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Tag / Horizontal falls
Luxury Australian Itinerary – Best Of The West
The Best of the West
13 – 16 nights, if you choose to include all four lodges in Western Australia, plus a night on route where required.
This Best Of The West itinerary, is exactly that – celebrating Western Australia’s breathtaking contrasts and memorable Australian experiences. Uncover the hidden treasures of the Margaret River wine region, including award-winning wineries, spectacular beaches, tall-timber forests and world-class surf breaks.
Discover the wild remote Kimberley coast on the adventure cruise of a lifetime encompassing spectacular gorges, waterfalls and islands. Venture deep into the Kimberley wilderness, encountering an astonishing variety of wildlife along the way.
If time permits, discover into the underwater beauty and biodiversity of The Ningaloo Reef just metres away from pristine beaches. This itinerary can be reversed.
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 – MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (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. This premium wine region has a strong reputation for fine gastronomic flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.
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.
- Twilight Didgeridoo Tour at Ngilgi Cave, Harvest Farmgate Tour and new Cooking Class and Long Table Lunch Calendar including Truffle Hunt Tour and Cooking Class (July and August).
TRUE NORTH – THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (7 NIGHTS)
Long revered as one of Australia’s outstanding adventure experiences. The True North has been designed with a draft of just 2.3 metres to go where no other ship can go, with high levels of comfort and style. Cruises are activity based with expert crew of 19 people, on-board helicopter and 6 expedition boats giving up to 36 guests access to remote and wild coastal areas – in style.
A selection of must do’s
- The Horizontal Falls – Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience.
- Eagle Falls heli-picnic – Enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight and indulge in True North’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall in remote far-north Western Australia. Only accessible by helicopter.
- Fishing experience for Barramundi – Visit Leadline Creek for an opportunity to ‘land a barra’.
EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD – THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)
(El Questro operates from April until October)
In the middle of almost 1 million acres of Wilderness Park and 100km from the nearest town, the luxury of the El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top, with vistas across the Chamberlain River, the Homestead is a relaxed retreat catering for a maximum of 18 guests.
A selection of must do’s
- Take off on a Helicopter Tour to The Lost City and Miri Miri Falls. Explore the Lost City with an El Questro ranger, followed by a cool dip in the pristine Miri Miri Falls while you enjoy a refreshing morning tea featuring local produce.
- Spend an afternoon at the Zebedee Thermal Springs – A magical place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
- The Homestead is renowned for serving gourmet cuisine in dramatic locations. Request an intimate dinner beneath the stars, or a table set on the cliff side.
SAL SALIS – NINGALOO REEF, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)
Where the outback meets the reef….Nine luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook Ningaloo Reef. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint.
A selection of must do’s
- Swim with Whale Sharks (April to July) – Ningaloo Reef is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.
- Wildlife Viewing – Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould’s Goannas are resident in the park while the birdlife includes Pied Butcherbirds, Fairy Wrens, Kestrels, Zebra Finches, Reef Herons, waders, seabirds and the occasional Emu that strolls through camp. Ningaloo is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp.
- Sea Kayaking – Kayaks are the perfect vessel for exploring the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem. Travel by kayak to spots further off shore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel.
True North Kimberley Cruises – Luxury Lodges of Australia
A cruise along the Kimberley coast aboard the luxury adventure small-ship TRUE NORTH is on the bucket list for many. Scenes of thundering waterfalls and spectacular gorges greet guests daily. Highlights include Horizontal falls, Mitchell falls, the unique eco-system of Montgomery Reef, Aboriginal rock art and catching huge barramundi.
We speak to Peter Trembath, General Manager, who has been responsible for brand and product at North Star Cruises (owners of TRUE NORTH) since 2001.
Describe TRUE NORTH in 3 words.
Revered adventure-cruise ship
Tell us a little bit about TRUE NORTH and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?
An adventure on the TRUE NORTH is one of Australia’s most desired holidays. Bigger ships cannot go where we go! Extended periods at sea are specifically excluded and daily activities can include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, scenic flights in the ship’s helicopter and cultural events. We deploy comfortable expedition boats (not rubber boats) and discover wilderness in small groups. An Australian crew uniquely chaperones every experience.
How is the TRUE NORTH pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?
By providing unparalleled access to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness and, by providing activity-laden itineraries that provide our guests with maximum opportunity to truly experience the destination.
What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation from North Star Cruises?
The introduction of new itineraries in the Kimberley and the scheduling of a Discovery Cruise in the South Pacific.
What activity should guests not miss during their stay on the TRUE NORTH ?
Flying in the ship’s helicopter.
Best dining experience on the TRUE NORTH ?
Catch of the day likely caught with your own hands.
Please describe a typical guest onboard.
Anyone who considers ‘the experience’ to be the true luxury.
Is the TRUE NORTH child friendly? If so what’s a great experience for kids under 10? And for teens?
Where behaviour is guaranteed not to disrupt the enjoyment of fellow guests. The high-speed drift-snorkelling at the stunning Rowley Shoals is great fun.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Beware of imitations and discover for yourself why our guests consistently remark “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!”
Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie