Australia Travel Guide 2024 by Outlook Publishing

AUSTRALIA

With endless blue skies that unfold over miles of coastlines, vivacious cities, canopies of lush greenery, and terracotta deserts, Australia is an oasis for explorers of any calibre looking to embark upon a one-of-a-kind experience

WRITER: LAUREN KANIA | PROJECT MANAGER: DEANE ANDERTON

Regularly crowned as an oasis of adventure, Australia is a land of perpetual sunshine, ancient cultures, and striking natural landscapes with a proud reputation for embracing the unexpected and excelling in the epic.

Home to an astonishing dichotomy of tradition and modernity, the country boasts a diverse charm that makes for a truly unparalleled experience that will shape your view of the world for years to come.

Travellers should prepare for endless beaches,

glistening waters, ochre deserts, world-class food, endemic wildlife, a 110-million-year-old rainforest, the world’s oldest continuous living culture, and more. With so much to immerse yourself in, from the vibrant city life to the seemingly untouched countryside, there are countless reasons to visit Australia.

Catering to every type of explorer, the adventure options span every corner of the country and across each domain, allowing for the tone of your trip to be entirely dictated by you.

Photo©Tourism Australia: Elephant Rock, Kimberley, Western Australia

AUSTRALIA

Head to Sydney for bolstering city life and innovative gastronomy, swim side-by-side with whales, turtles, and over 50 species of sharks at the Great Barrier Reef, and venture through the outback to meet the country’s largest bird – the emu – alongside kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and countless more fascinating animals endemic to Australia. Experience first-hand the mythology and spiritualism of Australia’s First Nations peoples, who have proudly called the land home for over 65,000 years. Learn more about the

DID YOU KNOW?

• Canberra is the capital of Australia

• The country has a population of approximately 27 million

• Australia is both a continent and a country

• 90 percent of Australians live on the coast

• The state of Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world

• The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest ecosystem with miles of vibrant coral and over 1,600 species of fish spanning 300,000 square kilometres (sqkm)

• The country has over 60 wine regions

• 80 percent of the animals are unique to Australia

• The Traditional Owners of Australia have been living in the country for over 65,000 years

• The Australian Alps receive more snowfall than Switzerland

• Australia is the only continent in the world without an active volcano

• There are almost 12,000 beaches in the country

• There are wild penguins in Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through guided tours of traditional rock art, historic landmarks, and Creation stories directly from Australia’s Traditional Owners. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best places to live, Australia offers more than just an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine per year and almost 12,000 beaches, but an island with unparalleled culture, otherworldly wildlife, unsullied natural environments, and endless wonders you can’t help but write home about.

Industry Insights

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES OF AUSTRALIA

WITH AN EVER-GROWING hunger to explore and learn more about the plethora of opportunities that Australia offers, international travellers are flocking in droves to experience the country’s vibrant atmosphere, unparalleled natural scenery, and millennia-old culture.

Boasting over a decade of experience in the nation’s illustrious travel industry, Signature Experiences of Australia works diligently to assist the travel trade in negotiating the

KAREN FITZGERALD, GENERAL MANAGER - EXPERIENCES AT TOURISM AUSTRALIA

depth of premium products on offer, making it easy to entice adventures of every genre to explore Australia through unmissable, experiential travel opportunities.

Karen Fitzgerald, General Manager - Experiences at Tourism Australia, provides us with a deep dive into the company’s innovative origins, passion for representing the best of the country, and plans for promoting Australia as a first-class destination for those looking to embark upon the trip of a lifetime.

Outlook Travel (OT): Can you tell us about the origins, vision, and goals of Signature Experiences of Australia?

Karen Fitzgerald, General Manager - Experiences at Tourism Australia (KF): Signature Experiences of Australia launched in 2011 and was created as a distribution development initiative to entice smaller tourism businesses in Australia into international marketing programmes.

We worked with industry to form marketing collectives based on the Luxury Lodges of Australia business model, now one of our partners. This collective launched in 2009 and saw the coming together of a small group of high-end experiential travel operators who wanted the world to know that Australia had a luxury travel offering through a collaborative approach which told their story in a cohesive way.

We then took that model and

applied it to a variety of experience sectors that we identified through Tourism Australia’s Consumer Demand Project, which examines tourism experience drivers of demand – that is, why people are coming to Australia. Beyond beaches, nature, wildlife, food and drink, and welcoming locals, other sectors began to stand out.

It was becoming increasingly evident that premium travellers were seeking ways to integrate their personal passion points, such as hiking, playing golf, enjoying wine, and more, into their holiday experience.

All of these pillars have a competitive offering in Australia, so the programme has continued to grow over the years and now represents seven different travel sectors featuring 170 tourism businesses offering over 700 experiences.

OT: What are the collectives within the Signature Experiences of Australia programme, and what makes each of them unique?

KF: Each collective is unique in its own way, yet united in an uncompromising commitment to excellence, the environment, people, and place. They showcase luxury experiences and they make the decision-making process so much easier, with partners selecting businesses that represent some of the best of the best across each sector.

