SAVE $1980 per couple at Kimberley Coastal Camp. Stay for 6 – Pay for 5 – All Inclusive Package Stay
Book a 6 night stay during 2018 for 2 adults and only pay for 5*, transfers & alcohol additional.
There are very few places in the world where you can enjoy fabulous scenery, gourmet food, unique beach front accommodation, spectacular fishing and ancient rock art – all combined with unparalleled hospitality in a remote wilderness location.
Expert fully guided fishing (all equipment provided) – head out to the estuaries & blue water, try for the elusive Barra (with great success). Your catch is prepared for your mouth watering evening meal.
Drop the pots for mud crabs & Oyster gathering with of course Champagne!
Ancient rock art walks and tours (Gwion Gwion & Wandina) – the walk into the bush with Tub is a fascinating journey into the Dreamtime stories behind the incredibly preserved rock art he leads you to.
Boat cruises to remote private islands for gourmet picnic lunches, where you are likely to see no-one
Unplug and relax in truly one of the most unique and remote places.
New transport option – Paspaley Flying Boat! Direct from Darwin.
*Conditions apply. Per couple savings, min of 2 people booking to receive offer, twin share, transfers & alcohol additional, children at full child rate per night, limited bungalows subject to availability, non-refundable deposit of $2400 payable with in 7 days of booking, prices are correct at 20/9/17. Offer for nights booked between April & Sept 2018 and valid for bookings made before 31/12/17, not redeemable with any other offer. Only available for direct bookings, non-commission able
Kimberley Coastal Camp in the far north of Australia is one of our favourite places in the Kimberley region. With no ensuites, only cold showers, and sandy floors it may be seen as an odd choice but these details are minor compared to the incredible experience you will have. This unique destination is so remote that there is no road access, and with a maximum of just 16 guests, you will truly feel like you are one of the luckiest people on earth.
The small lodge is nestled unobtrusively on the pristine shores of the Admiralty Gulf, opposite the Mitchell Plateau and famous Mitchell Falls in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Kimberley. The camp has been built in a rustic style with timber beams and corrugated roofing with an eclectic combination of books, fishing tackle and beachcomber treasures for decoration. There are no pre-set itineraries here. You set the pace and can be as active or laid back as you like.
Kimberley Coastal Camp
The area is a fisherman’s paradise and if you can catch it, they can cook it! Guided bush walks take you to Aboriginal rock art galleries that include the unique Bradshaw paintings and the younger but equally beautiful Wandjina art. Other activities during your stay will include boat trips to fish, visits to remote islands and beaches or even a helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls.
This is one of the least explored and most spectacular coastlines in Australia – the craggy cliffs coming down to the water’s edge, with sandstone and shell covered beaches make this area nearly inaccessible. All the ingredients for a perfect wilderness holiday are here – a pristine environment, deserted beaches, wildlife and birds, marine adventure, delicious fresh food, a cooling pool and magnificent scenery.
The Lodge
The Lodge at Kimberley Costal Camp. Photographer – Travis Hayto
The ‘Shed’ is the open sided living area with high raked ceilings and is the place to socialise or chill out with a good book. An open plan kitchen and ‘help yourself to the fridge’ attitude ensures a relaxed, friendly camp atmosphere. The nucleus of the lodge with its high raked ceilings is open to the gentle sea breezes and features rustic handmade furniture from recycled timbers, designer soft furnishings, a unique outback bar, and is the setting for wonderful gourmet meals Kimberley Coastal Camp has become famous for.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in hand built spacious guest gazebos scattered amongst native grasses and red sandstone. Just sixteen guests can be accommodated in the comfortable but simple wooden chaletsEach gazebo takes full advantage of the tranquil views over the Admiralty Gulf and is elegantly furnished with 5 star king size or twin single beds fitted with luxurious Sheridan linen, screened walls, handmade timber furniture, reading lamps and a ceiling fan. Crushed coral and sand make up the floor with small bedside mats and there is a bedside lamp, mirror, bedside table and a fan. The shared bathroom facilities that open to the sky are utterly in tune with this wild and remote environment and are not in any way an imposition.
