Australia: Luxury Down Under

Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks - Fireworks over Harbour Bridge to ring in the New Year, the Opera House, the Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. With an energy all its own, one could well say that the city lives outdoors – along its harbourside, its golden beach and the many national parks encircling it. The ‘Bondi Bubble’ is minutes away from the city center, bustling with cafés, restaurants, surfers and scenic trailheads. This dazzling metropolis with its rich multicultural heritage is always ready to try new cuisines and restaurants, different genres of music and eclectic street art. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden and the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, or take lazy ferry rides along the coastline. Climb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge, nicknamed the ‘Coathanger’, or ride the elevators up to Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest local building, for 360-degree views of this stunning city.

Lord Howe Island is a slice of tropical paradise set in the Tasman Sea, midway between Australia and New Zealand. Somewhat off the beaten path, this UNESCO World Heritage site was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Two jagged mountains soaring over the picturesque lagoon make for breathtaking vistas on this remote island. Pristine beaches, walking trails, and stunning coral reefs beckon you to explore it to your heart’s content. While thrilling water sports are a must for adventure-lovers, bird watching and biking are perfect for those seeking a slower pace. The island is also home to golf courses and recreational centers offering bowling facilities. With communal barbecue facilities and cut firewood available at all beaches, a seafood picnic may be just the thing. For a taste of local flavors, stop by one of the elegant restaurants or cozy eateries in town. With limited internet connectivity and a lack of mobile phone signals, this island offers the perfect opportunity to simply switch off and commune with nature!

Set out at your own pace to discover the numerous natural wonders that the UNESCO-listed Lord Howe Island is famous for. Take your pick of well-marked walking trails that run across the island giving you the chance to capture stunning images of unique geological formations. Chance upon endemic bird and insect species as you saunter across the scenic landscape that has existed for millions of years! Or, uncover the secrets of the marine world with a spot of snorkeling and scuba diving among exotic coral reefs. You could also get an adrenaline rush with water sports such as kayaking, kiteboarding, and surfing. Take along a packed picnic lunch to savor in a secluded spot or make use of the communal barbecue facilities to whip up a feast. Alternatively, relish home-style delicacies at one of the cozy restaurants in town. Afterward, soak up the sun on one of the pristine beaches and cool off with a refreshing swim in the sea before you head back to your hotel. (Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No guide & no transfers; entrance fees and meals are not included)

A millennia-old monolith, Ayers Rock rises dramatically from the flat desert landscape and forms the heartland of Aboriginal Australia or the ‘Red Centre’. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the area around the rock is known for its natural springs, waterholes, and Aboriginal art. Uluru and all the other rocky domes (or ‘Olgas’) dotting Australia’s arid and dusty bushland are part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and form the religious and cultural core of the indigenous Australian population. A visit to the region affords one with the chance to observe the changing colors of this magnificent natural formation. Climbing is sometimes permitted, but not during local ceremonies and funerals.

When staying at Longitude 131 guests will benefit from included 'Signature Experiences' on an intimate shared basis with fellow guests at scheduled times. Experience times are seasonal and subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, weather permitting. Touring rotates on a daily basis in order for guests to enjoy the full range of experiences on offer depending on the time and day of arrival. * Uluru Sunset: Immerse in the landscape with a scenic drive through the National Park, concluding at the Cultural Centre* before witnessing the sun set over Uluru with a glass in hand. (In the summer months, the Cultural Centre is visited as part of the Mutitjulu Meander morning experience) * Field of Light Experience * Table 131° Longitude’s unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Dine out on sumptuous fare and be mesmerised by the movement and songs of an ancient culture. (Table 131° operates subject to weather and climatic conditions) * Walpa Gorge & Kata Tjuta Admire the mystical red domes of Kata Tjuta from afar then navigate the gorge track, sheer rock walls rising on either side, whilst the Longitude guide explains the natural history of the geological phenomenon * Mala Walk & Kantju Gorge Tread along a gentle path, pausing to stop at rock art sites and sources of bush tucker and learn the history of the ancestral Mala people. Once ‘inside’, enjoy evening drinks and canapés as the sun sets and the glorious colours of Uluru are revealed. * Mutitjulu Meander Venture to Uluru as the sun lights up the ancient monolith and walk along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti as our guide shares an Anangu creation story. Furthermore in the accommodation price all dining, open bar with French Champagne, premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers are included. (Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days; Shared Activity; Fitness level: Moderate; Please note the hotel activities are included in the room rate and are subject to weather and seasons.)

A paradise for nature lovers, Cairns is the gateway to one of our planet’s most precious natural resources, one that is even visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef! The port city attracts all shades of divers and marine life enthusiasts from around the world. A busy cruise ship port, its harbors are teeming with vessels ranging from luxury liners to local reef boats. After a day of scuba diving or snorkeling by the coral reef, hang out at the city’s laidback Esplanade lagoon or the Pier marina with its lively bars and restaurants. Home to the local Yirrganydji and Yidinji communities, Cairns also has much to offer by way of culture, what with local island music and colorful dance performances. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for storytelling sessions on indigenous Aboriginal and islander communities. The Daintree National Park with its lush highland rainforest and beaches is another favorite tourist destination.

Lizard Island is part of a group of islands about an hour north of Cooktown, on the majestic Great Barrier Reef. Much of the island forms Lizard Island National Park, which gets its name from the giant monitor lizards that call it home. And not just lizards – other residents include giant clams, sea turtles, the occasional dugong and a large variety of sea fish and sea birds, particularly terns and osprey! The island paradise is ringed by coral reefs with crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with precious marine life, and is fringed by lush mangroves and pristine white sand beaches. Lizard Island is the perfect setting for snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking and a host of exciting water sports. For centuries, the islands have also been revered by the indigenous Dingaal (Walmbaria) people as a sacred ground for initiation ceremonies and associated rites of passage.

Uncover wonders of the picturesque Lizard Island National Park on several nature trails on your own. Admire the variety of flora and fauna, including the yellow-spotted monitor that call this island home. Hiking up to Cook's Look, enjoy panoramic vistas of Watson's Bay and the beautiful seascape around fringed by coral reefs and turquoise blue lagoons. Take time to visit the ruins of the heritage-listed Mrs. Watson's Cottage. Keep an eye on the island's natural calendar to experience seasonal happenings. You could even visit any of the 24 secluded beaches dotted around the island. Embark on diving, snorkeling, and fishing excursions in the picturesque Great Barrier Reef. Drop by the Lizard Island Research Station to know more about marine life here. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

A paradise for nature lovers, Cairns is the gateway to one of our planet’s most precious natural resources, one that is even visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef! The port city attracts all shades of divers and marine life enthusiasts from around the world. A busy cruise ship port, its harbors are teeming with vessels ranging from luxury liners to local reef boats. After a day of scuba diving or snorkeling by the coral reef, hang out at the city’s laidback Esplanade lagoon or the Pier marina with its lively bars and restaurants. Home to the local Yirrganydji and Yidinji communities, Cairns also has much to offer by way of culture, what with local island music and colorful dance performances. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for storytelling sessions on indigenous Aboriginal and islander communities. The Daintree National Park with its lush highland rainforest and beaches is another favorite tourist destination.