Whether you prefer tranquil palm-fringed sands or wild surf breaks our destinations boast some of the very best beaches on the planet; and those who take the plunge for a peek into the world below the waves are equally well rewarded with unparalleled technicolour reefs.
Our island nations are ringed by beautiful beaches: some fringed by tropical rainforests, some dotted with dramatic rock formations and others backed by snow-capped mountains. Swim, surf or snorkel, some beaches are perfect for people watching, whilst others invite romantic private picnics.
Learn to surf in Bondi and ride the waves in Byron Bay, heli over Whitehaven’s swirling silica sands or hike to picturesque Wine Glass Bay. Discover some of New Zealand’s most stunning hidden coves on horseback or explore golden sands by kayak. Island-hop in the South Pacific to enjoy an endless supply of idyllic private beaches
From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo, Lord Howe Island and Rowley Shoals; from Fiji to Tahiti (French Polynesia), we can have you snorkelling straight off the beach or cruising to remote coral cays and drop-offs to scuba dive among some of the planet’s most magnificent underwater treasures.
Novice snorkeller or experienced scuba diver, we know where to have you gliding over brightly coloured corals and giant clam gardens in a glass-bottom kayak, swimming with turtles and technicolour fish, snorkelling with gentle giant whale sharks and graceful manta rays or scuba diving with minke whales and other majestic creatures of the deep.
Some Of Our Favourite Beaches & Reef Experiences
Itinerary Inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in this beautiful region. 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.
Romance and adventure in the Wonderful Whitsundays.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (4 nights at qualia including daily breakfast, one dinner, buggy hire, non-alcoholic beverages and selected activities and 2 nights in a private queen cabin with ensuite aboard Whitsunday Getaway shared small group cruise with meals, entry fees and snorkelling equipment). Shared helicopter tour to Heart Reef. Private transfer from Whitsunday’s Airport to Airlie Beach and scheduled one-way transfer between Airlie, Hamilton Island and return Hamilton Island - qualia transfers.
- Notes
This tour is available for guests 16 years and over.
Rainforest & reef in style
Enjoy Far North Queensland’s World Heritage Reef and Rainforest in style!
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Silky Oaks Lodge and 4 nights in an Oceanview Villa at Lizard Island Resort) inclusive of daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners and selected alcoholic beverages per person. Selected activities at Silky Oaks Lodge and Lizard Island Resort. Full Day Private Daintree Cultural Tour including Janbal Art Gallery, Dreamtime Mossman Gorge and Walker Brothers experience, Shared Research Centre Tour on Lizard Island. Return shared transfers Cairns Airport-Cairns General Aviation. Return scheduled flights CairnsLizard Island. Rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover), unlimited kms and GPS.
Dive into tropical north Queensland
Dive the Great Barrier Reef and discover tropical Queensland’s terrestrial treasures
- Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (4 nights Mike Ball Diving Expedition cruise with meals, selected beverages and equipment, 2 nights Bailey Cairns, 3-nights Reef House Palm Cove) inclusive of daily breakfast and 1 lunch per person. Private full-day tour to Tablelands, Private half-day Mossman Gorge walk. Private transfer Cairns Airport – Bailey, Scenic flight Lizard Island - Cairns, Return private transfers Cairns - Palm Cove.
- Note
Mike Ball 4 night Diving Expeditions depart on Thursdays.
Enjoy city sights and wildlife highlights in Perth, on Rottnest Island, and on the Ningaloo Coast
Begin your West Coast adventures in the sunny capital of Perth, staying at the luxurious and stylish, centrallylocated COMO The Treasury contemporary urban hotel. Explore the city on foot with an engaging local guide to introduce you to Perth’s highlights and hidden gems; and enjoy a day-trip to ‘Perth’s playground’ to take a selfie with one of the friendly local quokkas. Experience Rottnest island’s diverse flora, fauna, history and culture.
