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Our trip to Kakadu and Arnhemland with Lord’s Safaris

Posted on by Nicola Billens

From jumping crocs to stunning landscapes to meeting indigenous artists, our 3-day famil trip with Sab Lord of Lord’s Safaris had it all. We went from Darwin to Kakadu and back, with a dose of Arnhemland thrown in, and it was so great to finally meet the legend himself in person – he really is larger than life.

Here are some of the highlights…

Jumping crocs

Jumping crocs on a Lord’s Safari

On our way to Kakadu we boarded a vessel on the Adelaide river for a one hour croc spotting cruise. I’m not normally a fan of wildlife tourism where animals can be disrupted from their natural behaviour so I was a bit hesitant but it blew me away. Spot crocs we did! Lots of them. And BIG ones. It was kind of scary but in a thrilling way, and yet in the end I felt a real affection for them, as if they were puppies. Seeing the crocs ‘jump’ is to witness an almighty power that is just fascinating and commands complete respect of these relics of the dinosaurs. It was a real highlight of the trip.

Sab’s Camp in Kakadu

The huts at Sab's campsite with mesh walls.
The huts at Sab’s campsite with see-through mesh walls.

With 8 semi-permanent mesh-sided huts, Lord’s Safaris private campsite is a oasis away from the crowds of Kakadu. You are definitely camping but it’s very comfortable. We sat around the campfire each evening after our daily excursions, glass of wine in hand, as Sab expertly cooked us dinner (how one cooks a roast beef with veg to perfection over a fire pit I’ll never know!) and related stories of his childhood growing up in the area. My twin-bed was extremely comfortable and I slept like a baby although as a city girl, going to sleep to the sounds of only the bush took a bit of getting used to. One night we heard dingoes howling – quite an eerie sound – but that’s all part of the reason we had come here, to get closer to nature. Waking up in the morning as the daylight began to filter through the mesh walls, was a lovely experience, as was our delicious bacon and eggs for breakfast, once again cooked perfectly by Sab over the campfire.

Swimming atop a gorgeous waterfall

waterfall in Kakadu on a Lord's safari
Swimming atop a waterfall in Kakadu

Kakadu is dotted with incredible waterholes and Sab knows exactly where to take his guests to wow them. We spent a good few hours at Gunlom Falls – it was a steep but short climb to the top and we were rewarded with some stunning natural swimming holes that fed a large 70 metre waterfall. We swam and had a picnic lunch, enjoying views as far as the eye could see over Kakadu and relishing the cool water on a hot day.  Upon decent we visited the lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall (famous for a scene in Crocodile Dundee) which we decided was even more beautiful than where we had just been, and we jumped in for another swim.

 Yellow Water Sunset Cruise

yellow water sunset
Yellow water sunset at Kakadu

If you’ve only got time for one or two things whilst in Kakadu I would highly recommend the Yellow Water sunset cruise. It’s just gorgeous. The stillness of the water, the prolific bird life, the bright green of the grasses contrasting with the pink flowers of the water lilies and the blue of the sky, the occasional croc cruising alongside our boat and finally watching the sun set and the water reflect its orange glow all added up to a truly beautiful experience.

Injalak Rock Art

Injalak Rock art in Arnhemland
Our guide Roland teaching us about the Injalak rock art in Arnhemland

After an exciting river crossing in Sab’s 4×4 we headed into Arnhemland where we were given permission to see some of Australia’s most outstanding ancient rock art galleries at Injalak near Gunbalanya. Our local guide Roland, himself an artist, showed us the extensive art works that range between 100 and 8,000 years old. He taught us the stories and the meanings behind the art and how they were created using natural materials. We were also taken to an ancient burial site where a skeleton still remains, and our entire group felt very privileged to have had this experience.