Incredible Indigenous rock art
The ultimate in experiential travel, Kimberley Coastal Camp is ideally located at the centre of one of the world’s finest repositories of indigenous rock art. With many rock art panels and caves within close walking distance, guests are invited to experience intimate encounters with this ancient culture via fully guided bush walks or scenic boat rides. The rare Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) is dated no less than 17 500 years old (some suggest older) and is currently testing the world’s best scientific minds. The more recent Wandjina rock art with radiating headdresses and mouthless faces decorate thousands of caves throughout this country known to traditional owners as Yalrundair.
Superb fishing
Superb fishing conditions entice the most avid anglers and adventurers. The Admiralty Gulf is considered one of Australia’s greatest fishing destinations. Guests can choose to take their catch ashore on an island fringed by Boab trees where our guide will prepare it ‘bush style’ on the open coals.
Even by Kimberley standards, Kimberley Coastal Camp is isolated. With access limited to helicopter and float plane, and numbers kept to a minimum, fishing here is for the privileged few.
Species
Fish these abundant waters for Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Fingermark, Mulloway (Northern Black Jew Fish), Threadfin Salmon, Giant Trevally, Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Queen Fish, Coral Trout, Blue Bone and numerous other tropical species. In one day it is possible to catch everything from Barramundi to Blue Bone to Blue Fin Tuna.
Fishing Conditions
Huge tidal rivers together with mangrove lined creeks, estuaries, flats, offshore reefs and islands as well as blue water, ensure an exciting variety of fishing options. Kimberley Coastal Camp is one of very few fishing destinations in Australia able to offer such diverse options to the keen angler.
Yalrundair
Wild dingoes, sea eagles, olive pythons, endangered quolls, and many other native animals share this country known to traditional owners as ‘Yalrundair‘, a rich expanse of land made up of towering escarpments and sandstone rock formations. This is true wilderness, unspoiled by the introduction of feral animals, roads and pollution.
Guided walks cater to those wishing to venture on a short stroll or a challenging all day hike. Explore by boat scenic river systems and abundant bird life. Or relax on the daybed and admire wild dingoes, sea eagles and Brahminy kites as they descend at sunset to enjoy their share of the day’s catch.
Kimberley Coastal Camp has been catering to the discerning traveller since 1994 with personalised itineraries, a staff to guest ratio of no less than 1 staff member per 3 guests, and gourmet food utilising fresh local produce and native Australian bush tuckers. This is hosted accommodation at its best.
This ultimate adventure offers a truly unique experience. Picnic island, spectacular coastal wilderness, Wineglass bay and so much more. Discover the feeling of freedom and rejuvenate in the fresh sea air of Freycient National Park.
Kayak to Hazards Beach
Over 4 days experience a true escape with this ultimate Freycinet Adventure. This unique adventure is so much more than just a walking tour. This hosted experience includes wildlife, kayaking, walking, boat tours and plenty of relaxing. The base camp is on a private island (Picnic Island). It is completely unique and has a truly a spectacular outlook of Freycinet National Park.
View of Tasmania mainland from Picnic Island
This trip starts with the stunning drive from Hobart to Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula. From here you’ll board our Aqua Taxi and head out to our exclusive island accommodation. Once you’ve settled in, experienced guides will take you through your exciting itinerary for the next few days.
Included is kayaking, walking, boat trips and wildlife encounters. Your accommodation will be in a luxurious cabin overlooking the water on the island. Your meals are prepared lovingly in the ‘birdhouse’ on the island by the passionate guides and include local produce and Tasmanian wines.
Highlights
Private evening penguin colony tour
Aqua Taxi tour on the Freycinet Peninsula taking in pristine deserted beaches
A picnic at Wineglass Bay
Sunset Kayak Tour
Oyster Tasting
Walks within Freycinet National Park including Mt. Graham & Mt. Amos
Accommodation
Accommodation on Picnic Island
Your unique accommodation will be a highlight of this experience. Situated 800m offshore from Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park is Picnic Island. This architecturally and environmentally sensitively designed lodge makes this experience a true escape. Each sleeping quarter is decked out with a comfortable queen been with stunning water views. The common area (The Birdshouse) boasts a wood-fire, dining and lounge area.
Sundowner will have a new meaning for you. We also share the island with a colony of little penguins and some other spectacular visiting wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1: Your transfer from Hobart is included. You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a picturesque drive up the East Coast. On arrival, the Aqua Taxi will shuttle you out to the island for a late lunch. Optional afternoon short walks in Freycinet National Park.
Day 2: An Aqua Taxi will take you down to Hazards Beach to enjoy some coastal walks within Freycinet National Park. The guides will take you on a hike from Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay for a picnic lunch. After dinner, is optional penguin viewing on the island.
Picnic Island is the ideal base in Freycinet National Park
Day 3: The morning consists of a walk up Mt. Freycinet (5.5 kms) which has picturesque views of the whole Peninsula. You will undertake the award winning Freycinet Paddle -3 hour guided sea kayaking tour at twilight.
Day 4: Included is oyster tasting at the local Marine Farm followed by a transfer back to Hobart. There is also plenty of ‘island time ’to enjoy a spot of fishing off the jetty, birdwatching, or relaxing around the island.
All walks/activities are optional.
For more information about this 4 day Tasmanian itinerary contact your Australian specialist at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.
In recent years the Mornington Peninsula has stepped up it’s game. It’s always been a favourite weekend retreat of Melburnians but these days a plethora of world-class luxury accommodation and wineries, along with incredible scenery make it a must-do add on if you’re visiting Melbourne, and at only 90 minutes away from the city you’d be silly not to go. Here are just a few of the reasons you should visit:
Wineries & restaurants galore
Polperro by Even Keel winery has some delicious wines
The Mornington Peninsula is idea for producing cool climate wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Tempranillo and Pinot Gris, and there are more than 50 cellar doors to keep you busy. Being only 90 minutes away from Melbourne makes a day visit much more accessible than regions such as the Hunter Valley in New South Wales or Barossa Valley in South Australia, but given the huge number of wineries this wine region is best explored with time on your side.
Some of the standouts are:
Polperro by Even Keel Small and boutique in a beautiful setting. Also with four luxury villas. (see below)
Jackalope
A great place to stop for lunch or dinner or stay a few days. (see below)
Port Phillip Estate A large and commanding winery with some boutique accommodation. Also a great spot for a long lunch with a view.
Foxey’s Hangout Excellent casual dining with scenic vineyard views. Just go with the Chef’s Menu where you’re served up what the chef decides on the day. It is great value but unfortunately you can not book.
Montalto Popular and well-known winery with stunning views overlooking vines and a sculpture park.)
Ocean Eight One of the most spectacular vineyards on the Peninsula. The cellar door openings are a bit limited but we have access to private barrel tastings.
Merricks General Store
Excellent for lunch. Also serves as the Cellar Door for Baillieu Wines and Elgee Park (Baillieu Myer’s vineyard).
Golfer’s paradise
Play on some of Australia’s best golf courses on the Mornington Peninsula
If you love golf then you’ll want to come to the Mornington Peninsula. Australia’s premier golfing region plays host to 15 clubs and 20 golf courses. Three of these are in Australia’s top ten, plus another six in the top 100. There’s a golf course to suit every skill level and many boast spectacular ocean views. No where else in Australia offers such a broad range of courses in such a small area.
Click on the links below to find out more about two of the top golf clubs in Australia.
From the calm crystal clear waters of shallow beaches all the way along Port Phillip Bay from Mornington to Portsea to the rugged back-beaches of the wild ocean on the other side of the Peninsula, there is plenty of choice for the novice to the experienced swimmer or surfer. The back-beaches could be said to resemble the coastline of the Great Ocean Road with wild waves, dense tea-tree covered sand-hills and eroded outcrops. There are some great walks along the back-beaches and at low tide there are plenty of rock-pools that are deep enough to swim in and cool down.
Note: There are life-guards at some beaches during summer however only confident and strong swimmers should venture into the surf.
Point Nepean National Park
Well worth a visit if you enjoy walking and history is Point Nepean National Park. It’s the furthest point from Melbourne on the Peninsula and was once a defence base. There are a series of military fortifications as well several walking tracks that lead to interesting viewpoints of Melbourne and Queenscliff on the opposite side of the bay.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse
There are numerous walks at Cape Schanck of varying lengths that take you along rugged coastal landscape. Visit the lighthouse, Bushrangers Bay and enjoy the several lookouts with views of Devils Desk and Pulpit Rock.
Boutique Luxury Accommodation
Jackalope Hotel
The impressive Jackalope sculpture greets guests upon arrival
This sleek new hotel has hit the ground running and got tongues wagging. Ultra modern and sexy, the juxtaposition of it’s black walls and unique art works are at odds with the surrounding vines and makes a striking impact.
With 42 suites, 2 onsite restaurants (Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare), a cocktail bar and it’s own winery, Jacklaope is a destination in itself and a must for people wanting a lively funky escape from Melbourne. Find out more >
Polperro
Polperro Villas are perfect in winter or summer.
Polperro is perfect for that peaceful romantic getaway and a great base for exploring the region. We love the gorgeous suites (only four in total) overlooking the vineyards. You could spend all day in them, if only there wasn’t so much to do! Find out more >
If you thought the Mornington Peninsula needed a boost of creativity then look no further than Jackalope Hotel. Like it’s namesake creature of American folklore, Jackalope is designed to offer guests an escape from reality. Arriving in early 2017, this mythical hybrid of old and new is just what the region needed. Already winning the accolades of Hotel of the Year, New Hotel of the Year and Regional Hotel of the Year in the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Awards 2017, Jackalope has set tongues wagging for a conceptual approach to art and it’s dark colour palette which is at odds with the more traditional accommodation offerings near by. I visited Jackalope in September 2017 and was impressed with what I saw.
The striking black exterior is in contrast with the surrounding vineyard
With 46 rooms, a 30-metre outdoor pool over looking the vineyards, on-property winery and cellar door, a casual and fine-dining restaurant, plus a cocktail bar, Jackalope has filled the much needed gap where mid-sized luxury hotels were lacking on the Mornington Peninsula. Plus it’s only about 1 hour from Melbourne and the nearest helicopter landing is only 15 minutes away.
Jackelope room with vineyard view
Quirky commissioned art installations, nightclub style hallways and unusual architecture all add up to one fantastic feast for the eyes. Despite it being out of place, it all seems to make sense once you’re there.
Jackelope’s hallway wouldn’t be out of place in a nightclub
The 42 luxury rooms have private terraces and the option of deep soak baths in four luxury suites. Sizes range from 52-85 sqm and you can choose from Garden view or Vineyard view (recommended). In contrast to the abundant art in the common areas, the room interiors are decidedly understated with simple black walls and lush furnishings leaving the view as the key piece of art.
My recommendation would be to take a Signature suite with loft ceilings, an expansive 30 sqm terrace overlooking the vines, a double sided indoor/outdoor fireplace, a six-seater indoor dining table, kitchenette, cocktail bar and a personal wine cellar.
Inside: 85 sqm/914 sqft
Terrace: 30 sqm/333 sqft
West-facing (sunset aspect), overlooking Willow Creek vineyard
King Bed
Alfresco dining for six and outdoor lounge
Double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace
Kitchenette, bar, private wine cellar
Deep soak, black stone bath tub
Complimentary breakfast served in Doot Doot Doot
Complimentary minibar (excluding wine)
Rooms are luxurious but sparsely decorated
Whilst there is no on-site spa, the hotel has several in-house masseurs ready to take your relaxation to the next level. You can enjoy a massage in the privacy of your own room (followed by a soak in your deep Japanese bath) or there are other private areas to accommodate you.
Enjoy an in-room massage on your private balcony.
When it’s time for an afternoon beverage then Jackalope won’t disappoint. You certainly wouldn’t expect to find an on-site cocktail bar like Flagerdoot amongst the vineyards. Sample the alchemy of experimental in-house creations such as ‘Mushroom & Maple’ made from Shiitake mushroom, maple, chocolate bitters, bourbon whiskey. With dark parquet floors, handpicked gold leather seating and a chic, industrial-chemistry lab feel to it, Flagerdoot attracts the curious hoards on a weekend, eager to see what all the fuss is about.
Flaggerdoot cocktail bar is an unexpected delight.
