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3-night Byron Bay Hinterland luxury escape for a group of friends

We’ve put together an easy escape for a group of 6 friends in the gorgeous Byron Bay Hinterland. Think of it as your own private luxury hotel with all meals and activities taken care of. All you need to do is turn up.

You’ll have exclusive use of your own private luxury accommodation in acres of green rain forest, with spectacular views Eastwards to Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Byron Hinterland, this boutique bed and breakfast has been impeccably designed to be close to nature and close to the hearts of the founders and hosts.  The interior palette includes Moroccan tiled bathrooms with naked copper fittings; super-lux King size beds with Egyptian cotton linen on burnished concrete floors; unique reclaimed timber cabinetry, and warm birch ply panelled walls. Wake up to the ultimate framed view, where the mountains meet the sea. The 10 metre mineral magnesium pool is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a drink overlooking Cape Byron.

Inclusions:

  • 3-nights Luxury Accommodation (Exclusive use for your group of 6)
  • All meals (and some beverages ) including chef prepared dinners and breakfasts, Brunch at Beach Byron Bay, Private beach picnic
  • Welcome to Byron and Surrounds Private Guided Tour including Brookies Farm & Gin distillery
  • Bubbles on arrival at accommodation, cheese board and chocolates served to pavilions
  • Minyon Falls Rainforest Walk, Private Guided walk and lunch
  • ‘Forest to Beach’ Sunset Private Horse Ride
  • Cape Byron Sea Kayak Shared Tour
  • Airport Transfers ex Ballina Airport

 

 

ITINERARY

DAY ONE
Fly into Ballina Airport where your local host will be waiting to escort you.

Welcome to Byron and Surrounds Tour 
Meet your local host at Ballina Airport before spending an afternoon exploring Byron Bay’s hinterland. The first stop is the local Brook family’s 96-acre farm ‘Brookies’ located high on the ridgeline above Byron Bay with views to the iconic Lighthouse and along the coastline.

On arrival, meet your host and commence a journey through the story of the Brook family farm and distillery. Begin with a Brookie’s Gin & Tonic garnished with Native Finger Lime & Aniseed Myrtle. Join your host on a stroll through the subtropical rainforest – see, smell, and touch the native rainforest botanicals that are used in the award-winning Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin. Return to the distillery where you will be guided through a fun sensory tasting experience by the distillery team.

Check into your luxury accommodation late afternoon and enjoy bubbles served on arrival. An afternoon massage can be arranged at additional cost.

Dinner will be prepared this evening by the 2018 winners of My Kitchen Rules, Alex and Emily. Enjoy a casual flavour driven menu accompanied by views that stretch across the Byron coastline and Pacific Ocean.

DAY TWO
Breakfast at leisure

Minyon Falls Rainforest Walk 
This morning you will join an environmental scientist on a private 2-hour / 4-kilometre rainforest walk. Explore this amazing rainforest ecosystem, see wildlife, and experience the wonder of Minyon Falls located 100-metres above the valley floor within the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park. Enjoy a swim at the waterfall and picnic lunch before returning to your accommodation.

‘Forest to Beach’ sunset horseback ride 
Join the Zephyr Horses team for a sunset ‘Forest to Beach’ trail ride. On arrival you will be introduced to one of their twenty horses. Spend some time getting to know your horse before riding through native Tea Tree forest trails and along Byron’s iconic Belongil Beach. Suitable for beginner riders, Zephyr offers a holistic approach where the you will not only get to ride, but also learn about equipment, grooming, technique, horse behaviour and movement, and horsemanship.

Picture yourselves feasting on the best local products sourced by renowned chefs in an unforgettable setting on Belongil Beach.
Luxury Turkish towels, picnic rugs, cushions and funky Moroccan style beach umbrellas will provide comfort while you enjoy a Champagne picnic as the sun sets.

DAY THREE
Morning Cape Byron Sea Kayak Tour 
Meet your local host then transfer to Byron where you will join a Sea Kayak tour through the surf.
Get up close to playful bottlenose dolphins and keep an eye out for sea turtles and season dependant, you may be lucky enough to come across a pod of migrating whales.

On conclusion of the tour, a short transfer will have you at the ever-popular ‘Beach Byron Bay’ for brunch overlooking Main Beach.

Following brunch, you may wish to explore Byron Bay township or perhaps walk the coastal track to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse located at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

Poolside Dinner with Chef Dai Shibata
With an impressive resume in fine dining restaurants, Chef Dai will create a bespoke degustation style dinner featuring in season local produce.

