Just Back From: Australia with our Destination Specialist Charlotte Pope

Soak up the vibes in iconic cities, snorkel above the largest coral reef on earth, hike through rugged Outback wilderness, and spot remarkable wildlife you won’t see anywhere else with this epic journey Down Under. Our destination specialist, Charlotte, is just back from Australia with this bespoke itinerary.

There’s a common misconception among travelers that Australia is the kind of place you only visit once. Its sheer size—chop off Texas and Alaska, and Australia is roughly the same size as the U.S.—and the incredible variety of things to do here mean that’s just not the case.

Let’s start with the cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane. Take your pick. Australia is home to some of the coolest, most iconic cities on the planet. Each one has its own distinct vibe and identity, whether you’re after dive bars and sports (hey, Melbourne!), the live entertainment and easygoing cafe scene of Brisbane, or Sydney’s next-level beach culture. In between, there are vast areas of wilderness, barely touched by humanity. The variation of landscapes is mind-blowing, from the dry, dramatic desert of the Outback to the tropical rainforests and waterfalls of the Northern Territory and the mountains of Queensland.

A nation of beaches, the country’s coastline stretches for over 30,000km, with buzzing city beaches, such as Sydney’s famous Bondi, and undeveloped, unspoiled sands, such as Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas. Plus, there are coral fish in every color imaginable in the Great Barrier Reef. Then there’s the endemic wildlife. Curious creatures like the pre-historic cassowary bird in the Daintree Rainforest; cute koalas on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. What I love most about Australia is that it has such remarkable variation, which is what I’ve tried to reflect in this itinerary. This trip packs a lot in, but it barely scratches this incredible country’s surface.

Days one to three: Sydney

A city that needs no introduction, Sydney is the perfect place to begin a trip to Australia. With so many amazing attractions, an exciting food and drink scene that ranges from classic to creative, and enigmatic beachside neighborhoods, there’s never a dull moment. Kick off your stay with a hair-raising climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading down to the historic Rocks, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Be sure to walk a stretch of the city’s stunning coastal trail between Coogee Beach and Bondi. Stay at either Capella, a five-star hotel close to the Rocks and the harbor, or the QT, a luxury boutique in the heart of the city.

Days four to six: Main Range National Park

Leave the city behind for your first taste of Australia’s epic landscapes. Queensland’s Main Range National Park is a wild, mountainous chunk of nature and home to one of the country’s great walks, the Scenic Rim Trail. Spend three days walking between relaxed luxury accommodations (there’s a mix of styles, including eco-cabins surrounded by forest and a farmhouse. It’s all very exclusive, and the dining options at each are exceptional), through UNESCO World Heritage Listed rainforests, along towering mountain escarpments and up volcanic plateaus. The hike takes you off the beaten track, away from the usual tourist hotspots, in search of peaceful wilderness and some of Australia’s beautifully bizarre endemic species, including koala, kangaroo, and the stunning goanna monitor lizard, whose scales resemble a starry galaxy.

Days seven to nine: Great Barrier Reef/OR Lizard Island

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Almost 3,000 reefs and 900 islands come together to make the largest reef system in the world—the whole thing covers an area roughly the size of New Mexico. The ecosystem has incredible marine animals, from gigantic sunfish and reef sharks to curious turtles, colorful clownfish (that’s Nemo!), and elegant manta rays. As you’d expect, most of the activities here involve being on, in, or above the water. Take a helicopter tour of the area to see the reef from all angles. This is a real “pinch me” moment.

Take off from Queensland’s Hamilton Island before landing on a floating helipad in the middle of the ocean, you’ll soar above the reef, which helps you understand just how massive it is. From here, set out on a glass-bottomed boat to a snorkeling stop in one of the reef’s exclusive spots, Heart Reef. Stay at qualia, a luxurious resort located in the northernmost part of Hamilton Island. This dreamy location puts you within the reef, with award-winning accommodations that include plunge pools, seasonal gourmet dining, and a world-class spa.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an ultra-luxury option, spend a few nights on Lizard Island. This is the only resort on the whole island—a national park—right on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is another level of idyllic, with private white sand beaches, spectacular clear water, and tons of marine life to see. When you’re not jetting around the island on motorized dinghies, scuba or snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles.

Days 10 to 12: Port Douglas/Mossman

Next, make the short transfer to Port Douglas to explore the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest continuous living tropical rainforest (it’s thought to be around 180 million years old). This is prime wildlife spotting territory with greater biodiversity than the Galápagos Islands. It’s home to some of Australia’s rarest species, including the pre-historic cassowary, a large ground-dwelling bird with a brilliant blue head, and the Bennett’s tree kangaroo. The forest is also home to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, one of the world’s oldest living communities. We can arrange an Aboriginal cultural tour of the area which will teach you about the traditions, cuisine, beliefs, and the profound connection the Kuku Yalanji have with the land. Stay at Silky Oaks Lodge in Mossman, a retreat-style lodge completely surrounded by extensive rainforest and overlooking the cool water of the Mossman River. The lodge comprises 40 luxurious treehouses dotted throughout the trees, each one furnished in a contemporary style and enclosed by nature. Everything about this lodge is outstanding, from the outdoor bathtubs and the pure botanicals used in its spa to the locally sourced contemporary Australian dining.

Days 13 to 15: Mount Mulligan

Queensland’s Outback offers a different kind of wilderness than Uluru’s “Red Center”. Here, you’ll find an exciting array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, paddleboarding, gorge swimming, and self-drive ATV adventures. The all-inclusive Mount Mulligan Lodge offers unrivaled access to this stunning area, surrounded by 28,000 hectares of protected land. The lodge sits below the immense Mount Mulligan escarpment, which you can see from much of the property.

Days 16 to 19: Melbourne

End your epic Australian adventure with a stay in Melbourne, a cultural hub known for its varied nightlife, excellent dining, sports-mad residents, and world-class art scene. Base yourself at Laneways by Ovolo, a trendy boutique in the heart of the city’s warren of lanes and arcades. The best way to see the city center is on foot with a local guide, which we can arrange for you. In between coffees and beers (Melbourne is right up there for both kinds of brew), catch a sporting event at one of Melbourne’s iconic grounds. Depending on the season, there’s cricket or AFL (Aussie Rules Football) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, and F1 racing at Albert Park. Popular day trips from Melbourne include the Yarra Valley wine region, Phillips Island (home to super cute little penguins), and the Mornington Peninsula.