A collection of like-minded entrepreneurs in Australia aim to create bespoke experiences for sophisticated global travellers.
For anyone who thinks they know Australia, but haven’t visited recently (or at all), take note. The Australian travel landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade or so.
This vast continent has seen a new breed of exceptional lodges and camps in some of its most beautiful and uniquely Australian regions rise to recognition on the horizons of global experience seekers.
Now in its 10th year of operation, Luxury Lodges of Australia is a membership association offering a collective voice and presence for these lodges and camps. It is a central point of reference for anyone promoting, planning, selling or simply searching for high-end (Australian) travel experiences.
There are 18 independently owned and operated lodges in the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. But this is no ordinary hotel “group”. This is a collection of like-minded entrepreneurs, each passionate enough about a unique region of Australia to invest deeply in creating the kind of upscale but intimate lodging and bespoke experiences they know sophisticated global travellers seek.
“Australia is now, more than ever, one of the most exciting and desirable travel destinations globally. Australia’s diversity is unique. It is high on the must-go list for upscale travellers looking for the world’s best experiences,” said James Baillie, who with his wife Hayley created the globally renowned Southern Ocean Lodge on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island and also have the iconic tented lodge Longitude 131 at Uluru.
Each lodge has developed signature experiences and activities to showcase the special aspects of its region – pristine natural landscapes, wildlife, indigenous heritage, nature, food and wine and more. It is these experiences that define the new Australian luxury and showcase Australia’s extraordinary
diversity. The experiences offered by the lodges cover almost anything you would want to do in regional Australia.
The outstanding, bucket list-worthy experiences include swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales at Ningaloo Reef, described by many as a life changing experience. Or walking with kangaroos, seals and koalas on Kangaroo Island. One can also snorkel and dive the world’s most beautiful reefs including world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef and the southernmost coral reef in the world at Lord Howe Island. Last but not least, one can choose to hike world renowned trails such as Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island or Wineglass Bay Freycinet.
These lodges are all about delivering a sense of place and connecting guests to their region via high quality experiences. It is not about how much the same they are, but how different, and how they reflect the diversity and authenticity of the Down Under experience – whether it be coastal, desert, reef, island or wilderness lodges, luxe outback camps, vineyard retreats or culinary destinations.
