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Category / Nature & Conservation holidays

Longitude 131 – A Luxury Lodge of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

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

Describe Longitude 131° in 3 words.

Timeless, spiritual and authentic.

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

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

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

How is Longitude 131 pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best dining experience at Longitude 131°?

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

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

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

Please describe a typical guest at Longitude 131°.

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

Is Longitude 131° child friendly?

We welcome children 10 years and older at Longitude 131.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

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

 

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

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


Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Wild Tastes of the Top End – An interactive four-day food safari with James Viles

Posted on by Nicola Billens

In May 2017, Bamurru Plains plays host to one very special Australian experience for foodies. Drawing inspiration from the Top End’s bush pantry, one of Australia’s most respected young chefs, James Viles, will develop a Bamurru menu of local ingredients, textures and flavours that exist alongside each other in nature. From wild barramundi and pandanus to tea tree and heather berries, the menu will reflect the local area, sourcing and using only what is needed to deliver a delectable experience. Every dish tells a story. Every plant. Every seed. Every animal.

In addition to the safari style wilderness adventures that Bamurru Plains is world renowned for, the interactive itinerary will take you deep into the property, including gathering alongside James followed by cooking demonstrations and a wild bush masterpiece at the chef’s long table, hosted by James himself. All of this combined with the classic, indulgent touches and warm hospitality synonymous with Wild Bush Luxury.

Airboat at Bamurru Plains
Airboat at Bamurru Plains

 

Dates: 18 – 21 May 2017

DAY 1 – DARWIN TO BAMURRU PLAINS

A scenic air transfer departs Darwin landing at Bamurru Plains private airstrip. You’ll fly high over the twists and turns of the East Alligator River. Those black dots you thought were pandanus trees are actually moving wildlife. The flight is only 30 minutes, though you feel like you’ve landed in the wild. And you have. You’ll fly over Australia’s Okavango, the Mary River Delta brimming with life and goodness. A field guide will meet you on arrival for the short transfer on to the safari lodge. After your orientation, please regroup in the lodge for your first journey into the wilderness. This evening watch our resident chef create superb native Australian inspired dishes before sitting down to a welcome dinner with your group, with James and our safari guides. Over the coming days listen for stories the food tells.

Cockies at Bamurru Plains

 

DAY 2 – BAMURRU PLAINS

The alarm clock in the morning is the call of Magpie Geese and Whistling Kites as the orange light of dawn spreads across the floodplain. You don’t need to leave your bed to watch the parade of wildlife head on to the floodplain to feed. Your safari starts now. Breakfast will be followed by a morning adventure out on the floodplain in search of intriguing ingredients to connect with and to taste the environment around you. We may find redclaw yabbies’ or mud crab today. After this mornings gather, relax in the wet edge swimming pool on the wildlife observation deck while listening to the birds chatter, observe agile wallabies with their young and buffaloes splashing around the wetlands in front of you. This afternoon we venture out by open-top jeeps and watch the wildlife congregate around billabongs while enjoying canapés and bubbles as the sun sets over the savannah bush. What will today’s gathering session add to your locally sourced culinary experience tonight?

Forage for food at Bamurru Plains

 

DAY 3 – BAMURRU PLAINS

Today you’ll explore a fascinating mixture of habitats including black soil floodplains, savannah bush, paperbark forests and mangrove river systems, each revealing its own beauty and food source. One minute you will harvesting paperbark, mudcrab and waterlilies in the paperbark forest and the next skimming the expanse of the floodplain by airboat spotting crocodiles whilst possibly hunting for barramundi or catfish. You’ll see startling varieties of birds into full flight. Here you’ll admire wildlife in extraordinary diversity and see first hand how James interprets each part of the country in a cooking demonstration. Your experience today will crescendo into a nine course masterpiece with matching wine at the chef’s long table and will be hosted by James himself. Here you’ll taste the creations while enjoying the classic, indulgent touches and warm hospitality synonymous with Wild Bush Luxury.

