Coast to coast Australian adventure

Overview

Silky Oaks is one of Australia’s most stunning riverside lodges, nestled in tropical North Queensland rainforest with a collection of treehouse suites immersing guests in the lush surroundings.

The eco-retreat invites you to escape from everyday life and get back in touch with nature amongst the Daintree rainforest setting. The treehouses and suites blend organic wooden furnishings with contemporary design. Each room has a wide verandah with hammocks, breakfast with a view and deep baths to sink into at the end of the day.

Dining at Silky Oaks is a memorable experience, with gourmet Australian cuisine served in the award-winning open-sided Treehouse Restaurant which is perched high above the rainforest and Mossman River. Guests can soak up the tranquil environment from the comfort of the spacious open lounge areas, bar, reading rooms or enter a state of dreamy bliss at the Healing Waters Spa.

Guests can explore this diverse and dense rainforest by its many hiking trails, cruise down the river in a canoe, take out a bicycle to venture further afield, go goanna spotting, get zen with morning yoga or cool off in the scenic river. Alternatively, you can simply soak up the tranquil environment from the comfort of the spacious open lounge areas, bar, reading rooms or enter a state of dreamy bliss at the Healing Waters Spa.

Overview

Escape from it all on the largely uninhabited and breathtakingly pristine Lizard Island on the northernmost tip of Great Barrier Reef. The eco-lodge maintains a responsible, sustainable presence within the national park, working closely with the traditional owners of the land to preserve it and the reef.

The island can only be reached by private charter from Cairns Airport – taking you to 1,013 hectares of Australia National Park with 24 white-powder sand beaches, a picturesque lagoon and native bush. Choose from 40 luxurious suites, villas or the pavilion, each offering complete privacy, spectacular views and some with private plunge pools.

Guests bask undisturbed in the tropical sun or take to the water to discover colourful coral reefs right on their doorstep in one of the world’s most spectacular protected reefs. A stay on the island also includes gourmet dining, picnic hampers on the beach, watersports equipment, a welcoming pool surrounded by palms and indulgent treatments at the spa.

The island attracts ocean enthusiasts who come for some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling opportunities, including the famous Cod Hole. Ribbon Reefs draw keen fishers as one of the best big game fishing spots in the world and its multitude of undisturbed private beaches also makes it a hotspot for a romantic getaway or a secluded hideaway for the rich and famous.

Overview

Overlooking Darwin harbour and in the heart of the city, Mantra on Esplanade is in a prime location with panoramic views across the waterfront.

The hotel has a variety of rooms and apartments to choose from as well as the Penthouse Suite, all with modern decor and bright furnishings that draw on the tropical Darwin surroundings. The apartments each feature a private balcony and a fully-equipped kitchen.

The hotel has welcoming communal spaces including a lagoon-style swimming pool and an onsite beauty salon with pampering treatments. In the evenings enjoy fine dining at the hotels Finz Restaurant and Bar or head down the road to Mitchell Street – the city’s restaurant precinct.

A short drive from the hotel will see you at some of the biggest attractions and sites of the area including the Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge.

Overview

A luxury bush camp on the vast floodplains of the Northern Territory, Bamurra Plains is a wonderful way to experience this unique and beautiful landscape. Set within 300km² of private land to the west of Kakudu National Park, guests will enjoy access to miles of undisturbed coastal floodplains, savannah woodland and paperbark swamps.

Reconnecting with nature needn’t mean going back to basics, and ten safari-style bungalows ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each bungalow overlooks the floodplains and features mesh walls so you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness that surrounds you.

Décor reflects the region’s indigenous, hunting and pastoral history with buffalo horns, explorer maps, Aboriginal art and old photographs adorning the walls. Each bungalow comes with a species list so you can identify the animals that wander past.

The largest Kingfisher suite features a generous living space and enough room for extra beds, making it a great option for adventurous families. With no internet access, TV or mobile signal, switching off has never been easier and you’ll soon find yourself tuning in to the sounds of the bush as you drift off to sleep.

Dining at Bamurru Plains is a real treat, with locally sourced produce used to create a menu that is authentic yet contemporary. Meals are served in the wildlife observation deck and there is a self-service bar which guests are welcome to use.

In this sanctuary of flora and fauna lives a vast, thriving eco system which includes many species of bird hiding in the swamps and savannah woodlands. Enjoy the heights amongst the tree tops when you settle down to an evening in The Hide while those who love to fish are encouraged to embark on a river fishing or airboat fishing excursion.

Overview

Immerse yourself in contemporary luxury in the recently revitalised historic heart of Perth, at COMO The Treasury. Housed in the city’s 140-year-old State Buildings, this ornate hotel, flanked by modern high-rises, boasts a stylish interior. Crisp lines and natural hues are bathed in light, making for a serene, elegant and refreshing atmosphere.

The hotel’s 48 rooms feature original high ceilings, cornices and balconies, and offer views of the city, Cathedral Square, Stirling Gardens or the Swan River through oversized windows. Handcrafted European furnishings add to both the style and comfort.

Dine at Wildflower, set within a rooftop area on the fourth floor with sweeping views of the Swan River. Executive Chef Jed Gerrard’s contemporary menu is farmer-and-forager-driven and revolves around the indigenous six seasons. He and his team work with the finest produce Western Australia has to offer. For something a little less formal, neo-bistro Post serves modern seasonal cuisine.

Make the most of your stay and spend some time at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. The spa specialises in hands-on healing, combining traditional Eastern techniques with the very latest trends in holistic wellbeing. Guests can participate in group or private yoga, Pilates and personal training sessions, or make use of the indoor pool.

Overview

Step out of your luxury tent to discover the untouched outback and the Ningaloo Reef – just a few metres off shore with colourful coral and an abundance of resident marine life.

Sal Salis is making it possible to discover one of Australia’s best kept natural secrets in an authentic and distinctive way, with 16 wilderness tents nestled in the dunes of the Cape Ranga National Park. Each of the spacious tents sit on wooden platforms and have en suites with a composting toilet and a private viewing deck. The eco-tents are wild camping and lack all the mod cons, however their minimalist style simply adds to their charm.

The star attraction of Sal Salis is undoubtedly its access to the reef. Spend your days in the balmy waters exploring the marine life, including encounters with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Sitting right off shore the shallow waters mean even children can easily discover this underwater world. If you’re staying between August to October, you may also have the rare and incredible opportunity to swim with passing Humpback Whales.

Sal Salis is an ecotourism development and is dedicated to protecting its unique surroundings. The camp has been constructed to cause minimal impact on the environment, almost 100% of the power is generated through solar panels and guests are designated 20 litres of water per person daily for washing. There’s no internet connection or WiFi at the camp, offering guests a rare respite from their busy everyday lives and a chance to truly connect with their surroundings.