please contact us to find out about the magical holiday we could craft for you.

The Kingfisher Suite at Bamurru Plains

BAMURRU PLAINS, TOP END, NORTHERN TERRITORY (3 NIGHTS)

Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s indigenous culture.

*Bamurru Plains is open from 1 May to 31 October.

A selection of must do’s

  • Airboat tour – A morning trip out on the floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this key natural environment.
  • 4WD safaris – With the recession of the waters from much of the floodplain in the dry season, the plains become accessible to 4WD vehicles and an afternoon out with one of the guides will provide a unique insight to this fragile yet very important environment.
  • Aboriginal Culture in Arnhem Land & Kakadu National Park – The rock art galleries of Kakadu and Arnhem Land are only a short distance away and Bamurru provides an ideal base from which to visit Kakadu or Arnhem Land.
  • Bird watching – The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. Even in the dry season the floodplains on the property still retain large areas of water to which the birdlife congregates in extraordinary numbers rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.
Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups at Arkaba
Spot unique Australian wildlife on a sunset safari at Arkaba

ARKABA, FLINDERS RANGES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Arkaba’s true luxury lies in the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests. Located in the ancient and awe-inspiring scale landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba’s 5 room Homestead is at the heart of a 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy and provides the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the story of the bush – its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to understand the conservation challenges that Australia faces.

A selection of must do’s

  • Spending time with a local guide bushwalking along the dry bed of the Arkaba Creek is a great way to soak up the sounds and smells of the bush and expand your knowledge of Australian fauna. Australia’s three largest macropods (Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo and Common Wallaroo) are all regular sightings. The country’s endangered Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, has also returned to Arkaba’s range since the introduction of conservation management programs.
  • Evening dining – Dining is a communal affair –within the homestead, or al fresco around an old wool-classing table on the outdoor terrace. With the ever-changing light and sounds of the bush all around, this is a special and uniquely Australian outback experience. After dinner be lured to the fire-pit and take in the enormity of the night sky and stars.
  • Indigenous culture – the area is rich in Aboriginal culture and the Elder Range on Arkaba is steeped in stories and with rarely visited art sites. Allow the guides to introduce you to the region’s Aboriginal story.
  • 4WD safari – During a longer stay at Arkaba, a day trip into the neighbouring Flinders Ranges National Park includes driving through the Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, a visit to the old mining town of Blinman and lunch at an outback pub hotel.

 

EMIRATES ONE&ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY, SYDNEY – BLUE MOUNTAINS, NEW SOUTH WALES (2-3 NIGHTS)

Easily accessible with a 3hr drive from the cosmopolitan city of Sydney, the Greater Blue Mountains is a wilderness covering more than one million hectares of rainforest, canyons, eucalypt forests and heath lands. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Australian wilderness at the conservation-led Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. This is the quintessential Australian bush experience, combined with distinctive dining, dramatic scenery, heritage and 7000 acres of private conservation reserve to explore.

A selection of must do’s

  • Guided mountain bike tour – or trail ride on horseback – in Australia’s Blue Mountains is the ideal way to become familiar with the land, and the types of terrain while encountering the reserve’s wildlife including wombats and rare albino wallaroo.
  • The Valley Bar & Terrace Lounge offers an expansive terrace to enjoy in the warmer months, or an open fireplace indoors for when it’s cooler. At any time of the day or year, panoramic views across the valley frame the varying hues of the seasons, encouraging guests to sit back, rest and recuperate.
  • Enjoy a refreshing dip in your own private lap pool.

Click here to begin your tailor-made journey to Australia

Capella Lodge – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Capella Lodge, on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is Australia’s answer to Tahiti with the magic of the ocean and spectacular views.  Elise Johnson, Sales Manager for Capella, tells us more about this Luxury Lodge of Australia.

Describe Capella Lodge in 3 words.

Stylish barefoot luxury.

Tell us a little bit about Capella Lodge and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Capella Lodge is a luxurious retreat on Lord Howe Island, a small, breathtakingly beautiful island that was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. The island is bordered by a reef-fringed lagoon, rolling surf, and the world’s southern-most coral reef. Only a fortunate few enjoy this stunning island paradise, with a small number of residents and only four hundred visitors permitted at any one time, to ensure that the island is preserved as nature intended.

Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s premium boutique accommodation and a close-kept secret amongst those in-the-know! It’s inspired by the authentic Australian beach house, with nine island-styled suites designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment. A unique feature of Capella Lodge is its prime location, resting above Lord Howe Island’s tiny, secret beach at Lovers Bay and at the foot of the island’s famous twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Capella prides itself on its contemporary cuisine, first name service and relaxed sophistication, which delivers an exclusive Lord Howe Island experience. Despite all of this, it is the genuine hospitality that each guest receives from the Lodge Managers, Mark and Libby, along with their team of warm and welcoming staff, that always leaves a lasting impression, long after our guests have left our little spot of paradise.

