In January 2020 you could be a star at the Sydney Opera House with your very own walk-on role in Carmen or La Boheme. This is experiential travel at its very finest! Just a handful of lucky opera enthusiasts will ever get to experience this with less than 10 places available per year.
Part of the Cultural Attractions of Australia collection, this walk-on role with Opera Australia lets you explore so much more than the stage. You’ll visit the Opera Australia studio and a costume dresser will fit you with a handmade costume. The Assistant Director will take you through what happens on stage – when you need to be still, when you need to be a star.
On the night of your performance, you’ll enter the Sydney Opera House via stage door and report to hair and makeup to have your show makeup and wig applied. Then, you’ll mount the stairs to the stage to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, while someone you love watches from the auditorium.
Included:
1 person on stage and a ticket for 1 guest in the audience
A costume fitting and hair and makeup session with Opera Australia’s wardrobe department.
Rehearsal with the show’s director and/or choreographer.
Backstage photographs taken by Opera Australia.
A souvenir program.
WHEN
2-30 Jan 2020. Allow 2 days for the experience as costume fitting must be booked at least two days prior to performance.
One of Australia’s unlikely superheroes is David Walsh, infamous creator of Australia’s most celebrated private museum – MONA – in Tasmania. Full of quirky, unexpected art, wouldn’t you like to pick his brains to see what makes him tick?
So why not have a private dinner with him and take him to task? Sure, he’s a terrible conversationalist—what with all the art and astrophysics chat—but the rest of this experience should be incredible. Dinner With David, one of the Cultural Attractions of Australia includes a ridiculously lavish private degustation in Mona’s chef’s hatted Source Restaurant. Mona has been known to make the tables out of humans, but that can not be guaranteed. Needless to say, David will also raid Mona’s legendary wine bunker for some game-changing wines.
Aside from dinner with the nerd, this experience also includes the best of everything Mona has to offer — private jet transport from anywhere in Australia, luxury accommodation in Mona’s 5-star onsite Pavilions, a guided tour of the museum with Mona’s head curator, as well as a VIP tour of Moorilla Winery with the winemaker.
David may invite you play him at tennis on Mona’s not-so-private court at the museum entrance. Avoid this, his serve volley game is too strong.
Included:
Private jet transfer from anywhere in Australia
Two night’s luxury on-site accommodation (Mona Pavilions)
VIP museum tour
VIP winery tour
Private dinner and wine degustation at The Source Restaurant with David Walsh
Lunch in Faro (bar and restaurant)
Access to all bookable art experiences
Breakfast in the Source restaurant
and pretty much anything else you might want or can dream up!
One of the latest additions to the new Cultural Attractions of Australia collection is this wonderful experience at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne’s city centre. Guests will experience an exclusive and unforgettable evening of art, music, fine dining and wine.
The Gallery will be exclusively yours for the evening. Arrive at the NGV’s iconic waterwall entrance where you will be welcomed and escorted on a private tour to discover the extraordinary highlights of the NGV’s acclaimed international collection. Intimate live music performances will accompany your private viewing experience.
Then indulge in a degustation dinner, set within the gallery space in front of the NGV’s revered masterpiece, Giambattista Tiepolo’s The Banquet of Cleopatra.
Included:
Exclusive and private evening at Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum.
Private evening access to the NGV.
Highlights tour of the art collection by NGV Curator or NGV Guide.
Curated live music performances.
Degustation dinner in front of NGV’s most famous masterpiece, The Banquet of Cleopatra by Giambattista Tiepolo.
Professional video or photography taken of the event will be made available to guests.
Just over two hours north of Broome along a deep red, dusty road is a special place that will take your breath away. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, famed for producing some of the world’s most beautiful pearls for generations, is now one of the must-do experiences in the Kimberley.
Arriving by road at Cygnet Bay you’re reminded that it is indeed a working pearl farm. Old buoys and boats decorate the driveway and it feels very authentic, because it is. Visitors come for the pearls, for a beautiful location to stay and for the ‘sea safaris’, two extraordinary experiences on the water.