Bamurru Plains is the essence of luxury travel to Australia

DAY 4 – BAMURRU PLAINS TO DARWIN

Enjoy a bird-walk around the main lodge spotting the Honey Eater, Forest Kingfisher, Mistletoebird, Blue Winged Kookaburra and the stunning Rainbow Bee-Eater before heading out to Bamurru’s brand new luxury bird hide. Raised six metres above the ground in the tree canopy overlooking the Mary River floodplain, the hide is the ultimate eyrie from which birdlife and other wildlife can be observed and captured undisturbed in their natural habitat. Transfer to the airstrip on the scenic flight back to Darwin departing Bamurru Plains.

MEET JAMES VILES

James Viles & John Cooper
James Viles & Bamurru Plains manager John Cooper forage for food

Chef and owner of two hatted Biota Dining & Rooms in the Southern Highlands of NSW, James Viles is one of Australia’s most respected young chefs and restaurateurs for his commitment to sustainability and his imaginative modern food. James’ vision for Biota Dining was to create a dining destination in regional NSW that supported both local farmers and growers, incorporating seasonal botanicals and drawing on both propagating and foraging for the menu. James’ food is produce and technique driven with a close affiliation to nature. Winning a coveted chef’s hat in the first year of opening and winning a second hat in its second year in 2012, Biota Dining has become one of the most awarded regional restaurants in Australia.

In November 2015, James released his first cookbook, Biota – Grow, Gather, Cook and has cemented his place as an authority in the Australian food scene. Career highlights include Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards. Biota Dining was also included in Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2011 and 2012, among many others. To learn more about James Viles please visit biotadining.com

Inclusions:

Your Wild Tastes of the Top End Food Safari includes a creative four day program lead by James Viles, return scenic air transfers over the East Alligator River System from Darwin, guided wildlife and safari experiences, three night’s safari bungalow accommodation, all meals and beverages, a bespoke wild bush masterpiece menu developed and presented by James Viles and a copy of his new book Biota: Grow, Gather, Cook.

For further details on this itinerary please contact Alquemie.

For further information on Bamurru Plains click here.

Bamurru Plains – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Bamurru Plains, a Luxury Lodges in Australia’s Top End is one of the most stunning destinations in Australia. A profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique bush lodge that brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness. We talked to the manager of Bamurru Plains to find out more.

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

Bamurru Plains is located on a 303sq klm pastoral property just to the west of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. With approx. 1/3 of this property being floodplain and with a saltwater river system and coastline as part of its boundaries the property boasts a huge amount of wildlife and different eco systems all with their own unique story to tell.

The Kingfisher Suite at Bamurru Plains
The Kingfisher Suite at Bamurru Plains

How is Bamurru Plains pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

I would like to think it is through the deliverance of the experience to the guests. You are not just a spectator on the tour where you simply take photos of a magnificent landscape. It is through the guided experience where guests get to touch, smell, visualise and hear the stories of the environment so that they can take away knowledge as well.

What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation at Bamurru Plains?

We have recently purchased seven Yamaha Grizzly quad bikes for our guests. It allows us to get into areas of the property which our safari vehicles cannot access, which form a guided experience is something unique, but it also allows the guest to be in control of their own machine which has been a winner with the guests.

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Bamurru Plains?

An airboat tour across the floodplains (weather permitting).

Best dining experience at Bamurru Plains?

It has to be the communal dining experience which we do for every meal at Bamurru Plains. To me I think one of the key fundamental social issues is people do not communicate face to face anymore. Everywhere you look in the cities it is people communicating by phones etc. Whereas at Bamurru people are dining in what I believe to be the true outback way….together at one big table swapping stories of their travels and making in some cases lifelong friendships.

Please describe a typical guest at Bamurru Plains.

There is absolutely nothing typical about our guests. Everyone who stays here has a particular interest and it is up to us as the hosts to find what that is. Similar to our environment it changes daily and so do our guests.

Is Bamurru Plains child friendly?

Yes from 8 years old and above. Some great experiences for kids are doing a quad bike tour with their parents, swimming in the edge pool, an airboat tour across the floodplain or a river cruise spotting the resident saltwater crocodiles.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes…..see you all soon!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Australia’s Best Guides – Paul Bester | Nature & photography

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Paul Bester is living the dream. Based at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, his passion for nature and photography, as well as his upbringing in Africa make him one of Australia’s best guides. We found out more about him…

Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do?

