6 luxury and authentic experiences in Australia

1. Walk, wine and dine in the Margaret River region

The Margaret River region is thought to have been named by an early 19^th-century settler in honour of his cousin. It’s unknown whether the Margaret in question ever came here, but we can assume that if she visited today, she would be delighted by what she found. With its long beaches, gourmet restaurants and world-famous wineries, this has become one of Western Australia’s most celebrated corners.

Audley’s Southwest Uncovered tour gives you three days and nights in this dramatic region, during which time you’ll be able to watch for migrating whales from the coastline, enjoy a walk on the legendary Cape To Cape Track, and visit the ancient Ngili Cave with a Wadandi Aboriginal guide. You’ll find wild karri forests to explore and white sands to unwind on. And as for the exquisite food and wine offering? You’ll have a full day at the prestigious Voyager Estate, complete with private tastings and a seven-course lunch.  

2. Experience Melbourne after dark

The Victorian capital of Melbourne crackles with big-city atmosphere, its multicultural population creating a high-energy feel that spreads from its bar-filled laneways to its bustling markets. It’s an absorbing place to be at any time – you only have to look at its event calendar to see that Melbourne is a global metropolis through and through – but it’s when the sun goes down that it really comes into its own.

By joining a private After Dark tour with Audley, you’ll see the city’s famous heritage buildings in all their façade-lit glory, before a meal in the lively Little Italy district and time to enjoy the drinking holes and live music of Brunswick Street. Round things off by heading to new heights – literally – and taking in the panoramic views from Eureka 89 at the Melbourne Skydeck, the highest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. Cocktails and soft jazz add to the occasion.     

3. Cruise the Great Barrier Reef by Catamaran

It’s said that the Great Barrier Reef is visible from space, which gives some idea as to the sheer scale of the planet’s largest coral reef system. It’s not so much a sight as a destination in its own right, with some 300 islands and almost 3,000 individual reefs. By taking the time to explore it more fully, you’ll be able to see and experience more of what makes it such a unique proposition.

Cruising the coastline in a catamaran is one of the most alluring ways of enjoying what is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. From the comfort of a high-performance luxury vessel, and with a trained crew on hand to keep you fed and watered, you’ll have the freedom of sailing from one heavenly viewpoint to another, stopping in the choicest spots to snorkel, or step across the pristine sands. Catamarans are more stable and fuel-efficient than regular ships, so the benefits are tangible.  

4. Sample fresh seafood in Tasmania

Sitting some 480km south of Melbourne – a location which leads some humorous locals to refer to the mainland as ‘the North Island’ – Tasmania's mountains, bays and beaches enjoy some of the purest air on the planet. It’s also a deeply fertile island, with everything from apples to olives growing here plentifully, while drinkers will be wowed by the local sparkling wine.

When it comes to seafood, meanwhile, ‘Tassie’ is in a class of its own. By joining Audley’s Bruny Island Cruise – which departs from Hobart’s waterfront – you’ll be part of a small group embarking on a gourmet journey to sample local oysters, abalone, mussels, crayfish and salmon. What’s more, the guide will bring to life the handsome landscapes you’re sailing through, touching on everything from wildlife to local history.

5. Taste wine from Australia’s Oldest wine region, Hunter Valley

Today’s Australian wine scene is founded on quality and innovation, but it also has history – not least when you head to New South Wales’ verdant Hunter Valley, the country’s oldest wine region. It was back in 1828 that the first vines were planted here, and the past two centuries have seen the region’s reputation grow in kind. Its soft Shiraz and citrusy Sémillon are particularly renowned, and with Sydney just 250km to the south, it’s easy to reach.    

A trip here is about much more than wine-tasting. The mellow folds of the Hunter Valley countryside hold everything from delis and art galleries to food festivals, while many of the wineries themselves offer luxury accommodation and fine dining. Spicers Vineyards Estate – set on a secluded private estate with mountain views, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool – is a prime example.      

6. Sleep in luxury at Longitude 131˚ 

If you really want to experience Uluru in style, a stay at the fabled five-star camp of Longitude 131˚ is the way to do it. With unbeatable views of the Rock itself, its luxury tents offer indulgent sanctuary in the heart of the Red Centre – although the word ‘tent’ barely does justice to these canopied pavilions, which have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, private balconies, king beds and en suite bathrooms. To really sample the magic of the Outback, you can even arrange to sleep in a luxury swag in the cool night air.

A spa, a gourmet restaurant and a high-end bar all add to the enticement, while local artists and designers have helped to create a camp that’s beautiful on the eye. Signature experiences include private tours with Indigenous guides, dawn walks around the base of Uluru and sunset-viewing at a private pop-up bar. Trips to the nearby natural wonders of Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon can also be arranged.