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Whitehaven to Wineglass Bay

Travel the Australian East Coast, cherry-pick the absolute best.

Experience a uniquely Australian luxury holiday at Hamilton Island’s award-winning qualia resort, the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart and concluding at the upscale Saffire resort on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula. Enjoy the contrast between the north’s humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania’s temperate southern climate and dramatic coastal woodlands and mountains.

Travel arrangements and experiences are consolidated into one seamless and unique booking by Alquemie’s luxury specialists.

Days 1 & 2 – qualia

qualia (pronounced kwah-leea) is located on the northern most point of Hamilton Island and offers sixty chic guest pavilions. Visually the retreat is 100% tropical Australia – glimpses of corrugated-iron, wide eaves, ventilation slats and breeze ways shimmering through a lacework of eucalypts and flowering melaleucas. However the elegance of its interiors and fittings and the excellence of its amenities and services places it among the best international resort experiences.

Includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Windward Pavilion
  • Dinner on both nights with the first night being an 8 course tasting menu with matching wines
  • Whitehaven Signature treatment at Spa qualia
  • Talk & Taste experience
  • Scenic helicopter flight over Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, and a picnic on Whitehaven Beach
  • A la carte breakfast daily
  • Standard qualia inclusions

(Note: Flight TBA, Sydney to Hamilton Island – booked by Passengers)

Days 3 – Hamilton Island to Hobart

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is located on Hobart’s waterfront and sits on what was once a jam factory dating back to 1804. The hotel is furnished with over 300 artworks with a continuously changing exhibition and has been created to present itself as a fusion of art, heritage, tradition and nature. The hotel offers 56 rooms and suites all uniquely different and furnished and the hotel’s restaurants and bars feature Tasmanian fine food and beverages

Deluxe Spa Harbour View Rooms overlook harbour front of Hobart framed by the cityscape and Mount Wellington. These rooms feature original walls of stone and timber trusses with columns and beams. With stainless steel and translucent glass bathrooms these rooms include a spa bath for total relaxation.

  • Hobart Airport to City
    Private Car Transfer – approximately 30 minute’s journey time
  • The Henry Jones Art Hotel 
    Number of Nights: 1
    Number of Rooms: 1 Double
    Room Type: Deluxe Spa Harbour View
    Room Includes: Full breakfast

(Note: Flight TBA, Hamilton Island to Hobart via Sydney – booked by Passengers)

Days 4 & 5 – Hobart to Saffire

The Freycinet Peninsula extends south-eastwards from Tasmania’s coastline and is a gazetted National Park that includes the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay. Freycinet’s landscapes are soft and warm pink granite mountains, white sand beaches, grey-green casuarinas and seawater blue as sapphire!

Saffire is located on the inside of the gentle curve of sandy coastline that joins the peninsula to mainland Tasmania and overlooks the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay, where migrating whales and dolphins come to play. Local farms produce fresh, succulent oysters in some of the world’s cleanest waters; and fishing boats and trawlers bring in their daily catch of crayfish, scallops and deep sea fish, dripping and salty-sweet straight from the ocean.

The Signature Suites offer an open plan living area, an outdoor relaxation area and an ensuite bathroom. They have been furnished in an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, with locally made timber pieces alongside mid-century classics.

Includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Signature Suite
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
  • Complimentary mini bar & selected deluxe beverages
  • A$150 total spa credit
  • Saffire activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, archery & fishing
  • Saffire experiences such as the Freycinet marine oyster farm, the Tasmanian Devil experience and the Wineglass Lookout Walk.
  • Private car transfer – approximately 3 hours’ journey time
    Option to upgrade (at additional cost) to a private helicopter transfer – approximate journey time of 40 minutes

Days 6 – Saffire to Hobart

  • Saffire to Hobart
    Private Car Transfer – approximately 2.5 hours’ journey time
    Option to upgrade (at additional cost) to a private helicopter transfer – approximate journey time of 40 minutes
  • Flight TBA, Hobart to International Airport – (Flight booked by Passengers)

Please note:

  • Block-out dates will apply for qualia, Saffire, and Henry Jones Art Hotel. These will be advised at time of enquiry and rates are subject to change.
  • Costings are per person and based on twin-share.
  • Rates and availability are subject to change at time of booking as no reservations have been made.
  • Flights can be suggested however is not included in the total cost. At time of enquiry should you wish for Alquemie to include flights these can be added at additional cost.
  • Option to upgrade to a Private Helicopter Transfer to or from Saffire is not included in the total cost. This can be added at an additional cost.
  • For a credit card payment, we reserve the right to charge a handling fee.
  • Visas may be required for entry into Australia; please check with your local Consulate or High Commission
  • Should you decide to make changes to a confirmed itinerary, amendment penalties of A$100 per change applies.
  • Unless otherwise specified all touring will be conducted in English.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Open skies to city lights: The Kimberley to Vivid Sydney 2019

Experience the contrast of the rugged coastline and burnt red outback of Western Australia to the bustling city of iconic Sydney and Vivid Sydney 2019.

