Outback Luxury
Experience the luxury of the Outback in this 14 night experience. Begin in Melbourne with its beautiful gardens and majestic buildings. Continue to the Flinders Ranges to see some of Australia's most spectacular outback scenery. Stay at the luxury desert basecamp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, where you will get an essential experience of Australia’s spirited heartland. Enjoy an oasis of tropical calm amongst the savannah bush fringing the floodplains providing unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands and their teeming populations of birds and animals in Kakadu. With its harbor beaches and intoxicating blend of bushland and bustling city, Sydney is a perfect place to wrap up your Outback adventure.
Trip Type: Adventure, Cosmopolitan
Day By Day
Day 1 – Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne. Collect your luggage and proceed outside the Customs hall where you will find your driver who will take you directly to your accommodation.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Day 2 – Melbourne City Sights Tour
Melbourne is a beautiful city to visit any time of year with its beautiful gardens and majestic buildings. It's a wonderful start to any visit to Victoria. Its iconic lane-ways and alleys are home to some of the city's best cafes, bars, boutiques and galleries. See this with your local guide and get a real insight into the culture of this cosmopolitan city.
Melbourne is recognized as the sporting capital of Australia, and you will visit sporting areas that include the famous M.C.G, Melbourne Park and Albert Park Grand Prix circuit. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, or tour the Shrine of Remembrance and learn more of Australia's wartime history. Visit bay-side areas, including St Kilda (Melbourne's summer playground) and take a walk along the beach-side promenade. Other attractions you will see in this tour include the Yarra River, Royal Exhibition Building, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. The luxury of this private half-day city tour enables you to get a very comprehensive look at the city through a local's eyes.
Starting Accommodation: Crown Towers Melbourne
Day 3 – Travel to Adelaide
Takeoff to Adelaide and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival in Adelaide, you will meet your driver who will take you directly to Arkaba.
Starting Accommodation: Arkaba
Meals: Dinner
Day 4 – Arkaba at Leisure
From an ancient seabed to a dramatic mountain range, tectonic upheavals and subsequent weathering processes have produced some of Australia's most spectacular outback scenery. Sculpted by millions of years of rain and sun into a fractured landscape of rugged gorges, furrowed valleys with cypress pines, dry creek beds lined with river red gums and vistas from the high ground across miles of outback plain, the Flinders Ranges are an introduction to the sheer scale of the outback. For wildlife watching, bush-walking, photography or just soaking up the sights and sounds of outback Australia, the Flinders are in a class of their own.
Starting Accommodation: Arkaba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Arkaba at Leisure
Experiences at Arkaba 4WD Trips - Arkaba's topography offers some of outback Australia's most breathtaking scenery, ranging from knife edge ridge tops through cypress pine country to red gum lined creek beds. Expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region with some spectacular four wheel drives and visits to some of the secret spots on the property and a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the bush.
Day Trips - A day trip into the neighboring Flinders Ranges National Park including a drive through the likes of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges or a visit to the old mining town of Blinman and lunch at an outback pub hotel.
Wildlife Viewing - Arkaba is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife. Red and grey kangaroos, euros (common wallaroos) and emus are regular sightings on the property and, for the more intrepid walkers, a couple of colonies of yellow-footed rock wallabies reside in the Elder Range.
Mountain Biking - The tracks and trails of the station are perfect country for mountain biking - from the more gentle inclines in the center of the property to the steeper angles in the foothills of the Elder Range. Mountain bikes are available for use to further explore the property in your free time.
Scenic Flights - A scenic flight provides an all-encompassing view of the topology of the ranges, particularly Wilpena Pound, and is an easy way to experience the massive salt pans of Lake Torrens to the west of the ranges. Lake Eyre is a full day's expedition from Arkaba.
Starting Accommodation: Arkaba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Travel to Adelaide
Enjoy a one way scenic road transfer from Arkaba via the Barossa or Clare Valley to Adelaide including scenic stops, lunch and wine tasting. Total transfer time is approximately 6 hours.
Starting Accommodation: Sequoia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Travel to to Ayers Rock
Takeoff to Ayers Rock (Via Alice Springs) and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Activities at Longitude 131°
An exceptional touring program designed especially for guests of Longitude 131° is included in the wilderness experience and a personalized itinerary is presented upon arrival. Signature Experiences with lodge naturalist guides are shared with fellow guests in custom touring vehicles. Expeditions operate at scheduled times on a rotating basis, dependent on day of arrival, with timing subject to sunrise and sunset times which vary throughout the year, according to the seasons and weather permitting. For short stays at Longitude 131°, some tours and excursions may not be offered or available during your stay. This is just a sample of some of the experiences you may be able to enjoy:
Mutitjulu Meander; Venturing to Uluru whilst the morning sun lights up the ancient monolith, meander along the pathway to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole and the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. Along this walk our guides share the Anangu creation story of Kuniya and Liru.
Uluru Sunset; A drive into the dual World Heritage-listed National Park begins the evening followed by a leisurely walk through the Cultural Centre* where the informative and interactive displays provide insight into the spiritual and cultural meanings of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Continue on to the twilight viewing area where you can take in the iconic sunset over Uluru with a glass in hand. *In the summer months, the Cultural Centre is visited as part of the Mutitjulu Meander morning experience.
Walpa Gorge; Kata Tjuta; This experience heads to Kata Tjuta comprising 36 majestic dome-like rock formations. Along the way the tour calls briefly at the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area for a longer distance perspective and photo opportunity, with expert commentary describing ecology and indigenous significance of the area. From the viewing platform guests continue their journey to Walpa Gorge where the natural history of Kata Tjuta is explained in detail, and discover how eons of weathering and continental upheaval have created today's landscape and ecology.
Mala Walk; Kantju Gorge; After arriving at the base of Uluru our guide leads you on a gentle walk as you learn about the history of the Mala people, pointing out cave paintings and other relevant sites important to both Anangu and the early explorers. Enter Kantju Gorge at dusk to witness the gorge walls ablaze with the light of the setting sun. Enjoying sunset drinks and canapés, guests revel in the silence and solitude.
Table 131; Dine outdoors on fine fare celebrating a fusion of modern and indigenous flavors and discover the wonders of the southern night sky. As darkness falls, a four-course dinner with matched Australian wines is delivered with Longitude service. In the cool season, a warm fire sparks under the spectacular night sky. Indigenous performers mesmerize with the movement and songs of their ancient culture and after dinner, Longitude's resident astronomer regales guests with tales of the Southerly constellations. (Subject to weather conditions).
Field of Light; World renowned artist, Bruce Munro has chosen the remote desert location surrounding Ayers Rock Resort for his Field of Light installation. Field of Light is a monumental and experimental artwork with 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, connected via illuminated optical fiber bloom as darkness falls over the spiritual heartland of Australia's vast desert with Uluru as the backdrop. Longitude 131° guests arrive at dusk to meander around the field before enjoying the cool night skies at Table 131°. Witness the monumental combination of art and culture.
Bespoke Experiences; An additional menu of private experiences offers further exploration and the chance to tailor a special interest itinerary - additional cost applies.
Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Activities at Longitude 131°
A cool sanctuary in Australia’s rich red desert, Spa Kinara (meaning ‘moon’) sits low in the sand dunes at Longitude 131°, connecting the sky to the earth and offering travelers a welcome retreat. A signature menu of rejuvenation and relaxation treatments embrace Central Australia’s surprising resource of native beauty products, including Kakadu plum, quandong, irmangka-irmangka, desert lime, Australian yellow clay and nutrient-rich Australian desert salts. A powerful bush medicine used by indigenous Anangu ngangkari – traditional healers – irmangka-irmangka (pronounced air-a-monger-air-a-monger) or Scented Emu Bush has beneficial healing properties and is used in many treatments at Spa Kinara.
Spa Kinara also features LI’TYA spa care products and massage techniques. Meaning ‘of the earth’, LI’TYA is a body of healing rituals and spa treatments that integrates the ancient aesthetics of the Australian earth and spirit. A physical and spiritual refuge, Spa Kinara unites body and soul under the gaze of the nation’s sovereign natural icon, Uluru.
Starting Accommodation: Longitude 131°
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Travel to Darwin
Takeoff to Darwin and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Bamurru Plains
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – Bamurru Plains at Leisure
Bamurru Plains offers a wide range of activities to suit any interest, from exhilarating rides on an airboat across the floodplains, to spotting crocs hiding in the mangroves on a river cruise, quad bike safaris to get your adrenaline pumping, guided wilderness walks through the floodplain fringing woodland, or searching for the perfect sunrise photo on a 4WD safari. Some activities may be included in your tariff, others will be at additional cost to be paid direct. Note that activities may be seasonal or not offered on all days of your stay.
Airboat tours: The floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment are the key natural feature of this area and some of the most important in the country, home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. A morning trip out on the plains in an airboat is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience this environment.
Bird watching: The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
Starting Accommodation: Bamurru Plains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Bamurru Plains at Leisure
Wildlife viewing: The floodplains and neighboring savannah woodlands host an immense variety of wildlife. Species that you might encounter include Agile Wallabies, Antilopine Wallaroos, Dingos, Estuarine Crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo. Other species appear at night and include a variety of reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians. Our open top safari vehicles provide for the best possibly viewing and are equipped so that you can enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat while out on the property.
River cruises: The Sampan River, which forms the western boundary of the station, harbors one of the largest crocodile populations in the world. Cruising amongst the mangroves in search of these prehistoric reptiles will also uncover a huge variety of birdlife.
Fishing: The Sampan River is mecca for barramundi fishermen and specialist fishing guides can be arranged for your stay. While Barramundi are the real target, offshore reefs provide one of the best spots in the country for Jewfish. This activity is seasonal, call for details.
Station activities: Bamurru is located on Swim Creek Station, one of a handful of buffalo pastoral properties in this area, and when the muster is in full swing the sight of helicopters or 'Mad Max-like' bull catchers corralling these beasts into the yards is awe inspiring. This activity is seasonal, call for details.
Starting Accommodation: Bamurru Plains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Travel to Sydney
Takeoff to Sydney and continue on the next stage of your adventure.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – Sydney In Style Tour
Depart from your Sydney hotel to discover the fabulous city of Sydney. You will travel through the business district and shopping areas, see Darling Harbour and the vibrant China Town and drive along Oxford Street with its trendy terrace houses and boutique fashion shops. See Centennial Park, a 220-hectare urban parkland in Eastern Sydney. Reaching the coastline, see Bronte and Tamarama, then go on to explore the famous Bondi Beach. Spend 30 minutes walking the promenade or enjoying a coffee overlooking the beach.
From here, continue along the coastal drive past Macquarie Lighthouse to the Southern Headland of Sydney Harbour. Visit Watsons Bay before following the harbor foreshore towards Sydney City. You pass some of Australia's most exclusive waterfront suburbs where harbor mansions may be seen. Drive through Vaucluse, Double Bay before reaching the colorful Kings Cross. Head through Woolloomooloo and see the famous Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Visit Sydney's Botanical Gardens and enjoy some spectacular Harbour Bridge and Opera House views. Return to Sydney's CBD via Saint Mary's Cathedral, historic convict buildings, State Parliament House and the historical quarter of the 'Rocks.' Visit Sydney's Observatory Hill for amazing views over Sydney Harbour to the Blue Mountains. Drop off back at your Sydney hotel, restaurant or other city location.
Starting Accommodation: Park Hyatt Sydney
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 – Depart Sydney
Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred from your accommodation to Sydney International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing
Package Level: Luxury |
Please note all prices listed are approximations and subject to current rate of exchange adjustments. Each itinerary can be fully customized to your interests and needs.
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| Twin Share |
| 4/1/2024 - 5/31/2024 | $17,265 |
| 6/1/2024 - 8/31/2024 | $17,000 |
| 9/1/2024 - 9/30/2024 | $16,415 |
| 10/1/2024 - 10/31/2024 | $16,490 |
| 3/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $16,050 |
| Single Traveler |
| 4/1/2024 - 5/31/2024 | $34,365 |
| 6/1/2024 - 8/31/2024 | $33,835 |
| 9/1/2024 - 9/30/2024 | $32,670 |
| 10/1/2024 - 10/31/2024 | $32,815 |
| 3/1/2025 - 3/31/2025 | $31,930 |
Add internal air to this package from $1,735* |
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Terms and Conditions
Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions:
www.swaindestinations.com/terms