As the Head Guide at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef I spend a lot of time out in the field with our guests, taking them on guided kayaking or bush walking in the Cape Range National Park, however, as we are a small team and in a remote location, I get involved in all aspects of the Camp from maintenance to training of the new guides and even waiting on tables at night. It is a varied life but I feel privileged to be in such a beautiful and natural location.

What got you started with your passion and what do you find most interesting about it?

My great passion is for the natural world, it always has been. I grew up on a tobacco farm in Zimbabwe and after studying in Cape Town spent time as a Ranger at a private reserve adjoining the world famous Kruger National Park. During these years I decided to focus on photography – it began as a way to connect with guests – helping them operate their, often very new, cameras. Soon I was spending all my free time expanding on my photography skills. I still love photography but I don’t get as much time as I would like for it. I could not be happier than when I am out in nature, surrounded by rugged, beautiful and wild landscapes with time to focus on my photography.

How do you bring the Australian natural world to life on your tours?

It is easy to bring the nuances of the Australian bush to life, there is so much that is completely unique here – flora and fauna that evolved differently and uniquely. You need to be out on foot, driving around you miss so much, the combination of a good walk, blue sky, the sounds of birds and insects, stopping to study tiny flowers or discover an ancient fossil …. All around us is life and once you get chatting about it, there are so many stories and fascinations to share.

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about the Australian natural world?

I think connecting with nature is something we all need to do more of. Disconnecting from the digital age and being totally surrounded by the Cape Range and Ningaloo Reef is an opportunity for most guests to slow down. What we do out here is good exercise for the body and for the soul. Bush walking, swimming, kayaking, leaping into the ocean to swim with a whale shark, seeing whales breaching as you have your breakfast, I can’t help feeling that if people feel connected to our natural world they will be better at protecting it in the future. To me it is important that I give them this chance to connect, by sharing my knowledge.

If people wanted to find out more about the Australian natural world are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

There are endless Field Guides to Australia’s plants, fish, reptiles, animals etc and once a traveller has found their particular interest they might care to invest in a good one. Out here we don’t have TV or internet so I am a bit out of touch with documentaries etc. We have a good library here at Sal Salis and I am working my way through it, I am currently reading a book at the Yamatji aboriginal people of the Gascoyne region, it is a collection of their memoirs and it spans the last 100 years.

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Black footed rock wallaby, because it is endemic to the Cape Range National Park and because it is a positive conservation story, its numbers are increasing and we certainly see them on most of our Mandu Mandu Gorge walks. I love that I can share this beautiful creature with our guests.

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Well perhaps I am biased but I would have to say Ningaloo Reef!!

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

OK, perhaps I am a little addicted to white sand and snorkelling and plenty of bush to explore but I would love to get over to the Whitsunday Islands.

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

I am not very good at social media because, as I said, I don’t have internet at the camp but when I do spend time in town I pop up a photo on …

https://www.facebook.com/paulbesterphotography

https://www.instagram.com/paulbester88/
Photo thanks go to guest Nanda Haensel, Singapore.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Australia’s Best Guides – Craig Wickham | Kangaroo Island naturalist

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Craig Wickham

Craig Wickham is one of Australia’s leading experts on the fauna and flora of Kangaroo Island and he has been sharing Kangaroo Island’s secrets with guests for since 1990.

 

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I grew up on Kangaroo Island and always had a keen interest in nature and wildlife. I spent a year living and travelling in Africa and studied wildlife and conservation management at University before working as a wildlife ranger with the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. My family has a long history with hospitality and accommodation so the opportunity to work for myself with a professional guiding and tour service provided the chance to blend nature and hospitality.

 

What got you started with wildlife observation and what do you find most interesting about it?