When to go? May & June 2019

Start your journey in Perth with a special night out, the city has a burgeoning food scene so let us book a dining experience to suit your tastes whether it’s modern Australian or a menu based on the indigenous six seasons.

A far cry from the city find yourself amid the vast and ancient landscape of the East Kimberley region where sits the untamed natural beauty of El Questro nestled amongst burnt-orange cliffs and lush green lawns. Your scenic flight transfer over the spectacular Bungle Bungles from Kununurra will deliver you to one of Australia’s last true frontiers.

Bungle Bungles - HeliSpirit
Fly over the Bungle Bungles

April and May offer the best time to see the waterfalls in full flow after the monsoonal wet season so spend the day in a majestic setting at the top of one of the highest falls, Amaroo, accessible only by private helicopter. Take an enthralling guided walk before enjoying a swim and picnic in the isolated beauty. The edge of the waterfall provides a window to breathtaking views across an endless landscape and the return fight takes you over Explosion & Chamberlain Gorge.

A private flight will deliver you to the remote town of Exmouth from where you’ll take to the skies by microlight for an exhilarating Birds Eye View of the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Take a sneak peek at your accommodation Sal Salis, an exclusive bush camp hidden in the dunes overlooking the pristine beaches and coral reefs before making your entrance.

Spend a day on private charter to experience the Whale Sharks and other marine life such as Manta Rays that call this rugged coast and the turquoise waters home. You’ll have the chance to swim with these amazing gentle giants and to complete this unique experience; find yourself in the company of a world renowned Marine Biologist whose knowledge and enthusiasm is contagious.

Vivid Sydney 2017 Photo: James Horan

Journey from the starry skies of the outback to experience the bright lights of the big city and the largest festival of its kind in the world, Vivid Sydney 2019. You’ll be perfectly placed at the heart of it all in the coveted location of the Park Hyatt Sydney but to really immersive yourself step on board an exclusive private cruise of Sydney Harbour. Designed specifically, you’ll have the best opportunity to experience the dynamic program of light installations on the Sydney Opera House, Fort Dennison, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. For a further exclusive experience ask us too about a private meeting with one of the artists themselves.

REMOTE OUTBACK ADVENTURE TOP END, KIMBERLEY & NINGALOO

Alquemie is very pleased to announce its first small group air safari for clients who would like to experience Australia’s remote outback by private air charter over 16 incredible days in May 2019.

Starting in Darwin, this air safari takes just 8 guests to far flung locations like Kakadu and Arnhem Land, the Bungle Bungles, Mitchell Falls, Ningaloo Reef and much more.  Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to remote rustic beach camps with incredible experiences.

This small group hosted air safari is perfect for couples who wish to meet like minded people or for those that wish to see this incredible part of Australia by charter flight but would prefer to share the air costs.

With just 8 places we expect this tour to sell out quickly.

View the full itinerary here. 

 

16 DAY HOSTED SMALL GROUP AIR SAFARI BY PRIVATE JET
Dates: 13 – 28 MAY 2019

Highlights

Meet and engage with traditional Aboriginal elders, a modern day urban Indigenous chef and Aboriginal artists living in a remote and restricted community near abundant rock art galleries.

See Australia’s spectacular outback and coastal scenery by air, land, and water with expert guides and local, authentic characters leading you to magical spots in the middle of nowhere.

Discover the wealth of Australia’s unique wildlife.

Swim with whale sharks, the ocean’s gentle giants, in the pristine turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef.

Stay at exclusive wilderness locations chosen for their breadth of interesting experiences including a bush campsite in the heart of Kakadu, a working cattle station, a cliff-top retreat on 700,000 acres of stunning outback, an award-wining rustic seaside camp accessible only by air or sea, and a desert-meets-the-ocean luxury tented camp.

Private Bungle Bungles Insight – The Kimberley

Anthony’s educational in the Kimberley

Alquemie’s Australian Specialist Anthony Radic journeyed to the Kimberley, Western Australia in April 2018 for an eight night educational. Part of this was a 4 day, 3 night ‘Bungle Bungles Insight’ journey by 4×4 starting in Broome and ending in Kununurra with the key highlight being the UNESCO World Heritage listed bee-hive striped domes of the Bungle Bungles, only ‘discovered’ in the mid 1980s although Aboriginal occupancy in the region dates back tens of thousands of years.

