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Luxury Australian itinerary – A Trip For Twitchers

A Trip For Twitchers

12 nights, plus a night or two at your arrival or departure destination if desired

Australia’s environment is one of the most diverse on earth and its landscape is one of the oldest. Its flora and fauna have evolved in isolation for 45 million years, untouched by the upheavals of the world’s continental plates.

Twitchers are spoilt for choice with over 800 species of birds – many of these endemic to Australia – enabling the country to stake a strong claim to be the world’s greatest hotspot of bird endemism. Many of the species are easy to observe due to their charismatic and colourful physiques and beautiful song.

This itinerary is just an indicator of what’s on offer in Australia. At Alquemie we tailor make every vacation based on the whims of our guests. Please contact us to find out about the magical holiday we could craft for you.

 

Emus at Arkaba
Emus at Arkaba

ARKABA FLINDERS RANGES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

A private wildlife conservancy, Arkaba’s true luxury lies in the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia. Located in the ancient and awe-inspiring grand scale landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba provides the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the story of the bush – its ancient geology, diverse bird and wildlife and the chance to understand the conservation challenges that Australia faces.

A selection of must do’s

  • Over the last 3 years Arkaba has confirmed sightings of 10 new bird species including the Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis), Spotted Nightjars (Eurostopodus argus) and the Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo (Chalcites (chrysococcyx) basilis).
  • Spending time with a one of Arkaba’s expert guides bushwalking along the dry bed of the Arkaba Creek is a great way to soak up the sounds and smells of the bush and expand your knowledge on Australian fauna and flora whilst enjoying the abundance of birdsong.
  • Arkaba appreciates birds can be environmental indicators and studies them to help understand how the natural environment is faring. For those keen to learn more of the challenges Australia faces in saving its diversity of birdlife, join one of Arkaba’s field guides one evening to track a radio collared feral cat or set up the trip cameras that monitor key sites across the property.
Magpie Geese on the floodplains of Bamurru Plains
Magpie Geese on the floodplains of Bamurru Plains

BAMURRU PLAINS TOP END, NORTHERN TERRITORY (3 NIGHTS)

Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary wild bush luxury experience on the edge of the Mary River floodplain, adjacent to Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird (236 species) and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s indigenous culture.
*Bamurru Plains is open from 1 May to 31 October.

A selection of must do’s

  • The Mary River floodplain is home to an extraordinary gathering of Magpie Geese and during the period after the young have hatched (April/May), the floodplain will host hundreds of thousands of these birds. The hatching period also draws a huge number of raptors (kites, goshawks and sea-eagles) to feed on the young goslings.
  • A cruise on the Sampan Creek offers the chance of sighting a Great-billed Heron. Other rare species at Bamurru Plains include the Grey Goshawk and the Red Goshaw.
  • Waking at dawn to hear the cacophony of sound from the Magpie Geese, Whistling Kites, Blue-winged Kookaburras is nature’s own alarm clock and the perfect start to a day’s safari.
El Questro Homestead in the Kimberley
El Questro Homestead in the Kimberley

EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD, THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

In the middle of almost 1 million acres of Wilderness Park and 100km from the nearest town, the luxury of the El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top, with vistas of one of the most strikingly beautiful locations, the Homestead is a relaxed and exclusive retreat catering for a maximum of 18 guests.

A selection of must do’s

  • The variety of ecosystems in the park attract 100 different bird species including, Rainbow Bee Eaters, Pheasant Coucols, dancing Brolgas and even the once near extinct Gouldian Finch.
  • Spend an afternoon at the Zebedee Thermal Springs – A magical place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy morning birding and climbing through the gorges.
  • The Little Pied Cormorant is the smallest Australian cormorant and is fairly common on El Questro waterways. It can be seen sitting on exposed rocks along the route of the Wandjina boat in the Chamberlain Gorge. Their nest is a small, shallow structure of sticks and it breeds throughout most of the year.
crystalbrook-lodge_outback-queensland_sea-eagle
A sea-eagle at Crystalbrook lodge

CRYSTALBROOK LODGE NORTHERN OUTBACK, QUEENSLAND (3 NIGHTS)

Remote…wild…elegant. Hidden in the rugged outback of North Queensland, Crystalbrook Lodge is a secret outback mecca catering to only 10 guests is an oasis of luxury perched over the spectacular Crystalbrook Lake and is part of the historic 85,000 acre Crystalbrook Station. Home to a staggering array of wildlife including birds, freshwater crocodiles, and fish guests can spend their days on the lake or riverside, exploring the bush wilderness or just enjoying the serenity and stillness of the outback from the lodge.