The main man from Lord’s Safaris – Sab himself

Sab Lord
Sab at the Injalak Arts Centre with a local artist

Of course the final highlight of the trip was Sab Lord himself. What a character! He’s a true Aussie larrikin whose cheeky spirit, relaxed nature and infinite knowledge of the region makes him on of Australia’s best guides. To find out more about him click here. >   A big thanks to Sab and the team at Lord’s safaris for a wonderful trip and showing us his world – it really was terrific.

by Nicola Billens

 

Jungle surfing – Zipline Australia style in the Daintree Rainforest

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Kids and adults alike will love this ‘Jungle Surfing’ zipline Australia adventure through the canopy of the Daintree Rainforest. You’ll be strung up 20 metres above the ground and fly through the jungle between six rainforest canopy platforms.

As you surf the jungle you’ll have gorgeous views of the tree tops, freshwater streams, and out to the coral fringes of the Great Barrier Reef.

  • The adventure lasts two hours, with over one hour in the rainforest canopy
  • There are six eco-friendly tree platforms, seven ziplines plus a Human Hamster Wheel
  • You’ll receive an interpretive talk about the Daintree Rainforest region on each platform

This is a must-do experience for anyone who wants the thrill of flight in one of the oldest rainforests in the world.

Not just your average Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb

Posted on by Nicola Billens

The Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is one of Sydney’s must-dos. Head up the iconic ‘coat hanger’ for stunning 360 degree views as far as the eye can see and the thrill of watching Sydney’s traffic zoom by far beneath your feet. You can climb from dawn to dusk and far into the night depending on whether you’re an early-bird or night owl and you can do it in private or join a group – whatever takes your fancy.

Services for high-profile clients

BridgeClimb has hosted many high-profile clients and climbs can be tailor-made to meet their needs. There are private changing rooms and toilets, a VIP car entry plus pre and post climb enhancements..…think helicopter fly-overs, sky-writing, fireworks, canapés at the summit, karaoke, yoga, musicians, and the list goes on!

The experience is a bucket-list item for good reason, but if the idea of the usual Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb, isn’t exciting enough by itself, then allow us to bedazzle it for you with some novel ideas.

Have a disco party!

Dance the night away (almost) amongst the clouds. With the tunes pumping and a disco dance floor, it doesn’t get much more fun!

BridgeClimb at Vivid 2016
BridgeClimb during Vivid 2016

 

Get hitched!

While bridge-top proposals are nothing new, they are still incredibly romantic – especially at sunrise or sunset, and especially if it’s an unexpected surprise. Already engaged? Then why-not consider getting hitched 134 metres above the sea. Whilst you might need to forgo the white dress and tux, there’s nothing to stop you getting married.

A magical sunset proposal on BridgeClimb
A magical sunset proposal

 

Make a meal of it

If dining in the sky is something you’d like to try then we can arrange for a celebrity chef to whip up a dish.

Dining in the sky with BridgeClimb
Dining in the sky

Host a children’s party

Lucky kids can experience a special kind of birthday party with themed celebrations.

A Mad Hatter Tea Party on Bridgeclimb
A Mad Hatter Tea Party

 

Find your inner yogi

Salute to the sun from on top of the world with a a sunrise session of yoga from atop the bridge.

Find your inner yogi up high
Bend and strech

 

To discuss unique ideas for your BridgeClimb please contact us.

 

Seven Peaks Walk – a Great Walk of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Imagine a 6 night / 5 day walk in a region of Australia with wildlife to rival the Galapagos Islands. Well it exists. The stunning Seven Peaks Walk on UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island showcases not only magnificent vistas but also the island’s unique biodiversity.

Lord Howe’s isolation (despite being only 2 hours flight from Sydney), the variety of terrain, combined with submarine volcanic activity has resulted in rare and endemic flora and fauna. The island has recorded 241 species of indigenous plants of which 113 (47%) are found nowhere else in the world, 207 different bird species and more than 1,600 terrestrial insect species, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world. (source: Destination NSW)

The Seven Peaks Walk traverses rugged sea-cliffs

 

The Seven Peaks Walk is based out of Pinetrees Lodge on the sheltered Western side of the island, with glorious views and a tropical lagoon perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Each day the walk showcases something new and is topped off in the evening with a sumptuous 4 or 5 course dinner back at the lodge.