Growing up with a strong sense of curiosity meant I was constantly observing and learning about the wildlife which surrounded me. Living on a spectacular coastal farm meant there was a constant stream of visitors and I was always keen to show people around and share what I knew. Once I started studying more formally it was clear how little we know about the natural world and guiding provides a chance for continuous learning. One specific element to wildlife observation which intrigues me is wildlife behaviour and habituation – how we are able to amend our behaviour and develop a level of trust in the animals we go to observe. The ability to blend into the background and watch animals doing what they would ordinarily do – not fearfully watching us ready to flee but grooming, joey kangaroos jumping in and out of their mothers’ pouch, or interacting with each other.

 

How do you bring wildlife observation to life on your tours?

A really positive message to share with our guests is the method by which we develop that habituation – not by providing artificial food sources but by carefully and quietly moving through the landscape and when we see the animals we stop and observe them, and then slowly move closer. Once they start to react we take a step back and sit down. We do not have to be totally silent – the animals will tolerate us speaking at a low volume. Over time this approach distance reduces and the animals start to ignore us – proceeding to feed, lay down to rest and even turn their backs to us, a clear indication that we are no threat to them.

 

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about wildlife observation?

I think this is a technique which is clearly transferrable and people can take this home and try it with their local wildlife species. It also gives an alternative to feeding which whilst in the short term would meet the objective of animals being habituated, it also rapidly leads to dependance, higher than usual densities which has environmental consequences, and often leads to conflict as animals become more demanding.

 

If people wanted to find out more about wildlife observation are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

I am unaware of specific books or documentaries relating to wildlife observation through benign habituation but there is plenty of commentary in research articles such as this one which outlines quite a few of the elements of the topic. A couple of favourite wildlife documentaries are: Faces in the mob – summarised in this short clip ; and The Ocean’s Supermum

 

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

The short-beaked echidna  – they are incredibly adaptable and flexible – being the most widely distributed native animal in Australia both in terms pf habitat type and climatic range. They are similarly diverse in their behaviour – one echidna will immediately “go to ground” digging into the earth and remaining absolutely still and I have been “out-waited” by echidnas for over 40 minutes! Another will appear very bold – trying to nudge people’s feet out of the way, tipping over camera bags left on the ground and appear to have no fear of people at all. I find it interesting that is a popular culture sense outside of Australia the platypus is very well know as “the egg-laying mammal” yet echidnas are virtually unknown despite being a far more widespread animal.

 

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

A favourite place of mine is Cape Gantheaume on Kangaroo Island’s south coast. Incredibly remote – half a day of walking to get there and I have fixed in my mind a day which held so many elements. White-bellied sea-eagles and ospreys wheeling overhead, Australian sea-lions on the whitest sand beach, thousands of long-nosed fur-seals out on the rocky point to the east and at the base of cliffs lay several long wooden beams – the fractured remains of the masts from the SS You Yangs which wrecked off the coast on Pelorus Islet on 14 June 1890. To me this spot epitomises the diversity of Australia, our wildlife and rugged coast and the powerful natural forces which continue to define our land and our history.

 

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

Whew – that is a long list! I am yet to dive with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, I would love to explore the extraordinary fossil beds at Riversleigh, I have not visited the Kimberleys and then there are thousands of places I have been once and would love to go back to!

 

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

Twitter: @craigwick
Instagram: craig.wickham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exceptional.kangarooisland
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/craigeki
Google+ +CraigWickham
Pinterest craigonki

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Australia’s Best Guides – Brendon Bevan | Naturalist & conservationist

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Brendon Bevan

We talked to Brendon Bevan from Arkaba, one of Australia’s most experienced guides and a passionate conservationist.

 

Please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

My name is Brendon Bevan and I manage Arkaba Conservancy (A Luxury Lodge of Australia), The Arkaba Walk (A Great Walk of Australia) and the property’s conservation model.

 

What got you started with conservation and what do you find most interesting about it?

I guess since my younger years when my parents purchased a series of cattle farms in Africa and we set about de-stocking and restoring the land. Conservation is a pretty broad subject, but when you get to actually witness change and habitat improvement as a result of your efforts, it is truly the most rewarding thing on earth.

 

How do you bring conservation to life on your tours?

I like to get folks out of vehicles and into the thick of it! See it, feel it, smell it, taste it! Don’t make them spectate – let them participate.

 

Why do you think it’s important that people learn about conservation?