Having these collectives provides a central resource for trade and media to guide their customers and readers.

The Signature Experiences of Australia collectives and what makes them unique include:

• Cultural Attractions of Australia encompasses galleries, museums, performing arts, sporting attractions, and more, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that engage the experts, storytellers, and guides not usually so accessible to the visitor.

Photo©Tourism Australia: Melbourne, Victoria

“When travelling, a lot of the time, people want to discover a country, its people, and the lifestyle. A visit to Australia will give travellers all of this in spades, leaving them with not only unforgettable memories but a connection to Australia, themselves, the people they have travelled with, and those they have met along the way”

– KAREN FITZGERALD, GENERAL MANAGER - EXPERIENCES AT TOURISM AUSTRALIA

• Luxury Lodges of Australia showcases the best of Australia’s luxury experiential travel and accommodation offerings, characterised by their diverse locations, privileged access, connection to place, expert guides, and personal intuitive service.

• Discover Aboriginal Experiences highlights the oldest continuous living cultures on the planet and offers deeply impactful experiences delivered by Aboriginal guides who are Traditional Custodians and knowledge holders of the region they are in.

• Australian Wildlife Journeys focuses on immersive experiences where guests can observe wildlife within their natural habitats and contribute to conservation actions designed to create a better future for them.

• Great Walks of Australia leads small groups of travellers on well-known hiking trails so they can explore Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes in style and comfort.

• Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia takes customers beyond the cellar door for unique vineto-bottle experiences with the makers, creators, and first families of Australia’s world-famous wine.

• Great Golf Courses of Australia provides avid golfers with access to some of the most prestigious, challenging, and spectacular courses across Australia - home to ten of the top 100 courses in the world.

OT: In what ways do these collectives represent the very essence of Australia?

KF: Around 90 percent of the experiences offered within the Signature Experiences of Australia are in regional Australia which is the cornerstone of our offering when it comes to nature, landscape, wildlife, and people (both Traditional Custodians and Australians who live, work, and play there today).

These experiences represent the essence of Australia as they come with the standard of service expected from a luxury offering, with a taste of the relaxed Australian lifestyle. They are Australian

experiences delivered by Australians at iconic landscapes and landmarks.

Whether it’s regional areas, the coast, the outback, or our capital cities, Signature Experiences of Australia partners and their collective members have a noticeable ‘halo’ effect on the destinations they visit and communities they work with.

Local makers, growers, hospitality providers, tradespeople, tour guides, farmers, and creatives are all supported by Signature Experiences of Australia operators. Boosting opportunities, preserving the culture, and protecting the environment are all key pillars of the seven partners and their collective offerings, while encouraging regional dispersal, length of stay, and expenditure.

Photo©Tourism Australia: Nitmiluk, Katherine, Northern Territory

OT: Each collective offers a point of differentiation for visitors. Can you expand upon how this collaborative model provides a single point of contact for those seeking to experience Australia?

KF: There are over 700 experiences within the seven Signature Experiences of Australia collectives. Representing these within a marketing collective like this offers luxury travel advisors and media an excellent starting point to identify the most appropriate and relevant experiences for their clients and/or readers.

OT: How do you promote Australia’s outstanding tourism experiences within a variety of niche areas and special interest categories?

KF: We maintain a close relationship with relevant high-end and experiential media and partners to tell our story. Our trade partners have told us that, to them, media has an increasingly large role to play when it comes to creating demand and inspiring consumers to travel. As a distribution development initiative, it’s important that we connect with our partners. We do so by attending luxury travel and tourism events, both Tourism Australia-owned and external. We continuously identify the most appropriate channels to meet luxury travel planners and advisors in order to get in front of their clients. Additionally, we explore specialist distributors unique to specific collectives – such as sport tourism providers for Great Golf Courses of Australia or hiking-focused specialists for Great Walks of Australia.

OT: How do you market Australia as a unique and authentic travel destination that taps into the modern traveller’s passion points?

KF: For us, it’s about leaning into current trends and insights to find that competitive advantage, which our Consumer Demand Project research sheds light on, specifically regarding the motivators per market, which we then dissect to ensure we promote relevant experiences to the right consumers. We utilise this research to design how we market Australia and tell Australian stories to the world through a variety of business-toconsumer (B2C) and business-tobusiness (B2B) channels.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Australia and discover your carefully curated selection of

Photo©Tourism Australia: Great Ocean Road, Victoria

“Whether it’s regional areas, the coast, the outback, or our capital cities, Signature Experiences of Australia partners and their collective members have a noticeable ‘halo’ effect on the destinations they visit and communities they work with”

– KAREN FITZGERALD, GENERAL MANAGER - EXPERIENCES

outstanding holiday experiences?

KF: When travelling, a lot of the time people want to discover a country, its people, and the lifestyle. A visit to Australia will give travellers all of this in spades, leaving them with not only unforgettable memories, but a connection to Australia, themselves, the people they have travelled with, and those they have met along the way.

From a Signature Experiences of Australia perspective, if a traveller has a particular passion, Australia should definitely be on their list! ‘Bucket list’ experiences like playing a round of golf at Royal Melbourne, performing in an opera at the Sydney Opera House,

or swimming with whale sharks can easily transfer to a ‘shopping list’ when it comes to Australia, and if they aren’t sure what they want out of a holiday, these collectives are a great way to guide them.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Australia, and how are you utilising them in your portfolio of premium travel offerings?

KF: There are a number of trends we have seen in regard to the luxury traveller to Australia. Travelling with a sense of purpose is one –understanding what a destination is

all about and going on journeys of discovery, revelation, and inspiration. People aren’t just looking for ‘fly-andflop’ but meaningful experiences where they learn about the destination they’re visiting. Travellers used to come to Australia and pack in as much as possible into one highlight-reel trip.

Now we’re seeing people adopt a slower pace, taking more time to visit fewer destinations but visiting them properly. We’re also seeing a push for all-inclusive planned holidays, instead of planning as many individual, separate elements.

For accommodation, we’re seeing a strong demand for self-contained

AT TOURISM AUSTRALIA

options. Our Luxury Lodges of Australia are increasingly seeing success with private villas and the like, where guests can have an entire home environment but still enjoy the facilities and offerings associated with a hyper-luxury accommodation. Wellness travel continues to surge in Australia. For example, many of our Great Walks of Australia offer mental and physical wellness and/or wellbeing elements in their itineraries, like yoga, ice baths, and journaling. Multi-generational and celebratory travel is also growing, with families travelling for milestone moments. Lastly, we’re still seeing a residual desire to reconnect following the years

where we couldn’t travel as we would have liked. In recent years, a strong desire to learn more about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has become increasingly apparent.

OT: Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Australia?

KF: Absolutely! During the COVID-19 pandemic when everything moved online, a luxury travel buyer said to me that what the world was missing was Australians. The allure of the Australian people is huge. People want to travel somewhere where they get warm, friendly hospitality

on arrival and throughout their stay. We also have an incredible pipeline of sporting events coming up, from the Lions Tour and Ashes next year all the way up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 – all offering great reasons to visit. Lastly, you have to travel to a destination to know why it’s important to protect.

We have so much diversity when it comes to our landscapes, nature, culture, and people - all waiting to warmly welcome visitors Down Under to see just what is so special about Australia.

www.tourism.australia.com

Photo©Tourism Australia: Sydney, New South Wales

RECOMMENDS

Do:

FOR EXCEPTIONAL CULTURE...

As the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was founded in 1861 and currently holds the most significant collection of art in the region, boasting a treasure trove of over 76,000 works that surpasses thousands of years of ideas, disciplines, and styles.

Situated over the course of two stunning buildings – the NGV International and the Ian Potter Centre – the gallery hosts myriad local and international artists, exhibitions, programmes, and events that encompass contemporary art, historical exhibitions, and displays of fashion, architecture, sound, and dance.

Offering free entry to all, these cultural and historical riches cannot be surpassed.

FOR AN AFTERNOON OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING...

Bringing to life the diversely rich stories of the country, the National Museum of Australia presents an unforgettable experience through unique objects, exhibitions, and events for the public to explore.

Based in Canberra, the museum proudly showcases defining moments of Australian history and culture through its vast collection and engaging events.

Sleep:

FOR A RUGGED ADVENTURE...

With expansive ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs, flood plains, paperback swamps, and monsoonal rainforests, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris at Mount Borradaile offers a variety of unforgettable experiences.

Having been in operation since 1986, the lodge has expanded to become the premium destination in Arnhem Land, offering tours, activities, accommodation, and facilities for a truly unparalleled wilderness adventure.

FOR A POCKET OF LUXURIOUS EXCLUSIVITY...

Located in the heart of Kimberley, El Questro Homestead (El Questro) is nestled in a vast and ancient landscape hidden amongst rugged cliffs and emerald green lawns, promising exclusive luxury you can’t find anywhere else.

Surrounded by acres of frangipani trees and the winding, tranquil current of the Chamberlain River, this 10-suite hideaway offers a chic yet cosy interior, with rooms balanced over the vast and striking scenery.

With nearly 700,000 acres of beautiful terrain to explore at your heart’s content, the homestead’s landscape is dramatic and expansive with something to offer every visitor, no matter their experience or background.

From jagged sandstone ranges and expansive tidal flats to rushing waterfalls and thermal springs, El Questro is an ideal oasis for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kimberley, a region home to the world’s most precious wilderness landscapes.

Whilst at the homestead, guests are offered complementary excursions to allow for a fully

immersive experience within its stunningly diverse terrain. Whether you traverse the surrounding acres via air, land, horse, or water, the abundance of ancient flora and fauna and eclectic creatures native to the country are never far away.

Expect to start each morning with the lulling call of birdsong and end the day relaxing under the stars with a locally sourced three-course dinner paired with complementary wine.