Highlights included: Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Mimbi Caves, Halls Creek, Echidna Chasm, Escarpment Walk, Stonehenge, The Bungle Bungle Domes, Elephant Rock, Prison Boad Tree, Picanniny Creek & Lookout, Cathedral Gorge.

Anthony’s feedback on the journey:

  • Excellent guiding. Aboriginal knowledge and history was superb.
  • My guide Ed knew the locals really well which is perfect when guiding in these areas.
  • The trip is fully flexible and can also include the Pilbara region

Below is his itinerary and photos.

Day 1 Derby, Gibb River Road, Fitzroy River Lodge

Many parts of inland Kimberley are accessible only from May to October

 

From Broome Anthony travelled through the remote and beautiful landscape of the Western Kimberley, learnt about local history, people and the environment before crossing the Fitzroy River and visiting the a famous 1,500 year old Boab
Tree.

Next stop was the township of Derby located on the tidal mud flats on the edge of the King Sound, known for having the highest tidal range of any port in Australia. Here they also took the opportunity to drive on the remote cattle track, the Gibb River Road.

A short stop at the wonderful Mowanjum Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre set the scene for the rest of the journey, educating Anthony about the Wandjina & Gwion Gwion spirits, so important in the region. Afterwards they passed the Oscar Ranges before arriving at comfortable accommodation on the banks of the Fitzroy River.

Day 2 Halls Creek, Spring Creek Track, Mimbi Caves

The next day they ventured into Purnululu National Park by way of the Mimbi Caves, which Anthony loved. A Welcome to Country ceremony by the local people whose land they were on started the proceedings. Inside the caves he sat in the dark and listened to stories of how traditional landowners lived in caves as late as the city of Darwin getting bombed. The afternoon was an adventurous 4WD journey along the Spring Creek Track.

Day 3 Echidna Chasm, Scenic Flight

Echidna Chasm

Anthony loved his day at the northern extremity of Purnululu National Park exploring Echidna Chasm, known for its towering Livistonia Palm trees. His walk up the creek bed was rewarded with a bird’s eye views of the shaded escarpment. Another walk through the bloodwoods went around the base of the massif.

Day 4 Picanniny Creek, Cathedral Gorge, (Optional Helicopter)

Cathedral Gorge (after a record dry monsoon season)

Picanniny Creek

 

Anthony’s last morning was spent exploring the extraordinary World Heritage protected Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungle domes. Rivers created this landscape of unique orange and black striped ‘beehive’ geological formations over a period of 20 million years. Unbelievably, only the locals knew it existed until the early 1980’s.

A gentle walk along the dry Picanniny Creek took Anthony to a look out and then into stunning Cathedral Gorge, where towering rocks create a natural amphitheatre.

After a picnic lunch he travelled to the Bungles airstrip for a scenic flight over the Argyle Diamond Mine landing in the vibrant East Kimberley town of Kununurra for the end of his trip.

Anthony’s trip was with Instyle Adventures and he stayed at Fitzroy River Lodge (1 night) and Bungle Bungle’s Savannah Lodge (2 nights). Please contact Anthony for more detailed information about his journey.

Night vision itinerary – Witness Australia’s super starry skies

Australia is blessed with space and that means there are plenty of opportunities to look up and see the night sky in all its glory. From our first International Dark Sky Park to the Southern Aurora, why not build an itinerary that makes the most of the night time as well as the day.

 

Visit our International Dark Sky Park

Warrumbungle National Park is as spectacular by day as the stars above it at night.

Ever heard of an ‘International Dark Sky Park’? It’s described as ‘a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.‘ Put simply, International Dark Sky Parks are special places where the stars look AMAZING!

International Dark Sky Parks are becoming more and more important as the world becomes more and more populated. With cities expanding and the wilderness disappearing bit by bit, light pollution is spreading and many children are growing up these days without seeing the stars.

In 2016, Warrumbungle National Park about 550km northeast of Sydney in outback New South Wales, received International Dark Sky Park status. Here the sky is free from light pollution and the it the perfect spot for stargazing and amateur astronomy. Adjacent to the park is Siding Spring Observatory – Australia’s premier optical and infrared astronomical observatory. It is home to the 4-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope, the largest in Australia. It’s possible to visit this working observatory to learn about the discoveries made from here. Then by night, in Warrumbungle National Park we’ll help you see the stars like never before with renowned astronomers or nighttime photographers.

 

See the Southern Aurora (Aurora Australis)

The Southern Aurora as seen in Tasmania 

Unknown to most, the southern skies of Australia can illuminate in a rainbow of colours just like its northern counterpart – the Aurora Borealis. In fact all it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the Southern Aurora all over Tasmania and all year around although in winter the days are shorter meaning you won’t need to stay up as late until the sun sets. The conditions need to be just right though, and this is usually when there has been a burst of solar wind that ejects tiny particles that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. There is a service that monitors the magnitude of the aurora with a 3 day forecast so if this is something that interests you, we can plan a flexible itinerary that gives you the best chance of seeing this incredible natural light show.

 

Learn about Aboriginal navigation by the stars

The night sky has held incredible importance to the Australian Aboriginals for tens of thousands of years. The stars were used in every day life to determine where food was or when to plant. They had their own zodiac with fascinating stories (some, such as the story behind the seven sisters (Pleiades) match those of far off nations) and they even used the stars to transmit moral codes of conduct. Spend time learning about this ancient knowledge with one of Australia’s leading experts.

 

Sky dive on a full moon

As if you need more adrenaline when jumping out of a plane, but full moon skydiving takes it up another level. In Australia there are some spectacular locations to sky dive over the coastline at full moon where you can land on the beach.

To weave any of the above into an itinerary, please get in touch with the Alquemie team.

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.

Itinerary: Wildlife in Legendary Landscapes of Australia

SUGGESTED MONTHS: MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER.

It is fitting that Australia’s most recognised locations are also abundantly rich in wildlife offerings. Beginning in picturesque Sydney Harbour, travellers will witness one of the world’s great animal migrations as Humpback Whales pass by the city’s cliffs. Next is a trip to the spiritual heart of the continent, with highlights seeing Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon, with this region being particularly abundant in raptor birds and bushbirds.

Venturing north, World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park is a precious nature reserve covering multiple habitats, boasting a huge concentration of nesting waterbirds, Saltwater Crocodiles, marsupials, reptiles and amphibians. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s great ecological treasures, with Lady Elliot Island being a prime spot to dive and snorkel with Manta Rays, turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and beautiful hard and soft corals.

Minimum Suggested Nights: 16 nights, plus a couple of nights on arrival and departure from Australia if desired.

Sydney

Departing from one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, guests will board a luxury cruiser led by an experienced guide and crew, to encounter one of the greatest natural migrations in the world. Known for their spectacular acrobatic abilities, seeing Humpback Whales launch out of the ocean with sheer energy is awe-inspiring.

Guides will share key insights on the whales’ behaviour and on many occasions, these majestic and curious creatures will interact with the boat. Combined with Sydney’s stunning coastal backdrop, this cruise is a truly unforgettable experience. Other marine species that may be encountered include Bottlenose Dolphins, Minke Whales and pelagic seabirds including a wide variety of Albatrosses.

Seasonal highlights

Winter: Jun-Aug – Birds

Peak season for viewing albatrosses, petrels and prions. Black-browed, Campbell, Shy, Indian Yellow-nosed, Buller’s, Gibson’s, Grey-headed and Wandering Albatrosses are sighting possibilities. Fairy Prions congregate, Providence, Wilson’s Cape, Northern Giant, Southern Giant Petrels, Brown Skuas, Australasian Gannets, Crested Terns.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Birds

Wedge-tailed, Flesh-footed, Sooty, Hutton’s and Fluttering Shearwaters arrive in significant numbers in September and October. Black-browed, Shy and Indian Yellow-nosed are the most likely albatross encounters. Giant Petrel, Great-winged Petrel and Providence Petrels are also occasionally seen, with Australasian Gannets, Silver Gull and Greater Crested Terns ever present.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Marine Mammals

Humpback Whales head north to give birth and mate in the waters of the Coral Sea, providing plenty of sightings close to shore, Southern Right Whale will occasionally move along the coastline seeking places to mate and shelter with their newborn calves.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Marine Mammals

Humpback Whales head south on migration to Antarctica. Early October to Mid December, mothers and newborn calves tend to swim very close to the shoreline, Common Dolphin and Bottlenose Dolphins often sighted with occasional visits by Minke Whales, False Killer Whales, Orcas and Pilot Whales..

The Red Centre

 
Traversing through ancient rocky and rugged ranges, vivid red sandstone canyons that are 350 million years old, rich ochre coloured sand dunes, vast expanses of Mulga and Spinifex and the awe-inspiring rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, this is the ultimate exploration of the Red Centre.

This small group, three or four-day immersive adventure showcases this beautiful desert region and the amazing flora and fauna that have evolved to thrive in this arid environment including numerous skinks, the iconic Thorny Devil, bushbirds, raptor birds, Kangaroos, Common Wallaroos and fascinating insects.

Guests will see Mt Conner, the third iconic rock in Central Australia, take in a stunning sunrise over Kata Tjuta’s spiritual domes and spend an afternoon exploring Uluru, the most culturally significant monolith in Australia.

As a finale, guests will travel to impressive Kings Canyon to undertake the inspirational Rim Walk or stroll along Kings Creek and marvel at the sandstone rock walls, towering more than 300 metres above the valley floor before returning to Alice Springs.

Seasonal highlights

Autumn: Mar-May – Birds

Nesting occur for Black-breasted Buzzards, Brown Falcons, Australian Hobby, Nankeen Kestrels and Wedge-tailed Eagles. Large flocks of Zebra Finches are generally seen across the desert skies at this time of year along with Galahs. Crimson Chats, Splendid Fairy Wrens and Australian Bustards are nomadic and present if rains have occurred.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Birds

Black-breasted Buzzards, Black Falcons, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Nankeen Kestrels and Brown Goshawks nesting. Crested Pigeons, Mudlarks, Butcherbirds, Fairy Martins, Yellow Throated Miners, Crested Bellbirds, Chiming Wedgebills and occasionally the Spinifex Pigeons, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Rainbow Bee-eaters and Red-capped Robins. Australian Ringneck Parrots, Galahs and Emus.

Autumn: Mar-May – Reptiles & Amphibians

Thorny Devils present before they burrow underground to hibernate for the winter. Long-nosed Water Dragons, Sand Goannas, Bearded Dragons, Central Netted Dragons and Black-headed Monitors.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Reptiles & Amphibians

Lizards emerge from winter hibernation. Blue-tongued Lizards, Perenties, Sand Goannas, Bearded Dragons, Central Netted Dragons, Long Nose Water Dragons and Thorny Devils all possible sightings.

The Top End


 
Covering black soil floodplains, paper bark swamps, savannah woodlands, monsoonal rainforests, river mangroves and dramatic escarpments, this is the ultimate Top End adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. Highlights include a visit to Fogg Dam, the iconic Yellow Water Cruise and airboat rides across the Mary River Catchment.

The richness and diversity of wildlife is simply extraordinary with wallabies, wallaroos, quolls, dingos, bats, goannas, frogs, pythons, waterbirds, cathedral termite mounds and the legendary Saltwater Crocodile, a small sample of viewing opportunities across these diverse habitats.

Visitors will be captivated by the cultural offerings found at the rock art galleries at Injalak and the sacred sites at Mt Borradaile, with the opportunity to learn about Australia’s fauna from the land’s traditional owners an unforgettable experience.

Seasonal highlights

Autumn: Mar-May – Birds

Red-winged Parrots, Double-barred, Star, Crimson and Long-tailed Finches, Red-tailed Cockatoos, Pheasant Coucal, White-bellied and Black-faced Cuckoo Shrikes, Bar-shouldered and Peaceful Doves.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Birds

Mass flocks of Magpie Geese nesting, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy and Whistling Kites, Great Billed Herons, Azure Kingfishers, Plumed Whistling, Wandering Whistling and Spotted Whistling Ducks, Royal Spoonbills and Glossy Ibis.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Birds

High concentration of waterbirds, Brolga courtship dance, Great Egrets, Royal Spoonbills, Black-winged Stilts, Black-necked Storks (Jabirus), Comb-crested Jacana, Blue-winged Kookaburras.

Autumn: Mar-May – Land Mammals & Marsupials

Arrival of Black Wallaroo joeys, Antilopine Wallaroos breeding, Dingos, Agile Wallabies, Rock Ringtail Possums and Little Red Flying Foxes babies, Northern Brown Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Phascogale.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Land Mammals & Marsupials

Agile Wallabies, Dingos, Wilkins’ Rock-Wallabies, Black Wallaroos, Antilopine Wallaroos, colonies of Ghost Bats, Black and Little Red Flying Foxes and Blossom Bats.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Land Mammals & Marsupials

Concentration of Agile Wallabies around creeks and billabongs, Antilopone Wallaroos, Wilkins’ Rock Wallabies, Northern Brown Bandicoots, Brush-tailed Phascogales and Northern Quolls, Black & Little Red Flying Foxes, Ghost Bats and Blossom Bats.

Autumn: Mar-May – Reptiles & Amphibians

Abudant Saltwater Crocodiles, Frilled-neck Lizards, Mertens’ Water Goannas, Sand and Yellow-spotted Goannas, Dahl’s Aquatic Frog across the floodplains, Northern Dwarf, Little Green Tree Frogs, Green Tree Snakes, Children Pythons, Banded Tree Snakes and Olive Pythons.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Reptiles & Amphibians

Abudant Saltwater Crocodiles, Freshwater Crocodiles in the escarpments, Green Tree Snakes, Children Pythons, Olive Pythons, Rough Knob-tailed Gecko, Desert Tree, Rocket, Roth’s Tree and Northern Dwarf Tree Frogs.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Reptiles & Amphibians

Peak season for Saltwater Crocodiles observation with shrinking pockets of water, Freshwater Crocodiles, Fire-tailed Skink, Sand and Spotted Goannas, Copland’s Rock Frog.

Lady Elliot Island


 
Located within a highly protected ’Green Zone’ of the Great Barrier Reef Marine National Park, the waters surrounding Lady Elliot provide a sanctuary for over 1,200 species, with outstanding water clarity perfect for admire the healthy coral reef, abundance of turtles, Manta Rays, reef sharks and a vast array of tropical fish.

In season guests can also encounter birds nesting, turtle hatchlings or migrating Humpback Whales. Staying at the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, this package offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a myriad activities to learn more about the Island and its unique history, flora, fauna and incredible marine life. This slice of paradise provides an environment that inspires a diversity of exciting daily nature based activities including reef walks, bird watching tours, snorkel safaris, night tours and scuba diving.

Seasonal highlights

Autumn: Mar-May – Fish & Marine Invertebrates

Peak season for seeing Manta Rays. Bull Rays, Cowtail Stingrays, White-spotted Guitarfish, Spotted Eagle Ray and Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Damselfish, Wrasses & Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, Angelfish, Groupers, Trumpetfish and Mooray Eels.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Fish & Marine Invertebrates

Seasonal Highlights: Peak season for seeing Manta Rays. Bull Rays, Cowtail Stingrays and White-spotted Guitarfish, Spotted Eagle Ray and Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, Damselfish, Wrasses & Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, Angelfish, Groupers, Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Wobbegongs.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Fish & Marine Invertebrates

Braching, Boulder, Plate and Mushroom hard corals and Gorgonian Fan, Organ Pipe and Pink Soft coral, Damselfish, Wrasses & Parrotfish, Surgeonfish, Angelfish, Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Wobbegongs, Epaulette Sharks, Manta Rays, Bull Rays and Eagle Rays.

Autumn: Mar-May – Birds

Crested, Roseate, Bridled and Black-naped Terns, Black Noddies, Lesser Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds, Brown Footed Boobies, Sooty and Pied Oyster-catchers, Eastern Reef Egrets, Pacific Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone and Grey-tailed Tattler.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Birds

Black Noddies, Crested, Sooted Terns, Silver Gulls, Lesser Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds, Brown Footed Boobies, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Capricorn Silvereyes, Buff-banded Rails, Tawny Grassbirds, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrikes and the Golden-headed Cisticolas.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Birds

Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstones, Bar-tailed Godwits arrive from Northern Hemisphere migration, Sooty and Pied Oyster-catchers, Eastern Reef Egret, Brown Footed Boobies, Capricorn Silvereyes, Buff-banded Rails.

Autumn: Mar-May – Reptiles & Amphibians

Green and Loggerhead Turtles nest on the island’s pristine sandy dunes, hatchlings to emerge between January and May. The critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle can be seen in surrounding waters.

Winter: Jun-Aug – Reptiles & Amphibians

Green Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles and critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles.

Spring: Sep-Nov – Reptiles & Amphibians

Seasonal Highlights: Green and Loggerhead Turtle mating season, they commence nesting on the island’s pristine sandy dunes in November. The critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle can be seen in the surrounding waters.

 

 

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.

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Luxury Australian Itinerary – A culinary experience for stylish foodies

A culinary experience for stylish foodies

6-9 nights (plus suggested add-on and extra nights en route if desired).

The enjoyment of food and wine is integral to the experience offered by every luxury lodge of Australia and the culinary standard at all properties is outstanding. However, the food & wine experience offered by some properties is truly the lodge’s reason for being, and for visitors for whom food and wine is a primary reason to travel, these properties will have a compelling attraction.

Appellation at The Louise, Cape Lodge and Lake House are outstanding examples of destination restaurants, with luxury accommodation co-located. These culinary destinations, or ‘restaurants with rooms’, have international and national recognitions at the highest level. The below itinerary is should appear on any food and wine lover’s bucket list.

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.

Cape Lodge is Margaret River's finest dining experience
Cape Lodge is Margaret River’s finest dining experience

CAPE LODGE, MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, Cape Lodge private estate and boutique hotel sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region.

A selection of must do’s

  • Best of the Best Wine Tour – A sophisticated behind the scenes wine tour often referred to as “The wine tour for people who don’t do tours”. No minivans, no crowds; the Best of the Best Wine Tour represents personalised touring at its best.
  • Sunset Kangaroo Safari – Have your camera ready as you get up close and personal to the Western Grey Kangaroo’s in their natural surroundings. Savour delicious home baked orange cake with a steaming cup of Billy tea or coffee.
  • The Cape Lodge Gourmet Retreat and Cooking Classes are ideal for lovers of great food and wine experiences.
Discover perfectly paired wine and food at Appellation restaurant at The Louise
Discover perfectly paired wine and food at Appellation restaurant at The Louise

THE LOUISE, BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

The Louise, an idyllic luxury vineyard retreat, encompassing acclaimed restaurant Appellation, is situated on a gentle hill surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines, with breathtaking vistas across the world renowned Barossa Valley.

A selection of must do’s

  • The Most Brilliant Blend with Appellation restaurant and Penfolds – Don a labcoat and enjoy the challenge of being a winemaker for a day in the Penfolds laboratory where many of the iconic Penfold’s wine blends originate. Bring your blended wine back to Appellation where the award winning culinary team will create a special course custom paired to your wine that will form part of your dining experience at Appellation that evening.
  • On a Saturday morning join one of Appellation’s chefs at the Barossa Farmer’s Market, as they shop for dinner provisions and share in their delight for the food of the region.
  • Exclusive private tour of Seppeltsfield – A National treasure and living museum of Australian wine history.
  • A day touring a selection of (over 100) wineries that have made the Barossa Australia’s most famous and revered wine region.
Discover dining delight at Daylesford's LakeHouse
Discover dining delight at Daylesford’s Lake House

LAKE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

An icon in regional dining, Lake House in Daylesford has long been considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants, championing local seasonal cuisine long before it became a mantra for many. The hotel and all manner of indulgent facilities that have grown around the restaurant over the past three decades continue to delight visitors from near and far. Indeed executive chef and co-proprietor Alla Wolf Tasker has enough national and international awards to fill virtually every wall of her fabled house on the lake.

A selection of must do’s

  • Dine at the multi-award winning Lake House Restaurant.
  • Farm Gate & Winery Tour – Head out for the day with a local guide and meet the farmers, producers and winemakers who passionately connect the ‘paddock to plate’. There’s organic and biodynamic producers, rare breed farmers, producers of goat and sheep’s milk cheese, cider, beer & winemakers, bakers and more. You’ll taste along the way and there’s plenty of opportunity to fill your bags if your luggage allowance can cope!
  • Meander through the property grounds and explore the Kitchen Garden planted out with herbs and edible flowers. Orchard areas include olives, crabapple, stone fruits, apple, quince and medlar.
Enjoy a sunset and al fresco dining at Spicers Peak Lodge
Enjoy a sunset and al fresco dining at Spicers Peak Lodge

SPICERS PEAK LODGE (OPTIONAL EXTRA)

The eponymous Spicers Peak Lodge Restaurant, is a highly respected and awarded restaurant, offering cooking schools and specialist cooking retreats.

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Luxury Australian Itinerary – Uniquely Australian Wildlife

Uniquely Australian Wildlife

15 nights, plus a night on route where required.

Australia is a place of exceptional natural beauty where ancient rainforests and vast national parks, rugged mountain ranges and reefs, beaches and waterways, provide sanctuary for Australia’s wondrous wildlife.

With the continent accommodating more than 20,000 plant species and 2,300 animal and bird species, many of these endemic, this itinerary encourages complete immersion themselves in Australia’s pristine natural environments and the ability to get up close and personal with our unique wildlife.

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.

Bamurru Plains is the essence of luxury travel to Australia
Bamurru Plains is the essence of luxury travel Australia

BAMURRU PLAINS TOP END, NORTHERN TERRITORY (3 NIGHTS)

(Bamurru Plains is open from 1 May to 31 October)
Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary safari-style 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.

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 achingly beautiful natural environment and the prolific bird and wildlife it hosts.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fishing – plus, with the camp being located on the edge of the floodplains it is the ideal place to hook one of Australia’s great sports fish, the Barramundi.

View wildlife by horseback at Emirates Wolgan Valley Blue Mountains
View wildlife by horseback at Emirates Wolgan Valley Blue Mountains

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

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Australian wilderness at the conservation-led Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. With 40 stand-alone suites, each with its own private swimming pool and 7,000 acres of nature to explore, enjoy a memorable break with distinctive dining and very special wildlife experiences.

