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Secrets of the North – A small group getaway to the Hawkesbury

Grab a group of friends for a four-night trip just one-hour north of Sydney. Below is an example of a small-group nature-based getaway that can be dialled up or down to suit the group’s passions and budget. Finishing at the brand new Marramarra Lodge, this itinerary will leave guests feeling refreshed and reinvigorated after spending time in the stunning Hawkesbury region.

Day 1: Self drive to Mooney Mooney (or seaplane / heli options). Pearls of Australia Shellar door experience followed by Pearl Farm tour. Remote location drop-off for Welcome to Country followed by guided Aboriginal cultural walk. Sundowners with a view and local gin tasting. Dinner under the stars.
Stay: Choice of Bouddi Peninsula accommodation

Day 2: Morning guided nature walk. Gourmet picnic lunch at secret historic ruins. Afternoon / sunset sailing on the Hawkesbury. Waterside dinner.
Stay: Bouddi Peninsula accommodation

Day 3: Morning nature wellness session / Optional beach time if weather permits. Scenic road transfer to boat ramp for transfer to Marramarra Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Sundowner Hawkesbury cruise followed by 6 course degustation.
Stay: Marramarra Lodge

Day 4: Morning kayak or SUP to historic Bar Island for guided tour. Choice of Marramarra Lodge activities. Farewell dinner
Stay: Marramarra Lodge

P.O.A.
Please enquire with the Alquemie team at info@alquemie.com.au.

Beyond the Beaches – A three-day nature escape from Sydney

This three-night soft-adventure NSW escape is perfect for families, small groups of friends or couples. Guided activities can be tailored to your passions and can incorporate behind-the-scenes experiences with local artisans and producers. Beginning with a scenic seaplane flight down to Jervis Bay, this itinerary ticks all the boxes for an easy escape back to nature combined with delicious food and unique activities like the Canoes, Champagne and Canapes experience.

 

Day One: Seaplane from Sydney to Jervis Bay

Take a scenic flight from Sydney down the coast, landing in the picturesque Jervis Bay. Once in this aquatic paradise, you can enjoy all marine adventures you could think of. From SUP’s to kayaks to whale watching and bird spotting, this little piece of paradise has it all. Dinner will be prepared by local caterers providing a taste of fresh seafood from the region. As you wander around the cabins, you will be greeted by many resident Kangaroos enjoying the company of their guests.

Overnight accommodation at The Cove Jervis Bay

Day Two: Head into the picturesque Kangaroo Valley

Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains entering the stunning Kangaroo Valley. This is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from a busy life and truly connect with nature. You will explore the waterways with a unique Canoes, Champagne and Canapes experience, with the chance to witness the regeneration from the 2019/2020 bushfires. A full day of adventure will be followed by a fireside feast featuring a local chef.

Overnight accommodation at Barranca Kangaroo Valley.

Day Three: Explore the Highlands like Never Before

As we make our way up the escarpment, we will be blessed with the stunning views overlooking the valley. Today is about experiencing the highlands like never before. From award winning wines to incredible waterfalls this is a nature lovers paradise. We will make a stop at the beautiful Belmore Falls before making our way into the Historic village of Berrima for lunch and a chance to explore the local shops, the afternoon activities will include wine tasting, then time to relax before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight accommodation at Bendooley Estate Cottages Southern Highlands.

To book or enquire please contact the Alquemie team at alquemie@alquemie.com.au. Self-drive options also available.

 

CHOOSE FROM A RANGE OF ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES WITH LOCAL GUIDES, ARTISANS & PRODUCERS

NATURE

Bush Walking

Hiking

Canoeing

Mountain Biking

Rock Climbing

FOOD & WINE

Spirit Tastings

Boutique Beer Tastings

Wine Tastings

Cheese Tastings

Cooking Classes

OTHER OPTIONS

Dance Classes

Movies

Yoga

Tai Chi

Forest Bathing

Martial Arts

Spa

Boules

Canoes, Champagne & Canapes Weekend - Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 October

Nowhere else in Australia are can you paddle through a sunken forest, observe the native wildlife that inhabit these gums, sip champagne, on a fresh-water lake, in our custom-built canoes. This area was directly impacted by January bushfires, so this is an opportunity to witness the regeneration of our native rainforest and see the stunning beauty of life returning.

Add in delicious local canapés, sampling cool climate wines as well as our expert qualified guides, and you have the most compelling way to experience this magical waterway, imaginable. The area we are exploring is very calm and the currents are mild, making paddling effortless. It’s an easy and safe way to get you into the waterways of the Southern Highlands/Shoalhaven. Also being fresh water, it’s a wonderful place to swim.

Day 1:

Truly immerse yourself in nature with an adventure filled weekend in Kangaroo Valley. Make your way to Kangaroo Valley, checking into the picturesque accommodation of Barranca, with a welcome pack of local wine and cheese awaiting your arrival.

You will have time to wander around the stunning property before heading inside for a delicious pre-prepared dinner box in your kitchen provided by one of the local award-winning restaurants. This luxury retreat offers guests with privacy and picturesque views of the sandstone escarpment of the valley. As well as being surrounded by native wildlife, guests have the delight of meeting the resident animals on the property, including the magnificent shire horses the playful donkeys and the cheeky, yet friendly Buffalo.

Day 2:

Breakfast will be at your leisure with a food box provided in your cabin including all the essentials such as bacon, eggs, bread, cereals and fresh fruit.

Now make your way to the waterways of Morton National Park where its time to glide down the river and enjoy the view from the picturesque Lake Yarrunga embarking on another special experience in the valley. Canoes, Champagne & Canapés is the perfect combination food, wine and wilderness. Indulge your taste buds with wild native canapés and a local award-winning cold-climate wine and discover what is unapologetically, one of the most stunning waterways in the state. Take a seat in one of the custom-built double-canoe rigs and immerse your senses in its sheer beauty.

Day 3:

After another delicious breakfast you’ll check out of Barranca and head out on an olive degustation, where you will sit amongst the olive groves and sample the freshest oil and products produced on-site. This is the perfect spot to sip on some local wines and enjoy the views of the valley before returning to the bustle of Sydney city life.

Please enquire with the Alquemie team at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.

Australia’s Best Guides – Simon Burley – South Australian Coast and Wine Experiences

Simon Burley is one of our favourite South Australian guides who loves to take people behind the scenes to meet the makers by their craft. We spoke to him to find out what makes an experience with him so special.

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do.
I’m a South Australian local who has a long career working in gin, whisky, wine and tourism. It’s taken me from London to Inverness to Sydney and now back to my beloved state, a journey which has inspired a love of landscapes, nature and of course the tipples that go with each place I’ve worked.

My speciality is taking people truly behind the scenes to meet the company I keep, which are the characters of the wine & tourism industry across South Australia. It’s a diverse mix of people who are truly artisans of their craft – winemakers, grape growers, foodies, chefs, publicans, baristas, farmers and a whole lot more.

My experiences are for those who want to get off the tourist trail and meet the company we keep. It’s about moving away from the well-worn and heading off into the uncharted and not being frightened to mix it up with 4WD, E-Bike, helicopter or your own two feet!

What got you started in guiding and what do you find most interesting about it?
My interest in developing truly authentic,  behind the scenes experiences was piqued when I started hosting guests into the Jacob’s Creek wineries and Chivas Brother’s whisky distilleries. We always strove to show our guests the personalities that would make each place tick. I loved meeting these people as well, and found there was so much to learn from great winemakers, long-standing distillers, coopers, grape growers and the like who understand their craft so well and often have decades of experience. This is when I started to realise the power of meeting the company I keep and getting them to impart their stories.

The other thing that has driven me on, is that it’s easy to claim behind the scenes but often hard to really deliver it. So I’m really focussed on delivering sublime experiences that are totally unexpected, like breaking open a glass of the finest Adelaide Hills sparkling at the lookout of a 600 million year old gorge to celebrate the occasion, or taking guests into the secret cellar at the Victory Hotel behind an old bookshelf, or walking in 100 year old grenache vines and then tasting the very wine that comes from that vineyard, or visiting an indigenous art gallery to paint with a renowned Kolkata artist.

How do you bring South Australia to life on your tours?

My clients are used to good accommodation, business class flights and conventional luxury etc etc so that’s not really a point of difference. But they don’t always get to meet authentic local characters and get unique, insightful experiences. So I just try and surprise them as much as possible. It’s not always easy as most of my clients are well travelled and have seen a lot. So you have to push the boundaries and think of places that stand out – like the 150 year old grandfather vines at Henschke – or people that are truly unique – like Toby & Emanuelle Bekkers who make wines out of both Australia and France!

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about South Australia’s quality produce?
It’s important for so many reasons. At a very simple level introducing people to the company I keep creates happiness and surprise – two very important things when you’re on holiday! It also shows people the effort that goes into making great food and wine, and the lengths that these artisans go to in order to deliver the highest quality produce. Finally it helps drive word of mouth and interest in the regions I visit, which in turn drives the tourism economy and make these producers profitable and sustainable.

If people wanted to find out more about South Australia are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?
Southaustralia.com is a great website and terrific source of information. Otherwise the best way is to come out on tour and experience the best of coast, wine, food and nature for yourself!

One final thing…  We are leading the revolution in electric bike wine touring. On our 250 watt high spec e-bikes you’ll cruise the Mclaren Vale wine region in style, travelling up to 25kmh and getting up close and personal to some of the best vineyards in the region. Some great examples of what you can expect along the famous McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail are a working winery tour at one of the venues, not normally available to the general public, but we have got it opened up by the owner and winemaker, who is also a friend. This lets e-bike guests learn about small batch winemaking. In another e-bike venue you’ll see historic ironstone cellars and taste the region’s most famous varietals. At one of the lunch venues on the Shiraz Trail guests get a lunch of local produce plus a tour of an indigenous art gallery.  In another venue on the Shiraz Trail guests get their eyes, ears, fingers, nose and taste buds into top gear when a dedicated staff member takes them on a sensory journey of their wines.  In another venue guests meet the Grilli family and their cellar door team to discover the Italian heritage of the region and try Mediterranean inspired wines. We are at the forefront of this technology and e-bike touring on the Shiraz Trail is one of the most affordable and easy ways to go behind the scenes of one of the most famous wine regions in Australia.

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

A Tasmanian golf experience by private jet charter

Discover an incredible Tasmania golf experience. This carefully planned private charter is designed for lovers of golf and gourmet food & wine. The remote golf courses in Tasmania are easily accessible with a private jet and the seamless transfers ensure your guests spend less time in transit and maximum time playing some of Australia’s top golf courses.

  • Cape Wickham Links
  • Barnbougle Dunes
  • Lost Farm
  • Ocean Dunes

Following four incredible days of golf, it is time to wind down and sample some amazing Tasmanian produce at Josef Chromy Winery (a member of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia). Guests will then transfer to the luxurious Saffire Freycinet (a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia) and spend the two remaining days of their tour in this stunning wilderness region.

Included:

  • All private charter flights on board the Air Adventure Outback Jet: Melbourne > King Island > Barnbougle Airstrip > Launceston
  • One night accommodation at Cape Wickham, on-course suite
  • Two nights accommodation at Lost Farm Lodge, Ocean or Course View Room
  • Two nights accommodation at Saffire Freycinet, Luxury Suite
  • All tours, entries, green fees and land transfers as per detailed itinerary
  • Pull carts and bag hire (if required) at all golf courses
  • “Go behind the label tour” followed by a 2 course lunch at Josef Chromy

Please enquire for more details or to tailor the above itinerary to your liking.

A Walking & Creativity Retreat in Margaret River

Enjoy a 3, 4 or 7-day bespoke Walking & Creativity Retreat in Margaret River.  Walk along selected sections of the Cape to Cape track, be inspired & replenished by the natural beauty of the region and explore your creativity under the guidance of local artists.

Walks and creativity sessions are tailored to each guest.

