...Trip idea
Summer Down Under in Australia
By land, sea and sky, this monthlong adventure explores Australia’s most soul-stirring landscapes – the perfect alternative to a British summer.
With its varied landscapes, from Perth to Sydney and the tropical north, Australia is a compelling destination during the British summer. Experience the country at its best, with exhilarating activities - from underwater exploration and the world's oldest rainforest to unforgettable flights over the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, immerse yourself in Australia's Indigenous culture, deeply connected to these remarkable places.
Stephanie Carthy
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 stephanie.carthy@baileyrobinson.com Read Stephanie’s profile
Day 1-7: From Streets to Rolling Dunes
Arrive in Perth and spend a couple of days exploring Fremantle’s cosmopolitan port and lively atmosphere. Join a guided Aboriginal walk and board the ferry to Rottnest Island for a day of cycling and snorkelling. Then trade city bustle for the wilderness of Cape Range National Park, where you will sleep beneath a canopy of stars at Sal Salis.
This eco-luxe safari camp is where outback meets reef, and the next few days promise adventure in its purest form. Paddle a kayak along Ningaloo Reef’s pristine shoreline, snorkel with manta rays, swim with whale sharks or hike the coastal dunes for glimpses of elusive wildlife.
Day 8-9: City curves & Ancient stories
Bid farewell to Sal Salis and fly back to Perth, where you will have a day to rest and explore the city as it curves around the Swan River. Next, head to Darwin where you will collect your 4×4 and journey through swathes of rugged outback, ochre escarpments and endless savanna. Arrive in Australia’s most evocative region – the vast, ancient and rarely explored Northern Territory.
Guided by a Murumburr Clan member, explore the World Heritage site of Burrungkuy, where mesmerising galleries of rock art, dating back 22,000 years, await. Afterwards, unwind in the bush at Cicada Lodge, owned by the Jawoyn people, and dine at the award-winning restaurant or relax on your private balcony.
Day 10-13: River safari adventure
Glide into the heart of the Katherine River on a three-day safari, where wild beauty and deep serenity unfold with every paddle. Guided by accredited experts, kayak through pandanus-lined channels, rocky banks and paperbark forests, spotting rich bird and wildlife along the way. Evenings are spent riverside, with campfire meals and nights beneath a blanket of stars.
Day 14-17: Savanna safaris
Explore World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, owned by three traditional Aboriginal groups, then retreat to Bamurru Plains on the park’s edge. Stay in safari-style tents and gather around the campfire for storytelling and stargazing. Access 300 square kilometres of exclusive floodplains and savanna along the Mary River, and during open-top safari drives, river cruises or airboat excursions, spot buffalos and wallabies, crocodiles and birdlife. Take a private air safari over Kakadu’s rugged cliffs, lush rainforest and waterfall-fed gorges.
Day 18-21: Rainforest and river quest
Return to Darwin and fly to Cairns, where the forested peaks of Daintree National Park and the pristine sands of Cape Tribulation await. Settle into a spacious treehouse at Silky Oaks Lodge, before experiencing a traditional welcome ceremony, listening to the Dreamtime stories of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people. Afterwards, set off with a guide to explore the rainforest and spot the rare, dinosaur-like cassowary. Continue along the riverbed, then try navigating the river’s calm waters and faster currents on an inflatable raft.
Day 22-26: Coral kingdoms on Lizard Island
Fly by bush plane to Lizard Island, Australia’s northernmost resort. Surrounded by sugar-white beaches and tawny bush, stay in Beachfront Suites and spend your days immersed in ocean adventures. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs with expert guides, enjoy a private fishing charter, cast a line over untouched reef systems or simply relax on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
Day 27-31: Harbour heights and iconic sights
Conclude your Australian adventure in Sydney. Swim, surf or relax on iconic beaches like Bondi, take a ferry to Watson’s Bay, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge or explore behind the scenes at the Opera House. Spend evenings at the Park Hyatt Sydney, enjoying the rooftop pool and sundeck, before toasting a marvellous holiday.
Farewell to Australia
As your journey concludes, a private transfer will collect you from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home or onward travels.
Highlights
Australian Adventure for Families
Thinking about taking the family to Australia? Here are five firm favourites sure to get your kids excited about venturing Down Under.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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