Venturing Across Australia’s Vast Expanse

Hot off the heels of an explosive end to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final with Spain as the victor, all eyes are on Australia and its unspeakably vast continent. Ticking all the boxes when it comes to exceptionally fresh (and creative!) gastronomy, protected wildlife and inspiring landscapes, some of the best surfing and scuba diving in the world, avid conservationists and friendly locals whose enthusiastic approach to life is contagious … the Land Down Under promises an enriching and transformative experience. Comprising 19 ecosystems with over a million native flora and fauna, the Aboriginal spirit is embedded into the history as one of the oldest continuous civilisations on Earth. Ensuring that you arrive during the right season to maximise your time here, come away with 360 as we highlight a taster of ‘musts’ for the most notable regions…

New South Wales
Park Hyatt Sydney

From the bustling capital ydney’s dining scene and its renowned beaches of Bondi, Bronte and Manly, to the alluring drama of the state’s Blue Mountains and hot-air ballooning above verdant hills, take flight to pristine Lord Howe Island, or hop the stunning coastlines of Byron Bay and spot humpbacks at Eden as they migrate towards Antarctica.

Stay at Park Hyatt Sydney for private balconies overlooking iconic views across the harbour and Opera House. The historic Rocks laneways and Circular Quay offer excellent dining experiences, as well as many galleries and museums nearby.

Victoria
United Places Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

The graffiti walls, vibrant food scene and innovative coffee roasters of Melbourne are reason enough to visit the state of Victoria, while road trippers will love the winding coastal route of the Great Ocean Road, home to Twelve Apostles carved out by the sea. Further inland, Grampians National Park houses the densest concentration of rock art paintings and mountain panoramas, and a fuschia-lake appears at Murray-Sunset National Park in the late Summer.

Stay at United Places in Melbourne for peace and privacy bordering the Royal Botanical Gardens, with 12 suites all boasting sleek interiors. In good company alongside 1920’s heritage buildings and lovely cafes, this is your home away from home, complete with personalised butler service.

Queensland
Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree

Like nowhere else on earth, the fragility of Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays chain of 74 islands must be witnessed firsthand to understanding its crucial existence for our planet. Queensland possesses picture-perfect white sand beaches and a dreamy heart-shaped reef, a wealth of opportunities for bushwalking, River Drift snorkelling in the Mossman Gorge, boutique shopping in Noosa, and wreck-diving the famed Tangalooma vessels around Moreton Island.

Stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, tucked away in the world’s oldest tropical lowland Daintree rainforest. Perched in one of just 40 luxury treehouse hideaways with contemporary finishings and a private deck, the sensory overload of living in tandem with forest sounds and the flowing Mossman River will fulfill your Nature fix.

Western Australia
COMO The Treasury, Perth

Without a doubt, those who visit Western Australia will be rewarded with the most remote and untouched wilderness such as Ningaloo Reef teeming with marine life, smiling quokkas that await you on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, the last frontier of Kimberley with its ancient Aboriginal rock art and the Bungle Bungles, world-class wine at Margaret River, and over 12,000 kilometres of coastline to marvel at.

Stay at COMO The Treasury in Perth, based in mid-19th century State Buildings of the city’s heritage precinct. With an incredible indoor pool, relax fully with COMO Shambhala wellness therapies, then retire to your spacious and serene room with integrated acoustic technology, ensuring that your visit will shut out the noise.

South Australia
The Louise, Barossa Valley

Oenophiles have long been flocking to Adelaide for a culinary getaway and home to some of the oldest vines in the world, with over 100 different grape varieties and unique biodynamic wines. Lying of the mainland of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is known for its flourishing flora and fauna, while the Remarkable Rocks beckon at Flinders Chase National Park.

Stay at The Louise’s villa-style suites in the Barossa Valley for a trifecta of delicious wine, ‘premium local produce and a rich art scene.’ Gaze out at vineyards from your private courtyard, then relish in a degustation menu at the award-winning Appellation restaurant, which champions the region’s very best farmers, winemakers and growers.

Tasmania
Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay

Attracting food and wine lovers globally and just a hop across the Bass Strait, Tasmania’s riches are compelling to nature lovers, architecture buffs, and adventure seekers. Founded in 1804 as the second-oldest capital city, Hobart beautifully juxtaposes the old and new. Visit the orange boulders at the Bay of Fires and welcome dawn at the summit of Mount Wellington at Australia’s most southerly city.

Stay at Saffire Freycinet, an intimate retreat with just twenty airy, terraced suites cradled by Wineglass Bay. Surrounded by a pristine environment, enjoy aerial views with a rotor lift tour, go fly fishing at Currawong Lakes, trek Cape Tourville and Sleepy Bay, or discover secluded coves of Great Oyster Bay – the adventure here is endless.

Offering a multitude of experiences, it would take a lifetime to scratch the surface of Australia’s bounty. Spoiled for choice, let your 360 Private Travel designer tailor your journey based on what you’re truly seeking… and as you traverse the continent, aim to cross each and every one of these destinations off your list.