Complete Luxury Australia

Day 2

Perth

Explore the laid-back seaside city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. This lively metropolis is a great spot to catch an Aussie Rules football match, or to swim and sunbathe on the calm (and often empty) beaches. Perhaps take a trip down to Fremantle, 14 miles from the heart of Perth, and while away an afternoon people watching on the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ or sample a craft beer and fresh seafood on the waterfront.

Days 3-5

Margaret River

Surf, wine and dine in Margaret River, where the warm and sunny climate has given rise to a number of world class wineries producing some of Australia’s finest wines. Touring the vineyards is the best way to see the countryside and taste some of their prized vintages. Many also have excellent restaurants serving gourmet meals (with wines to match) so why not make a day of it? To wear it all off again, perhaps set off on one of the regions many hiking trails.

Days 6-9

Kangaroo Island

Look out for koalas and wallabies on Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven also home to penguins, echidnas, fur seals and platypus, although you’d have to be very lucky to see this shy creature. This 96-mile island really is a naturalist playground with 891 species of native plants and 46 endemic species of animals, plus five Wilderness Protection Areas. While you’re here check out the Remarkable Rocks, a cliff-edge collection of twisted geological formations.

Days 10-11

Sydney

Fly to Sydney and tick off the icons: tour the Sydney Opera House and perhaps take in a show, climb the Harbour Bridge for unrivalled city views or learn to surf on world famous Bondi Beach. For something a little more relaxed take a stroll around the pretty Royal Botanic Gardens and look out for flying foxes sleeping in the trees. In the evening, watch the sun sink behind the horizon and the harbour lights come alive on your romantic dinner cruise.

Days 12-15

Lord Howe Island

Take in the wild and remote beauty of Lord Howe Island, 341 miles east of the Australian mainland and the perfect spot for hiking, snorkelling or swimming. The island is 7 miles long and 2 miles wide, and is home to just 350 people. Designated a World Heritage site, Lord Howe Island’s natural beauty and laid-back attitude draw visitors hoping to escape the freneticism of modern life. Surfing and kayaking on the clear blue waters are popular pursuits, as is playing a round on the island’s nine-hole golf course.

Days 16-18

Maryvale

Slow down the pace in Maryvale at the luxury Spicers Peak Lodge and take in the views of Queensland’s Scenic Rim from your mountaintop location. Dine in style at the lodge’s award-winning restaurant, where you can tuck into Hervey bay scallops with asparagus, zucchini flower and lemon confit or perhaps Flinders Island wallaby with beets, blackcurrants and miso eggplant? After all that indulgence, pamper yourself at the spa, relax in the pool, or do nothing at all.

Days 19-22

Hamilton Island

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island, one of the Whitsunday Islands. Snorkelling, diving and swimming among the colourful fish and corals are the order of the day here, and you can also try your hand at sea kayaking. If you’re feeling flush perhaps splash out on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, or stay on dry land and hike through the forest to Passage Peak, which gives far-reaching views across the Whitsunday islands.

Days 23-25

In the Daintree National park, Mossman Gorge is a wonderfully relaxing spot, surrounded by nature. Here you can swim in cool rocky pools nestled among the trees and relax with a cocktail or two in the rainforest canopy, taking in the sounds of the forest from your luxury riverside lodge. For something more active join a rainforest walk and learn all about the local flora and fauna, or sign up for a kayaking or canoeing trip along the river.

Days 26-27

Uluru

Fly on to the giant sandstone monolith at Uluru, in the heart of the Red Centre. Circumnavigate the rock on foot, take a camel ride through the desert, or see it all from above on a helicopter tour. Be sure to catch the sunrise or the sunset over Uluru – the rock’s colours change from pinks and purples to bright reds and oranges right in front of your eyes. In the evening, tuck into a sumptuous meal overlooking this sacred rock. With the sand under your feet and the stars above you, soak up the vast emptiness of the desert.