Australian Luxury Lodges
(410 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Australia is a BUCKET LIST destination for many. With long flights, most will try to “see & do” as much as they can. Many people do not realize the vastness of Australia, if you compare it to the US … Sydney would be Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; Perth would be Los Angeles. It’s not unusual for people to visit for a 2-4 week period.
While there are the favorite spots of Sydney, Great Barrier Reef and for some The Outback. There are several unique boutique and luxury options to consider. I’d like to highlight for you a rainforest, reef, wild life & outback property that you may want to consider for your trip to Australia!
These properties I'm sharing with you definitely showcase experiencing & traveling deeper by visiting the heart of Australia.
Qualia (Reef):
Qualia is located on the Northern tip of Hamilton Island. It is a gated, private and Adults Only (16+). Qualia is secluded and a bit of a sanctuary. To access the reef, you either travel on a boat charter or by helicopter. Qualia does not sit on the Great Barrier Reef, however you do have access to the reef from here. Qualia is located on the beach, with nearby access to other spectacular beaches. Each couple gets their own golf buggy to explore the island with an animal park where you can hold a koala and there are 65+ activities to choose from (some which are exclusive to Qualia guests). With 5 other hotels on Hamilton Island, you’ll have other dining options right outside of the resort.
Need some golfing in your life? The only 18-hole championship golf course on its own island in Australia is strung along the ridge and steep valleys of Dent Island which is located next to Hamilton Island. This course is designed by legendary Australia golfer, Peter Thomson.
Silky Oaks Lodge (Rainforest):
Silky Oaks Lodge is located in the Daintree Rainforest in North Queensland (North of Cairns) providing an immersing rainforest experience with a selection of tree houses to choose from each of them offering breathtaking panoramic views! Waking up to the sights and sounds of the rainforest is truly a magical experience! Situated on the Mossman River, there are a variety of exploration opportunities such as river snorkeling, paddle boarding, guided walks/hiking, etc. Appreciate local culture? Be sure to get acquainted with the local indigenous Kuku Yalanji people or head out to the Great Barrier Reef for a day trip.
Southern Ocean Lodge (Wildlife):
Southern Ocean Lodge is located on Kangaroo Island. Southern Ocean Lodges sits overlooking the Southern Ocean with the waves crashing below and the next stop on the horizon is Antarctica. Here you can explore the unspoiled, raw beauty of Kangaroo island and it's remarkable wildlife.
As the name suggests, there are more kangaroos and wallabies than people. Why not check out Seal Bay which is home to a colony of rare Australia sea lions. Koala's, yep there are more than cars on this island. Koala's can be very difficult to spot in the wild, but not on Kangaroo Island. This is truly an animal lovers paradise with a gaze upon wildlife up close and personal right in the wild.
So I ask, who wouldn't love enjoying a delectable glass of wine with a spectacularly breathtaking view? The scenery is stunning everywhere you look and there are gorgeous white sand beaches. Your surrounded by cliffs so simply sit back while gazing into the turquoise waters. Love wine? They've got some excellent wineries producing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. When the sun rises over the cliffs, it simply takes your breath away. With many restaurant gems despite the limited population this is definitely an island animal, wine, nature and food loving people should experience once in their lifetime.
Longitude 131° (Ayers Rock):
Located in Uluru, the spiritual heart of Australia. Longitude 131° is an outback luxury tented camp with unparalleled views of “the Rock.” A visit to The Red Centre of Australia is truly a cultural immersion unlike any other. Where you'll gain insights into the significance of this sacred landmark and why it is sacred to the Aboriginal culture. Sunrise and Sunset are the best times to gaze upon Uluru witnessing for yourself the many colors people describe seeing. It really is hard to comprehend just how massive Uluru is and it's so much more than just a rock. Over the years not one has regretted adding this to their Australian Itinerary. So the question becomes will you regret not including it on your itinerary?
So if headed to Uluru, Longitude 131° might just be the perfect choice for your stay. It provides an immersive experience with all dining, transfers and signature touring included and opportunities to connect with this iconic destination.
This is just a small taste of the luxurious, unique and boutique accommodations I can offer you in Australia! Together, let’s pull together your perfect Australian Adventure!