Discover Australia in Winter

Embrace the Australian winter with this 12-night luxury itinerary, beginning with an exploration of the natural beauty of Australia’s Top End. Then, journey to the coast to unwind in Tropical Queensland, where you can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and relax on Lizard Island.

PRICES START FROM £19,000PP, BASED ON TWO ADULTS 

12 NIGHTS

INCLUDES HOTELS, INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS & EXCURSIONS

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Arrive and explore the city of Sydney
  • Enjoy an Australian Northern Territory Safari experience at Bamurru Plains
  • Discover the endless activites available in the Queensland Outback
  • Visit & learn all about The Great Barrier Reef 
  • Unwind in a spectacluar setting at Lizard Island

ITINERARY

Day 1

Sydney Arrival

On arrival at Sydney International Airport you will be met by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your Australian documentation and transfer you by private vehicle to your accommodation.

Day 2

Sydney Half Day Tour

Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private guide and vehicle for your half day Sydney sightseeing tour. See and hear all about the city’s major icons including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach and more. What’s unique about this sightseeing tour is that you will see so much more than just the highlights – you will experience the real Sydney from a true local’s perspective. Start your day within the bustling city where you will explore The Rocks area and some of the first streets developed as part of Sydney’s original urban plan. Hear how the city was designed and what makes it so unique on a global scale. Then head toward the iconic coastline to get a true feel for the famous Australian surf and swim culture exploring Bronte Beach to Tamarama to Bondi Beach. Stroll along beautiful Bronte Beach - a true local’s beach with a deep history and amazing viewpoints for seasonal whale watching. Stop here to have a latte, juice and maybe some local baked goods. Continue on to visit a gallery - choose between an authentic Aboriginal art gallery, viewing indigenous art from some of the most remote Aboriginal communities in Australia or Aquabumps, a local photographic gallery celebrating Australian coastline photography. Travel north along the peninsula and stop at Dudley Reserve for uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour. Visit the infamous Gap to see the sandstone heads of Sydney Harbour. Drive through Rose Bay, and check out the country’s most luxurious harbour suburbs of Vaucluse and Point Piper.

Day 3

bamurru plains arrival 

Today you will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and vehicle and transferred to Sydney Airport for your onward flight.

On arrival at Darwin Airport you will be met and transferred to the General Aviation Terminal to board your private scenic flight to Bamurru Plains (approximately 30 minutes flight time).

Depart Darwin aboard your private charter flight. Arrive Bamurru Plains

On arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge for an introduction to your Bamurru Plains experience. You are invited to immerse yourself in an extraordinary bush experience on the coastal floodplains of Australia’s Top End. A profusion of bird and wildlife are at the doorstep of this unique safari lodge located on the edge of Kakadu National Park, a region of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, and one of only a few World Heritage areas listed for both its cultural and its natural values.

Day 4

Bamurru Plains

While at Bamurru Plains some of the complimentary activities available include:

- Airboat trips – the best way to access the floodplains and see the extraordinary birdlife up close

- Crocodile rivers cruises – cruising late afternoon offers the best chance of sighting these elusive creatures

- Wildlife watching – the wetlands are a meeting ground for thousands of birds and animals

- 4WD safaris – the open top camp “bull catcher” is an ideal vehicle for exploring savannah bush and plains

- Fishing (additional charges apply) – the property is known for the quality of its barramundi fishing.

Specialist guides can be arranged.

Day 5

Kakadu National Park

8:00am Enjoy a small group day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Depart on a 30-minute scenic flight and fly over breathtaking escarpments and floodplains before landing at Jabiru airstrip. The awe-inspiring World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park covers an amazing 20,000 squarekilometres and is recognized for its incredible natural beauty and also its cultural significance to the Aboriginal people who have inhabited the area for over 50,000 years. Kakadu offers you the chance to experience ancient rock art, beautiful rocky escarpment country and a diverse ecosystem, with about one third of all Australia’s bird species in the park! Following a scenic drive to the northern part of Kakadu, arrive at the base of Ubirr Rock. Spend about an hour walking up the rock and exploring some of the park’s best Aborginal art sites before resting on top with 360° views of the surrounding floodplain and savannah woodland. Following a picnic lunch near Ubirr Rock, join a river cruise on the East Alligator River. An Aboriginal guide will provide an insight into their culture, local mythology, the river’s abundant food chain, traditional uses for many plants and animals as well as bush survival skills. Count the crocodiles lining the banks of the river and spot the abundant birdlife of Kakadu National Park before returning overland to Bamurru Plains, with a stop at the Bowali Visitor Centre, in time for sundowner drinks and dinner at the lodge by approximately 6:15pm.

Day 6

Mount Mulligan Arrival

Today you will be met by a representative of the lodge and transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight.

On arrival at Darwin General Aviation Terminal you will be transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight. On arrival at Cairns Airport, you will be met at the luggage carousel and transferred to the heliport for your helicopter flight to Mount Mulligan (approximately a 35 minute flight).

On arrival you will be met by a representative of the lodge for an introduction to your Queensland Outback experience.

Day 7 - 8

Mount Mulligan

While on Mount Mulligan the following activities are included with your stay:

- Take a tour of Mt Mulligan Township and learn about the coal mine history

- Tour the Tyrconnell gold mine

- Take advantage of your personal ATV to explore the area

- Join a Mt Mulligan Southern Face and Cave walk

- Indulge in a degustation dining experiences

- After dark, gaze out into the night sky with a set of binoculars or the telescope

- Grab a fishing rod and head to the Weir for Barramundi fishing

In addition there are activities offered at an additional cost:

- Join a helicopter scenic flights to take in the breathtaking aerial views of Mount Mulligan and the surrounding areas

Day 9

Great Barrier Reef Arrival

Today you will be met by a representative of the lodge and transferred to the helipad for your onward helicopter flight to Cairns (approximately a 35 minute flight).

On arrival at Cairns Airport you will be transferred to the Domestic terminal for your onward flight.

On arrival at Lizard Island airstrip you will be met by a representative of the Resort and transferred to your accommodation.

Day 10

Lizard Island

While at Lizard Island you may wish to enjoy some of the many complimentary activities offered at the Resort:

- Clearview sea kayaks

- Snorkelling equipment and lessons

- Beach Snorkelling (unguided)

- Use on motorised water sports and motorised dinghies to explore the many beaches

- Beach drop off, with gourmet picnic lunch

- Tennis – day and night

- Selection of naturalist guided walks

- Star Gazing

- Stand up paddle boards

- Local gin tasting masterclass

-Wine tasting

- Guided snorkel tour through Clam Gardens

Other activities are offered at additional charge:

- Outer or Inner Reef Fishing

- Light Tackle Fishing (January-August)

- Heavy Tackle Fishing (September- December)

- Half day Dive or Snorkel trips on local reefs

- Full day Dive or snorkel trips on the Outer Reef

- Diving tuition, including Discover Scuba, & Refresher Dives

- Lizard Island Research Station Tour

- A range of treatments at the Essentia Day Spa

- Turtle Tour

- Twilight Cruise

Day 11

Great Barrier Reef Boat Tour

This morning embark on Lizard Island’s exclusive luxury vessel, Duyfken, for a full day private excursion to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The 51-foot Riviera Platinum Model Flybridge Cruiser has a cruise speed of 20 knots with the day’s cruising tailored to suit your requirements. With the outer reef less than one hour away, Lizard Island offers some of the world’s best diving sites. Sensational snorkeling opportunities abound in this Marine National Park, including the famous Cod Hole, where you’ll come face to face with a massive, yet curious Potato Cod swimming right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. Whatever your level of experience, your professional crew are on hand to cater to your every need. So whether you’re snorkelling or diving, it’s sure to be an experience you will remember for a lifetime. A private snorkel guide and snorkeling equipment are included with your cruise today. Diving is available at additional cost. If you would like to try your hand at fishing, this can also be included. Light refreshments and lunch have been included with your tour today. Upon conclusion of the cruise return to the resort late this afternoon.

Day 12

Day at Lesuire

Further day at leisure to enjoy the resort’s facilities and activities programme.

Day 13

Departure

Today you will be met at your accommodation by a representative of the resort and transferred to the airstrip for your onward flight.

On arrival at Cairns General Aviation Terminal you will be met by your private driver and vehicle and transferred to Cairns Airport for your onward flight.

CTA