A selection of must do’s

  • Wolgan Wildlife Drive – An all-encompassing tour of the Wolgan Valley reserve, guests can observe Australia’s native wildlife including the rare white wallaroo. The tour concludes with canapés accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine as you watch the sun disappear over the horizon.
  • Trail ride – Horse riding in Australia’s Blue Mountains is the ideal way to become familiar with the bush, and the types of terrain while encountering the reserve’s wildlife.
  • Nocturnal Wildlife Spotlighting – Torchlight reveals the flashing eyes of sleepy possums, grazing wombats, wallaroos and wallabies. Lucky guests will see an albino wallaroo – one of only a handful in existence (a rare genetic strain found only at Wolgan Valley).
  • Guided mountain bike tour – Following tracks and trails over largely level terrain with only the occasional small hill, the exhilarating mountain bike rides skirt a picturesque freshwater dam where wildlife is commonly seen.
Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island has fabulous marine life
Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island has fabulous marine life

CAPELLA LODGE LORD HOWE ISLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES (3 NIGHTS)

Often referred to as the last paradise on earth, world heritage listed Lord Howe Island is home to Capella Lodge, a contemporary luxe beach-style lodge offering an exclusive and unique island experience. Located on the world’s southern most coral reef, with a mixture of temperate and tropical marine life – many endemic to the island, Lord Howe has a unique under water world to explore.

A selection of must do’s

  • Ball’s Pyramid and surrounding sites – World class diving and species endemic to the region. Expect to see massive schools of Violet Sweep, Amberjack, Kingfish, Silver Drummer, Ballina Angelfish, Rainbow Runners, Trevally and occasionally Marlin, Dolphins and Wahoo. The dive sites average 25 metres in depth and range from drift dives, cave dives or simply following a coral wall.
  • Lord Howe Island Museum – Acquaint yourself with Lord Howe’s colourful past, you’ll find a library, plus historical and environmental exhibitions, as well as a replica skeleton of a long-extinct giant horned turtle. At 5pm each day (except Wednesday and Saturday), local experts conduct presentations on history and the environment.
  • Undertake a journey of discovery with world renowned naturalist Ian Hutton, spend a day exploring the most remote rocky coves while walking to the summit of Mt Gower rated as one of Australia’s best day walks and learn all about the islands rare birds, plants, geology and marine life.
  • Fish feeding – At Ned’s Beach let the fish come to you! Be part of a favourite Lord Howe ritual and help feed eager mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver drummer, spangled emperor and metre-long kingfish.
Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups at Arkaba
Spot unique Australian wildlife on a sunset safari at Arkaba

ARKABA FLINDERS RANGES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Arkaba’s true luxury lies in the fact that its 60,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy is shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia.  Located in the ancient and awe-inspiring scale landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba 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

  • Arkaba’s wildlife is prolific – with Australia’s three largest macropods (Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo and Common Wallaroo) all regular sightings. The country’s most endangered macropod, the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, has also returned to Arkaba’s range since the introduction of active conservation programs.
  • For those keen to learn more of the challenges Australia faces in saving its diversity of wildlife, join one of Arkaba’s field guides one evening to track a radio collared feral cat or set up the trip cameras that monitor key sites across the property. The tourism dollars that are spent at Arkaba go straight back into wildlife conservation on the property and an ever improving wilderness experience.
  • 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 on Australian fauna and flora.
Getting up close and personal with the local seals
Getting up close and personal with the local seals

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Kangaroo Island is renowned as Australia’s Galapagos and nicknamed ‘the zoo without fences’. It brims with diverse wildlife and natural beauty. On the island’s southwest coast, globally celebrated Southern Ocean Lodge offers unrivalled luxury in a uniquely Australian setting.

A selection of must do’s

  • Wonders of KI – A half-day guided journey into Flinders Chase National Park showcasing natural icons the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, home to a fur seal colony. A spectacular introduction to Kangaroo Island’s wildlife, marine heritage and stunning coastal landscapes.
  • Kangas & Kanapés – Signature sunset drinks experience at nearby Grassdale, a historic island property. Premium South Australian beverages, canapés and kangaroos grazing in the late afternoon sunlight.
  • Explore Cape Young-husband –Trek with your naturalist guide through dense Mallee scrub and along impressive limestone cliff tops. Experience the wonder of hardy flora growing along this amazing rugged coastline, spot the Osprey hovering above, the Fur Seals frolicking in the Southern Ocean waters below and the intriguing formations of the Remarkable Rocks in the distance.
  • Quad Bike Safari – a fun, interpretive quad bike adventure led by the lodge naturalist guide providing insight into the local wildlife and landscape seen along the way.

 

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