Then head north to the Ningaloo Coast to experience the beauty and natural wonders of Australia’s “other” great reef! This World Heritage Listed wonder is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs and showcases a rainbow of coral gardens just metres from the shore. Home to tropical fish, manta-rays and turtles, Ningaloo reef also annually welcomes migrating whale sharks (April to July) and humpback whales (July to October). Depending on the time of your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the deep with these magnificent gentle giants! Staying at Sal Salis, an eco-wilderness luxury camp nestled in the dunes where the outback meets the reef, you can also enjoy guided gorge walks and kayaking, snorkelling and dark sky stargazing, whilst soaking up the relaxed beachside pleasures of this most unique Australian luxury lodge.
Return to Perth to enjoy a night of urban luxury, staying at Como The Treasury with many of Perth’s best eateries and roof top bars at your doorstep to celebrate your final night in WA.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (4 nights COMO The Treasury and 4 nights Sal Salis) inclusive of daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 4 dinners, selected beverages and activities at Sal Salis. Small group shared tour to Rottnest Island. Private airport transfers in Perth, Return shared transfers Learmonth Airport-Sal Salis.
- Note
Perth – Learmonth return domestic flights are not included included. Sal Salis has a seasonal closure over summer. It re-opens on 1 April, 2022.
A weekend on Auckland's Island of Wine
Discover why Waiheke Island is the playground of the Auckland elite. New Zealand’s third most populated island, Waiheke boats rolling green countryside, quiet white sandy beaches, gallery filled townships, and most famously, some of New Zealand’s trendiest vineyards and cellar doors. Swim and roam by day, then watch the sun set over Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from your vineyard perch
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at The Boatshed including including breakfast), return ferry tickets between Auckland and Waiheke Island, return ferry transfers between the ferry terminal and your accommodation, and a private guided wine tour with lunch.
The 'Winterless North' is naturally home to some of New Zealand's best beaches
To the north of Auckland, in a region aptly named Northland, are some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. The semi-tropical region also boasts the warmest year round temperatures, some even dubbing it the ‘Winterless North’. In the Bay of Islands you’ll find endless water activities such as kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, sailing, jetskiing and diving. Staying at luxurious The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, you’ll also have access to three semi-private beaches on the property, including gorgeous Pink Beach.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs including all meals), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, and a full day private sailing excursion through the Bay of Islands.
Enjoy an ultraluxe villa experience in the Bay of Islands
The Landing is an exclusive collection of four ultra-luxurious villas on a private gated estate in the north of the Bay of Islands. Your villa, owned by a New Zealand billionaire, has five bedrooms and features an impressive collection of Maori artefacts, a wine cellar and tasting room, outdoor fireplaces and even an observatory. A chef will meet you daily to cook breakfast and dinner, and prepare lunches. Explore the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury yacht and enjoy various excursions on the estate.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights in the Cooper Residence at The Landing including private chef cooked meals), return private transfers from Kerikeri Airport, luxury charter day cruise through the Bay of Islands, private wine tasting at the onsite vineyard, and private evening Kiwi spotting tour.
Take a weekend break to Nelson and the Abel Tasman
The Nelson region has long been one of New Zealand’s holiday hotspots. The township itself is known for its arts and crafts scene, and the weird and wonderful World of Wearable Arts Museum. Outside of the town, the rich soil and year round sun makes it the hop growing capital if the country, so you’re never far from a craft beer brewery, or a vineyard if you prefer. Then tucked away between Tasman Bay and the aptly named Golden Bay is the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, and arguably the most beautiful. Explore her golden sand beaches, kayak the crystal clear waters in search of seals and seabirds, and walk the ever popular Abel Tasman Coast Track.
- Inclusions
3 nights’ accommodation (3 nights at Split Apple Retreat including dinner and breakfast), 4 days rental vehicle including full insurance and GPS, and a private guided excursion through the Abel Tasman National Park.
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!
Your country, its people and your team could not have made us feel more welcome.
Thank you for all the special moments you enabled us to experience.
