Australia, New Zealand and Fiji: Experiences, hotels and events to book right now
Whether to be among the first to enjoy epic new experiences or to secure availability for sought-after events; here is a round-up of what to book right now:
Fabulous New Experiences
From culinary to conservation, we are delighted to have access to some fabulous new heli-touring experiences including:
REES VALLEY DINING
Guests of the new ROKI Collection Queenstown can now also enjoy a spectacular new private dining experience, equally ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway and memorable multi-generational family celebrations. Accessible only by helicopter, the stunning new private dining venue is nestled in nature in the dramatic Rees Valley. Here, guests enjoy sublime seclusion, spectacular scenery, delicious dining (curated by Paul Froggatt of ROKI’s recently two-Michelin-starred Essence restaurant) and luxuriously appointed surrounds (styled by luxury lodge interior designer Virgina Fisher).
AUSSIE ARK WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Visitors to Sydney can enjoy a very special new wildlife conservation experience with an exclusive-to-Southern Crossings full-day touring experience that takes off from the city by helicopter, over the city’s sparkling harbour, waterways and national parks to land at Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops. Enjoying exclusive access to the wildlife rewilding sanctuary, guests have the opportunity to see and interact with a range of endangered and endearing Australian native wildlife including Tassie Devils, quolls, wallabies and more. The day continues with a leisurely lunch at a waterside restaurant, surrounded by national parks and inaccessible by road, before the return scenic seaplane flight over Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
New Ultraluxe Villas
We are delighted to share a collection of new serviced private villa offerings a collection of fabulous serviced private villas right across the region that are perfect for multi-generational family celebrations, vacations with friends or couples seeking complete seclusion from the rest of the world:
SAFFIRE JEWEL
One of Australia’s most celebrated luxury lodges, Saffire Freycinet, is preparing to unveil a new ultraluxe villa-style accommodation option boasting 800sqm of private indoor and outdoor living. Welcoming guests from December 2026, the Jewel at Saffire Freycinet is a private sanctuary designed for groups of friends or multi-generational family vacations. Three master suites (all with private ensuite and generous sitting area) are complemented by generous lounge and dining areas, a full kitchen allowing for private chef dining experiences, an 18m heated infinity pool and expansive outdoor deck with fireplace and sweeping Oyster Bay views. A stay at Jewel is inclusive of all meals and a collection of exclusive experiences, whilst guests also enjoy full access to Saffire lodge’s amenities and activities.
PICNIC ISLAND
Those seeking even greater privacy and seclusion should consider Picnic Island. Also on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, just 800m from the shore, Picnic Island is an exclusive-use private island for up to eight guests, enjoying personalised stays that may include a curated range of nature, wildlife, culinary and wellness experiences.
WAKAROA POINT
Wakaroa Point is the latest addition to Annandale coastal farm’s collection of luxury villas on New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula. The contemporary two bedroom villa nestles discretely into the landscape with floor to ceiling windows rolling back to open the living spaces to the infinity pool and spa which look out over the Pacific Ocean.
New Zealand has welcomed a raft of fabulous new private villas in recent months, including: The Estate, a new 7-bedroom private villa on Waiheke Island; Whaitere at Te Arai Links, a fabulous new four bedroom stay for golfers and the new four-bedroom Lodge at Craggy Range set amongst the Hawkes Bay vines.
Meanwhile, the striking Mt Isthmus Villa, overlooking Lake Hawea in New Zealand’s Southern Alps will welcome feature a brand-new swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area in time for the Southern Hemisphere summer; and from December, we look forward to sharing the stunning new four-bedroom AnaTui villa overlooking Lake Taupo too.
Similarly in Fiji, Six Senses have two new residences to invite multi-generational families to slow-down and relax in the tropics with the addition of a five-bedroom Beachfront Pool Residence in August, and another four-bedroom Oceanview Pool Residence opening in November.
Private Plunge Pool Stays
We are delighted to be able to offer an expanding collection of luxury stays that offer private plunge pools, including:
SAFFIRE PRIVATE PAVILIONS
These stunning sanctuaries at one of Australia’s most luxurious lodges on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, will welcome the addition of new ocean-view-facing heated plunge pools in time for the Southern Hemisphere summer: the perfect place from which to watch the changing colours of the Hazards Mountains and enjoy a glass or two of fine Tasmanian bubbles.
Meanwhile, qualia on Hamilton Island in Queensland’s Whitsundays, has introduced a new ‘Seaward Pavilion’ room category. These generously proportioned pavilions feature a private plunge pool, with stunning Coral Sea and Whitsunday views from both the bedroom and private sun terrace.
And the new Ritz Carlton Wolgan Valley Lodge’s 40 freestanding villas will also all feature a private plunge pool when the world’s first Ritz Carlton lodge opens on the edge of the Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness in 2027 (dates TBC).
Refreshed Wilderness Stays
We are already looking forward to sharing two refreshed iconic Australian wilderness stays when they reopen in 2027:
BULLO RIVER STATION
This iconic Australian ranch-style stay, set on a working cattle station and 350,000-acre wildlife conservancy, has been closed throughout 2026 whilst Bullo River Station undergoes a complete transformation of its guest accommodation and homestead. From May 2027, a maximum of just 24 guests will share this vast property and its breathtaking landscapes, enjoying a collection of immersive outback experiences from fishing and birdwatching to horse-riding and heli-touring.
SAL SALIS
This intimate eco-wilderness lodge, nestled in the dunes on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast is also undergoing a transformation ahead of the 2027 season. Sal Salis‘ redesigned safari-style tents will feature louvred windows, private ensuite bathrooms, custom textiles and joinery, alongside new furniture, lighting and soft furnishings. Meanwhile the lodge’s reception, lounging and dining areas will also reopen with a refreshed new look, whilst remaining sensitive to its spectacular natural setting.
A New International Airport for Sydney
Sydney has welcomed a second international airport. Western Sydney Airport will operate 24 hours and launch with a collection of international connections to Asia and New Zealand. It is important to note that the new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is approximately 60km/38 miles from the city centre and approximately 50kms/31 miles from Sydney’s existing Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). Particular care should be taken when booking connecting flights through Sydney as there is currently no transport connection between the two airports.
Exciting Events to plan for
Cultural, sporting and natural; our region looks forward to hosting a collection of events worth travelling for, including:
A FESTIVE SEASON IN THE SUN
Whilst availability for the current festive season is becoming scarce, we are delighted to be able to offer a selection of exclusive availability at some of Australia’s most sought-after (and otherwise fully-booked) luxury lodges over Christmas and New Year. Reach out to our Travel Design team today to secure last-minute exclusive availability from Lizard Island to Kangaroo Island, the Whitsundays and Tasmania.
SYDNEY MARATHON: 29 August 2027
The ballot is now open (until 19 October 2026) for runners keen to try to secure a spot in the 2027 Sydney Marathon. The newest World Major Marathon will follow a uniquely-Sydney scenic route, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and following the foreshore to finish at the Sydney Opera House.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS: 17-31 January 2027
Melbourne’s annual festival of tennis attracts the greats of the game from across the globe and now is the time to secure tickets, hospitality, accommodation and access to exclusive experiences for tennis fans.
RUGBY WORLD CUP: 1 October – 13 November 2027
This time next year, all eyes will be on Australia as the nation hosts 24 international teams for the Rugby Union World Cup. Now is the time to secure your travel arrangements to make the most of this sporting spectacular. Australia and New Zealand will also host an exciting line up of international tournaments in the lead up to the World Cup, reach out to our Travel Design teams to learn more and to weave these matches into your itinerary.
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: 22 July 2028
This awe-inspiring natural phenomenon will pass directly over a collection of our most popular destinations, showcasing landscapes and landmarks – from the Kimberley to the Blue Mountains, Sydney and Queenstown, in a dramatic new light. Now is the time to secure availability in the path of totality.
Reach out to our Travel Design teams today to experience these fabulous new experiences, hotels and events:
Australia ausdesign@southern-crossings.com
New Zealand: nzdesign@southern-crossings.com
Fiji: fijidesign@southern-crossings.com
Image: Rees Valley Dining Experience