SIX OF THE BEST
LUXURY AUSTRALIAN LODGES
Whether it’s a private lodge set in a million acres of Western Australian wilderness or a resort with 24 powder- white beaches on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, Australia knows how to go upmarket, says Ben Lerwill
suitably momentous backdrop to Arkaba Station, a luxury getaway occupying a restored 1850s homestead. It offers a cross between traditional home comforts and ‘wild bush luxury’, with leather armchairs, stone fireplaces and regional wines complemented by 4WD tours, gumtree- lined creeks and an absence of both televisions and telephones. The station – which is still a working sheep farm – can be reached by car from Adelaide in four-and-a- half hours, or by air in an hour. Wildlife viewing is a big draw, with emus and other birdlife particularly prevalent. Hot air balloon rides can be arranged. SELL IT: A six-day self-drive adventure in the Southern Outback, with three nights at the Arkaba Station, all meals included, starts from £1930pp.
bridgeandwickers.co.uk
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Kimberley region of Western Australia, which showcased the outback’s epic scenery in the 2008 Nicole Kidman- Hugh Jackman film Australia. Taking the notions of privacy and isolation to the extreme, the property is over one
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EL QUESTRO El Questro Wilderness Park is set in the stunning
ARKABA STATION South Australia’s craggy Flinders Ranges provide a
million acres in size and specialises in activities like barramundi-fishing, horse-trekking and helicopter trips. There are three separate types of accommodation, with the five-star luxury of The Homestead at the top end of the scale: it offers the ultimate in complete privacy, deluxe accommodation and gourmet dining – all in the midst of timeless Aussie scenery. SELL IT: An eight-day El Questro, Gorges & Purnululu 4WD journey, beginning and ending in Broome, including two nights at El Questro, other accommodation and 22 meals. From £2,835pp.
aptouring.com
high profile in the luxury market since its opening in 2009. Set in a 4000-acre nature reserve which forms part of the spectacular Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Wilderness Area, the homestead-style resort has 40 free- standing suites and a sizeable spa. Nature-based activities are a big part of its appeal, with options ranging from horse-riding and mountain-biking to wildlife safaris and wilderness hiking. The multi-award-winning property also takes conservation seriously, having become the world’s first carboNZero-certified resort. SELL IT: Suggest a three-day, two-night trip from Sydney, driving a rental car to the Blue Mountains before reaching Wolgan Valley. Two on-site nature-based activities are included each day. From £1561pp.
premierholidays.co.uk
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most upmarket retreat – only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time. The seven-mile by two-mile landmass combines dazzling ocean, reef and mountain views with some first-rate accommodation options, the best of which is Capella Lodge, a property with just nine suites and the air of a truly exclusive beach hideaway. There’s a very good spa on site, but the real charm lies in
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CAPELLA LODGE Lord Howe Island is arguably New South Wales’
WOLGAN VALLEY The Emirates Wolgan Valley & Spa has enjoyed a
the beauty and solitude of the surrounds: the beaches, the island walks and the handsome natural forests. SELL IT: Suggest two weeks’ private journey with three nights at Capella Lodge. It also includes time in Sydney, Hunter Valley wineries and a stay at Emirates Wolgan Valley. From £8175pp.
coxandkings.co.uk
to be a special one, but if you’re fortunate enough to be staying on Lizard Island then the experience enters another category altogether. Located right on the reef – and with no less than 24 powder-white beaches – the island property was recently named Australia’s best resort at the Gourmet Traveller 2012 Travel Awards. The outstanding food and drink is included in the tariff, as are extra perks such as catamaran trips, picnic hampers and paddle-ski tours. The island sits around 17 miles off the Queensland coast. SELL IT: A stay at Lizard Island, with all meals, selected alcoholic and soft drinks, selected tours and activities, non- motorised watersports and dinghy hire starts from £412pp pn.
premierholidays.co.uk
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SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE
Self-billed as ‘Australia’s first super lodge’, Southern Ocean Lodge has established itself as the premium choice for luxury travellers to Kangaroo Island. The island itself – often dubbed the Galapagos of Australia – offers the full spectrum of furred and feathered Aussie wildlife and is reached via a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. The lodge, perched on a cliff above the ocean, is all about providing sanctuary and comfort, with 21 suites, a spa and a gastronomic restaurant. It regularly draws accolades as one of the country’s top properties. SELL IT: Three days and two nights at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, with return flights from Adelaide, park fees and full board is from £2137pp.
premierholidays.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com • March 2013 15
LIZARD ISLAND Any visit to Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is likely
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