Capella Lodge is a luxurious retreat on Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge is a luxurious retreat on Lord Howe Island

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Capella Lodge?

Take a stroll with our resident naturalist guide, Caitlin, who offers interpretive nature excursions around the island. Caitlin is a walking encyclopaedia on Lord Howe’s flora and fauna, and has a natural knack of discovering the shyest of rare sea birds or cleverly camouflaged marine wildlife!

Best dining experience at Capella Lodge?

Capella Lodge has a regional approach to cuisine ensures the finest and freshest produce from Lord Howe Island and New South Wales is showcased in every inspired menu. The light and airy, beach-house styled Restaurant and Bar has spectacular views of the lagoon and mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop for all dining.

My own memorable dining experience was a relaxed BBQ lunch with my husband on our anniversary. We rode bikes (complimentary for Capella Lodge guests and the best way to get around the island!) to Ned’s Beach, where Capella Lodge arranged a BBQ pack and bottle of wine to be delivered in time for our arrival. We spent the afternoon enjoying a BBQ lunch, along with fresh salads and dessert, followed by fish feeding and paddle boarding in the blue waters of Ned’s Beach. Bliss!

Sea-birds abound on Lord Howe Island
Sea-birds abound on Lord Howe Island

Please describe a typical guest at Capella Lodge.

We have welcomed a diverse range of travellers from all over the world, each looking to capture a piece of our island paradise! Our guests return again and again to reignite the magic they discovered at their secluded beach hideaway and to enjoy a warm ‘welcome home’ from their Capella family.

Is Capella Lodge child friendly?

We welcome children 10 years and older at Capella Lodge.

Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island has fabulous marine life
Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island has fabulous marine life

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Capella Lodge is just one property in the ‘Baillie Lodges’ collection, which offers premium experiential travel in some of Australia’s most inspiring locations. See the real Australia, in style, by visiting our sister properties: Southern Ocean Lodge on the coastal sanctuary of Kangaroo Island, and Longitude 131° at Australia’s spiritual heart, Uluru-Kata Tjuta.

 

Elise Johnson
Sales Manager for Baillie Lodges (Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131, Capella Lodge)

Elise Johnson is the Sales Manager for Baillie Lodges, a collection of intimate luxury lodges in unique wilderness destinations.


 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Longitude 131 – A Luxury Lodge of Australia

Longitude 131, one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia is uniquely located in the Central Australian outback near World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Elise Johnson, Longitude 131°’s Sales Manager , tells us more.

Describe Longitude 131° in 3 words.

Timeless, spiritual and authentic.

Tell us a little bit about Longitude 131° and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Imagine waking to the sight of Australia’s most iconic view – the sacred red rock of Uluru – literally at the end of your bed! Situated discreetly adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131° offers 15 elevated luxury tents with unrivalled views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the surrounding desert landscape. A custom itinerary of guided experiences offer guests a first-hand encounter of Australia’s Red Centre. Guests might walk among the majestic red domes of Kata Tjuta, dine outdoors under the stars and witness the changing lights over Uluru at the magic moment of sunset, with glass of champagne in hand. At Longitude 131°, we promise our guests a special connection with the spiritual heart of Australia, with that little touch of luxury!

At Longitude 131° Uluru (Ayers Rock) can be seen from your bed!
At Longitude 131° Uluru (Ayers Rock) can be seen from your bed!

How is Longitude 131 pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

An exceptional signature touring program designed exclusively for Longitude 131° guests is included in the wilderness experience and a personalised itinerary is presented upon arrival. This touring program showcases the world’s largest monoliths: the Red Centre’s gem, Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the sacred red domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). For further exploration, we can arrange additional bespoke experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, including scenic helicopter flights, camel rides, motorcycle tours, dot painting workshops and plenty more!

At Baillie Lodges’ we pride ourselves on our ongoing commitment to product excellence, the result of which our guests are thrilled to experience. One recent example is the iconic ‘Field of Light’ display, an incredible light installation created by British-born installation artist Bruce Munro. Longitude 131° guests have an exclusive experience of the interactive artwork as part of the lodge’s Signature Experiences program. As the twilight cools the day, guests walk uninterrupted along the pathways in the Field of Light, just as the tiny buds are lighting up in the evening sky. When it’s time to depart, the field is fully lit, mirroring the billions of stars in the midnight blue of the desert sky and offering an unforgettable transformation of the landscape. Field of Light will be lighting up the Red Centre until 31 March 2018 ~ you won’t want to miss it!

The new balconies complete with swag at Longitude 131°
The new balconies complete with swag at Longitude 131°

What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation at Longitude 131°?