Staying at El Questro is an unforgettable experience, with luxurious comfort, fine dining, and the unique perspective of the Kimberley backdrop making this private and all-inclusive homestead the perfect place for visitors seeking an authentic Australian adventure.

El Questro Homestead

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS OF AUSTRALIA

Proudly showcasing some of the world’s most dynamic and creative organisations, Cultural Attractions of Australia brings together a collection of the country’s prominent cultural icons, which truly encapsulate the pulse of the nation’s best and brightest.

HOME TO A variety of notably distinct cultures and traditions that stem from its vibrant past, Australia’s cultural attractions tell the story of how its varied geographic, ethnic, and traditional origins have shaped the way people define the country. They also explore the national relationship and reaction to international art and culture – a unique way to see the world through Australian eyes.

As reflected in the country’s artistic, literary, performance, and sporting events, Australia’s culture respects the beauty of tradition while highlighting the excitement of the new and innovative. Its leading attractions curate the cultural narrative and offer visitors a window

into the parallels of the country’s history and contemporary, creative present, allowing both international and local travellers to learn what it truly means to be Australian.

These unforgettable journeys range from Sydney and Perth to Queensland and Tasmania, with the cultural collective encompassing leading

galleries, museums, performing arts, and sporting attractions. Through Cultural Attractions of Australia, visitors are able to embark upon exclusive experiences that offer special access, engaging talks with experts, storytellers and guides, and superb drinking and dining enhanced with art, music, and dance performances.

Providing a single repository of premium, behind-the-scenes experiences, these inspiring and authentic offerings are curated with a difference and include the Fremantle Prison Art Tour, the Wonders of Adelaide Roofclimb Experience, the Syndey Opera House Tour, the Ultimate Museum Experience, First Artists: Exceptional Indigenous Art and Dining, the Yiribana Experience, and so much more.

Experience the best of Australia’s cultural offerings and iconic institutions with VIP access through Cultural Attractions of Australia.

Photo©Tourism Australia/Jeff Busby: Bennelong Point, Sydney

Photo©Tourism Australia/Hiro Ishino: Adelaide Oval, South Australia

Photo©Tourism Australia: Adelaide Oval, South Australia

Photo©Tourism Australia: Art Gallery of New South Wales

The National Museum of Australia in Canberra brings to life the rich and diverse stories of Australia through compelling objects, ideas and events.

See significant objects and hear amazing Australian stories with these exclusive tour experiences, which include a meal in our popular lakeside cafe and a 10% discount in the award-winning Museum Shop.

BIG HISTORIES TOUR

Explore the Museum’s biggest histories during this private 1.5-hour tour with an expert Museum curator. As part of this tour, enjoy a meal and a locally sourced beverage at a reserved table in the Museum Cafe.

THE ULTIMATE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

In this private one-hour guided tour you will visit the highlights of our permanent exhibition galleries. Enjoy a meal and a locally sourced beverage at the Museum Cafe before or after your tour.

To book email tourism@nma.gov.au

THE MUSEUM SHOP stocks a wide selection of beautiful gifts. Your purchase will support the Museum’s work, local designers and a range of First Nations artists and art centres.

VISIT US The National Museum of Australia is located on Acton Peninsula, Canberra, Australia, and is open 9am–5pm every day, except Christmas Day. Freecall 1800 026 132 nma.gov.au

Luxury Lodges of Australia

More than just a great place to stay, Luxury Lodges of Australia is a collection of the best high-end lodges and camps throughout the country’s many eclectic regions, all offering the unique opportunity to truly connect with the location and experience authentic Australia.

FORMED IN 2010 by a number of the country’s leading independent high-end tourism property owners, Luxury Lodges of Australia prides itself on being a memberowned marketing association that aims to promote the uniquely Australian breed of luxury experiential lodges both domestically and internationally.

Ranging from wilderness stays and vineyard retreats to island hideaways and outback camping, each stunning location provides a compelling reason for guests to experience, discover, and connect with all the country has to offer.

Boasting 19 independently owned and operated lodges, this is not your average hotel group but a collective entity of like-minded entrepreneurs passionate about providing an upscale yet intimate experience for sophisticated global travellers.

Luxury Lodges of Australia is devoted to showcasing the country’s extraordinary diversity of place and

experiences, underpinned by the blissful luxuries that have come to be anticipated by guests. At the core of what it means to be a luxury lodge is purpose and positive impact.

The various lodges deliver over 300 individual experiences and signature activities, all uniquely designed to provide guests with genuine, memorable, and life-changing visits that centre around the beauty that is Australia’s unforgettable coasts, barefoot paradises, boundless horizons, and fertile mountains.

With both long-established and new lodges and camps, Luxury Lodges of Australia’s common theme is its offering of an outstanding experience devoted to connecting travellers to a clear sense of place through Australia’s sun, sand, and open space.

Luxury Lodges of Australia’s unparalleled style of sophisticated, carefree, experiential luxury is not to be missed.

