by Ella Dunham
Luxury Lodges of Australia
Australia’s luxury barefoot paradises are exclusive by virtue of their remoteness, their special location and the small number of guests they accommodate at any one time. Whether you want to immerse yourself in stunning outback scenery, coastal surrounds or relax in a serene environment, there is a luxury accommodation out there to accommodate your every need. Here are some of our favourites.
El Questro Homestead
In the middle of almost one million acres of Wilderness Park and over a hundred kilometres from the nearest town, the luxury of El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia's rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top with vistas of one of the prettiest locations in The Kimberley, The Homestead is a relaxed retreat catering for a maximum of 18 guests.
This is the luxury base for guests who are wanting to explore the diversity of the Kimberley landscape – some of it untouched - with personalised and intimate tours. Soak in the Zebedee Thermal Springs, cruise private gorges, rivers and waterfalls, explore from the air, horseride or hike the terrain on foot.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Carefully sited between two National Parks and spread out at the foot of towering cliffs, Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley is set within its own private conservation and wildlife reserve. The resort itself occupies just one percent of the total land area of seven thousand acres and features 40 individual suites, each with its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool. The property borders the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage region, less than 3 hours by road from Sydney.
The carbon-neutral resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected in luxury resorts. The seclusion of Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley creates a natural sanctuary where guests can experience a haven of wildlife, breath-taking natural beauty and relaxation. Here guests can soak up the rich heritage of the region while enjoying the Australian wilderness in unsurpassed luxurious comfort, and appreciate the very special natural, cultural and scenic values of the Wolgan Valley through a range of nature based activities including four wheel drives, heritage interpretive tours, nature walks, wildlife spotting and horse riding.
Longitude 131°
Timeless and enriching, Longitude 131° lies at the gateway to the dual World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Longitude 131° offers immersion in the Australian outback, a true sense of stillness and beauty in this desert landscape, rich in cultural heritage and history. Luxury tented pavilions float over rust-red dunes where classic touches from bygone eras meld with indigenous textures to evoke a sanctuary of earthy elegance. A private glass wall yields unparalleled views of fabled icon Uluru (Ayers Rock). Explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta and discover an expansive living cultural landscape.
Enjoy an outback sundowner at the convivial open bar in the Dune House and savour exceptional cuisine celebrating a fusion of modern and local flavours. The evening also offers up an experience to last a lifetime when you dine under a glittering canopy of stars at Table 131°.
Saffire
Saffire Freycinet is Australia’s new luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, delivering sophisticated and intimate style and an inspirational experience. Discreetly positioned overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, Saffire blends mankind and nature with breath-taking beauty.
Featuring 20 luxurious suites, exclusive day spa, restaurant, guest lounge and bar, this new experience is a celebration of the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, local culinary delights, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Sal Salis
Where the outback meets the reef... With just fifteen eco-luxe wilderness tents and one honeymoon tent hidden amongst the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best kept natural secrets.
The attraction of this property lies in the coral reef, just a few metres off shore, and its colourful corals and marine residents. Ningaloo is also acknowledged as the best place in the world to swim with the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark, as these gentle giants migrate through every year. From August 2016, swimming with humpback whales will also be a highlight for guests at Sal Salis. The coastal dunes and gorges in the Cape Range National Park provide a prolific terrestrial wildlife experience with red kangaroo, euros, echidnas, emus and more seen in and around the camp.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Silky Oaks Lodge and Healing Waters Spa is located in a stunning riverside location adjoining one of the oldest living rainforests the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, and is an ideal base from which to explore Far North Queensland.
The advanced eco lodge comprises the renowned open sided Treehouse restaurant offering fine dining in scenic surrounds, contemporary accommodation encompassing both custom designed and furnished Billabong, River and Treehouses, and the highly lauded Healing Waters Spa.
Canoeing, river snorkeling or paddling, goanna spotting, biking, guided walks or early morning yoga classes followed by a swim in the river are just some of the activities available at the Lodge.
qualia
qualia is a unique Australian expression of world-class luxury and an outstanding example of design. It is situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. With a relaxed aspect and mesmerising calmness, time seems to stretch forever. It’s a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses.
You can visit our website here for more information or visit Luxury Lodges of Australia for more travel inspiration.