Seven Peaks Walk - Pinetrees Lodge
Accommodation on the Seven Peaks Walk is at Pinetrees Lodge

The walk itself is moderate to challenging with a maximum of 12 guests. It traverses 45 kilometres and along the way guests will see sheltered swimming coves (with swimming opportunities), subtropical palm forests, freshwater creeks, rugged sea cliffs and volcanic peaks. There’s an optional last day climb to the peak of Mount Gower almost 900 metres above sea-level which will get even the fittest of hearts racing.

The walk is moderate to challenging with some exciting narrow ledges

ITINERARY:

DAY ONE
North Bay – starting the day with a glass bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. Depending on conditions, walkers replace one climb with a trip to the Herring Pools from the Gulch, which is an amazing place, but only available on the low tide without swell. Guests then walk over Dawson Point to Old Settlement Beach and back to Pinetrees along the Lagoon foreshore.

DAY TWO
Malabar – climb to Kims Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Neds Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. Then walk to Middle Beach and climb Transit Hill before returning to Pinetrees. This is a moderate trail with steps and rough ground. It offers spectacular views of the island.

DAY THREE
East Coast – walkers head to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run, and then climb to Goathouse on Mt Lidgbird – an optional walk which is steep, uses ropes and provides the most rewarding views of the island. Walkers then descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform (funded by Dick Smith). Walkers return to Pinetrees via Blinky Beach.

DAY FOUR
Water day (and rest day) – snorkelling trip on the outer reef (or an offshore snorkel adventure to the Admiralty Islands) followed by a kayak trip on the Lagoon. All optional – guests can choose their own adventure. Can be used as a weather day if earlier days are not favourable for walking.

DAY FIVE
Mt Gower – this is the optional day for the advanced walker to climb Mt Gower at 867m. Stunning views await and a chance to experience the unique mist forest and bird rookery at the summit of this extinct volcano. Variations of this day are offered depending on the group ability. If people aren’t up to the summit of Gower (and many won’t be) then there is the option of the stunning Erskine Valley or an off-track adventure to some secret spots on Mt Lidgbird. All options take people along the Lower Road, which is one of the most spectacular 400m walking tracks in Australia.

Please get in touch for more information or to book this walk.

Watch the Seven Peaks Walk video

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Stylish and tailor-made Sydney experience

Posted on by Nicola Billens

No one denies that Sydney is a beautiful city – in fact it’s probably one of the prettiest in the world.  And for first-timers to Australia, a Sydney experience is must – the Harbour sparkles, the Bridge stands proud and the Opera House radiates.

But there’s the Sydney that most tourists see and then there’s the real Sydney, which in our eyes is even better. At Alquemie we like to reveal this side of our stunning city with bespoke private tours, introducing you to the locals that live and breathe it and taking you to secret places only locals know about.

Here are some ideas of what’s available…

Experience Sydney harbour like the school children do - by stand-up paddle board
Experience Sydney Harbour like these school children do – by Stand-up Paddle board

Bespoke Sydney Experience – An Alquemie Exclusive (half, full, multi-day – as required)

This is one of the most creative Sydney experiences you’ll find. See the icons from a local’s perspective, meet with the locals and, based on your own interests, explore and learn about daily life in this beautiful city. Explore the back streets, local cafés & parks, and experience the most important and defining element of Sydney, our spectacular harbour. Starting with a rough schedule this raved about experience is highly-tailored yet ticks all the boxes of Sydney’s must see locations. Please enquire for examples of just how tailored and creative these Sydney experiences have been for our past clients.

Discover Sydney's fabulous roof-top bars
Discover Sydney’s fabulous roof-top bars in The Rocks – perfect for sunsets

See Sydney by Bike & Walk (full day)

You don’t need to travel by vehicle to enjoy some of the best aspects of Sydney. This Sydney experience helps you slow down to see the city more intimately by foot and pedal power.

  • Walk the historic Rocks quarter, the oldest part of Sydney’s colonial township
  • Meet an indigenous guide at Barangaroo to learn about the native plants and foods and hear about the Aboriginal culture and history in Sydney
  • Climb the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Take a 3 hour biking tour of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge, cycling through the Quay and seeing all the sights at at a relaxed pace
Swim at beautiful harbour beaches
Swim at beautiful beaches around Sydney

New Years Eve Harbour fireworks & Pittwater by luxury yacht

Why stay in a hotel when you can celebrate New Years Eve in the best way possible – on board a luxurious yacht with your friends and family. Frock up, dine on Australia’s freshest seafood, then let the party begin. Fireworks explode at 9pm for the kiddies and then the big bang goes off at midnight. As you sleep, your captain will relocate the boat to a beautiful bush setting just north of Sydney. Enjoy breakfast with the smell of the gum trees and the noise of galahs in the surrounding bushland. This is a day to relax and spend time together in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!
Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!

The 4 day/ 3 night Murray River Walk – A Great Walk of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

The new Murray River Walk is a 40 kilometre (25 mile), easy to moderate walk showcasing the internationally recognised Riverland Ramsar Wetland region of the beautiful Murray River.

It’s a unique addition to the suite of Great Walks of Australia as accommodation is on an exclusive houseboat from where guests walk every day.

The Murray River walk
Unique Houseboat accommodation on the Murray River walk

Starting in Renmark, South Australia, the private trail passes ancient redgum forests, wetlands and red ochre cliffs. Walkers will encounter diverse wildlife and waterbirds along the river, creeks and old oxbow lagoons.

The walk departs weekly on Mondays between April and October and is done in groups of 10. As with all Great Walks of Australia, the food and wine of South Australia’s Riverland food bowl is exceptional.

Bamurru Plains – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Bamurru Plains, a Luxury Lodges in Australia’s Top End is one of the most stunning destinations in Australia. A profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique bush lodge that brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness. We talked to the manager of Bamurru Plains to find out more.

Tell us a little bit about Bamurru Plains and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Bamurru Plains is located on a 303sq klm pastoral property just to the west of Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. With approx. 1/3 of this property being floodplain and with a saltwater river system and coastline as part of its boundaries the property boasts a huge amount of wildlife and different eco systems all with their own unique story to tell.

The Kingfisher Suite at Bamurru Plains
The Kingfisher Suite at Bamurru Plains

How is Bamurru Plains pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

I would like to think it is through the deliverance of the experience to the guests. You are not just a spectator on the tour where you simply take photos of a magnificent landscape. It is through the guided experience where guests get to touch, smell, visualise and hear the stories of the environment so that they can take away knowledge as well.

What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation at Bamurru Plains?

We have recently purchased seven Yamaha Grizzly quad bikes for our guests. It allows us to get into areas of the property which our safari vehicles cannot access, which form a guided experience is something unique, but it also allows the guest to be in control of their own machine which has been a winner with the guests.

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Bamurru Plains?

An airboat tour across the floodplains (weather permitting).

Best dining experience at Bamurru Plains?

It has to be the communal dining experience which we do for every meal at Bamurru Plains. To me I think one of the key fundamental social issues is people do not communicate face to face anymore. Everywhere you look in the cities it is people communicating by phones etc. Whereas at Bamurru people are dining in what I believe to be the true outback way….together at one big table swapping stories of their travels and making in some cases lifelong friendships.

Please describe a typical guest at Bamurru Plains.

There is absolutely nothing typical about our guests. Everyone who stays here has a particular interest and it is up to us as the hosts to find what that is. Similar to our environment it changes daily and so do our guests.

Is Bamurru Plains child friendly?

Yes from 8 years old and above. Some great experiences for kids are doing a quad bike tour with their parents, swimming in the edge pool, an airboat tour across the floodplain or a river cruise spotting the resident saltwater crocodiles.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes…..see you all soon!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

True North Kimberley Cruises – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

A cruise along the Kimberley coast aboard the luxury adventure small-ship TRUE NORTH is on the bucket list for many. Scenes of thundering waterfalls and spectacular gorges greet guests daily. Highlights include Horizontal falls, Mitchell falls, the unique eco-system of Montgomery Reef, Aboriginal rock art and catching huge barramundi.

We speak to Peter Trembath, General Manager, who has been responsible for brand and product at North Star Cruises (owners of TRUE NORTH) since 2001.

 

Describe TRUE NORTH in 3 words.

Revered adventure-cruise ship

Tell us a little bit about TRUE NORTH and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

An adventure on the TRUE NORTH is one of Australia’s most desired holidays. Bigger ships cannot go where we go! Extended periods at sea are specifically excluded and daily activities can include scenic walks, fishing, snorkelling, diving, scenic flights in the ship’s helicopter and cultural events. We deploy comfortable expedition boats (not rubber boats) and discover wilderness in small groups. An Australian crew uniquely chaperones every experience.

Fishing for barramundi on the True North
Fishing for barramundi

How is the TRUE NORTH pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

By providing unparalleled access to some of the world’s most pristine wilderness and, by providing activity-laden itineraries that provide our guests with maximum opportunity to truly experience the destination.

The True North is a base for adventure
The luxury small-ship is a base for adventure

What’s a recent (last 6 months) innovation from North Star Cruises?

The introduction of new itineraries in the Kimberley and the scheduling of a Discovery Cruise in the South Pacific.

What activity should guests not miss during their stay on the TRUE NORTH ?

Flying in the ship’s helicopter.

Raft point sunrise by helicopter on True North
Raft point sunrise by helicopter from the True North

Best dining experience on the TRUE NORTH ?

Catch of the day likely caught with your own hands.

Please describe a typical guest onboard.

Anyone who considers ‘the experience’ to be the true luxury.

Is the TRUE NORTH child friendly? If so what’s a great experience for kids under 10? And for teens?

Where behaviour is guaranteed not to disrupt the enjoyment of fellow guests. The high-speed drift-snorkelling at the stunning Rowley Shoals is great fun.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Beware of imitations and discover for yourself why our guests consistently remark “that’s the best holiday I have ever had!”

Peter Trembath, General Manager TRUE NORTH
Peter Trembath, General Manager, North Star Cruises  with his catch of the day

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Unique and exclusive Luxury Holidays Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

At Alquemie the unique holidays we craft are unparalleled. Our expert team are specialists in designing itineraries for high-net-worth individuals travelling to Australia who demand discretion, precision planning and an authentic and unique experience. We create one-of-a-kind luxury holidays Australia that leave lasting memories through exclusive experiences.

To us, the true luxury is sometimes in the exclusivity of being one of only a few to experience something. For example, Arkaba, a Wild Bush Luxury property in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia is a private wildlife conservancy roughly five times the size of Sydney harbour. This is shared by only ten guests in supreme comfort, with fabulous food and wine, and one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. It is this exclusivity that creates the true luxury.

Luxury Holidays Australia at Arkaba
Arkaba is one of Australia’s most exclusive properties

In the Top End of Australia lies Bamurru Plains, another Wild Bush Luxury property where again exclusivity is the true luxury although great food and wine are a given. Guests stay in safari-style bungalows with mesh walls on three sides and expansive views out overlooking flood plains where the wildlife roam free. Activities such as airboat safaris or game drives show off the spectacular wilderness in this exotic part of Australia.

At Bamurru Plains guests can airboat over the Mary River Flood Plains
At Bamurru Plains guests can airboat over the Mary River Flood Plains

On the Great Barrier Reef you’ll find that luxury comes in many styles. On Lizard Island you can take your own private dinghy to one of 23 white sand beaches that you are likely to have all to yourself.

SUP board on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
SUP board on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

For those who prefer the luxury that an urban escape can bring, we call upon our network of guides and experts to show you a side of our cities you wouldn’t find yourself.

Whether it’s our cities, the outback or the coast, there is no end to what Alquemie’s specialists can conjure up. Download our Holiday Planning Guide for more inspiration  then allow us to reveal the magic of Australia through a carefully constructed itinerary that will enchant, educate and surprise.

Hero image: El Questro Homestead in the Kimberley

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

3 of the best ecotour experiences in Australia

Posted on by Nicola Billens

Meet the faces behind Australia’s conservation effort

Australia is a big country with many conservation challenges. We have the worst mammal extinction rate in the world and another 1,700 animal and plant species are listed as threatened with extinction. It’s sheer scale is daunting – where do you begin? Luckily there are some ecotour champions dedicated to preserving our spectacular biodiversity. They believe, as we do, that education and awareness is the key to making a difference. By inviting tourists to get a deeper understanding of the special work they do, they hope to inspire others. Move over Jane Goodall – here are three dedicated champions of the Australian environment.

Visit an ecotourism project for the Short-nosed Echidna on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Short-nosed Echidna on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Dr. Peggy Rismiller –  Echidnas on Kangaroo Island

During a visit to Kangaroo Island, guests of Alquemie can have the privilege of an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with Dr. Peggy Rismiller, a world leading expert who has been doing long-term, in-depth studies on the ecology of the short-beaked echidnas on Kangaroo Island for decades. The echidnas are one of three surviving monotremes, a special group of mammals which lay eggs and whose ancestors roamed the earth along with the dinosaurs. Peggy’s conservation work also stretches to goannas, tiger-snakes and little penguins.

Spending a day in the life of this world-renowned wildlife researcher gives guests the chance to observe these shy, spiky creatures up close and learn about their conservation challenges amongst Kangaroo Island’s near-pristine ecosystems. This private tour is particularly rewarding for families.

 

See Australia's highest sea-cliffs on an ecotour with Rob Pennicott
See sea-birds in their thousands perched on Australia’s highest sea-cliffs

Rob Pennicott – Saving sea-birds in Tasmania

Rob Pennicott has saved over 250,000 sea-birds in Tasmania since 2010. And it doesn’t stop there. His passion for conservation stretches from the sky to the sea and he’s involved in numerous wildlife conservation programs such as marine debris clean-up, saving the Tasmanian Albatross, saving the Tassie Devil and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native animals.

On his private wilderness cruises there’s the chance to encounter dolphins, whales, sea eagles, albatross, shearwaters, seals and other abundant sea birds in their thousands as you skirt some of Australia’s highest cliffs on the specactular coastline of the of the Tasman National Park. Rob’s tours reflect his mission to educate and excite all who visit and to create a legacy of conservation to preserve the places he loves for future generations.

 

Wildlife safari ecotour drive at Arkaba
Wildlife safari drive at Arkaba

Brendon Bevan – Arkaba, Flinders Ranges

“I’d do this job even if I didn’t get paid”. Brendon Bevan is a workaholic, but that doesn’t stop him from having a great sense of humour and an inexhaustible desire to show guests just how special Arkaba in the Flinders Ranges is. This private wildlife conservancy and boutique luxury lodge is a showcase of how the flora and fauna can regenerate if given a chance.

His hard work over the past seven years has focussed on feral species eradication and reversing the impacts of 150 years of livestock grazing. It’s paying off. Native animals that had disappeared are now regularly seen and guests can experience  African-style game-watching safari drives or a four-day walk to spot our unique mammals and marsupials.

 

Find out more

Visiting a destination and knowing that you’re contributing something back makes it all the more rewarding. To visit all or any of the above ecotourism champions on your next trip to Australia, get in touch with one of our Alquemists.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie