With Australia being over 31 times the size of the UK, careful itinerary planning is an essential part of building the perfect holiday to Australia to avoid wasting time. Certain distances have to be covered to make the most out of any visit so why not think about incorporating the travel into part of the experience…
Starting the journey in Australia’s wild north, take a three day tour from Darwin with Lords Safaris. Travel into Kakadu wetlands area, a World Heritage Listed National Park, on an iconic Yellow Water Cruise. As you glide across the pristine billabong keep your eyes peeled for a jumping saltwater crocodile, a spectacular sea eagle or the impressive sight of a Jacana walking on water. This is certainly a bird enthusiast’s dream come true with more than 280 different bird species inhabiting this region alone, many of which can also be spotted from airboat when you traverse the floodplains of the Mary River catchments. Stay at Bamurru Plains, a high comfort lodge in the middle of the Australian Bush. The nine chic and spacious bungalows are built on stilts and overlook the floodplains. The ingenious mesh screens down three sides of the bungalow provide a unique chance to feel connected with the wildlife that passes by.
Move away from the water and into the outback by boarding the Ghan Expedition with Great Southern Rail. This epic 2,979 km north-south journey leaves Darwin and four days later arrives in Adelaide. Named after the cameleers who came to Australia from Afghanistan, this deluxe train is run by a 50 strong crew who provide impressive food and drink choices and service to match top-end hotels. Cabins are well-designed and immaculately presented and the lounge and dining areas offer opportunities to socialise and share the endlessness of the extraordinary outback views.
After stopping to explore Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs appears with the next sunrise. From here depart the train and head into the sky on a 90 minute scenic flight on a fixed-wing plane over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Each passenger is guaranteed a window seat to access the wonders of Central Australia and whilst the striking rock formation of Ayers Rocks viewed from above against a backdrop of classic outback scenery will amaze even the seasoned traveller, it may be Gosse’s Bluff that astonishes the most as the five kilometre diameter meteor crater can be viewed clearly, even from space.
The Ghan then rolls into the green fields of the wine-producing valleys on its way into Adelaide and the end of this luxurious rail journey. Take some time in Adelaide to feel the ground under your feet before hopping on a 34 seat Saab 340 turboprop plane to Kangaroo Island. Representatives from Exceptional Kangaroo Island will meet you on arrival and whisk you away in a four-wheel drive for a two day tour. True to its name, kangaroos are found in abundance, but the island is also the home to various pinnipeds, koalas and wallabies. The guides grant you special access to some of these endemic animals without disturbing their natural behaviours, giving you an intimate and unforgettable experience.
The vehicle transports you easily around the island stopping for scenic lunches and time to discover the incredible natural wind-carved sculptures along the coastline as well as driving through the distinctive redgum forests. Overnight in the opulent Southern Ocean Lodge with spectacular views from the secluded cliff-top location as you relax into the beauty of the retreat with some gastronomic delights.
Finish your holiday by heading back to Adelaide satisfied that you have taken full advantage of every chance to explore by any means necessary.