Also attracting day visitors and guests alike are the two superb dining options and rumours of the delicious food at Jackalope are true. Doot Doot Doot, the upmarket fine-dining option has a ten thousand bulb chandelier, five-course seasonal degustation of local produce fresh from the kitchen garden and a unique selection of limited-release wines. It’s visually impressive by day and even more so at night when then chandelier comes alive.
Open for lunch: noon – 3pm, Saturday and Sunday and dinner: 6pm – 9pm (last order), 7 days.
For more casual dining head to Rare Hare. I ate a sumptuous lunch there and despite the winter rain outside it was warm and toasty and buzzing with diners. Highly recommended is the Negroni cured trout with horseradish cream and dill on rye toast, and the Salmon cutlet cured in white miso, sesame and ginger. Open from Monday to Thursday 11am to 5pm and Friday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm it makes a great place for a lazy long lunch or a dinner whether you’re staying in the hotel or not.
Nearby Red Hill properties Polperro and Port Phillip Estate both mentioned that they send guests to Jackelope to dine.
The casual dining option of Rare Hare serves up fantastic share plates.
Before or after you feast, visit the Cellar Door of Willow Creek Vineyard. The entrance of Rare Hare backs on to a great room where wine barrels line up to the ceiling and guests can sample the wares. If you like Rosé you’ll be in for a treat.
The Rare Hare Range
It was winter during my visit but the 30 metre pool will be the perfect place for guests to wile away a sunny summer afternoon, glass of wine in hand. Overlooking the vineyard, it’s for guests only and even in the winter the steamy attached jacuzzi was being used.
Overall the hotel feels like a place to enjoy with friends or for a celebration rather than for romance and peace and quiet. Maybe this is due to the two on-site restaurants and quirky cocktail bar, or maybe it’s just the funky vibe of the place – it’s all about good times, great laughs and a unique experience to be shared. Jackalope has made an impression and is here to stay. To add Jackalope to an Australian itinerary contact alquemie@alquemie.com.au.
If you’re after a peaceful weekend getaway from Melbourne then look no further than Polperro Villas at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. Only 90 minutes from the city, it is simply the perfect place for romance and relaxation. Just four luxurious villas are privately located on 25 acres of working vineyards in the heart of the famous wine region Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula. Here’s why we love it….
Polperro Villas sit on 25 private acres of vineyards.The villas have a gorgeous large spa bath.
Each luxury villa features a king size bed, designer styling, an open fire place, a central spa bath and a private deck with vineyard views.
Polperro Villas are perfect in winter or summer.
On the property is also an intimate cellar door showcasing the full range of wines from Polperro and Even Keel founder and winemaker, Sam Coverdale.
Sample wines made onsite at the cellar door.
There’s also a delightful bistro overlooking the vineyards with dishes like ‘Glazed lamb ribs, soft pancakes, garlic labneh, tomato relish, cucumber’ or ‘Duck breast, coffee chestnut purée, black quinoa, balsamic reduction’.
Polperro Bistro with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the vineyards
Guests can grab a picnic pack and wine and venture out to explore the grounds for a long lazy afternoon in nature.
Grab a picnic pack and spend the afternoon relaxing outside.
For visiting guests there’s plenty to do, see and taste, with over 50 boutique cellar doors to explore, many celebrated restaurants to eat at, and pristine beaches and natural surrounds to feed nature lovers.
Red Hill hosts more than 50 cellar doors
Polperro also offers guests Hot Hut yoga classes 7 days a week
HotHut yoga
The accommodation here is our pick of the Mornington Peninsula. It is simply stunning and perfect for summer or winter. While one night here would be enough, we recommend two to really absorb and relax into the environment. To include Polperro Villas on your Australian itinerary contact alquemie@alquemie.com.au.
We often get asked about the coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and how it affects the guest snorkelling or diving experience at destinations such as Lizard Island, Qualia and Orpheus as well as day trips to the reef from Port Douglas and Cairns. Unfortunately the GBR reef has suffered severe coral bleaching in some areas for two years in a row.
Despite this, we believe that a visit to the Great Barrier Reef region in Tropical Far North Queensland is still a highlight of an Australian itinerary – the colourful fish remain and your off-the-reef experience at luxurious properties will relax and delight you.
