AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND – WHAT TO BOOK RIGHT NOW
Whether to secure availability for sought-after events or be among the first to enjoy epic new experiences, here is a round-up of what to book right now:
SOUGHT-AFTER ANNUAL EVENTS
FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX
Australia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix (5-8 March 2026) is gaining popularity year by year; and keen spectators are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred Melbourne accommodation for this annual event.
Ahead of the event itself, Melbourne has welcomed the Asia-Pacific debut of The Formula 1 exhibition that provides an immersive introduction (through to April 2026) to the sport’s past, present and future.
Ask our Travel Design team to tailor touring especially for car enthusiasts, such as a scenic flight and self-drive tour of the Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, by helicopter and Ferrari.
HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
Secure your seats for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (27 March – 3 May 2026), this year featuring Phantom of the Opera, to witness a spectacular performance on a floating stage on Sydney Harbour to the backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
SYDNEY MARATHON
The newest addition to the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the TCS Sydney Marathon (30 August 2026) is a bucket-list event for any marathon runner with the 42km route crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, taking in some of the city’s most iconic sites and finishing up at the Sydney Opera House.
For keen runners, the Southern Crossings Travel Design team can curate guided harbourside jogging tours of Sydney and riverside runs in Melbourne, along with a collection of fabulous walking trails and tours across the country – and wonderful wellness experiences to recuperate too.
FESTIVE SEASON 2026-27
If your new year’s resolution is to celebrate differently over the 2026-27 festive season, now is the time to start planning your ideal celebrations in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji. Whether just the two of you or the whole family; whether you’re looking for lakeside, beachfront or city centre; whether you’re seeking to get away from it all or immerse yourself in the centre of it all, we have that place; but our top tip for this time of year, is to book early.
SPECIAL EVENTS
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027
The teams have been selected and the pools have been announced for the next rugby union world cup. Hosted across Australia between 1 October and 23 November 2027, rugby fans can enjoy special access hospitality packages and exclusive rugby-centred experiences by registering their interest with us. Presale tickets will be released 18 February 2026.
Rugby fans visiting the region in 2026 can also enjoy a collection of international matches with the New Zealand All Blacks and Australian Wallabies facing up against Ireland, Italy and France in July (with matches held in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, Sydney and Brisbane).
SPECTACULAR NEW EXPERIENCES
Be among the first to experience a collection of new luxury travel offerings in Australia and New Zealand over the coming months:
A COLLECTION OF NEW EXPEDITION CRUISES – from Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast to the wilds of Tasmania
Western Australia’s remote and rugged coastline offers some spectacular sights, experiences and adventures for luxury travellers that are best accessed and viewed from the water. We are pleased to be able to offer a selection of fabulous experiences along this coastline including the new Paspaley Pearl which also offers exclusive windows into the world of Paspaley’s pearling operations, Ocean Dream that offers private charter cruising along this coast for a maximum of just 12 indulged guests and some exciting new itineraries from True North.
Meanwhile in Tasmania, travellers can now enjoy a shorter 2-night wilderness expedition cruise with Odalisque III to explore the island state’s World Heritage South-West wildernesses.
WAIHEKE ISLAND PRIVATE VILLA & DINING – from February 2026
Hot on the heels of Waiheke Island’s new Bistro Allpress (opened November 2025, serving local and estate-grown specialties in a sun-soaked courtyard), Allpress Olive Groves are preparing to welcome in a new seven-bedroom exclusive-use private villa with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, ideal for large family vacations or special celebrations with friends.
DIVINE NEW WELLNESS EXPERIENCES – across New Zealand, now and coming soon
In recognition of luxury travellers’ desires to incorporate wellness experiences into their adventures, Te Arai Links golf resort in New Zealand’s Northland and Flockhill in the Southern Alps have both recently added new world-class wellness facilities to their offering with everything from hot tubs and cold plunge to indulgent spa treatments and state-of-the-art restorative therapies.
These, in addition to Queenstown’s new wellness indulgences at the new ROKI Collection Queenstown, Bathhouse Queenstown and Bathe by Aluume, which will also include a new floating sauna experience on Lake Wakatipu from mid 2026.
THE LODGE AT CRAGGY RANGE – from March 2026
A new exclusive-use Lodge at Craggy Range will provide a luxurious new base from which to explore New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay vineyards. Set on Craggy Range’s picturesque Giants Estate, the generously proportioned, full-service private villa style stay provides contemporary luxury accommodation for up to 8 guests and special access to Craggy Range wine tasting experiences.
TWO NEW VILLAS AT ANNANDALE – March and mid 2026
Annandale Coastal Farm on New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula will soon have two new additions to its luxury villa collection. The stunning new Wakaroa Point two-bedroom villa nestled into the property’s picturesque coastal landscapes and the two-bedroom Shearwater Historic Villa in a beautifully reimagined residence exuding contemporary warmth and comforts.
A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY ON AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC RAIL JOURNEYS – from April 2026
The world’s epic rail journeys have long conjured up notions of glamour and romance, and with the growing appetite for slower and more sustainable ways to travel, have also been enjoying a renewed golden age of train travel. Meanwhile, Australia’s iconic rail journeys prepare to reveal a new level of luxury with the introduction of two fabulous new luxury accommodation suites available on Australia’s Indian-Pacific and Ghan rail journeys from April 2026.
The new ‘Aurora’ and ‘Australis’ suites will bring an unparalleled level of world-class luxury to Australia’s epic rail journeys. Each one boasting a separate bedroom with a fixed queen-size bed, en-suite and private lounge area. Guests of the new suites also enjoy the services of a dedicated butler, Bollinger Champagne served throughout the journey, exclusive off-train adventures and the option of in-suite dining or joining fellow travellers in the new Platinum Club carriage.
The Ghan iconic rail journey will also offer a new, extended three-night northbound itinerary (between Adelaide and Darwin) for 2027 that will include a new stop to explore the spectacular ancient outback landscapes of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges; a destination that recently featured in Lonely Planet’s Top 25 must-visit destinations across the planet).
THE NEW ULURU-KATA TJUTA SIGNATURE WALK – from April 2026
A spectacular new 5-day hiking experience through Australia’s spiritual heart, the Uluru Kata Tjuta Signature Walk which traverses some of Australia’s most iconic outback landscapes between Uluru and the Kata Tjuta has been developed in close consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners. The immersive outback journey offers the privileged opportunity to connect with ancient culture and landscapes, hiking and staying within the World Heritage-listed Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Hikers stay in exclusive camps (with the opportunity to sleep in comfort under canvas or in a swag under a blanket of stars) and spend the final two nights at a thoughtfully designed, purpose-built private lodge that also boasts a range of wellness amenities and treatments.
From sunrise breakfasts to campfire dinners, delicious meals are enjoyed in spectacular settings; opportunities to enjoy captivating storytelling and relax with new-found friends.
The Uluru Kata Tjuta Signature Walk season runs from April through to September, from April 2026.
ORPHEUS ISLAND REIMAGINED – from July 2026
The Great Barrier Reef Island resort will take a pause from welcoming guests (19 January – 29 June 2026) to undertake a significant refresh of their North Beachfront rooms, suites and villas including raising the ceilings, stylish new furnishings, redesigned bathrooms and enhanced outdoor areas. The reimagined suites will also include a spacious separate living area opening to a private patio, to be revealed in July 2026.
THE SAFFIRE JEWEL – opening Southern Hemisphere Spring 2026
Tasmania’s breathtaking Saffire luxury lodge on the East Coast Freycinet Peninsula, will soon provide a stunning new ultraluxe three-master suite villa accommodation option, complete with private infinity pool and spacious outdoor terrace with fireplace and sweeping coastal views. Guests of the Saffire Jewel will also enjoy elevated experiences such as in-villa breakfasts, a dedicated guide and private-chef dining options.
Header image: Paspaley Pearl, small group luxury expedition cruising on Western Australia’s Kimberley Coast