A selection of must do’s

  • The birdlife here is spectacular with nesting sea eagles regularly seen near the lodge. Enjoy the freedom of solitude and observe Bee Eaters, Koel Jabiru, Blue Faced Honeyeaters, Scarlet Honeys from the purpose built bird watching viewing platform.
  • Glide along the lake aboard a kayak or in the lodge’s virtually silent electric boat and become part of the lake’s daily rhythm as dainty Lotus Birds walk by on Lily pads and Jabiru and other water birds go about their business.
  • In the evening enjoy the Theatre Room where the day’s birding photos may be viewed and shared over a glass of wine or engross yourself in the bird and wildlife reference library.

Click here to begin your tailor-made journey to Australia

A new type of luxury vacation in Australia

Been there, done that? Maybe not quite… There’s a new type of luxury vacation in Australia and it’ll show a side of our continent that only a few are privileged enough to see.

For the well-travelled, it’s hard to continue to impress. It’s not just about luxury resorts lest destinations become a bit too same-same but different… variations on a similar theme. And in Australia, many people don’t realise that there is so much to see beyond the Sydney Opera House and Ayres Rock.

This is where Alquemie comes into play. Our team of specialists are more closely aligned with event managers than travel agents and our knowledge of Australia is second to none. We craft the most magical of luxury Australian vacations with exclusive experiences that may even be yet-to-be created.

Allow us to inspire you…

Haggerstone Island

On your luxury vacation in Australia go waterfall exploring on Haggerstone Island
Go waterfall exploring by helicopter on Haggerstone Island

Haggerstone Island is all your Robinson Crusoe dreams come alive at once, entwined with a high level of service, comfort and exquisite food and wine. This private island is hosted by ex-crocodile hunter Roy Turner and his wife Anna. It is exclusive rustic luxury with a huge dose of adventure thrown in, and for families with teens it doesn’t get much more fun.

Luxury Vacation in Australia at Haggerstone Island
You can have Haggerstone Island all to yourself

Aside from incredible fishing and wonderful snorkelling, activities can range from mud crabbing and oyster grabbing to wake-boarding or exploring waterfalls by helicopter. It certainly is a luxury vacation in Australia of a different kind.

 

Bamurru Plains

View wildlife on an airboat safari with a luxury vacation in Australia at Bamurru plains
View wildlife on an airboat safari at Bamurru Plains

It’s hard to not rave about Bamurru Plains. For people who love the African experience – luxury tented camps, wildlife safaris, bird-watching and Mother Nature at her best, then Bamurru Plains is a must-do.

Spot wildlife from The Hide at Bamurru Plains
Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush on a Tree Top Sleep Out at The Hide at Bamurru Plains

 

From February to April as the floodwaters of the wet recede, Bamurru Plains near Kakadu National Park in the Top End, is transformed into a fishing lodge, offering anglers the chance to catch and release Australia’s world famous Barramundi in the nearby rivers, creeks and estuaries.

Then from May onwards as the dry season approaches, this Wild Bush Luxury property explodes with wildlife. Guests can fall asleep to the sounds of the bush with the Tree Top Sleep Out experience – a romantic overnight sleep in a luxury swag at The Hide, 6-metres above the ground.

 

Secret Sydney

Sunset over Sydney Harbour Bridge from Milk beach, Vaucluse Image credit: Elisa Bohle
Sunset over Sydney Harbour Bridge from a secret beach Image credit: Elisa Bohle

Experience a different side of Sydney where ancient ferns and 250 million year old sandstone lead you down a narrow laneway to one of Sydney’s most spectacular skyline views. Explore its back streets, cafes and parks, suburbs rich with Aboriginal heritage, and hidden beaches that most tourists are not privy to. As with every luxury vacation in Australia that we craft, we immerse each guest in a Sydney tailored to their passions and no two visits are the same.

For more inspiration on just some of the magical experiences that we can arrange in Australia, please click here.

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie