Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace with carefully curated, and spectacularly scenic, self-drives.
From cliff-top coastal drives and dramatic mountain passes to off-road outback odysseys, our Travel Designers can recommend road-tested routes and off-the-beaten path hidden gems.
Wind the windows down, turn the music up and hit the open road to enjoy some of Australia’s epic road trips (and equally spectacular paths less travelled!). From the ocean to the outback, the Great Ocean Road to the Gibb River Road; wonderfully-scenic wine touring routes and rewarding foodie trails, our Travel Designers know the best boutique places to stay and countless detour-worthy diversions.
Whether you choose to get behind the wheel of a luxury convertible, a family SUV or an electric vehicle, New Zealand’s winding roads reveal postcard scenes at every bend.
Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu from Glenorchy to Queenstown. Travel from the Coromandel to the Catlins. Middle Earth to Milford Sound. Our Travel Designers can curate scenic road trips and provide in-the-know local tips for the most rewarding side trips.
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.
Australia
The really great outdoors
Nature lovers get outdoors and active, from the Great Ocean Road to the Grampians.
Romance and adventure come together on this 4-day self-drive. Immersed in the wild surroundings of the Great Ocean Road, Alkina Lodge offers easy access to the great outdoors: beaches and sea cliffs, rainforests and pristine bushland. Enjoy wonderful walks, a visit to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, a 15 minute scenic helicopter flight and a peaceful gourmet picnic lunch during your stay here.
Head inland to stay at the Royal Mail Hotel, renowned as one of Australia’s foremost destination dining venues, this country getaway is also at the gateway to the Grampians National Park. Follow your passions with the choice of a canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or mountain
biking adventure in these spectacular surrounds.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Alkina Lodge and 2 nights’ Royal Mail Hotel), Daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Admission to Cape Otway Lighthouse, choice of 3hr small group canoe/SUP or mountain bike adventure, 15 min scenic helicopter flight, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Rolling farmlands, fine regional food, fabulous wines and a collection boutique accommodation.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Spicers Guesthouse, 2 nights Goonoo Goonoo Station, 2 nights Sanctuary by Sirromet) inclusive of 4 breakfasts and 1 lunch per person. Private behind-the-scenes tour at Audrey Wilkinson including barrel tasting and cheese platter, Private behind-the-scenes tour at Sirromet Winery including premium tastings and lunch. Rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Country to coast
Fine wine, spectacular scenic drives and fabulous food come together.
Hit the road to reunite with family or friends and begin your self-drive journey in the marvellous Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy wonderful wines and fabulous food at Jackalope with its intoxicating combination of contemporary sophistication and classic country charms. A private tour of the region combines an introduction to the local art and wines.
Continue across the Bay to follow the scenic Great Ocean Drive, past iconic surf beaches to sleep surrounded by the Great Otway National Park at Alkina Lodge. From here it’s just a short hop to join your heli-scenic flight over the famous 12 Apostles. Follow the iconic shipwreck coast and sandstone stacks to Port Fairy where the delightful Drift House is your home for the next two nights. Return to Melbourne via the Grampian National Park, enjoying two delicious nights at the Royal Mail Hotel, home to some of the state’s finest destination dining experiences.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Jackalope, 2 nights Alkina Lodge and 2 nights Drift House and 2 nights Royal Mail Hotel), full-day private touring in the Mornington Peninsula and a 25 minute Great Ocean Road scenic helicopter flight). Daily breakfast. Rental vehicle.
Coastal treasures and pleasures from Melbourne to Sydney.
The scenic coastal touring route from Melbourne through to Sydney, winds its way between pristine National Parks, rolling farmlands, tranquil lakes and white sandy beaches, over dramatic sea cliffs and through relaxed coastal towns. Enjoy coastal walks and seaside picnics, canoeing and mountain-biking or swimming and beachcombing, the choice is yours, just take your time and take it all in.
Sleep under the Church House’s theatrically vaulted ceilings that have featured on Australian Grand Designs and in ‘tented’ luxury under at canopy of canvas at Australia’s original glamping experience. From Jervis Bay to Wilsons Prom, Merimbula to Metung, we have hand-picked a collection of unique and boutique accommodation to provide a true sense of place; and a selection of activities to provide a deeper connection to the destinations visited: cruise around the southern-most tip of the Australian mainland and Victoria’s first marine park from Wilsons Promontory; and cruise with the resident dolphins in Jervis Bay.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights The Church House, 2 nights Five Knots Metung, 2 nights Coast Merimbula, 2 nights Paperbark Camp). 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners. 9 days rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS. 2.5hr Wilsons Promontory Wilderness cruise (shared basis) and 1.5hr dolphin cruise in Jervis Bay (shared basis).
Decadent by design and deliciously different.
Head north from Melbourne to enjoy contemporary design-led comforts at the Mitchelton, surrounded by the property’s own vineyards on the banks of the Goulburn River. Unwind with the hotel’s regionally inspired day spa and dining. Crossing into New South Wales, stay in at the hot new regional spa hotel, Circa 1928, a stylishly converted art-deco former bank building.
Staying at Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands south of Sydney, enjoy a back-tonature culinary full-day private tour combining canoes, canapes, fresh regional flavours and local wines.
Finishing up in Sydney, stay in the heart of one of Sydney’s hottest dining precincts at Spicers Potts Point. Your stay in the city culminates with a progressive lunch tour cruising between some of Sydney’s wonderful waterfront tables.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Mitchelton, 1 nights Circa 1928, 2 nights Peppers Manor House, 3 nights Spicers Potts Point). 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches per person. Full day private Canoe, Canapés & Champagne tour including lunch and wine tastings, Half day small group progressive lunch cruise with selected beverages, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Experience the essence of the Red Centre: Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru self-drive
Starting in Alice Springs, gateway to the Red Centre, enjoy a private half-day tour visiting the the Royal Flying Doctors, the School of the Air and the Old Telegraph Station to appreciate the town’s heritage and unique lifestyle. Also included during your stay is the bucket-list experience of a sunrise balloon flight over the majestic outback.
Then take to the open road to embark on an iconic outback self-drive. First stop, Kings Canyon. Here, an early start and a steep climb will be rewarded with the captivating colours of an outback sunrise during your guided Kings Canyon Rim walk.
Drive to Ayers Rock to complete your Red Centre highlights touring on a real high with a three-night stay at the luxurious and intimate Longitude 131. Unwind with endless and ever-changing views to Uluru, exclusive touring experiences and contemporary cuisine. Enjoy a small group cultural tour to Kata Tjuta and Uluru along with a unique star gazing experience and a breath-taking thirty-minute helicopter scenic flight during your stay here.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, 1 night Kings Canyon Resort, 3 nights Longitude 131) inclusive of daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and selected alcoholic beverages at Longitude 131 per person. Private half day Alice Springs tour including entries, Shared 30min Outback Balloon flight, Shared Kings Canyon Scenic Rim Walk, Shared Uluru and Kata Tjuta touring, Private 30-minute Uluru and Kata Tjuta Helicopter flight with airport drop off. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Pacific Coast Way explorer
Drive the scenic coast between Brisbane and Cairns
- Inclusions
13 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, 2 nights Kingfisher Bay Resort, 2 nights 1770 Lagoons Central Apartment Resort, 1 night Salt Apartment Yeppoon, 2 nights Coral Sea Marina Resort, 2 nights Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville, 2 nights The Reef House Palm Cove) inclusive of 12 breakfasts and 1 lunch per person. Full day group Great Barrier Reef Cruise including lunch. Return passenger ferry transfers Hervey BayFraser Island, Full day shared ranger guided Beauty Spots tour of Fraser Island Including National Park fees, Rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Travel the coast from Sydney to Brisbane enjoying endless golden beaches, good food and the great outdoors.
- Inclusions
10 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Bannisters Port Stephens, 2 nights Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, 1 night Angourie Resort, 3 nights Byron at Byron, 2 nights Spicers Peak Lodge) inclusive of 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Private full day of Byron Bay including kayaking with the dolphins experience and lunch. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
- Note
Spicers Peak Lodge is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Follow the coast from Sydney to Brisbane, along one of Australia’s most iconic touring routes.
- Inclusions
12 nights’ accommodation (3 nights The Langham Sydney, 2 nights Anchorage Port Stephens, 2 nights Sails Port Macquarie, 3 nights Halcyon House, 2 nights Spicers Balfour) inclusive of daily breakfast and 3 dinners per person. One-hour shared Sydney Opera House tour, Small group Twilight BridgeClimb experience. Private transfer on arrival. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS. Shared whale (in season: June-November) or dolphin Port Stephens cruise, Half-day walking tour of Brisbane.
Follow the path less travelled, from Melbourne to Sydney.
Head south from Sydney to explore Canberra’s star attractions and the city’s coming of age with the chic and quirky QT Canberra as your base. During your stay in the capital, enjoy a private tour of the Australian War Memorial with behind-the-scenes access and captivating insights into heroic tales of service and sacrifice, courage and camaraderie.
Cross the border into Victoria and delve into the State’s gold-rush heritage from Beechworth to Bendigo. A full-day private tour in Bendigo invites you to roll your sleeves up and get creative. Combining great coffee, fine chocolate, gnocchi making and the chance to create your own pottery masterpiece, you’ll discover it’s not just the gold that shines here!
Unwind in spa country, with a stay at the award-winning Lake House Daylesford before reaching the city. Round off the overland adventure with a night on the town, wining and dining with an engaging local guide and staying at United Places Botanic Gardens in trendy South Yarra.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (2 nights QT Canberra, 2 nights The Graces Beechworth, 2 nights Alexandra Place, 2 nights Lake House Daylesford). 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner. Private tour of Australian War Memorial, Private full-day tour Bendigo including gnocchi making and pottery class, Melbourne private guided progressive dinner tour, rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover) unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Hit the road to enjoy a diverse collection of south-west wonders on a spectacular self-drive loop from Perth: Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany, Pemberton and Margaret River.
Head inland to kick off the adventure in the legendary gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. Take the opportunity to play a hole on the world’s longest golf course, see one of Australia’s largest open pit gold mines and visit the only legalised Two Up school in Western Australia before continuing to Esperance on the beautiful Bay of Isles. Keep your camera charged to capture the region’s turquoise waters, squeaky white sands and picture-perfect pink lakes. Tour the Cape Le Grand National Park and call in to visit the lucky kangaroos who make Lucky Bay their home.
Follow the coast to Albany to discover a rich history; Aboriginal, colonial, gold rush, ANZAC and whaling, set to a spectacular backdrop of beautiful beaches, coastal walks and the dramatic cliffs of Torndirrup National Park. Continue to Australia’s most south-west reaches to sleep surrounded by towering Karri forests and seasonal wildflowers (September-early November) at the RAC Karri Valley Resort.
The picturesque Margaret River region is your final stop. Here, enjoying the luxurious surrounds of Cape Lodge, we have also included a full day tour of the region; canoeing on the Margaret River and walking on scenic coastal tracks, sampling fresh regional produce and tasting award-winning wines. Return your rental car to Perth.
- Inclusions
11 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort and Spa, 3 nights Esperance Chalet Village, 2 nights Beach House at Bayside, 1 night RAC Karri Valley Resort and 3 nights Cape Lodge) inclusive of 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners per person. Small group (shared) full day tour of the Margaret River including guided canoe experience and wine tasting. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
An iconic outback self-drive adventure along the Gibb River Road from Kununurra to Broome.
Collect your 4WD rental vehicle in Kununurra and embark on an epic outback driving adventure following the Gibb River Road. Staying in the relaxed comfort of some of Australia’s most far flung wilderness lodges, explore the remote reaches of our breathtaking continent. Travelling through the dramatic outback gorge country, stay at Emma Gorge and Bell Gorge; and visit Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge National Parks. Take up the opportunity to visit engaging Aboriginal communities, hike to majestic waterfalls, swim in tranquil waterholes and take a dip in
outback thermal springs. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and barramundi-fishing, horse-riding and guided hikes (additional costs may apply). The spectacular 60-minute scenic flight over the ancient striped domes of the Bungle Bungle and the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park that we have included with your itinerary, is sure to be one of the many highlights of your iconic outback self-drive adventure!
On arrival in Broome, enjoy a relaxing 3-night stay at the Cable Beach Resort and Spa and a stunning flightseeing adventure to visit Cape Leveque and witness the awe-inspiring natural spectacle of Horizontal Falls.
- Inclusions
11 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, 2 nights El Questro Emma Gorge, 1 night Home Valley Station, 2 nights Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, 1 night Fitzroy River Lodge and 3 nights Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa) inclusive of 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners per person. Shared 60-minute scenic helicopter flight of the Bungle Bungles, Small group (shared) scenic seaplane flight to the Horizontal Waterfalls including lunch. 4WD rental vehicle including 800 kms, collision damage waiver and excess reduction.
- Note
This itinerary is available from April through to October.