DAY FOUR
Breakfast at leisure.
Transfer to Ballina Airport

Travel Dates: Now until 31 March 2021. ( Subject to availability and excluding peak period 18 December 2020 – 15 January 2021. Surcharges will apply to 10 – 14 December & 21 – 31 January 2021 )

To enquire please contact the team at info@alquemie.com.au.

The Tiwi Islands

The beautiful Tiwi Islands comprise of two main islands – Bathurst and Melville, located 80 kilometres north of Darwin. Often referred to as the ‘Islands of Smiles’, the residents of the Tiwi Islands are mostly of Aboriginal descent and it’s these welcoming people and their culture that is the key drawcard. They are known for their traditional lifestyle, stunning artworks, vibrant fabrics and textile, not to mention their passion for Aussie rules. Alongside the locals, the other drawcard is nature herself – the Tiwi islands are one of the most untouched ecosystems in Australia and offer a wealth of nature based adventures.

Visitors can do day trips from Darwin via ferry, helicopter, seaplane or private charter, or they can spend a little longer and truly immerse in this remote and wonderful destination.

 

 

 

 

Accommodation on the Tiwi Islands – Tiwi Island Retreat

Tiwi Island Retreat is a remote, exclusive and pristine beachfront property located on the South West coast of Bathurst Island. It is locally owned and operated by National Geographic’s Outback Wrangler, Matt Wright.

Tiwi Island Retreat is the perfect place for any intrepid explorer looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy a truly pristine, remote island holiday.

Visitors can simply relax and enjoy the exclusive beach front location and pool, or experience once in a lifetime outback and fishing adventures, helicopter and 4wd buggy tours, wildlife encounters or amazing Indigenous arts and cultural tours.

Experiences on the Tiwi Islands

Beach Buggy Cruise & Cheese Platter – Travel along the pristine 4 Mile Beach by quad bike to a secret creek spot followed by drinks and a cheese platter.

Mud Crabbing & Fishing – Pull crab pots, fish for barramundi in the creeks and eating your catch at the end of the day.

Remote Swimming Hole Helicopter Adventure – Explore the beauty of this pristine location from the air combined with a visit and swim in the crystal-clear waters of one of Australia’s most remote water holes.

Creek Fishing Adventure – Exceptional once in a lifetime barramundi fishing experience in one of the most remote, pristine fishing environments in the world.

Private Indigenous Arts & Cultural Experience – Spectacular scenic flight across Bathurst Island combined with a truly special Indigenous art and cultural tour ran on ‘Tiwi time’.

Deep Sea Fishing Charter – Our full day deep sea fishing charter takes you to some of the most remote, pristine fishing environments in the world.

Heli-fishing adventures – You’ll be flown to a remote, pristine and exclusive fishing locations around the the Tiwi Islands, targeting the elusive Barramundi.

Volunteer tree planting for koalas

I recently spent a day with Janine Duffy, one of Australia’s best nature guides, planting trees that will soon become koala habitat.  In addition to her nature tourism business Echidna Walkabout Tours, Janine recently founded Koala Clancy, a not-for-profit that plants trees for koalas, creates new habitat and advocates for better protection of wild koalas.

It was a chilly Sunday morning but our group of 20 were rugged up and keen to help. We were on a gorgeous private farm about an hour east from Melbourne. The property owners were generously allowing perfectly good farm land to be re-populated with thousands of trees.

Janine’s passion and enthusiasm to help the koalas is contagious. She explained the issues such as loss of habitat due to humans and the recent bushfires, and that a single koala typically needs a huge range of about 5,000 trees (even if they only use about 350 of them). This year she had planned to plant 30,000 trees however with Covid-19 affecting things the aim is now 15,000. Her goal is to create a wildlife corridor which spans multiple properties and connects with the You Yangs and Brisbane Ranges.

With a little bit of instruction we were underway. The holes were already dug, and the saplings next to them ready to plant so it felt like the hard work was already done. The other volunteers were a pleasure to be around – all of them interested in nature and keen to give back. For some it was also their first time, but others had done tree planting once or twice before.

After a few hours we had planted 500 trees. It was a really satisfying feeling to know that in four to six years they will already be strong enough for koalas.

After we finished the morning’s work Janine took us on a walk to show us how quickly some recently planted trees had grown, and then on a bush walk. It was a lovely way to finish the day.

Travellers are welcome to join a group to help with the koala habitat recovery. There are one, two or three day options on set dates – all with planting in the morning and nature walks in the afternoon.  For people who can’t make a set date, private arrangements can also be made.

1 day Koala Recovery Experience

(2 or 3 day options are also available)

Depart Melbourne city accommodation. Travel about an hour west to our tree planting site near the You Yangs Ranges.

The tree planting sites are usually along rivers, creeks and near waterholes on farms on the Western Plains. The morning is spent planting koala trees in these high-quality, fertile sites, often in the company of the landowner, local community members and Koala Clancy Foundation volunteers and staff. Holes are pre-dug to make tree planting quick and easy.

Lunch is usually taken picnic-style either at the planting site or in nearby bushland.

The afternoon is spent on nature walks to visit the koalas that will benefit most from the tree planting. Other wildlife is frequently seen. Return to Melbourne around 4pm.

Upcoming dates: 2020: August: 6, 7, 8 and 20, 21, 22 2021: July: 1, 2, 3 and 16, 17, 18 and 29, 30, 31 August: 13,14,15 and 26, 27, 28

Please contact Alquemie to include an experience like this as part of an itinerary info@alquemie.com.au.

For Melbourne locals wishing to just volunteer, please contact Koala Clancy directly.

Epic 6-day Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari

This 6-day Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari itinerary includes time at the Kimberley’s most iconic and scenic sites, as well as overnight stays in the region’s best luxury lodges and wilderness retreats – Berkeley River Lodge, Kimberley Coastal Camp and El Questro. The tours are private, and travelling by helicopter allows you the flexibility to land and explore remote and otherwise inaccessible areas as you wish. Imagine resting atop a mountain pinnacle to enjoy the sunset with your favourite cold drink, fishing in wild rivers, exploring galleries of the oldest rock art on earth, soaring through gorges and touching down to swim in secret springs and waterfalls…yep, this is definitely one for the bucket list.

Day 1 – Kununurra to Berkeley River Lodge

Lift off from Kununurra to soar over the Ord River following its path west past the huge farms of the Ord Irrigation area. View the incredible patterns in the mud flats surrounding the town of Wyndham where five huge rivers meet, emptying into the Cambridge Gulf where some of the Kimberley’s biggest estuarine crocodiles live.

Cambridge Gulf
Cambridge Gulf

Crossing the Gulf you’ll pass over ancient traditional lands of the Balangarra people. Flying onwards, the ranges rise ahead with the watercourses of the De Lan Court and Berkeley Rivers beneath you. Land at a scenic location to enjoy refreshments in a place where few others have ever been before. Fly low through the gorges of the Berkeley River to the Timor Sea and land at the oceanside helipad of the Berkeley River Lodge in time for breakfast.



 In a completely secluded wilderness location that is accessible only by air or boat Berkeley River Lodge is nestled between the impressive backdrop of the beautiful Berkeley River and the breathtaking Timor Sea and is comprised of 20 luxury 1 bedroom chalets set on the sand dunes with 180 degree ocean or river views.

Day 2 – Berkeley River Lodge to Kimberley Coastal Camp

Lunch in the canypn at Berkeley River Lodge
Lunch in the canyon at Berkeley River Lodge

Lift off after breakfast with a delicious picnic on board, prepared by the Berkeley River Lodge chef. Today’s flight takes in the remote Kimberley‘s northern coastline, with craggy cliffs, white coves and plentiful sealife to view from above. Land atop the twin waterfalls of the King George Falls to explore then visit Kalumburu, an Aboriginal community where the mission is still in place with an astonishing museum curated by the Benedictine monks who have spent their lives here. Rounding the top of WA and flying past Steep Head Island you’ll come in to land on the shell beach at your home for the next two nights, Kimberley Coastal Camp.

Day 3 – Kimberley Coastal Camp

Kimberley Coastal Camp
Kimberley Coastal Camp

An exclusive retreat limited to just 12 guests, Kimberley Coastal Camp is unpretentious, laid back and set in an exquisite location that is again only accessible by helicopter or boat. Jules and Tub are your hosts who will welcome you into their beautiful home at the far north west corner of Australia. Jules is an incredibly talented chef and prepares all sorts of delicious meals. Tub will take you out on the water to fish, explore and forage for oysters, then cook it up for lunch on a pristine beach. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy here on your ‘no fly day’, from fishing – the Admiralty Gulf is recognised as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia – to exploring the hidden galleries of exquisite art forms that adorn caves and rock panels throughout Yalrundair.

Day 4: Kimberley Coastal Camp to Mitchell Falls, Prince Regent River and El Questro

Today’s adventure will take you along the coast first and then inland. Departing after early breakfast you’ll soar over the Mitchell Plateau to orbit over and land at the top of the mighty 4-tiered Mitchell Falls. Your pilot will guide you on a walk to get the best of this iconic Australian feature. You’ll then fly to the coast and may land at Naturaliste Island, to refuel if necessary, where there’s the chance to see turtles. Continue through Prince Frederick Harbour, a natural harbour with bays, coves, spectacular cliffs and mangrove forests.

Mitchell falls
Mitchell falls

View pearl farms, the King Cascades flowing into the Prince Regent River, Mt Trafalgar, Mt Waterloo and much more as you continue over rugged inland pastoral leases to Drysdale River Station to refuel, a remote fuel and accommodation stop on the Kalumburu Road. The last leg for the day takes you over the central Kimberley, flying over parts of the Gibb River Road, Home Valley Station and the famous Pentecost River Crossing. The glow of the afternoon sun on the red rocks of the Cockburn Range makes a stunning backdrop to sunset drinks location on top of one of the pinnacles. On sunset you’ll fly to El Questro landing on the lawn helipad at the Homestead. Over 800,000 acres in size, El Questro extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored. The Homestead sits amid a cool oasis shaded by palm trees and tropical greenery, perched atop an escarpment that plummets into the Chamberlain River.

Day 5: El Questro

El Questro
El Questro

Today is another ‘no fly’ day, which gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the wide range of complimentary excursions that are included at El Questro – the majority of which are exclusive to Homestead guests.

Day 5: El Questro to Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle), Lake Argyle and Kununurra

Lift off from the El Questro Homestead lawn helipad after breakfast to soar out over the Chamberlain River and fly south passing over the Elgee cliffs bordering the Durack River. Explore vast tracts of cattle station empires and marvel at the tenacity of our early pioneers in settling this rugged land. We pass over the traditional lands of the Kija and Djaru people and their community at Warmun, where many famous Aboriginal artists such as Rover Thomas and Queenie McKenzie lived and worked. Your destination is Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Listed area, celebrated for the valuable cultural and natural assets it holds including the Bungle Bungle Range, a 350 million year old sandstone massif that rises up to 578 metres above sea level.

Bungle Bungles - HeliSpirit
Fly over the Bungle Bungles

The range stands 200 to 300 metres above a woodland and grass-covered plain, with steep cliffs on the western face. Elsewhere, particularly where Piccaninny Creek has formed Piccaninny Gorge, the range is cut by deep gullies and breaks up into complex areas of ridges and domes, with prominent orange and black or grey bands. Land at Bellburn airfield in Purnululu to join a private overland tour that comprises a drive to the massif and then a guided walk through the striped sandstone domes and further into Cathedral Gorge, named due to its excellent acoustics. Margie is the local guide and her family has lived in the area for literally tens of thousands of years so she knows all the best places. In the afternoon you’ll depart Purnululu, flying north over the Argyle Diamond Mine, where rare pink diamonds are found, then over huge Lake Argyle, the biggest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere. Its volume is said to be over 21 times that of Sydney harbour. The surrounding ranges that hold back the freshwater body will be glowing in the late afternoon light. Land on a mountain pinnacle where you can drink a toast to the Kimberley and its spectacular landscape before flying in to Kununurra and the Ord Valley which is always spectacular, an oasis of lush farms, big waters and colourful ranges – a fitting end to your unforgettable helicopter adventure. Your pilot will transfer you to your Kununurra accommodation and say farewell.

These luxury Kimberley Air Safaris operate from April 1st through to October 15th and do not have set departure dates. April and May offer the best time for Barramundi fishing and the waterfalls will be flowing well. The landscape is still green after the monsoonal Wet season. June to August are cooler months, with September and October starting to warm up ahead of the monsoon season. The fleet is varied and will depart with just 2 people or up to 12 people at a maximum, as the destinations you’ll stay at are small and exclusive.

For more information about this Private Kimberley Helicopter Safari please get in touch.

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.