The road to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm
We visited in early April as one of the first guests of the season. Tourists do not usually journey this far north until a few weeks later when the wet season is truely over. At this time of year, some roads might still be impassable due to flooding and the extreme heat can make it unpleasant. On the plus side if you dare to risk it, it’ll be likely that you’ll have many places to yourself.
The pearl farm stretches across a vast area of the Dampier Peninsular encompassing the stunning Cygnet Bay, many uninhabited islands and red earth that is bordered on either side by indigenous communities. Despite being the only non-indigenous place in the area, there is a strong relationship that bonds the Brown family, owners of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and the local aboriginals from the area.
The first thing that struck us as we pulled up was the bright blue water behind reception. There really is nothing like the colours of this region and the sea was calling us but no visit to Cygnet Bay would be complete without first learning about pearl farming. To know that time, effort and good luck all come into play to create such beautiful pieces of jewellery make them all the more special. We watched as a pinctada oyster was opened to reveal a pearl – the only gem to be created by an animal.
Our pearl about to be revealed.
What makes this area unique (and so good for farming pearls) are the giant tides. Depending on the moon, the time of year and other natural phenomenon, the tides can vary as much as 12 metres between low and high. On the day of our visit the stars were aligned and we got to see the full force of these tides on a sea safari.
Pearling long lines
The excitement started on land as we boarded an amphibious vessel to drive across the beach and into the water. We cruised to see a floating pearl shell cleaning station in action before our giant tide adventure really blew our minds. Witnessing the power of the tides was just incredible. We saw whirlpools the size of houses and our boat used its full horsepower to move against the rush of water.
Giant whirlpools
We were also lucky enough to witness another incredible phenomenon due to the tides – ‘Waterfall Reef’ – which appears to rise out of the water as the tides drop.
Waterfall reef
We also visited ‘Shell Island’, only available at low tide but the perfect place to arrange something special. It’s a little sandy mound surrounded by the clearest blue water you can imagine and makes for a unique wedding venue, a pop up bar or a romantic picnic.
After our day on the water we were dropped off at the Master Pearler’s Retreat – our accommodation for the night – and with glass of champagne in hand as the sun set, we waved goodbye and watched the amphibious vessel drive back into the ocean. That night we dined on a chef prepared meal sampling the pearl meat found in the very same shells that produce the gems. It was the perfect way to finish what was an educational, thrilling and peaceful day all rolled into one.
I recently discovered an experience that I didn’t know was even possible in Australia – seeing killer whales in a newly discovered marine hotspot.
In the south of Western Australia (about a 5.5 hour drive south east from Perth) lies a peaceful little coastal town called Bremer Bay. It’s from here that you can take an ocean expedition to encounter killer whales and a myriad of other marine and bird life that congregate here.
It’s about a one and a half hour cruise to reach the ocean hot spot – the deep sea Bremer Canyon. Here during the months of January to April, cold, nutrient-rich waters flow from the Antarctic and attract killer whales, dolphins, sperm whales, giant squid and much more.
The expedition was on a vessel purpose-built for the wild Southern Ocean with Australian Wildlife Journeys member Naturaliste Charters. On the trip I spent time with ‘Search for the ocean’s super predator‘ documentary maker David Riggs – the man who ‘discovered’ the region and who is doing all in his power to keep the area protected from oil and gas mining. His knowledge of the marine life and passion for the region is second to none. Also on board was a marine biologist plus a bird expert / photographer. We learnt all about the behaviours of orcas and the interspecies interactions between this apex predator and other marine life.
With documentary maker David Riggs
When we arrived at the ‘hot spot’ the anticipation on the boat as we looked for signs of the creatures was almost palpable. Everyone was on the look out for birds, surface oil slicks and spouts of water. But these are wild creatures and they hadn’t received the memo that we’d be there at 11am. In my heart I feared we wouldn’t see them but I had nothing to worry about – sure enough the experienced team found us what we came to see.
Whilst it was almost the end of the season, all up we saw two pods of killer whales (including a baby orca), about 100 pilot whales, dolphins, seals and the spouts of two blue whales. It was amazing to see these incredible creatures in the wild. Just days before I went out, guests were lucky enough to even see a pod of killer whales hunt down a blue whale!
