Inspiration
The Grand Tour: An Immersive Journey Through Australia
This journey offers a rare opportunity to experience the sheer breadth and beauty of Australia in one extraordinary itinerary.
A continent of contrasts
From wild national parks and remote island sanctuaries to buzzing coastal cities and boutique wine regions, each stop offers something unforgettable.
You’ll swim with whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef, dine overlooking the Twelve Apostles, sip your way through the Adelaide Hills and stargaze in the Red Centre. Throughout, you’ll stay in handpicked luxury lodges and stylish urban hotels, enjoy privately guided experiences and travel at a pace designed to immerse rather than rush.
Whether it’s your first time in Australia or you’re returning to dive deeper, this is the country at its most dazzling, diverse and delicious.
- Perth
- Cape Range National Park
- Adelaide Hills
- Kangaroo Island
- Adelaide
- Darwin
- Mary River
- Yulara
- Uluru
- Melbourne
- Mornington Peninsula
- Sydney
- Bowen Mountain
- The Blue Mountains
- Brisbane
- Mossman
- Lizard Island
Kim Hart
An expert in the ultra luxurious, Kim is your go-to for superyachts, exclusive-use villas and the kind of experiences that don’t appear on websites. She has an extensive understanding of the world’s finest hotels and a personal in-depth knowledge of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, shaped around her own worldwide adventures. Kim also has a passion for the iconic wildlife viewing experiences both above and below the water.
Perth
Welcome to Western Australia’s sun-soaked capital. Perth sets a relaxed yet cosmopolitan tone for the journey ahead. Begin with a stroll through the expansive Kings Park and Botanic Garden for sweeping views over the Swan River, then take in the city’s vibrant cultural scene at the Art Gallery of Western Australia or the State Theatre Centre.
Stylish boutiques line King Street, where international fashion houses sit alongside local designers and the heritage precinct of Guildford offers a treasure trove of vintage finds. Outside the city, head to the beach to swim with wild dolphins or enjoy a long lunch overlooking Cottesloe’s golden sands.
Evenings are best spent enjoying Perth’s ever-growing food and wine scene, where local produce and regional vintages take centre stage.
Cape Range National Park
Fly north to the remote wilderness of Cape Range for dramatic red rock gorges and the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef. This is one of the few places in the world where a coral reef lies just metres from the shore and where wild landscapes and marine life feel wonderfully untouched.
Stay in a luxury eco-camp nestled in the dunes. Spend your days exploring the park’s deep canyons on guided hikes, spotting black-footed wallabies in Mandu Mandu Gorge or admiring views from Charles Knife Canyon.
Out on the water, swim with whale sharks or humpback whales in season – an extraordinary experience supported by expert guides and a spotter plane. Snorkel coral gardens straight from the beach or simply unwind in the shade with the sound of the waves in the distance.
Swim alongside the gentle giants of Ningaloo Reef
Nowhere captures the wild magic of Western Australia quite like Ningaloo Reef. Here, in the warm turquoise waters just off Cape Range National Park, you’ll have the rare chance to swim with whale sharks – the world’s largest fish. With spotter planes guiding the way, expert guides will take you out by boat for a truly unforgettable encounter. Glide through clear water alongside these graceful giants, often accompanied by manta rays or turtles, before returning to shore for a gourmet picnic on the beach. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you to nature in its purest form.
Adelaide Hills
Fly to South Australia and journey into the rolling green landscapes of the Adelaide Hills, just a short drive from the city yet a world apart in pace and atmosphere. This cool-climate region is known for its boutique wineries, quaint villages and scenic countryside – ideal for a slower, indulgent stay.
Stay at a luxurious hilltop retreat with sweeping views over the vines. Visit Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens or meet native wildlife at Cleland, where you can spot kangaroos, emus and even cuddle a koala.
In nearby Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, discover artisan bakeries, boutiques, and the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm.
A private tour of McLaren Vale takes you deeper into the region’s wine story, with cellar-door tastings, art installations like the iconic d’Arenberg Cube and a relaxed Mediterranean feel that invites you to linger over long lunches and coastal views.
Kangaroo Island
Fly south to Kangaroo Island, a rugged natural sanctuary where raw coastline meets native bushland and wildlife roams freely. Often described as Australia’s answer to the Galápagos, nearly one-third of the island is protected, making it a haven for conservation and slow exploration.
Settle into your luxury lodge perched above the cliffs, with uninterrupted ocean views and access to curated experiences.
Spend your days exploring windswept beaches, towering eucalyptus forests and remote coves. Meet sea lions basking on the sand, spot echidnas in the wild, and marvel at the dramatic rock formations of Flinders Chase National Park – including the sculptural Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch.
Fresh island fare is a highlight here, from sustainably caught seafood to local honey and cheeses. From hiking coastal trails to unwinding with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the Southern Ocean, your time here strikes a beautiful balance between adventure and ease.
Adelaide Days
Return to the mainland for a brief but enriching stop in South Australia’s elegant capital. Adelaide blends relaxed charm with a thriving cultural scene – art galleries, lush parks, heritage architecture and a celebrated culinary landscape are all within easy reach.
Stroll through the vibrant East End, enjoy lunch in the Adelaide Central Market, or browse Indigenous artworks at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
In the evening, settle in at your city hotel and toast the journey so far with a glass of Barossa Shiraz or McLaren Vale Grenache.
The next day, board The Ghan – Australia’s legendary transcontinental train – for a slow and scenic ride through the Red Centre, with immersive off-train experiences along the way.
Darwin & Mary River
Disembark The Ghan in Darwin, where the tropical north welcomes you with open skies, balmy breezes and a distinctive cultural rhythm. Wander along the waterfront, explore local art galleries or enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the Timor Sea.
Then swap city life for the untamed wilderness of the Mary River floodplains.
Just a short flight or drive away lies Bamurru Plains – a safari-style lodge immersed in nature. With no WIFI or TV, this is a chance to unplug and tune into the sounds of the wild.
Float through wetlands on an airboat, watch wallabies graze from your private deck, or set off on a guided walk to spot native birdlife and crocodiles.
Helicopter over Uluru
There’s no better way to grasp the scale and majesty of the Red Centre than from above. Lift off in a private helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, their ancient forms rising from the rust-red desert in striking contrast. As you soar over this sacred landscape, your pilot will share stories of its geological and cultural significance. The vastness is humbling, the silence complete – a perspective few get to experience, and one you’ll never forget.
Yulara & Uluru
Touch down in the Red Centre and step into a landscape steeped in ancient stories. Yulara is your gateway to Uluru and Kata Tjuta – Australia’s most sacred and iconic sites.
From your luxurious tented suite, enjoy uninterrupted views of Uluru from bed, the pool or your private deck. Explore the desert on a sunrise expedition to Kata Tjuta, wander the base of Uluru with an Indigenous guide, or witness the desert come alive with colour as the sun sets behind the rock.
Evenings are just as extraordinary – dine under a canopy of stars with gourmet dishes inspired by native ingredients and paired with fine Australian wines.
Melbourne & surrounds
Fly south to Melbourne, for culture, cuisine and creativity. Settle into your city base before exploring a mix of elegant laneways, galleries, botanical gardens and buzzing markets. A private guide can show you the city’s best-kept secrets – or just take your time to explore at your own pace.
Then swap the skyline for the rolling hills and vineyard-draped coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. Here, you’ll sample estate wines and local produce, unwind in geothermal hot springs, and take in sweeping ocean views.
The highlight? A private Great Ocean Road day tour with a gourmet lunch, followed by a scenic helicopter flight back to Melbourne – an unforgettable way to see one of Australia’s most iconic drives.
Sydney
Touch down in Australia’s most iconic city, for waterfront glamour and plenty more cultural sights. Check into your stylish base and enjoy a curated mix of architecture, cuisine and unforgettable harbour views.
A private lunch cruise lets you explore Sydney’s most famous sights from the water, stopping at beloved dining spots along the way. Back on land, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House or simply soak up the city’s energy with a stroll through The Rocks or a sunset drink by the Harbour Bridge.
Bowen Mountain & The Blue Mountains
Leave the city behind for a peaceful mountain escape. Settle into your rainforest retreat in Bowen Mountain – an intimate gateway to the Blue Mountains’ spectacular beauty. Here, ancient landscapes, eucalyptus-scented air and wide valley views invite you to slow down.
A private day tour with a local guide takes you beyond the usual lookouts.
Spot kangaroos and koalas at a working farm, stand in awe of the Three Sisters from a hidden vantage point, and enjoy a long, scenic lunch perched above the forested Jamison Valley. You’ll visit Govetts Leap, explore quiet trails and wander through the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, discovering rare native plants and sweeping views along the way.
Brisbane
Head to Queensland’s vibrant capital, where a laid-back lifestyle meets a growing cultural pulse. Nestled along the winding Brisbane River, this city blends modern architecture with lush parklands and a buzzing arts scene.
Wander through the cultural precinct at South Bank, visit world-class galleries and museums or take in the skyline from Mount Coot-tha. After dark, discover hidden rooftop bars, live music and excellent dining along the riverfront. It’s a relaxed yet refined stop with easy access to nearby natural wonders if you feel like extending your adventures.
Mossman
Journey north to the edge of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Set between the Daintree and the coast, Mossman is a serene retreat where ancient landscapes, Aboriginal culture and lush wilderness converge.
Settle in beside the Mossman River and enjoy immersive experiences at your own pace. Hike to hidden waterfalls, take a safari through the rainforest or join a traditional art workshop led by local Kuku Yalanji artists. It’s a soulful pause surrounded by nature at its most pristine.
Lizard Island
End your Australian adventure with a few unforgettable days of barefoot luxury on the Great Barrier Reef. Lizard Island is as remote and refined as it gets: turquoise lagoons, 24 private beaches and world-class snorkelling just metres from shore.
Spend your days exploring vibrant coral gardens, cruising across glassy waters or hiking up to panoramic viewpoints. Unwind with spa treatments, sip sunset cocktails on the beach and enjoy delicious dishes from local ingredients. It’s the ultimate tropical escape, perfectly timed for reflection and rest before you venture home.
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