Lake Argyle, Western Australia
SS-Ningaloo Reef-Swimming-with-whale-sharks-small fish
Airboat-Safari, Australia
Koala, Australia
Whit Sundays, Australia
Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia
Longitude-131, Australia
Kimberley, Western Australia
Silky-Oaks-Lodge, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia

...Trip idea

Into the Outback

Australia's wide-open spaces, incredible diversity of landscapes and sparsely populated outback create a magical holiday for those looking for solitude and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Swim with whale sharks in the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef
  • Spend time at Australia’s spiritual heart: Uluru
  • Discover the Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest

This is an intrepid trip that takes it all in: the rugged outback, the world’s oldest living culture, historical rock art, unique wildlife, wetlands and reef. You’ll see some of the most remote and sparsely populated parts of this huge country – get ready to be bowled over by Australia.

What:

This is an epic exploration of Australia's western, northern and eastern highlights. We'd recommend at least three weeks but speak to us about tailoring it precisely to your requirements.

Best for:

This is a trip of a lifetime and probably not best suited to young children because of long journey times.

When to go:

Australia is a year round destination really. Our winters are warmer than the average UK summer and subject to where you go, you would travel at different times of year.

SS-Ningaloo Reef-Swimming-with-whale-sharks-small fish
Sal Salis, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia
Sal Salis, Australia

Rolling Dunes

Start in Western Australia, the country’s largest yet least populous state, beside the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. A stay among the dunes at safari camp Sal Salis offers the rare opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, which gather in huge numbers at Ningaloo Reef from mid-March to late July, along with turtles, dolphins, rays and other wildlife.

It’s not just the water that’s full of life either. The dunes and gorges of the Cape Range National Park are teeming with red kangaroo, emus and echidnas. Trekking through this wilderness with a safari guide is not to be missed.

Kimberley, Western Australia
El Questro Homestead, Australia
El Questro Homestead, Australia
El Questro Homestead, Australia

Last Frontier

In the Kimberley, experience the majesty of one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Sparsely populated, it’s here that you’ll find deserts, a wild and rugged coastline, crashing waterfalls, iconic boab trees, and strong Aboriginal culture.

Discover the silence and emptiness of the wilderness at luxury El Questro Homestead in the outback, where views stretch for thousands of miles. El Questro’s enthusiastic rangers will tailor an itinerary to suit your individual tastes. Head out on an adventure on horseback or by foot, and find bubbling hot springs, tumbling waterfalls and untouched gorges.

Bamurru Plains, Australia
Bamurru Plains, Australia
Bamurru Plains, Australia
Bamurru Plains, Australia

Wetlands Adventure

Continuing clockwise around the north of Australia, you’ll next stop at Bamurru Plains, a working buffalo station in Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta, where crocodiles, wallabies and great birding await.

Head out on the wetlands for some of the country’s best fishing (the barramundi grow to a metre long here) or get a bird’s eye view on a scenic helicopter ride over the region’s floodplains, forests and unusual rock formations.

 

 

Longitude-131, Australia
Longitude-131_Ayers-Rock-Uluru, Australia
Longitude-131_Ayers-Rock-Uluru, Australia
Longitude-131_Ayers-Rock-Uluru, Australia
Longitude-131_Ayers-Rock-Uluru, Australia
Longitude-131_Ayers-Rock-Uluru, Australia

Spiritual Heart

The first glimpse of Uluru on your flight south is bound to leave a lasting impression. Best of all, you’ll be staying at the luxury desert camp, Longitude 131, in striking distance of Australia’s spiritual heart. Explore the UNESCO-protected monolith at both dawn and sunset or simply admire it from the hot tub on your private terrace.

We also recommend walking to Kantju Gorge to witness the rock walls ablaze with the setting sun, and a visit to the peaceful Mutitjulu waterhole to see aboriginal cave paintings. In the evenings, savour the best of Australian food and wine beneath the clear night skies of the outback.

Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia
Lizard Island, Australia
Lizard Island, Australia
Lizard Island, Australia
Lizard Island, Australia

Rainforest & Reef

Swap Australia’s red centre for the verdant greens of the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree, with a magical stay at Silky Oaks Lodge. Immerse yourself in rainforest life by kayaking on the Mossman River, which also has a number of excellent freshwater swimming spots. Follow rainforest hiking trails to hidden picnic spots, or join the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people offer tours of the forest at nearby Mossman Gorge.

For a grand finale, end your tour on the northernmost of Australia’s island resorts, Lizard Island, where 24 private, powder-white beaches slope down to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling here means gliding alongside manta rays, barracudas and the huge potato cod. There’s also more than just underwater adventures. Start your day with morning yoga on the beach. Spend an afternoon paddleboarding or kayaking the calm waters of Anchor Bay. Or hike to the top of Cook’s Lookout, the island’s highest point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic ocean views.

Summary

Given the long flight time from the UK and huge distances involved in travelling around Australia, we recommend you allow at least three weeks to get the most from this awe-inspiring trip. Better still, let us tailor it to your personal tastes and interests, incorporating your own must-sees, whether that’s fishing, camping or wildlife-spotting.

The rust-red of Uluru, the blues of the Ningaloo Reef and the lush greens of the rainforest will be scorched on your memory forever after this epic trip in Australia.

Have questions? Our knowledgeable team of experts are on-hand to take your call or if you prefer by Zoom. Talk to us about your holiday dreams or challenge us with your travel conundrums.

Get in touch

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