Blue Mountains Luxury Family Eco-Adventure

Take the family on a 4-night luxury eco-adventure including a conservation experience and horse-riding. Enjoy the fun of luxury 4×4 exploration to lesser-known parts of Blue Mountains World Heritage area. From ancient rainforests to panoramic escarpments to deep canyons and ending with two-nights at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, a Luxury Lodge of Australia, this unique, expertly guided family adventure will educate, surprise and leave guests spell-bound.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

 

 

Day 1: Pick up Sydney location for a 4×4 Blue Mountains Eco-Adventure with wilderness walks & wildlife spotting.
Stay: Choice of Blue Mountains luxury accommodation

Day 2: More exploring of lesser known parts of the Blue Mountains Optional canyoning or bush survival skills
Stay: Choice of Blue Mountains luxury accommodation

Day 3: Morning glow worm tunnel visit Arrival after lunch at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Conservation activities
Stay: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Day 4: Morning horse riding Afternoon activities – historic tour, wildlife safari, mountain biking, bush walking….
Stay: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley

Day 5: Scenic Helicopter departure (or road if budget doesn’t permit).

Optional: Return touring experience with Chris Darwin to follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps.

P.O.A.
To book or enquire please contact the Alquemie team at info@alquemie.com.au.

Marramarra Lodge – a new luxury retreat on the Hawkesbury

Marramarra Lodge is a brand new luxury retreat on the Hawkesbury. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, yet so close to Sydney, this new luxury accommodation will be a hit with both domestic and international travellers looking for a quick and easy escape from the city – just one hour from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The exclusive Marramarra lodge sits high on Fishermans Point peninsula on the Hawkesbury River with just eight stylish Peninsula Tents and seven Hawkesbury Bungalows – all with water views and either sunrise or sunset options.

The all-inclusive stay includes a daily six-course degustation at Budyari Restaurant as well as daily activities. There is also a spa and pool for spending a relaxing day in the stunning surrounds.

Two night Marramarra Lodge packages include:
– Transfers via Brooklyn Wharf & Marramarra Lodge
– Accommodation in a newly restored Hawkesbury Bungalow or Luxury Tent
– Gourmet breakfast of chef’s locally sourced and house made produce, each morning
– Light lunch daily
– Exclusive selection of minibar items
– Dinner beverages and paired wines
– Chef’s degustation dinner each evening
– Luxury amenities
– Daily resort activities

From just $1,100 per person twin share.

UPGRADE
Include a scenic Seaplane transfer or a Jet Ski Safari.

To book or enquire please contact the Alquemie team at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.

A Nature-based Family Escape near Canberra

Experience Canberra’s premier wildlife sanctuary like never before with the ultimate family sleepover – A Wild Night out At Tidbinbilla with one-night adventures available from Friday 25 September 2020 to Saturday 10 October 2020.

From the minute you arrive at the Wilderness Family Camp you will be immersed in nature. Everyone will be welcomed to the camp, learning about the area. On each trip is a range of family-friendly activities, giving guests their own unique journey at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Star gazing and a night wildlife walk is a must in this peaceful reserve, just out of Canberra. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind and spend some quality time with the family.

A hot BBQ buffet is provided for dinner, and after a restful night sleep, you can enjoy a continental breakfast with hot tea and coffee.

Overnight accommodation in Wilderness Family Camp (Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve) with dinner and breakfast included in packages.

A Wild Night out At Tidbinbilla


FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM

With many activities on offer, guests will have a fun packed weekend for the whole family to enjoy. From CSI Tidbinbilla, to Hi-Tech Wildlife and behind the scenes at the vet centre our itineraries offer something for eveyone.

CSI Tidbinbilla – where families get to join a fun CSI’ style investigation where we hunt for the predator who has taken one of our Potaroos from the Eucalypt forest. Solve the clues to catch the bad guy and learn more about predators while taking part in this interactive activity.

Aboriginal Hanging Rock – Join a Murrumbung Aboriginal Ranger and explore the Tidbinbilla Aboriginal Rock Shelters. See how people used to live and survive, what it takes to live in the wild and learn about bush tucker foods

Hi Tech Wildlife – Walk at dusk in the Eucalypt Forest as we explore the use of different technologies to monitor critters including bandicoots, potaroos and koalas. Get hands on with scanners, cameras, goggles and other equipment used in the reserve!

Behind the Scene’s at the Vet Centre – Meet the Wildlife team and get up close and personal with a critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog and find out what goes on behind closed doors.

Package includes:

  • One night family glamping tent for two adults and two children
  • Activities
  • A hot BBQ buffet dinner
  • Continental breakfast

To include this as part of a school-holiday itinerary please enquire with the Alquemie team at alquemie@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.