The Heart of Australia’s Kimberley

Perched on a clifftop with views across the Chamberlain River, El Questro Homestead is an oasis of privacy and understated luxury in one of Western Australia’s wildest and most beautiful regions, the East Kimberley.

An exclusive retreat for a maximum of 20 guests, El Questro Homestead allows you to fully immerse in an outback experience that is both adventurous and luxurious. Enjoy an all-inclusive stay with gourmet meals prepared daily using locally sourced produce, a fine selection of beverages, and complementary tours and activities.

Exp eri ence

Boating through gorges

Chamberlain River Cruise

A peaceful and relaxing cruise through Chamberlain Gorge escorted by an El Questro Ranger on a private “dinghy”.

A touch of romance

Miri Miri Waterfall

Fly by helicopter to a remote corner of El Questro where you will find Miri Miri, a spring-fed waterfall cascading over a 50m drop.

The Ngarinyin culture

Injiid Marlabu Call Us

An experience that will leave you with a meaningful connection and deep understanding of Country and its people.

Experience from above

Breakfast at Champagne Springs by Helicopter

Enjoy a refreshing swim at this popular spot followed by champagne continental breakfast and a scenic flight back to The Homestead.

Nature & wildlife tours

Bird Watching & Bush Experience Tour

Take in the views from up high on a look out, visit ancient Boab trees, learn about use of native flora and marvel at the varied bird species found on the property.

For the adventurous

Horse Riding

A great way to sneak up on all types of Kimberley wildlife and see the countryside from a new vantage point.

P: +61 8 7210 9622

E: homestead.reservations@ gdaygroup.com.au

@elquestro #elquestro www.elquestro.com.au

DISCOVER ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCES

Australia is home to some of the world’s oldest living cultures, with evidence showing settlements as far back as 65,000 years ago.

THIS DIVERSE AND extensive history draws in modern travellers who are increasingly looking for more meaningful and sustainable ways to connect with the people and places they are visiting.

Discover Aboriginal Experiences, a collective of quality, authentic Aboriginal-guided tourism offerings, was formed to answer this call.

Whether you prefer laid-back walking tours or exhilarating quad biking adventures, Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a leader in First Nations tourism. It proudly offers over 200 experiences from 48 businesses across the country, all led and operated by Aboriginal guides who provide guests with a means of connecting genuinely and respectfully with Australian places and culture.

From the red deserts of the outback to the colourful stretches of coral reefs and lush rainforests, Australia is made up of many First Nations peoples, each with their own culture, customs, languages, and laws. With no two Aboriginal experiences the same, you are guaranteed to experience something new and memorable with each tour that will serve to further connect you to the country and its people.

Nowhere else in the world can claim a cultural legacy like that of Australia’s, and with tourism proving to be such a powerful tool for driving positive change and sustainability, Discover Aboriginal Experiences is primed to showcase First Nations-led tourism and the unparalleled majesty of a continent rich in tradition.

Through the organisation’s partnerships with boutique Aboriginal tourism businesses, it plays a crucial role in creating meaningful employment opportunities for First Nations peoples, supporting the preservation and continuation of cultures on traditional lands.

Photo©Tourism Australia: Cairns, Queensland

Photo©Tourism Australia: Laura, Cook

DAVIDSONS

ARNHEMLAND SAFARIS

Northern Australia’s most exciting Aboriginal and Wildlife Wilderness

Davidsons Arnhemland Safaris is an Eco certified Lodge situated at Mount Borradaile in North West Arnhemland. Mount Borradaile is a registered sacred site encompassing 700 square km of exclusively leased land nestled amongst the Arnhemland Escarpment.

Our leasehold area contains 5 different eco-systems and is a landscape of escarpments, rugged ranges fringed by idyllic billabongs with stunningly beautiful unspoilt wilderness as well as a cultural landscape to the aboriginal people. Rock art galleries on overhangs and in caves have been occupied for over 50,000 years with world class galleries of indigenous rock art, occupation and burial sites.

Our itineraries are fully flexible with all activities fully guided by our highly experienced guides due to the sacred nature of the area. All tours inclusive in cost.

Activities include bird watching, billabong cruises, barramundi fishing, visiting rock art galleries, bush tucker & medicine, exploring catacombs, investigating paper bark swamps and rainforests, wildlife spotting, viewing exotic flora and swimming.

PO Box 41905, Casuarina, 0811, Northern Territory, Australia

Tel: (08) 8979 0413

Fax: (08) 8979 0725

info@arnhemlandsafaris.com www.arnhemlandsafaris.com

Australian Wildlife Journeys

DEDICATED TO CREATING a better future for the country’s wildlife through conservation actions that involve guests, Australian Wildlife Journeys shares stories of the continent through passionate guides who bring local ecosystems to life and educate visitors on the nation’s diverse ecosystems.