Earlier this year, Longitude 131 revealed its new balconies, a modern addition to the existing tent-style pavilions that fit so naturally it’s hard to imagine the tents without them. The balconies offer luxurious outdoor lounging with comfy armchairs, an EcoSmart fire for the evenings and generous daybed for relaxing into views of Uluru. A luxury evening turndown service includes an after-dinner snack with accompanying digestifs, and the rollout of the new custom-designed Baillie swag under the open night sky. Perfect for lazing and star-gazing under a blanket of stars, this is glamping at its most marvellous!

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Longitude 131°?

A scenic helicopter flight showcasing spectacular bird’s eye views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, or further afield discover Lake Amadeus and Mount Conner.

A helicopter experience at Longitude 131° is not to be missed.
A helicopter experience at Longitude 131° is not to be missed.

Best dining experience at Longitude 131°?

Our daily changing menus reflect the best of contemporary Australian cuisine, combined with outback flavours and native ingredients like lemon myrtle, quandongs and desert-foraged herbs to create a uniquely local dining experience. Whilst dining under the canopy of the Dune House, guests are encouraged to feel at home by helping themselves to a diverse range of Australian wines, beers and premium spirits from the open bar. There’s always a friendly team member on hand to assist with mixing up a special ‘outback’ cocktail!

A truly memorable dining experience is Table 131°, a spectacular dinner under the stars enjoyed with fellow travellers among the red desert dunes. Guests are welcomed to their table by the sounds of the didgeridoo, reflecting on their day of discovery whilst enjoying four delicious courses complemented by the finest Australian wines. The evening is complete as our resident astronomer shares stories of the Southern night sky. Exclusive to Longitude 131°, Table 131° is an incredible outback experience like none other.

Table 131°, a spectacular dinner under the stars
Table 131°, a spectacular dinner under the stars

Please describe a typical guest at Longitude 131°.

There are no typical guests at Longitude 131, each are unique with their own personal desire for visiting this magical part of Australia!

Is Longitude 131° child friendly?

We welcome children 10 years and older at Longitude 131.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Longitude 131° makes a perfect outback complement to the coastal wilderness on offer at sister property Southern Ocean Lodge and to the subtropical coral reef paradise at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island. Let Alquemie create the ultimate luxury itinerary for your visit to Australia!

 

Elise Johnson
Sales Manager for Baillie Lodges (Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131, Capella Lodge)

Elise Johnson is the Sales Manager for Baillie Lodges, a collection of intimate luxury lodges in unique wilderness destinations.


Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Stylish and tailor-made Sydney experience

No one denies that Sydney is a beautiful city – in fact it’s probably one of the prettiest in the world.  And for first-timers to Australia, a Sydney experience is must – the Harbour sparkles, the Bridge stands proud and the Opera House radiates.

But there’s the Sydney that most tourists see and then there’s the real Sydney, which in our eyes is even better. At Alquemie we like to reveal this side of our stunning city with bespoke private tours, introducing you to the locals that live and breathe it and taking you to secret places only locals know about.

Here are some ideas of what’s available…

Experience Sydney harbour like the school children do - by stand-up paddle board
Experience Sydney Harbour like these school children do – by Stand-up Paddle board

Bespoke Sydney Experience – An Alquemie Exclusive (half, full, multi-day – as required)

This is one of the most creative Sydney experiences you’ll find. See the icons from a local’s perspective, meet with the locals and, based on your own interests, explore and learn about daily life in this beautiful city. Explore the back streets, local cafés & parks, and experience the most important and defining element of Sydney, our spectacular harbour. Starting with a rough schedule this raved about experience is highly-tailored yet ticks all the boxes of Sydney’s must see locations. Please enquire for examples of just how tailored and creative these Sydney experiences have been for our past clients.

Discover Sydney's fabulous roof-top bars
Discover Sydney’s fabulous roof-top bars in The Rocks – perfect for sunsets

See Sydney by Bike & Walk (full day)

You don’t need to travel by vehicle to enjoy some of the best aspects of Sydney. This Sydney experience helps you slow down to see the city more intimately by foot and pedal power.

  • Walk the historic Rocks quarter, the oldest part of Sydney’s colonial township
  • Meet an indigenous guide at Barangaroo to learn about the native plants and foods and hear about the Aboriginal culture and history in Sydney
  • Climb the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Take a 3 hour biking tour of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge, cycling through the Quay and seeing all the sights at at a relaxed pace
Swim at beautiful harbour beaches
Swim at beautiful beaches around Sydney

New Years Eve Harbour fireworks & Pittwater by luxury yacht

Why stay in a hotel when you can celebrate New Years Eve in the best way possible – on board a luxurious yacht with your friends and family. Frock up, dine on Australia’s freshest seafood, then let the party begin. Fireworks explode at 9pm for the kiddies and then the big bang goes off at midnight. As you sleep, your captain will relocate the boat to a beautiful bush setting just north of Sydney. Enjoy breakfast with the smell of the gum trees and the noise of galahs in the surrounding bushland. This is a day to relax and spend time together in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!
Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!