Creative sessions could include painting, sculpting, textiles, weaving, pottery, theatre, writing, glass-blowing, drawing and photography. Other activities available are sound healing, yoga, canoeing, dance and wine-tasting.

Below is a sample 4 day itinerary.

Day 1 – Perth to Margaret River – walk 5km – wildflowers – canoeing

Let us drive you from Perth to Margaret River via Meelup Beach to enjoy brunch before a fun canoeing experience.
Walk from Cape Naturaliste to Sugar Loaf Rock – one of the most photographed coastal features in this region. Look out for whales and more unique wildflowers.

Day 2- Wilyabrup Cliffs – walk 5km – yoga – painting session

Start the day with gentle yoga. Walk along the spectacular Wilyabrup cliffs before a local cuisine degustation at one of the oldest wineries in the region & taste world-renown wines before our 3-course meal. During the afternoon create your own colourful canvas in a painting session with award-winning local artist.

Day 3- Boranup Forest – walk 9km – sculpture session

The stunning Boranup forest will take your breath away as you walk and feel deeply reconnected to nature.
Create your own site-specific sculptures deep in the heart of the Karri trees with our award-winning, international environmental sculptor to guide you.

Relax in the afternoon with free time to reflect & take in the beauty of our surroundings.

Day 4- Cape Leuwin walk

Walk through another magical stretch of Karri forest, coastal woodlands & heath all the way to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse &
enjoy lunch at the White Elephant overlooking Gnarabup Beach. Explore Margaret River town before our drive back to Perth.

Mindfulness Luxe Escapes in Noosa

Nature is such a powerful healer as well as a beautiful reminder of how we can live in more presence. Below are unique opportunities to allow you to experience Noosa’s nature with your own private mindfulness experiences with one of our favourite guides Kelly Carthy.

Morning Retreat

Included is a tailored movement session incorporating yoga, pilates, breath-work and transformational meditations with powerful tools that can be applied directly into your life.  Create more space in your life with this beautifully crafted personal retreat in one of the most uniquely spectacular nature trails of the Australian coast. 

Dusk Wellbeing

When the sun sets, so follows calm and rest. The best way to end a day in Noosa is to take in the serenity of the sunset and treat your body to a relaxing movement and meditation session.

Gain exclusive access to the best local hideaway and viewpoints and see the sun rest over inspiring Noosa backdrops.  Let go of any unresolved tension as you are guided through a tailored meditation session that will completely recharge you and drop you calmly into the present moment.

Any sunset session would not be complete without a toast to the day, so enjoy a selection of luxury seasonal produce and celebratory beverage.

Mindful dining

This personalised dining experience focuses on immersing you in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast combined with the finest local cuisine. Your guide / chef will take time getting to know you and then tailor a menu and dining experience that will take you on a journey to awaken all senses.

Full moon skydiving

Imagine falling into a sky full of stars on the night of a full moon with the scent of the bush and infinite space of the night sky surrounding you.  Combine a beautiful evening meditation with a full moon skydive to allow you to embrace each moment of the experience and really feel the sense of time expanded. 

Sunrise SUP (Stand-up paddle board)

Whether you like to gently greet the day or start it with a high energy ‘bang’,  your guide knows the best places to see the morning sun shine upon beautiful Noosa. Experience Stand Up Paddle boarding like never before with core work, yoga, meditation and movement seamlessly woven into your paddle journey down some of Noosa’s most pristine waterways. Not only is this a beautiful sight to behold, you’ll have a complete sensory experience in feeling the natural elements on your skin, hearing the sounds of native wildlife and tasting some local delights. Leave stress and worry behind and awaken your true, passionate and positive self; explore and recharge with a Sunrise SUP experience.

Wildlife, kayaking and walking – The ultimate Freycinet Adventure

This ultimate adventure offers a truly unique experience. Picnic island, spectacular coastal wilderness, Wineglass bay and so much more. Discover the feeling of freedom and rejuvenate in the fresh sea air of Freycient National Park.