It’s a full day experience at sea from about 7.45am to 4pm with lunch and snacks served on board. Think of it as a mini-Antarctica expedition without the ice and cold. The cruise runs January to April.
After my day out at sea I was headed to Albany, a two hour drive away. As I pulled out of the car park two kangaroos jumped across the road. Whoever thought you’d see killer whales and kangaroos in one day?
Since 2012, Gourmet Escape has established itself as a world-class annual food and wine festival, highly anticipated by chefs and visitors alike. The festival brings together the world’s best chefs, sommeliers and food critics at over 50 incredible events in breath-taking locations.
2019 will see an exciting development of this multi award-winning festival, expanding from Margaret River to include two new regions, Swan Valley and Perth over a 10-day program, 08 November to 17 November.
Guests will love the range of extraordinary experiences to suit all ages; culinary festivals, fine dining opportunities and premium gourmet experiences in breath-taking locations.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley – Gourmet Feast in the Valley
A festival that has rustic charm, for all of the family to enjoy. Combining top-class food with live music in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Can be enjoyed as a day trip from Perth (25 mins travel time)
Perth Collaboration Dinner
Gourmet Escape will create a city culinary hub amplifying the best of ‘Culinary Perth’. This will be a memorable collaboration dinner with lauded chefs celebrating WA’s premium produce and wine.
Margaret River – Westpac Gourmet Beach BBQ
Enjoy privileged access to Castle Rock Beach, which is transformed into an uber-stylish waterfront eatery with giant tipis and live music for relaxed lunch BBQ feast with a beach party vibe. Castle Rock Beach is located within Meelup Regional Park, a Class A Reserve noted for its pristine environment and ecological significance.
Margaret River – Sunset Beats & Bites
Mix a handful of new wave winemakers, some local craft breweries and a good dose of cool beats. Add an iconic Western Australian sunset, delectable, delicious food and you have arguably Gourmet Escape’s most sought after party at the Sunset Beats & Bites event.
Margaret River – The Gourmet Village
At the heart of the Margaret River event programming is the must-see Gourmet Village, a buzzing world of culinary excitement and the perfect opportunity to experience the delectable delights the region has to offer. General admission tickets gain entry to the festivals many culinary delights
Contact the Alquemie team for tickets and travel packages!
Welcome to a new era of immersive luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. With an impressive refurbishment in 2019, the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort will immerse you in a world of breathtaking natural beauty, iconic island experiences and sacred moments of connection with your family, friends and yourself.
Get in touch with Alquemie to experience the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort and discover a place of visual and visceral beauty so deep, it will leave you feeling transformed.
For travellers visiting Tasmania, Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art) is a must-do in the way that the Guggenheim museum is a must-do in Bilbao. It’s a quirky, attention grabbing private museum unlike any other, with a collection of unusual art, described by owner David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland.”
Alquemie has created an incredible VIP Art & Food Experience at Mona just for you.
Package includes return ferry transfers (in the Posh Pit, mind you) from Hobart to Mona, as well as museum entry, lunch in the Source Restaurant, a private tour of the vineyard and winery with Moorilla’s Ambassador, and a complimentary bottle of wine from our Muse series.
Itinerary 9:30am: Depart Brooke Street Pier for Mona in the Mona ferry’s super exclusive, super luxe Posh Pit.
10am: Arrive at Mona and begin exploring the museum…focusing on B3 – a major exhibition – accompanied by one of Mona’s Art Concierges.
11:30am: The Cut Crystal experience begins and it’s a rare pleasure, as most wines are designed to drink young these days. Cellaring demands foresight and patience—it’s a real gamble but the rewards can be stunning!
This experience includes a private tour of the Moorilla winery with one of the resident ‘wine dorks’ and an extensive, intimate wine tasting in their totally glamorous subterranean tasting room featuring new and mature wines from Moorilla’s Muse and Cloth Label series. You’ll be treated to vintages no longer widely available, find out how to match each wine with the perfect glass and learn the finer points of decanting sparkling, white and red wines.