For serious divers there are options for multi-day live-aboard journeys to locations further afield where there has been less bleaching and Ningaloo Reef off Western Australia is also a fantastic alternative.
Below is the current information available to us about the state of the reef.
What is coral bleaching?
Bleaching is a sign that corals are under stress. Corals are able to cope in a limited range of environmental conditions but when these limits are exceeded (e.g. temperature), they experience stress.
Most corals have microscopic marine algae (called zooxanthellae) living inside their tissue. These photosynthetic organisms give corals much of their colour and also provide up to 90 per cent of the energy corals need to grow and produce. When corals are under stress, this symbiotic relationship breaks down, and corals expel the zooxanthellae and begin to starve. As zooxanthellae leave the corals, the corals become paler and increasingly transparent.
However, corals also contain fluorescent proteins (green, yellow, red and cyan) that may help minimise damage from ultraviolet light. When corals lose their zooxanthellae (bleach), these fluorescent proteins become more visible and the coral can display striking fluorescent hues of pink, yellow or blue. Not all of these fluorescent proteins are visible in daylight though, so corals can also look completely white.
What is the current bleaching situation on the Reef?
In 2016, the Great Barrier Reef suffered the worst ever bleaching event due to record breaking summer sea surface temperatures. This was due in part to a strong El Niño combined with the ongoing effect of climate change. An estimated 22 per cent of coral on the Great Barrier Reef died as a result of bleaching, mainly from reefs in the northern section.
In 2017, the Great Barrier Reef, along with other reefs around the world, suffered a second consecutive year of mass coral bleaching, driven predominantly by ocean warming due to climate change. The effects of this event are being monitored and will continue to unfold for several months.
Click here for the latest update on reef health from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Source: Great Barrier Marine Park Authority
Great Barrier Reef Update from Lizard Island, 2017
There have been some areas that have been affected by coral bleaching and recent cyclones, however, a number of areas are still pristine and untouched, whilst some of the damaged ones are showing positive signs of regeneration and growth. There are some amazing coral formations and marine life abundance just 20m from our shores on Anchor Bay or Watson’s Bay, such as the renowned Giant Clams Garden and surrounding formations, and all of the inner and outer reef locations that we visit with our guests receive glowing reports every week.
Lizard Island remains the single best destination on the reef from which to explore what the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, either as a snorkeller or a diver. There are amazing locations in both the inner and outer reef regions, or just around the island itself.
Photographic evidence below has been taken by guests, staff and scientists as recently as April 2017 and showcases that the reef is thriving in many places around Lizard Island. Please also refer to the unsolicited feedback received on TripAdvisor from recent guests.
We are obviously very passionate about the region, but we remain neutral and fair about the guest experience and invite you to come and experience the wonderful marine, island and resort life that Lizard Island offers.
Emilio Fortini
General Manager
Further information provided by Tourism and Events Queensland.
The Great Barrier Reef is our most valuable natural tourism asset with around two million visitors experiencing it every year. The Queensland tourism industry plays a vital role in protecting the reef by actively participating in programs run by key stakeholders to monitor reef health and build resilience.
The following are some key tips to share with your clients who are asking about the Great Barrier Reef:
Follow #thisisqueensland and @Australia @Queensland to see what amazing reef experiences travellers and operators are sharing on a daily basis
Download the Eye on the Reef app which provides up to date observations on the health of the reef by visitors and operators:
Book a high standard commercial tourism operator who has Ecotourism Australia or EarthCheck certification:
Join the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef – a social movement which aims to unite people from around the world to learn about and care about the Reef: www.citizensgbr.org
Visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the official source of scientific information and facts: www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Australia’s fish population has had tens of millions of years to evolve and adapt to the unique aquatic environments of this massive, isolated island continent, so it’s hardly surprising that many species are found nowhere else on earth. However even those species you might be familiar with, such as black marlin and some types of tuna, tend to be more abundant and grow larger here than almost anywhere else. Below is a short list of some of Australia’s most exciting sport fishing target species or groups of fish.
For more information about fishing in Australia, visit the Australia website.
It’s that time of year again already. The silly season is fast approaching and accommodation, experiences and restaurants WILL BOOK OUT. We can’t stress that enough. Please get in touch with us to lock in an amazing experience for your client. We can recommend some fabulous ideas to suit your client’s desires.
In Australia, it’s hot at Christmas and we celebrate on the day of the 25th, not Christmas Eve. You’ll often find families heading to the beach for a dip and a game of cricket after they’ve stuffed themselves with festive goodness and we recommend your clients join in the fun. It’s definitely a contrary experience to a Christmas in Europe or North America and a real part of the Australian culture. Our Christmas feast often consists of fresh seafood such as prawns and crayfish, ham off the bone and a roast turkey with all the trimmings. Around this time of year, a large portion of the local population head out of town to holiday destinations within a few hours drive of the capitals so often it’s mostly tourists that remain in the cities but the buzz of holiday season never wanes.
Please take note of the following:
Accommodation
Accommodation is already scare at the top end of the market. If you have clients thinking of travelling to Australia at this time of year, please get in touch immediately.
Dining
Most hotels have finalised their dinner and party menus and prices.
Other restaurants also have their festive season menus ready.
Ask us to book a dining experience for your client.
New Years Eve in Sydney – ideas
Spend the last evening of 2017 at the Sydney Opera House. Be entertained at the Opera Gala, featuring favourites by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and more. Then, with a heart full of song, watch the fireworks the whole world watches. Interval is timed for the 9pm fireworks and the Sydney Opera House stays open well past the midnight fireworks
Charter a luxury vessel for your own private soiree to welcome in the New Year. While you sleep, the vessel can relocate so you’ll wake up to the soothing sounds of the Australian bush where you can swim, sunbathe and ease your way into the new year.
Grab the penthouse suite (be quick!) at any of Sydney’s harbour front hotels where your sky-high views of the fireworks will be the envy of all
“It’s too cold for crocodiles”, our knowledgable guide Glen assures us as we pull on thick wetsuits. We are about to go River Drift Snorkelling – a unique way to explore the tropics. It hadn’t even crossed my mind to be worried about crocodiles but it was a valid point – they inhabit rivers in the north of Australia. We walk the short 50 metres from the van to the river and any worries of crocodiles quickly fade away. The river is definitely on the chilly side, but more than that – we are in one of the most beautiful settings I’d ever found myself in.
Stunning scenery on the River Drift Snorkelling experience
We are at the Mossman River near the edge of World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, the oldest living rainforest in the world, a region which contains an almost complete record of the major stages in the evolution of plant life on earth. This part of the river is a clear and shallow, gently flowing stream draped on either side by tropical rainforest that reminds me of some movie scene. Tall palms sprout from the banks while larger more ancient looking trees lean over the river, attempting to catch the sunlight that gently makes its way down. Simply stunning.
Just a few kilometres upstream lies Silky Oaks Lodge – a luxury lodge of Australia and my favourite choice of accommodation in the area. As we wade into the cool water, Glen gives us some safety instructions before we don our snorkels and mask and pop our heads underwater.
Snorkelling through tree tops
It’s a completely different experience to snorkelling in locations like the Great Barrier Reef – for starters there’s a current which makes things really quite fun as you drift along. Depending on the season the river may be shallow or deep and fast flowing or slow, and because it’s a pristine natural environment there are some hazards such as hidden underwater logs although these come in handy to hold onto in the current. As we head downstream there is a huge tree that had fallen across the river and we snorkel through it’s branches. There are plenty of fish to be seen – mostly small and brown – but plentiful none the less. We also see a turtle which was a delight. The illusive platypus remained as such despite my efforts to find one along the river banks.
Suitable for all ages
The second half of our trip is simply lazing on inflatable rafts, drifting with the current and watching the treetops of the peaceful rainforest as the river meanders down to our finishing point. It is the perfect way to end an incredible experience – first from below the water, and then from above.
River Drift Snorkelling is the perfect activity for all ages and fitness levels – from groups of friends to families as it’s suitable for children who are confident swimmers. It’s a great way to spend time in the rainforest and would work fabulously with any itinerary to Far North Queensland. A highly recommended year-round experience.