Australia is an undeniably special destination for myriad reasons. Offering warm hospitality, world-renowned cuisine, and natural beauty one can only marvel at, the country emits a siren call to those looking for an infinitely memorable experience. What really entices travellers across the globe to flock to Australia in droves is the country’s endemic wildlife and ethereal biodiversity. For outdoor connoisseurs looking to experience all of Australia’s remarkable offerings, it can pose a challenge to construct an itinerary that cohesively navigates the country’s climatic conditions, travel distances, species behaviours, and number of tour operators to choose from. This is where Australian Wildlife Journeys comes in.

The collective organisation addresses these needs by grouping together likeminded wildlife tourism operators who are passionate about raising the profile of responsible nature encounters while providing world-class hospitality.

Crucial to these various tourism offerings is the assurance of high-quality guides who connect with visitors, encourage self-reflection, and are respectful of individual, local community values. Those involved are also united by their commitment to providing plentiful information about the wildlife classes and events across each distinctive season.

Additionally, to ensure even richer and more in-depth travel experiences, members of Australian Wildlife Journeys support local vendors and actively reinvest in local communities.

With tours including Aboriginal Culture and Wildlife: Darwin to Adelaide; Tasmania and Southwest Australia –Beaches, Wine, and Wildlife; Christmas Island Birdwatching; Great White Shark Cage Diving; Sunset Whale Watching, and ample more, the organisation and its members actively support and showcase the captivating effervescence the country has to offer.

Photo©Perth Wildlife Encounters: Rockingham, Perth

Photo©Sydney Bespoke Tours: Sydney, New South Wales

Photo©Tourism Australia: Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef

GREAT WALKS OF Australia

– a collection of the country’s greatest multi-day guided walking experiences – is here to help travellers do exactly that.

Journey through the continent’s many unparalleled terrains, embrace the other-worldly wonders of its endemic plants and animal species, and breathe in the salt-laden air as you stand on the precipice of the

endless coastline. Experienced guides will bring the many landscapes to life with their in-depth knowledge and passion as they lead you in small, intimate groups, ensuring personal service and safety every step of the way.

Great Walks of Australia currently features 13 guided multi-day adventures, all expertly designed to actively immerse travellers in the

GREAT WALKS OF AUSTRALIA

country’s most iconic landscapes. With the promise of outstanding hospitality, you can expect comfort and tranquillity to accompany each adventure as you stay in a diverse range of eco-luxury accommodations, including tents, homesteads, and lodges, all while enjoying gourmet meals, fresh produce, and local wines to sip on as the sun sets over the horizon.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time explorer, Great Walks of Australia is the ultimate way to decompress from modern worries and spend quality time reconnecting with yourself and the natural world. To add to this feel-good experience even further, you can rest easy knowing that your travel has a low or even neutral impact on the environment and will contribute to preserving the areas you visit for conservation in the future.

From Tasmania’s untamed mountains to Queensland’s ancient rainforests and the jewel-coloured waters of Victoria, embark on an adventure of a lifetime through Great Walks of Australia’s award-winning tours.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

With a reputation as one of the most outstanding wine-producing countries across the globe, Australia is a sommelier’s dream oasis.

VISIT THE NATION’S renowned wine regions in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania through Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, a hand-selected collection of premium wineries offering quality experiences based around world-class wines, warm and knowledgeable hospitality, and culinary excellence.

The organisation offers a diverse range of behind-thescenes and hands-on experiences that go ‘beyond the

cellar door’ and epitomise the unique characteristics of each winery and its surrounding region.

Discover qualities distinct to each setting through intimate wine tastings, tours, and blending classes that offer the chance to meet the winemakers and put your own palate to the test. The tours not only reveal the stories behind the family-owned wineries but also allow visitors to interact with products and producers while enjoying the rich diversity that Australian vineyards have to offer.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia offers more than just venues to sample and purchase the internationally beloved drink, but an unforgettable experience that highlights quality restaurants, accommodations, tours, and wines that represent generations of farming expertise. Discover the difference through a plethora of options, including trails, dining and degustation, masterclasses, overnight experiences, business events, and much more.

With signature wines that boast as much personality as their makers, experience first-hand the relaxed and hospitable nature of those in the industry who are passionate about sharing their livelihoods with fellow wine-lovers, both experienced and new, through Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

Enchanting multicolored balloons soar among rolling vineyards in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW’s idyllic wine region

As a world-leading community for decision-makers in the travel industry, Connections Luxury is a data-driven luxury travel pocket toolkit. Sam Blunsdon, Head of Commercial and Tourism Promotion, provides us with a deep dive into the company’s success and partnership with Tourism Australia

Outlook Travel (OT): Firstly, can you talk us through the origins of Connections Luxury, your founding mission, and the Connections Way?

Sam Blunsdon, Head of Commercial and Tourism Promotion (SB):

Connections Luxury was founded in 2014 with a belief in the power of human-to-human interaction, servicing the luxury travel industry.

In 2000, scientist Eric Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize for discovering the role that memory plays in our brains, where nothing is remembered without emotions. We learned that creating a positive, shared emotion helps to fast-track meaningful, long-lasting business relationships and drive the success we all deserve. As a result, the pioneering Connections Way format was born.

10 years later, Connections Luxury is now a world-leading community for decision-makers in the travel industry, having run over 50 events globally across more than 30 destinations, connecting thousands of individuals.

Think of us as your data-driven luxury travel pocket toolkit. Our directory of over 3,000 luxury travel decision-makers – including vetted suppliers, buyers, media, charities, and destinations – unlocks countless opportunities for meaningful business to happen fast. Connections Luxury’s toolkit aims to achieve three core things: to connect, educate, and convert.

Our events are our most powerful tool for the industry and are unlike any other in the trade calendar built on the Connections Way; we combine one-to-one meetings with authentic, local experiences to create a positive, shared emotion that quickly builds the trust needed to do business in future.

Connections Luxury is a powerful and evolving year-round solution to communicate, educate, and inspire our industry.

OT: How have you seen the luxury travel sector evolve since the company’s inception?

SB: This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we have seen the luxury travel landscape shift massively. Where luxury was once seen as materialistic with a focus on

opulent accommodations and highend amenities, over the years, there has been a shift towards experiential luxury.

Today’s discerning travellers seek unique and authentic experiences that allow them to immerse in the local culture and environment, focusing on personalisation, sustainability, and truly one-of-a-kind experiences. At Connections Luxury, our essence is about creating meaningful business relationships, so over the years, we have seen how the power of humanto-human connection has driven the success of luxury travel and our support for the industry.

Additionally, something that has changed in the last 10 years is the use of technology and social media within the luxury travel industry. Technology has significantly changed the way companies operate and engage with their clients.

In the case of social media, companies such as TikTok didn’t exist when we launched, but social media has allowed companies to elevate the story and meaning behind why we travel, adding to the need for more authentic and experience-based travel.

Similarly, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in how we conduct business. We are seeing new AI software in the market that can create bespoke itineraries or recommendations for places to visit and stay in a matter of seconds,

SAM BLUNSDON, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AND TOURISM PROMOTION

meaning information is far more accessible, opening more destinations to explore.

OT: As a key partner for many notable tourism boards across the world, how does Connections Luxury ensure success?

SB: It is important with any destination or partner to understand the client’s needs, strengths, and challenges, and how Connections Luxury can support them on their journey and share their

story with our international community. In essence, each tourist board wants to drive more luxury travellers into their destinations and showcase their unique products, services, and culture to the international market. Our success comes from gaining a deep understanding of this and their culture, understanding the minds of our community and luxury buyers, and bridging the gap so more effective business can be achieved. All our destinations have so many incredible products and services, and it’s really

about working with them to unlock these secrets and what makes them unique, before promoting them to the world.

OT: Could you also tell us how Connections Luxury incorporates the culture of each country when working with different tourism boards?

SB: At Connections Luxury, we believe the essence of luxury travel lies in authentic cultural immersion.

To achieve this, we work with local companies and experts who advise us on what makes each destination unique.

A key component of our events is working with a local destination management company (DMC) partner. They have a breadth of knowledge about their destination and support us in finding those hidden gems we may not know about.

We also make sure to incorporate a mixture of unique venues as well as local and international luxury hotels as our event partners to spotlight the variety of products each destination enjoys. The final step is ensuring authentic, local experiences are injected into the event throughout one-to-one meetings, group activities, cultural performances, and event entertainment, working collaboratively with local artisans, chefs, experience providers, musicians, and cultural experts to create experiences that reflect the true spirit of the destination.

“Think of us as your data-driven luxury travel pocket toolkit. Our directory of over 3,000 luxury travel decision-makers – including vetted suppliers, buyers, media, charities, and destinations – unlocks countless opportunities for meaningful business to happen fast”

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OT: How has the community supported Tourism Australia, and how important is its presence in front of leading travel agencies?

SB: Tourism Australia has been a key partner of Connections Luxury for many years. Our partnership has been particularly crucial in strengthening their UK growth as a key market area for their development strategy. The main way our community supports Tourism Australia is through attending our Connections Luxury UK and Ireland flagship event, which welcomes over 100 luxury leisure

travel buyers from the UK market, and being active in our annual community platform, home to over 3,000 global luxury travel buyers.

Our events connect Tourism Australia with leading luxury travel agencies to share valuable information and inspire our network as to why Australia is a special place to travel. It is an important tool for destinations to attend travel events as it connects them directly with key decisionmakers in the market, expanding their portfolio of potential clients and driving business into the destination.

Additionally, attending overseas

SAM BLUNSDON, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL AND

tradeshows also strengthens their destination’s presence in target market areas. Travel agencies are constantly developing and deepening their knowledge of destinations and product offerings to better service clients’ needs, so it’s imperative for destinations to attend these events. Hence, they stay front of mind and utilise the opportunities to educate the buyers and share what new and exciting products the destination has to offer.

OT: Can you please expand upon your international community flagship events?