An epic Australian coastal self-drive: Ningaloo, Monkey Mia, Abrolhos Is, Pinnacles, Perth and Margaret River
Overnight at the contemporary Crown Towers Perth and fly to Exmouth where the adventures really begin. Explore the region’s limestone ranges, deep canyons and dramatic gorges. Take up the opportunity to swim at pristine beaches and snorkel Turquoise Bay. We’ve also included a Ningaloo Reef cruise with the bucket-list opportunity to swim with whale sharks (April to July) or humpback whales (July to October) during your stay.
Hit the road and head south along the Coral Coast, calling in to overnight in Carnarvon en route to Monkey Mia. With your accommodation only footsteps from the sand, you won’t have to venture far to seek out the dolphin encounters for which this town is renowned. Continue south along the scenic coast to Kalbarri where you can enjoy scenic coastal walks and surf beaches, outback hikes and wilderness cruises. In Geraldton, we’ve included a scenic flight over Pink Lake and the turquoise coastal waters to visit the picturesque Abrolhos Islands. Continuing south to Perth, stopping to explore the Pinnacles’ captivating limestone lunar landscapes.
Overnight in Perth and enjoy a foodie’s walking tour of favourite local finds, en route to the Margaret River. Enjoying the scenic coastal surrounds of Smiths Beach Resort, we have also included a full-day guided tour of the local wineries with your stay. Relax by the beach before returning your rental vehicle to Perth.
- Inclusions
17 nights’ accommodation (1 night Crown Towers Perth, 3 nights Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort, 1 night Best Western Carnarvon, 2 nights RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin resort, 2 nights Kalbarri Edge Resort, 2 nights Mantra Geraldton Resort, 2 nights Pinnacles Edge Resort, 1 night Intercontinental Perth, 3 nights Smith Beach Resort) inclusive of daily breakfast and 2 lunches per person. Shared Ningaloo Reef cruise to swim with the whale sharks or humpback whales, Shared small group scenic flight of Pink Lake and Abrolhos Islands Nature Tour, Shared Small Group Eat, Drink & Walking tour, Private Full Day Margaret River Tour. Rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS, Private return transfers on arrival in Perth.
- Note
This itinerary operates April to October. Flight to Learmonth not included.
Tour Tasmania’s iconic highlights, enjoying wonderful local insights along the way
- Inclusions
13 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Quamby Estate, 2 nights Ship Inn Stanley, 2 nights Cradle Mountain Lodge, 2 nights Pumphouse Point, 2 nights Saffire Freycinet, 3 nights Mona Pavilions) inclusive of daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners per person. Half day fly fishing and wine tasting experience at Josef Chromy Wines, Admission to the MONA, tour or Moorilla winery and a bottle of Moorilla sparkling wine, Full day small group air tour to Southern West National Park. Automatic rental vehicle.
- Note
The Wall in the Wilderness is closed in June, July and August.
Sample the North Island’s best food and wine regions, with a touch of light adventure along the way
- Inclusions
Private transfer from Auckland Airport to the Auckland ferry terminal. Return ferry tickets between Auckland and Waiheke Island. Return transfers between the Waiheke Island ferry terminal and your accommodation. Seven nights’ accommodation (two nights at Marino Ridge, Waiheke Island, two nights at Point Villas, Taupo and three nights at Craggy Range Cottages, Hawke’s Bay. Breakfast daily. Two lunches. Private transfer from the Auckland ferry terminal to the rental vehicle depot. Six days SUV rental hire with full insurance and GPS. Private guided tour of Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. Private guided walk and cruise at Lake Taupo. Private guided Hawke’s Bay cycling wine tour. Private guided gannet colony sunrise tour.
- Upgrades
Ask us about upgrading your accommodation to super luxury lodges.
A South Island adventure full of mountains, lakes, rainforests and alpine resort towns!
- Inclusions
Private transfer from Christchurch Airport to your accommodation. Seven nights’ accommodation (two nights at The George, Christchurch, two nights at Lakestone Lodge, Mackenzie Country, and three nights at Hulbert House, Queenstown. Breakfast daily. One dinner. Private guided tour of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. Six day SUV rental car with full insurance and GPS. Shared Glacier Explorer cruise. Half day private guided tour of the Queenstown region. Shared helicopter excursion to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound with alpine landing. Shared one hour jetboat excursion.
- Upgrades
Ask us about upgrading your accommodation to super luxury lodges.
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.