1.30pm: A two course lunch in the Source Restaurant drinking some of the wines that have been opened for the Cut Crystal tasting chosen by the guest…
3:30pm: A Mona Fart! (Food + ART) Art concierge will take guests back into the museum to look at B2 and B1 Monaisms’ – David Walsh’s collection with a pre-booking for unseen seen experience… this takes 45 minutes per couple (optional).
5pm: Guests end up in Faro with a pre-dinner Cocktail with Outrageous canapes and the James Turrell light experience.
6 pm ish: Guests sit down to a bespoke food and wine experience created by Mona Head Chef Vince Trim. With the priority access to some the new Pharos wing’s art rides – “Unseen seen and Weight of Darkness”.
Guests will be returned to their hotel at their leisure…their day will include a signed copy of Monaisms and a bottle of Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon to take home.
To enquire about this please contact alquemie@alquemie.com.au
Imagine the tranquility of a place so remote that you can only get there by foot, boat or light aircraft. In Tasmania’s Southwest, Port Davey is such a place. This remote wilderness area is a Marine Nature Reserve and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s three times the size of Sydney Harbour and one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet, with wild rivers, quartzite peaks and extensive waterways.
The best way to explore this area is by purpose built boat. With no roads in or out, the journey starts with a spectacular flight from Hobart across the densely forested Southwest National Park to Melaleuca, a remote locality consisting only of a couple of buildings.
Upon landing you will be taken by tender through the mirrored waters of the inlet to your ‘boutique floating hotel’ the Odalisque, the base from which you will explore the untouched South West.
The itinerary
The itinerary will be tailored to your interests and daily shore excursions will see you totally immersed in the wilderness. It’s all about “getting your feet wet”. During your unforgettable time, you’ll explore narrow winding waterways lined with Huon pine by jet boat, hike to mountain-top vantage points where it feels like you can see over the edge of the world, picnic on remote beaches and soak up the serene views from the deck as you cruise past sea caves, rock arches, blowholes and rocky islets. You could be one of the very few to witness the islands of Maatsuyker, cruise the Davey River gorge, wander the buttongrass moorlands or beachcomb the white sand of seemingly endless beaches.
Looking across Port Davey
The Vessel
Tasmanian owner Pieter van der Woude’s custom-built twenty-metre expedition cruise vessel is designed for the comfort and safety of guests. Cruising with a maximum of 10 guests overnight, the Odalisque has three private cabins, a comfortable entertaining and dining area and three spacious outside decks for sightseeing, photography or sunset barbecues. The galley consists of a contemporary spacious kitchen with an island bench, sofa seating and large open windows to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery or watch the chef cook up a storm. The open plan saloon area allows panoramic views, has plenty of lounging capacity and a large dining area for a leisurely dining experience. A true boutique floating hotel, it’s perfect if you’re eager for adventure but not so keen on roughing it.
What’s so special about this region?
The Port Davey Marine Reserve was created to protect an extraordinary underwater world. In Bathurst Harbour a very unusual marine environment has been created by a deep layer of dark red-brown, tannin-rich freshwater, which overlies tidal saltwater. The tannins restrict sunlight penetration to the top few metres, limiting the growth of marine plants. In their place live colourful and delicate marine invertebrates, including sea pens. In the clearer marine waters of Port Davey – away from the influence of the freshwater tannins – a more typical Tasmanian underwater world exists. Diverse kelp forests and abundant fish thrive beneath the surging Southern Ocean waves. This Marine Reserve forms part of the Southwest National Park, and is surrounded by the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area encompasses a greater breadth of values than any World Heritage property on Earth. Of 1052 sites in the world which are recognised as World Heritage areas, Tasmania is one of only 35 sites that satisfy both cultural and natural heritage values. But even more impressively, the area satisfies seven of the ten criteria, including unique human culture and history, wilderness, plants and wildlife, and geology. Only one other site in the world (located in China) equals this number and none exceed it. There’s a lot to explore; Tasmania’s World Heritage Area comprises 1.38 million hectares, or about 20 per cent of the entire State.
Talk to Alquemie to incorporate this remote part of Australia into an itinerary.
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.
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.
