Luxury Lodges of Australia Archives - Page 2 of 2

True North Kimberley Cruises – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on August 26, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

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.

Fishing for barramundi on the True North — Fishing for barramundi

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.

The True North is a base for adventure — The luxury small-ship is a base for adventure

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.

Raft point sunrise by helicopter on True North — Raft point sunrise by helicopter from the True North

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!”

Peter Trembath, General Manager TRUE NORTH — Peter Trembath, General Manager, North Star Cruises with his catch of the day

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Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups of friends

Posted on July 12, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

Picture this…Your favourite people, an amazing location, a heavenly bed, delicious food, wine aged to perfection and a range of unique and interesting activities that would delight even the most seasoned traveller. Sound good? Well that’s what’s on our list of small boutique properties are just perfect for groups of friends. These gorgeous options for exclusive Australian accommodation for groups will make you want to go on vacation right now. Read on…

Spicers Peak Lodge

With just ten luxurious suites and two Private Lodges, Spicers Peak Lodge serves as an intimate and relaxing accommodation experience in one of South East Queensland’s most beautiful wilderness areas. Located on 8,000 acres at the peak of a ridge, with breathtaking views of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Scenic Rim.

There is a range of experiences designed to give guests access to this strikingly beautiful part of the Australian wilderness including rainforest bushwalks, mountain biking adventures, and wine tasting at the nearby Granite Belt wine region. There are also guided four day treks ending in a night of luxury at the lodge.

Pretty Beach House

Pretty Beach House is the epitome of relaxed luxury and elegance for those looking for a private getaway not far from Sydney. A serene escape nestled within the heart of the NSW Bouddi National Park and high above Pretty Beach (just a 5 minute drive away), here you’ll find the perfect balance of intimacy, privacy and personalised butler service. With just four luxurious pavilions a group can have this exclusive Australian accommodation all to themselves.

Arkaba

Arkaba’s true luxury is delivered by the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia. Located in the ancient and awe-inspiring grand scale landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism.

Arkaba’s team of expert field guides live and breathe the bush and through a mix of guided walks, open top safari drives and sheer passion, they will open up the secrets of one of Australia’s most fascinating and spectacular landscapes.

Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups at Arkaba — Spot unique Australian wildlife on a sunset safari at Arkaba

Cape Lodge

With 22 romantically secluded rooms and a magnificent five bedroom private luxury Residence, Cape Lodge in the Margaret River Region of Western Australia sits on 40 acres of manicured parkland and ornamental lakes and has its own 8 acre vineyard producing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz exclusively for guests of the hotel. The superb Cape Lodge Restaurant is voted one of the ‘Top Ten in the World for Food’ in Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List and is described as “one of Australia’s finest new generation dining establishments.”

Private, tailor-made activities in the nearby surrounds of Margaret River can include wine tasting (of course!), devouring some of the best regional produce in the country, learning about the Aboriginal significance of the region, surfing the world-famous breaks, multi-day walks, whale watching, truffle-hunting and much more. Read our review here.

Crystalbrook Lodge

Hidden in the rugged outback of North Queensland this secret outback mecca catering to only 10 guests is an oasis of luxury perched over the spectacular Crystalbrook Lake.

The lake is haven to a staggering range of wildlife including birds, freshwater crocodiles and fish; a nature lover’s paradise, guests can spend days on the lake or riverside, exploring the bush wilderness or just enjoying the serenity and stillness of the outback in the lodge’s private manicured grounds. Keen fishermen will be hooked on giant barramundi or heli-fishing in the gulf rivers. Here in “big sky” country, the colours of dawn and dusk bookend nature’s daily theatre.

Travelling with groups of friends is one of the loveliest ways to spend time. On the other hand, trying to organise everybody can be difficult and sometimes pleasing everyone can be tough work. This is where Alquemie comes in. Our Alquemists are specialists at crafting magical holidays and ensuring that each and every traveller has the trip of a lifetime. Get in touch today.

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The Kimberley

Posted on April 9, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

The Wild North West (The Kimberley)

The Kimberley is a vast region that is for the most part totally uninhabited. Occupying the north west of Australia it is really only accessible during our winter months from April through to October. The big draw cards are the spectacular coastline, rugged outback wilderness, and the extraordinary assemblage of wildlife. The challenge is always finding a way to explore and experience all three. This is a remarkable part of Australia, and an incredibly unique destination. Below is a crash course on some key regional highlights.

Private yacht charter in Western Australia

Broome

This is purely a gateway port to start a journey in the Kimberley. The town itself can be covered in an afternoon or one night so not really much need to stay longer than one night – but could do two if you wanted.

Kimberley Coast – Expedition Cruising

Visit where the big ships can't go on the True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Visit where the big ships can’t go on the True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, flora, bird and wildlife watching, diving, exploring and much more… Multiple expedition vessels or ‘tenders’ take guests in small groups to experience the wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of having numerous tenders means that everyone onboard has greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”.

Most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter opening up a whole range of options from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping adventures. Discover virtually unseen and untouched parts of The Kimberley.

Beach Picnic on the True-North - a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Beach Picnic on the True-North – a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Air Safari

Out of Broome a great way of seeing the Buccaneer Archipelago (one of the most spectacular sections of the Kimberley Coast) is by helicopter or light aircraft. You can fly over this stretch of coast for around three hours and if using a heli could include a stop for lunch at the horizontal waterfalls. The main points of interest include a stop at Cygnet Bay, a working pearl farm, and at the Horizontal waterfalls. True North also covers the same stretch of coast, however doing it by air is a different experience all together, not to mention the time difference. You would then fly down into Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary.

Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Kimberley Coastal Camp

‘Crushed coral rustic luxury’ is the best way to describe this property. Located along an impressive stretch of the Kimberly Coast this rustic camp is a great experience with good aboriginal art (including Bradshaw and Wandjina Art), great fishing and beautiful coastal scenery. Hugely popular with all our past travellers due to the uniqueness and personalisation of experience. This really isn’t offered anywhere else in the region – hands on experiences out exploring with your guides. Accommodation is open air ‘shacks’ with bare sand/coral floors and open air ‘windows’ – all looking out onto the water. Small, intimate, and very unique.

Kimberley Outback – El Questro Homestead

Baobab dining at El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley

This is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, and is by far the most comfortable outback experience in this part of the country. The station has various accommodation options, however the homestead is the only luxurious option. It is a few hours’ drive, or a short heli flight from Kununurra. There are a range of on-site activities included in a stay here, as is all your food and beverages.

Kimberley Inland – Mornington Downs Wilderness Sanctuary

A very authentic side to this region. Mornington Downs has good African style safari tents, but there is more specific focus on the wildlife conservation work here. This is run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy who are doing some impressive work in this region, and will show you a very interesting (and to many unknown) side to the conservation battle in Australia. Mornington is the one place in Northern Australia that has managed to reverse the declining mammal populations and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy is the leading private conservation group in the country. This is an opportunity to experience some of the Kimberley’s wildlife, and is usually a very rewarding visit.

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