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 (August 2026):
SOUGHT-AFTER ANNUAL EVENTS
FESTIVE SEASON IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & FIJI
If you’re looking to celebrate a Christmas in the summer hemisphere sun this year, availability is already limited – however, with a little flexibility and our Travel Designers’ creativity, we can still curate memory-making festive season adventures in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The time to book is right now – or start planning to secure your preferred arrangements for 2026 festive season celebrations.
SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE
If the Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations have always been on your bucket-list, it’s not too late to move this one to your 2025 ‘must-do’ list. The Southern Crossings Travel Design team still have access to a few remaining harbour-view rooms and tables – but they won’t last long.
If not this year, it’s not too soon to get a kick-start on your 2026 New Year’s resolutions and start planning for NYE 2026/27.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN
It’s also always advisable to book early for another one of Australia’s annual event highlights – the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam in Melbourne (18 January to 1 February 2026). Our Travel Designers have access to a limited collection of fabulous hospitality packages and special access areas like the Chairman’s Rooftop (with catering provided by Australia’s award-winning Peter Gilmore – and the opportunity to meet one of Australia’s tennis legends) for the 2026 tournament. The Southern Crossings team are also able to curate a collection of unique experiences especially for tennis fans.
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 too.
SPECIAL EVENTS
KATI THANDA – LAKE EYRE IN FLOOD
Australia’s largest lake fills with water only a few times a century – and now is the time to witness this once-in-a-generation natural spectacle which brings with it an abundance of wildlife, waterbirds and wildflowers, along with breath-taking photo opportunities. Typically a dry and glistening salt lake in South Australia’s outback (some 650km north of Adelaide), Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre is in flood in 2025. Now is the time to see this ever-evolving spectacle which takes on a stunning pink hue as the waters begin to subside in the months ahead.
To see this shimming natural wonder in all its glory is best appreciated from the air. Our Travel Designers can weave unique Lake Eyre experiences in with a stay at Arkaba Station or as an off-train experience for those travelling between Adelaide and Darwin with Australia’s epic Ghan rail journey.
GREAT REEF CENSUS
One of the planet’s largest citizen science projects – The Great Reef Census – kicks off again next month. Between 15 September and 15 January, Southern Crossings Travel Designers can arrange for travellers to participate in this annual study of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef; capturing underwater photos and data to feed into Australia’s long-running reef conservation project.
With tailored private superyacht charters, our team can introduce visitors to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most pristine coral gardens – and to the movement’s founder, Andy Ridley, for a very special and limited availability, exclusive guided reef experience with impact.
SPECTACULAR NEW EXPERIENCES
Be among the first to experience a collection of new luxury travel experiences in Australia and New Zealand over the coming months:
PASPALEY PEARL LUXURY EXPEDITION CRUISING IN THE KIMBERLEY – From July 2025
Paspaley Pearl has just set off on her maiden expedition voyage exploring hidden waterways and natural spectacles along Western Australia’s stunning Kimberley Coastline. Accommodating just 30 guests across her fifteen thoughtfully-appointed luxury guest suites and staterooms, Paspaley Pearl provides comfortable and contemporary indoor and outdoor dining and lounging areas, a deck-top jacuzzi and a fleet of expedition craft for shore excursions and tailored activities such as fishing or snorkelling. In addition to the Kimberley’s iconic natural attractions – the Buccaneer Archipelago, Monthgommery Reef, Kuri Bay, King George Falls and so much more, Pearl Expedition guests also enjoy exclusive access and privileged introductions to the world of Paspaley Pearls. Pearl Expedition’s Kimberley cruises operate with 11 day itineraries between Kununurra and Broome from now through to September and again from April through to September 2026.
ROKI QUEENSTOWN – Opens 1 September 2026
A new level of luxury lakeside accommodation coming to New Zealand’s Queenstown. A sanctuary of sophisticated calm and the gateway to all-kinds of outdoor adventures, ROKI Collection Queenstown delivers a new level of lakeside luxury to New Zealand’s gateway to the Southern Alps. Fifteen spacious suites, from studio-style to the seven-bedroom Grand ROKI suite, are complemented by a choice of dining options, a fabulous new wellness facility and a collection of guest exclusive experiences.
THE WATAI LODGE FIORDLAND EXPERIENCE – from November 2025
A new fully-inclusive two-day experience, staying at Waitai Lodge (one of New Zealand’s most secluded lodgings usually reserved for the final night’s stay for hikers on the four-day Hollyford Track wilderness hiking experience). The new Fiordland itinerary includes scenic private helicopter transfers, all food and drinks, a luxury lunch cruise in Milford Sound and a range of optional activities during the overnight stay at Waitai Lodge – including a soak in the outdoor hot-tub, guided walks and wildlife encounters or a scenic jetboat experience.
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.
NEW AND EXCLUSIVE EARNSLAW BURN GLAMPING EXPERIENCE – from Summer 2025/26
Enjoy the very privileged and limited opportunity to experience New Zealand’s dramatic Earnslaw Burn in complete privacy and seclusion with an overnight heli-glamping experience immersed in some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. The all-inclusive and very exclusive experience includes scenic helicopter flights over the Southern Alps, guided alpine landings and an overnight camping experience just for two. Dine on locally sourced produce prepared by your host and accompanied with fine New Zealand wines as you marvel at the ‘hanging’ glacier glistening in the fading light, whilst day gives way to spectacular star-studded skies.
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.
Header image: Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape Experience
