Australian crawl

The water is a kaleidoscope of colour, as fish in shades of blue and orange and red and yellow and green shimmy past. Then there is the coral, with its various shapes and hues just adding to the beauty. This is the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the jewel in Australia’s crown, and on top of most travel wish lists. You can swim or snorkel or dive in it, sail over it or fly over it to marvel at the sheer number of reefs spread out like a type of aquatic suburbia. Better still, you can stay at Lizard Island, the northernmost resort on the 2,300km reef, so you can frolic in and on the water all day, every day during your tropical escape.

We Recommend LIZARD ISLAND

Lizard Island has 40 opulent rooms, suites and villas with personalised service and exquisite dining. Laze on private beaches, swim with turtles, visit the coral reef research station, go for a hike up to Cook’s Look, and take full advantage of your access to the world’s largest coral reef system.

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The Red Heart

Warm body and soul with a visit to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Do a tour to Uluṟu, walk around the base to feel the rock, and see the rock art and waterfalls. There are so many exceptional experiences including Tali Wiṟu’s fine dining on a dune top, Bruce Munro’s whimsical Field of Light, and from May, the brand new Wintjiri Wiṟu, a light, laser, projection and 1000 luminous drones production bringing to life the Mala ancestral story. It was developed through consultation and collaboration with the Anangu custodians of this story. Longitude 131° offers views to Uluṟu and across the desert to Kata Tjuta, with the 16 elegant, tented pavilions ensuring a one of a kind experience.

The wild west

The Kimberley. Even just saying the name feels exotic and adventurous. This ancient region covers almost 423,000 square kilometres and the range of landscapes is staggering. From the ancient and beguiling Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park to the marine wonders of the Buccaneer Archipelago with incredible tides and horizontal waterfalls, the rough and rugged Gibb River Road and Mitchell Plateau, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge near Fitzroy Crossing, Broome’s striking Cable Beach, pearl history and the Staircase to the Moon, and the many ancient rock art sites that are among the oldest on Earth. As for accommodation, there are several stunning coastal camps, including Berkeley River Lodge, Kimberley Coastal Camp and Faraway Bay.

We Recommend SILVERSEA

A spectacular way to explore the Kimberley is on a 17-day Silversea cruise from Darwin to Fremantle (Perth) on board Silver Cloud. It will showcase several of the Kimberley’s highlights including Wyndham and the Ord River, Rowley Shoals, and Buccaneer Archipelago. Sail on to Perth via Montebello and Abrolhos islands.

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Remarkable Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island in South Australia has one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and it really is a hidden gem. Totally hidden. Accessed through a cave from another beach, you wouldn’t know Stoke’s Bay was even there, but it is, and it is idyllic. Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island has something for everyone. Nature lovers will be in their element, seeing the 1000 or so Australian Fur Seals at Seal Bay, the longnosed fur seals near Admiral’s Arch at the windswept Flinders Chase National Park, koalas, echidnas, the darker and smaller Kangaroo Island kangaroos, dolphins and a vast array of birdlife. As for scenery, Remarkable Rocks live up to their name and Vivonne Bay is striking –check out the view from the pier.

In praise of Lord Howe

Lord Howe Island is a slice of paradise where time slows, nature presides and cares disappear on the sea breeze. Do a glass bottomed-boat tour, snorkel, scuba dive or swim in the eye-wateringly beautiful lagoon, home to the southernmost coral reef in the world. Go on some of the seven hikes on the island – from short strolls like Little Island to the extreme Mt Gower day walk that you can only do with a guide. Jump off the jetty, swim at Ned’s beach among darting fish, kayak or SUP on aquamarine water. Bikes will be your mode of transport, just watch out for the curious woodhens crossing the road, they have been saved from extinction.

A true gem

While the white curved scythe of Wineglass Bay is its best known feature, Freycinet National Park has a lot more to offer. The Park, taking up most of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast, is a perfect summer break for those who don’t like it stiflingly hot. With its postcard-pretty beaches, the water beckons for swimming, kayaking or snorkelling, or there are boat and kayak tours you can do to take in more of the landscape. The walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout is around 1.4km each way, but is well worth the effort as it takes you through The Hazards, a line of granite peaks. For a more challenging walk, Mount Amos will be a thigh burner.

We Recommend

Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet is undoubtedly one of the best lodges in Australia and is beautifully positioned for views across the bay to The Hazards. Everything about Saffire is stunning, from its Private pavilions, Signature Suites and Luxury Suites to its range of complimentary experiences, including an oyster tasting in the water

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A whale of a time

Cavorting with the giants of the deep in the aquamarine waters of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is a oncein-a-lifetime experience that we all yearn to do. Whale sharks come to this part of the world between March and August for a banquet of plankton, and being in the water with these majestic gentle giants is unforgettable. Ningaloo is the largest fringing coral reef in Australia, off the Coral Coast, and is home to a variety of other marine creatures from manta rays to turtles and dugongs. Cape Range National Park, together with Ningaloo, forms part of the 604,500ha Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area – the contrast between the two is surreal. Whereas Ningaloo is turquoise blue and crystal clear waters, Cape Range consists of 60 kms of pristine beaches, rugged limestone ranges and deep canyons.

We Recommend SAL SALIS

To go off grid, in a national park, is something many of us crave, and at Sal Salis, luxury is still on the menu. Sal Salis is located in Cape Range National Park, where the outback meets the reef. Relax in your eco-luxe tent’s hammock with a good book, or go kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling. Contact your Travel Advisor »