It’s everywhere! It is right under our noses and we get so caught up in “The real world” we take it for granted. We all have a roll to play in conservation.

 

If people wanted to find out more about conservation are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?

To the contrary, I would say put down your book, switch off your television and disconnect your Wi-fi! Go outside and explore. Question the world!

 

What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?

Got to be a Wedge-Tailed-Eagle! Just look at it!!!

 

What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Has to be Arkaba!

 

What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?

So, so many things! Spending time in Arnhem Land would have to be right up there…

 

Is there anything else you’d like to add that hasn’t been covered by the questions already posed?

I guess the only thing I’d add is that there’s more to conservation than being a “Greenie”! There’s a real harsh coal face of conservation involving feral animal control and population dynamics. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is an absolute necessity.

 

Finally, how can people follow you on social media?

I guess they can’t really! I’m on Facebook I suppose, but really need to get better at that sort of thing.

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

3 of the best ecotour experiences in Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Meet the faces behind Australia’s conservation effort

Australia is a big country with many conservation challenges. We have the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and another 1,700 animal and plant species are listed as threatened with extinction. It’s sheer scale is daunting – where do you begin? Luckily there are some ecotour champions dedicated to preserving our spectacular biodiversity. They believe, as we do, that education and awareness is the key to making a difference. By inviting tourists to get a deeper understanding of the special work they do, they hope to inspire others. Move over Jane Goodall – here are three dedicated champions of the Australian environment.

Visit an ecotourism project for the Short-nosed Echidna on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Short-nosed Echidna on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Dr. Peggy Rismiller –  Echidnas on Kangaroo Island

During a visit to Kangaroo Island, guests of Alquemie can have the privilege of an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with Dr. Peggy Rismiller, a world leading expert who has been doing long-term, in-depth studies on the ecology of the short-beaked echidnas on Kangaroo Island for decades. The echidnas are one of three surviving monotremes, a special group of mammals which lay eggs and whose ancestors roamed the earth along with the dinosaurs. Peggy’s conservation work also stretches to goannas, tiger-snakes and little penguins.

Spending a day in the life of this world-renowned wildlife researcher gives guests the chance to observe these shy, spiky creatures up close and learn about their conservation challenges amongst Kangaroo Island’s near-pristine ecosystems. This private tour is particularly rewarding for families.

 

See Australia's highest sea-cliffs on an ecotour with Rob Pennicott
See sea-birds in their thousands perched on Australia’s highest sea-cliffs

Rob Pennicott – Saving sea-birds in Tasmania

Rob Pennicott has saved over 250,000 sea-birds in Tasmania since 2010. And it doesn’t stop there. His passion for conservation stretches from the sky to the sea and he’s involved in numerous wildlife conservation programs such as marine debris clean-up, saving the Tasmanian Albatross, saving the Tassie Devil and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native animals.

On his private wilderness cruises there’s the chance to encounter dolphins, whales, sea eagles, albatross, shearwaters, seals and other abundant sea birds in their thousands as you skirt some of Australia’s highest cliffs on the specactular coastline of the of the Tasman National Park. Rob’s tours reflect his mission to educate and excite all who visit and to create a legacy of conservation to preserve the places he loves for future generations.

 

Wildlife safari ecotour drive at Arkaba
Wildlife safari drive at Arkaba

Brendon Bevan – Arkaba, Flinders Ranges

“I’d do this job even if I didn’t get paid”. Brendon Bevan is a workaholic, but that doesn’t stop him from having a great sense of humour and an inexhaustible desire to show guests just how special Arkaba in the Flinders Ranges is. This private wildlife conservancy and boutique luxury lodge is a showcase of how the flora and fauna can regenerate if given a chance.

His hard work over the past seven years has focussed on feral species eradication and reversing the impacts of 150 years of livestock grazing. It’s paying off. Native animals that had disappeared are now regularly seen and guests can experience  African-style game-watching safari drives or a four-day walk to spot our unique mammals and marsupials.

 

Find out more

Visiting a destination and knowing that you’re contributing something back makes it all the more rewarding. To visit all or any of the above ecotourism champions on your next trip to Australia, get in touch with one of our Alquemists.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie