Destinations
A continent of contrasts;
from the outback to the ocean
Experiences
Experience it all with epic Australian adventures
Itineraries
Inspiration for your personalised Australian adventures
Bright city lights and star-filled outback nights; golden beaches, sparkling waterways, lush green rainforests and pristine Gondwana wilderness; contemporary theatre and ancient cultures; curious creatures and welcoming locals, fine wines and fabulous fresh produce: Australia has it all!
A continent of contrasts, from east coast to west coast Australia spans a distance greater than from Dublin to Istanbul and almost as far as from Los Angeles to Washington DC. Each corner of the continent offers something exciting and inviting, but with such a rich diversity to choose from it can be daunting know where to start and how to stitch it all together to experience the best of Australia.
We know this land like the back of our hands, our Travel Designers live and love the local lifestyle. Our collective passion is sharing new perspectives on bucket-list attractions and delighting with local hidden gems to showcase the very best of Australia to the most discerning of travellers through 100% tailored itineraries.
We know the paths less travelled that showcase authentic local experiences, we’ve handpicked hotels for their unique sense of place and we can introduce you to the engaging locals who really bring our home to life.
So, whilst the following ‘best of Australia’ itineraries are designed to provide inspiration for your Australia adventures, the best itinerary for you is the one we curate especially for you.
Luxury Destinations Australia
Explore a selection of our favourite locations
Luxury accommodation australia
Experience some of our favourite places to stay
Discover a few of our favourite activities
itinerary inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in Australia. Once you have a feel for the destinations and experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you.
Icons and insights
An ideal first-timer’s introduction to Australia visiting the harbourside city of Sydney and three unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Ayers Rock), the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.
The adventure begins in Sydney, waking up to Sydney Opera House views from the Park Hyatt Sydney’s prime waterfront position. A full-day tour on land and water provides the ultimate introduction to Australia’s vibrant harbour city, including lunch at a local yacht club and a gentle sail on Sydney’s sparkling waterways. A further full-day tour to the World Heritage wilderness of the Blue Mountains provides a complete change of scenery with opportunities to meet some of Australia’s most endearing furred and feathered creatures; and the chance to walk amongst pristine ancient forests.
Swapping the city for Queensland’s tropical north, a short scenic helicopter transfer from Cairns will deliver you to Australia’s newest luxury lodge, Mt Mulligan. A refined oasis in the rugged outback, Mt Mulligan Lodge is the base for a wide range of adventure touring including: hiking and kayaking, birdwatching and barramundi fishing, stargazing, ATV touring and more.
In Australia’s spiritual heart, explore ancient outback landscapes and the millennia-old legends woven round them with a two-night stay at Longitude 131 where the rugged Red Centre meets refined modern comforts. Enjoy the bucket-list experience of a night under star-studded outback skies from the comfort of a luxury swag on your pavilion’s private balcony.
Unwind in Queensland’s tropical north, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the rainforest and ancient wisdoms of the Kuku Yulanji people. Perched among the treetops high above the Mossman River, Silky Oaks Lodge is the idyllic base from which to explore the Daintree’s World Heritage wilderness, enjoying guided rainforest walks, river snorkelling and tropically-inspired dining.
The adventure concludes with a three-night stay surrounded by the technicolour treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. In the heart of Queensland’s Whitsundays, qualia provides a tranquil base from which to explore the best of it all – including a half-day heli-tour over the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach to snorkel the coral gardens neighbouring insta-worthy Heart Reef.
- Inclusions
10 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney, 2 nights at Longitude 131, 2 nights Silky Oaks Lodge and 3 nights qualia), a full-day private Sydney city sights tour, a full-day private Blue Mountains tour, a half-day private scenic helicopter tour to Heart Reef including glass bottom boat tour, private airport transfers throughout. Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners per person, selected beverages and lodge activities.
- Note
qualia adults-only resort caters to guests 16 years and over.
World heritage wilderness and idyllic island life: Tasmania, Wolgan Valley and Lord Howe Island.
Discover bucket-list Australian destinations and experiences as this 12-night itinerary showcases some Australia’s most remote and pristine wildernesses that will refresh and rejuvenate, to help you really reset.
The adventures begin in Hobart, with the wonderful waterfront MACq01 as your base. Enjoy a spectacular helicopter flight over the Three Capes on the Tasman Peninsula and discover the historic significance of Port Arthur during your stay here. Then head for the coast to soak up some crisp clean air, spectacular scenery and lodge-life luxe, with a refreshing stay at Australia’s highly awarded Saffire Freycinet. Hike to picturesque Wineglass Bay, kayak the tranquil waters of Great Oyster Bay and reward yourself with the finest Tasmanian culinary delights.
Head north, to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort on the edge the World Heritage Blue Mountains wilderness west of Sydney. Enjoy rugged wilderness, refined luxuries, wonderful wildlife and a range of rejuvenating outdoor adventures on this 7,000 acre carbon-neutral wildlife conservancy.
Hop across to the World Heritage Listed Lord Howe Island to really relax and reset. Refreshing bike rides and challenging hikes, rewarding snorkelling adventures and rejuvenating lagoon swims; enjoy the relaxed island pace!
Complete the Australian adventure with a final night in the sparkling harbour city of Sydney.
- Inclusions
12 nights’ accommodation (2 nights MACq01 hotel, 3 nights Saffire Freycinet, 3 nights Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, 3 nights Capella Lodge, 1 night Park Hyatt Sydney) inclusive of daily breakfast, 5 lunches (subject to travel schedule) and 9 dinners per person. Private Three Capes scenic flight and Port Arthur guided experience. Selected activities at Saffire Freycinet and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Private car transfers Sydney Airport-Heliport and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley-Sydney Airport. Private helicopter scenic transfer Sydney-Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Rental vehicle in Tasmania. Airport transfers on Lord Howe Island.
- Note
As an alternative, private transfers by luxury vehicle and/or helicopter in Tasmania are available on request. This itinerary is not available for travel in July or August (Capella Lodge seasonal closure and refresh).
Experience the very best of the East Coast
The adventure begins in Sydney, waking up to Sydney Opera House views from the Park Hyatt Sydney’s prime waterfront position. A full-day tour on land and water provides the ultimate introduction to Australia’s vibrant harbour city, including lunch at a local yacht club and a gentle sail on Sydney’s sparkling waterways. A further full-day tour to the World Heritage wilderness of the Blue Mountains provides a complete change of scenery with opportunities to meet some of Australia’s most endearing furred and feathered creatures; and the chance to walk amongst pristine ancient forests.
Swapping the city for Queensland’s tropical north, a short scenic helicopter transfer from Cairns will deliver you to Australia’s newest luxury lodge, Mt Mulligan. A refined oasis in the rugged outback, Mt Mulligan Lodge is the base for a wide range of adventure touring including: hiking and kayaking, birdwatching and barramundi fishing, stargazing, ATV touring and more.
Join local wildlife researchers to go in-depth and behind-the-scenes to spot and study some of the fascinating fauna that make the ancient Queensland tropical rainforests their home. Continue the rainforest immersion with a stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, luxuriously nestled in the treetops above the Mossman River.
Fly over tropical turquoise waters and reefs to land on Lizard Island, where the luxury adventures continue. Paddleboard, kayak or picnic on one of the island’s secluded white sandy beaches. Snorkel, swim or hike to Captain Cook’s lookout to enjoy panoramic island views. To learn fascinating insights about Australia’s world heritage coral reefs, we have also included a tour of the Lizard Island Research Station during your stay.
- Inclusions
13 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Park Hyatt Sydney, 3 nights Mt Mulligan Lodge, 3 nights Silky Oaks Lodge and 4 nights Lizard Island Resort) including daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 10 dinners and selected alcoholic beverages per person. Selected activities at Mt Mulligan Lodge, Silky Oaks Lodge and Lizard Island Resort, full-day Sydney touring, full-day Blue Mountains touring, full day private behind-the-scenes wildlife touring with researchers, shared small group tour of the Lizard Is. Research Centre. Private airport transfers, 35-minute helicopter transfer Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge, and return scheduled flights Cairns - Lizard Island.
Explore Australia's iconic sights from new perspectives with family-friendly adventures from the city to the outback, the rainforest to the reef.
Begin your family-friendly Australian adventures with a three-night stay in Sydney. Staying at the Langham Sydney (don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip in the stunning indoor pool!), exploring on foot is easy with many of the city’s attractions, restaurants and colourful contemporary galleries only minutes away; but we have also included a guided cycling tour to explore the city’s harbourside parklands and icons sites by bike, a guided tour beneath the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House and a hot-lap of Sydney’s waterfront attractions by jetboat. A full-day private tour to the beautiful Blue Mountains wilderness also includes the opportunity to meet some of Australia’s most endearing and iconic wildlife.
Swapping the city for the outback, your stay in Australia’s Red Centre includes a hands-on Western Desert art workshop with local Anangu artists (with the opportunity to create your own masterpiece memento of your travels), a private sunrise tour to wander the ancient landscapes of Kata Tjuta and a private sunset tour to Uluru to learn the legends of the Dreamtime woven in these dramatic landforms.
From red earth to lush rainforests, the Daintree is where your next adventures await. Participate in a traditional indigenous welcome smoking ceremony before exploring the lush rainforests and gorges of Kuku Yulanji country and let the current carry you under a canopy of ancient figs and ferns as you drift on the crystal-clear waters of the Mossman River.
In the heart of the wonderful Whitsundays, Hayman Island, surrounded by the technicolour treasures of the Great Barrier Reef is the final destination for some family rest and relaxation. Swim, snorkel, sup and sail; there are endless family adventures for toddlers to teens and everyone in between.
- Inclusions
10 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Langham Sydney, 2 nights Sails in the Desert Hotel, 2 nights Daintree Eco Lodge and 3 nights InterContinental Hayman Island Resort), private half-day Sydney cycling tour, guided group tour of the Sydney Opera House, jetboat tour of Sydney Harbour, private full-day Blue Mountains touring, Indigenous art workshop, private sunrise tour of Kata Tjuta and sunset tour of Uluru, private full-day touring of Mossman Gorge including traditional Indigenous welcome and riverdrift snorkelling. Breakfast daily and private airport transfers.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