SB: Our events are unique as, unlike typical trade shows, we inject authentic experiences as part of delegates’ long, one-to-one business meetings to help forge meaningful business relationships around trust and emotion.

Whilst our events are smaller than others in the industry, this is deliberate as we aim to focus on quality. Bringing together quality, carefully selected delegates for productive meetings, elevated event production for a fun experience, and spending time on what matters, we are able to unite the industry in a way that creates a positive connection, accelerating business.

In the case of Tourism Australia, the event is powerful. Not only does the

organisation spend quality time with relevant luxury buyers, but, like many of our destination partners, they have the opportunity to bring a unique experience relevant to their culture to the chosen venues and provide a taste of what the destination has to offer. Additionally, we believe it’s essential to promote our clients and destinations to the wider community outside of trade events. Connections Luxury publishes its own luxury trade magazine showcasing our incredible community and destinations. This year’s edition will feature Tourism Australia, highlighting why Australia is a “bucket list” destination with so many places to explore and incredible experiences to take advantage of for the luxury traveller.

OT: Looking ahead, how will the partnership between Connections Luxury and Tourism Australia evolve the country’s travel industry over the next five years?

SB: Currently, our primary work with Tourism Australia focuses on their UK strategy, whose market strengthened with the developments of direct flights from London to Perth in 2018, alongside further conversations of new direct flights from 2025. Naturally, with more accessible and shorter transport routes, we aim to see an increase in luxury travellers from this

market, who bring higher spending into the destination, boosting their economy.

Over the next few years, we aim to expand our work with Tourism Australia, focusing on other key market areas such as the Americas and the Asia Pacific region to continue a positive trajectory of international luxury travellers visiting Australia, discovering its hidden gems and why it is a must-see destination.

enquiries@weareconnections.com connectionsluxury.com

GREAT GOLF COURSES OF AUSTRALIA

Discover world-class golf with Great Golf Courses of Australia, where you can experience the thrill of hitting the pitch Down Under in the country’s most stunning and diverse courses.

WIDELY CONSIDERED TO be a golfer’s paradise with its vast untouched wilderness, endemic wildlife, exceptional food and wine, and welcoming hospitality, Australia’s courses are challenging, diverse, and unparalleled in their lush appeal.

Proudly showcasing a rich heritage of golfing, the country’s notable tracks include 10 courses that are currently listed in the top 100 in the world, boasting works by internationally acclaimed golf architects such as Dr Alister Mackenzie, Tom Doak, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.

Great Golf Courses of Australia highlights signature, premier, and unique golf courses throughout the country.

Signature golf courses are the crown jewels of the circuit, with exceptional design, maintenance, hospitality, and facilities. Premier golf courses, meanwhile, offer an experience to suit a wider range of budgets and golfing abilities while still promising a superlative experience, whilst unique golf courses, as indicated by the name, consist of quirky course layouts and packages that are quintessentially and uniquely Australian.

More than just a game, golf creates a sense of community, enables new relationships to be formed, and provides a plethora of mental and physical health benefits to each player.

From the Melbourne Sandbelt to the iconic links of Tasmania, Australia’s golf courses are just as stunning and diverse as the country itself, with award-winning layouts set against vibrant scenery and complemented by typical Australian hospitality – a true hole in one.

Long Reef Headland, Sydney, NSW Nedlands Gold Club, Perth

Getting There and Around

AS THE SIXTH largest country in the world consisting of approximately 7.688 million sqkm of land, traversing around Australia can seem a monstrous feat. However, the country is well-connected through myriad flights, trains, buses, ferries, rental cars, camper vans, and even walking trails, all primed and ready for intrepid visitors to utilise to the fullest.

The majority of travellers will find themselves flying to Australia and landing at one of the country’s 600 airports. With some of the busiest air traffic in the world, Sydney International Airport welcomes an average of 43 million passengers every year and is home to many major airlines, making it a primary hub for international travellers arriving in the country.

Other large airports that serve global flyers include Melbourne Airport and Adelaide Airport, both of which have been ranked in the top 10 airports in the world.

Once in Australia, you have the option to use public transportation, such as trains, buses, and ferries, to get to your desired destination, or you can rent a car or camper van at most airports or city centres.

For one of the most expansive and affordable options, purchasing the Greyhound WHIMit Bus Pass is a top choice for many travellers as it allows you to trek across the country flexibly and hassle-free. If you are looking to cut down on

travelling time while still making use of public transport, Australia also boasts spectacular rail journeys that sweep across the continent while offering increased comfort and the feeling of nostalgic romance as you watch the striking landscape speed by.

If you are seeking a more rugged adventure, then the country’s many footpaths and scenic pathways are the optimal choice for you. Passing through parklands,

coastal cliffs, and colourful towns, the trails, which can extend past 1,000 kilometres, encompass unique scenery that cannot be experienced anywhere else and can be explored either with high-quality walking shoes or by bike.

No matter how one chooses to explore the country, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to experiencing the unparalleled wonders that Australia has to offer.