Australia is a vast country with quite literally something for everyone to enjoy, but its astounding and varied nature is one of its biggest draws. Favorites include the pristine coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, the ever-changing faces of Uluru in the Red Center, and the quintessential Australian wildlife of Kangaroo Island. If getting up close to Australia’s nature is on your bucket list you’ll want to include a stay in one of these three very special luxury lodges.
Lizard Island – Great Barrier Reef
Lizard Island is an outstanding, one-of-a-kind resort located right on the Great Barrier Reef. While other resorts are typically a half hour drive from the Reef, at Lizard Island you can snorkel directly from the beach with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams just 30 yards offshore. It is, without question, the best location for snorkelers and divers on the Great Barrier Reef.
The resort delivers a rustic luxury – there are no TVs or internet access in the 40 rooms (although there is Wi-Fi in the business center) and mobile phone coverage is not available. All-inclusive rates include locally sourced produce and seafood served in an open verandah restaurant. Open bar of premium spirits, fine Australian wines and beers are available all day. Gourmet picnics are available on request – perfect to take on a private motorized dinghy (complimentary!) to one of the 24 secluded beaches where the only footprints in the sand will be yours.
Travel Maestro tip: Complimentary Virtuoso amenities include $100 resort credit that you can use toward diving or a helicopter tour over the stunning Great Barrier Reef.
Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is widely regarded as Australia’s Galapagos and home to abundant native wildlife and spectacular natural beauty. The Islands prolific wildlife includes kangaroos, koalas, seals, sea lions, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife, all reveling in this zoo without fences.
Perched on a dramatic cliff top above the wild Southern Ocean, the Southern Ocean Lodge has only 21 luxe suites, each with breathtaking coastal panoramas. All suites feature lavish King beds, a sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom with heated floors, and a personal outdoor terrace. The atmosphere is smart and contemporary with a casual feel. The stunning Great Room is a gathering place featuring floor to ceiling glass windows with 180° views of the ocean.
All-inclusive rates include two activities per day with a personalized daily itinerary provided. Interpretive guides who are experts on the ecosystem lead cliff walks and wildlife walks. The resort maintains an organic farm-to-table food and wine culture with over 80% grown on the island. Open bar is included, as is a favorite sunset event “Canapés with Kangaroos.”
Travel Maestro tip: Use your complimentary Virtuoso AUD $65 per person spa credit for a relaxation treatment inspired by the Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Longitude 131° – Red Center
The vast Red Center of Australia is home to Uluru, formerly known as Ayer’s Rock, the spiritual center of the country. Longitude 131° lies at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and faces the fabled Uluru. There, 15 elevated luxury tents offer unparalleled private views of the outback icon.
Signature experiences of the all-inclusive program include an exceptional touring program respecting aboriginal cultural heritage. Witness the sun rise and set over the majestic Uluru, take a guided tour of Walpa Gorge and learn the natural history of Kata Tjuta, created over eons of time. Wander through Kantju Gorge, take a tour of the Cultural Centre, visit the Mulgara Gallery and Yulara Township. Discover the wonders of the Southern night sky at Table 131°, an exclusive, unforgettable dining event in a desert setting under a canopy of stars.
Travel Maestro tip: Use your complimentary Virtuoso AUD $65 Bespoke Experiences Credit on a Harley Davidson tour around the base of Uluru, a camel ride in the desert or spectacular helicopter flightseeing to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of this spectacular region.
These three luxury lodges in Australia have the very best locations for a bucket list encounter with nature. Let your Covington vacation advisor help you check this one off!