Kayak to Hazards Beach in Freycinet National Park
Kayak to Hazards Beach

Over 4 days experience a true escape with this ultimate Freycinet Adventure. This unique adventure is so much more than just a walking tour. This hosted experience includes wildlife, kayaking, walking, boat tours and plenty of relaxing. The base camp is on a private island (Picnic Island). It is completely unique and has a truly a spectacular outlook of Freycinet National Park.

View of Tasmania mainland from Picnic Island

This trip starts with the stunning drive from Hobart to Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula. From here you’ll board our Aqua Taxi and head out to our exclusive island accommodation. Once you’ve settled in, experienced guides will take you through your exciting itinerary for the next few days.

Included is kayaking, walking, boat trips and wildlife encounters. Your accommodation will be in a luxurious cabin overlooking the water on the island. Your meals are prepared lovingly in the ‘birdhouse’ on the island by the passionate guides and include local produce and Tasmanian wines.

Highlights

  • Private evening penguin colony tour
  • Aqua Taxi tour on the Freycinet Peninsula taking in pristine deserted beaches
  • A picnic at Wineglass Bay
  • Sunset Kayak Tour
  • Oyster Tasting
  • Walks within Freycinet National Park including Mt. Graham & Mt. Amos

Accommodation

Accommodation on Picnic Island in Freycinet
Accommodation on Picnic Island

Your unique accommodation will be a highlight of this experience. Situated 800m offshore from Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park is Picnic Island. This architecturally and environmentally sensitively designed lodge makes this experience a true escape. Each sleeping quarter is decked out with a comfortable queen been with stunning water views. The common area (The Birdshouse) boasts a wood-fire, dining and lounge area.

Sundowner will have a new meaning for you. We also share the island with a colony of little penguins and some other spectacular visiting wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Your transfer from Hobart is included. You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a picturesque drive up the East Coast. On arrival, the Aqua Taxi will shuttle you out to the island for a late lunch. Optional afternoon short walks in Freycinet National Park.

Day 2: An Aqua Taxi will take you down to Hazards Beach to enjoy some coastal walks within Freycinet National Park. The guides will take you on a hike from Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay for a picnic lunch. After dinner, is optional penguin viewing on the island.

Picnic Island is the ideal base in Freycinet National Park

Day 3: The morning consists of a walk up Mt. Freycinet (5.5 kms) which has picturesque views of the whole Peninsula. You will undertake the award winning Freycinet Paddle -3 hour guided sea kayaking tour at twilight.

Day 4: Included is oyster tasting at the local Marine Farm followed by a transfer back to Hobart. There is also plenty of ‘island time ’to enjoy a spot of fishing off the jetty, birdwatching, or relaxing around the island.

All walks/activities are optional.

For more information about this 4 day Tasmanian itinerary contact your Australian specialist at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.

Fishing in Australia

Australia’s fish population has had tens of millions of years to evolve and adapt to the unique aquatic environments of this massive, isolated island continent, so it’s hardly surprising that many species are found nowhere else on earth. However even those species you might be familiar with, such as black marlin and some types of tuna, tend to be more abundant and grow larger here than almost anywhere else. Below is a short list of some of Australia’s most exciting sport fishing target species or groups of fish.

 

For more information about fishing in Australia, visit the Australia website.

 

 

The 4 day/ 3 night Murray River Walk – A Great Walk of Australia

The new Murray River Walk is a 40 kilometre (25 mile), easy to moderate walk showcasing the internationally recognised Riverland Ramsar Wetland region of the beautiful Murray River.

It’s a unique addition to the suite of Great Walks of Australia as accommodation is on an exclusive houseboat from where guests walk every day.

The Murray River walk
Unique Houseboat accommodation on the Murray River walk

Starting in Renmark, South Australia, the private trail passes ancient redgum forests, wetlands and red ochre cliffs. Walkers will encounter diverse wildlife and waterbirds along the river, creeks and old oxbow lagoons.

The walk departs weekly on Mondays between April and October and is done in groups of 10. As with all Great Walks of Australia, the food and wine of South Australia’s Riverland food bowl is exceptional.