Australia

Experience the Ultimate Australia
Please explore this detailed website and get back to us with the things that YOU want to do. We will then help you put the complex logistics together.

Luxury Downunder: Online Brochure

Click to view sample safaris to Australia and New Zealand

Wine and Golf Tours in Australia - by John Dunn

There is so much to see in this vast island continent, but following on the success of our "off the beaten track" African safaris, We have decided to seek out the same formula in Australia. In South Australia I have found the right combination of wildlife, Aboriginal culture and spectacular scenery, combined with classic personalized Australian hospitality for small groups/families of people. We can combine this with the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and perhaps Sydney, which will make a truly unique holiday. As just one example of an itinerary you will visit:

• The beautiful Gawler Ranges.
• Kangaroo Island - home to more wildlife than anywhere else in Australia.
• Clare Valley - the heart of Australia's wine region, Flinders Range, staying on the 60,000 acre Arkaba Station.
• Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayres Rock).

As in Africa, distances are vast and logistics complicated, so the trips will not be cheap - in the region of $450 per person per day depending on group size, but, we believe, unique and excellent value for money. We have set this up with Drew Kluska in Australia who has himself worked in Africa in some of our small, personalized homesteads. For a detailed daily schedule, visit our Sample Safaris section.

Highlights:

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia: The legendary Great Barrier Reef is a must do on a visit to Australia. There are many ways to get there, but amongst the most spectacular, and most exclusive, is to fly to Lizard Island, right on the inner reef. There is only one small comfortable lodge on this famous island, and from there you are only 30 minutes from the outer reef, where you will experience some of the finest diving - and snorkelling anywhere on earth. You can snorkel right off the beach, hike, deep sea fish - or simply relax!

Portee Station: Many of the homesteads you will stay at have been in the same family for 4 or 5 generations and have been beautifully restored to their former splendor, with all the modern comforts. Portee is one of the oldest homesteads in the area, and enjoys a 4 mile stretch of the Murray River, at the same time being home to a great variety of wild life. Here you will enjoy it all, from a tranquil cruise along the billabong, to frantically trying to beat the wombat back down its hole - imposible!

Swim with wild sea lions: A unique wildlife experience: At Bairds Bay, a tiny town on the West coast of the Eyre peninsular, Alan and Trish Payne will introduce you to the "locals", allowing you the opportunity to swim with completely wild sea lions and dolphins - an amazing and absolutely thrilling interaction with totally wild creatures. After all that activity, relax on the boat and perhaps do a spot of fishing for the local delicacy - King George Whiting - and enjoy a seafood cooked to perfection by your hosts.

Arkaba Station: Nestled in the magnificent Flinders Ranges, and adjoining the world famous Wilpena Pound, lies the 60,000 acre Arkaba Station, the pride and joy of Dean and Lizzie Rasheed. Dean will personally introduce you to the excitements of Australian farming today, while getting you close to a wide variety of wildlife, either on horseback, on foot or by car.